CJ I just had a brain storm. Take the bolts out and replace with S/S button head allen screws.

bbaja, I have thought about doing the button head thing, I still might attemt it, heck I ant got nothing to lose. Oh you ask whats in the boxes, I just got new EMI exhaust manifolds and long s/s risers, (I got a healthy roller cam) didn't want to spend anymore for a set of CMI headers. I feel I got a killer price on them, atleast the lowest I could find. Shipped from the factory. I got them from Valley Motor Sports

I assume you have probably already checked this but are you sure you have the right pump? I noticed they mention for the pump you should have that it is for "Late Model BB with composite timing cover",18-3574. http://www.boatersland.com/sie18-3574.html They also have one for use with the stamped steel cover which would be earlier models 18-3577. http://www.marinepartssource.com/new...&mfgno=18-3577
Only other choice I see with out going back to square one would be the cross over kit which actually looks pretty simple and clean.
http://www.cpperformance.com/p-13357...th-bypass.aspx

CJ can you show a pic of your new EMI I`m looking for the same thing. I`m building an 540 9.5-9.8/1 with pretty stout HYD Roller. I`m looking for 675 hp 675tq

Thanks, Ken

Picklinjim, yes I made sure I got the right one, I even called before I ordered. You are right I did see that there is a different p/n for a steel cover.

Well here's my UPDATE to my dilemma. I went to Chevrolet and ordered a new GEN VI timing chain cover, P/N 10230954 and wouldn't you know it fits!!! The chain fits under it and the water pump has no issues either.
ALL IS GOOD!!! A-MEN

Thank You to everyone for your idea's and comments, hope to have it running soon!!

Cool! Now you can get some sleep tonight. Throw that IMCO cover down in the swap shop and recoup something out of it.

I just built a gen 6 502 last winter and the Rollmaster timing chain (buy the better of the two like Eddie mentioned) will fit under the stock cover with a little grinding. Or you can buy the cheap aluminum timing cover like I did. Also, if your looking for a gen 6 billet timing pointer that's fully adjustable.....I spent a lot of time searching the web but finally managed to find one through a company called Unleashed Machine. It was slightly pricey at a little over $60.00 but it's a very niçe piece and also adjustable for different size balancers. Well worth looking into! If you buy one though make sure you mount the part that bolts to the timing cover before you install the ballancer. If you go into my previous post you can see a picture of it.

Your other option as mentioned would be to buy a crossover kit and ditch your circulating pump. That could bring a whole new series of headaches however. Best of luck. If you have any questions feel free to message me! Mark