LONG ISLAND CORVETTES has the correct gaskets with the TAB on the intake rails.
I know people say to use RTV on the china walls... I personally like the rubber ones and I use some of the brown semi hardening gasket maker where the two gaskets meet.

nylon cam gear...
 

Charley is right about checking the play in the distributor...but, I can tell you first hand that mileage isn't the best gauge. Our survivor 70 L78 4spd Nova had about 22,000 miles and there was excessive play in the chain, so it was replaced. Most folks couldn't tell it was ever apart. Our survivor L78 th400 car had a similar situation, about 30,000 miles...when I took the timing cover off the chain almost fell off into my hands.

That design was very poor given the performance aspect of the L78 motor...I wonder how much it would have cost GM to have used better parts to begin with...probably about a $5.00 back then :hmmm:

Just wipe off the grease. clean the gasket surface and put it back together...also, no need to remove the motor for a timing chain/gear swap...just pull the radiator and the other stuff and do it.

-wilma

I know I can put a chain in without pulling the motor but don't you think I should pull the oil pan to clean out all the nylon laying in the pan & in the oil pump screen

absolutely!

cam gear..
 

Depending on the car you will have to lift the motor up a little to have enough room to get the pan off. Then you will need new gaskets/seals for the pan...might be a good idea to check the oil pump for wear...and maybe replace it as well. This will also give you a chance to inspect the bottom end of the motor and make sure the bearings are ok.

good luck..wilma

good idea on all ends Tom.

I agree if there are chunks missing from the sprocket you DO need to drop the pan.

AND THANK YOU CHARLIE for the tip on the slack by watching dist... :biggthumpup:

Good info, thanks! I will likely be attempting the same repair on my 350 without disturbing too much.

What replacement timing set will you be using for your survivor?

Friend of mine working on his right now as well..

They make the same link belt (?) timing chain sets with a steel upper sprocket. I would think that one of those would be closest to original. https://www.jegs.com/i/Comp+Cams/249...E&gclsrc=aw.ds