[69Firebird4-speed]

Skibum, The timing cover cracked because in my haste to get the cam cover off I broke it with a hammer purposely. I didn't know the cam cover was bolted into the timing cover. I thought I would need a head anyway so I wanted to break just the cam cover and use the one off another motor. Well... the timing cover cracked also. I know a "hammer" to a motor doesn't sound very smart, but my buddy owns a wrecking yard and I bought the car from him for 100 dollars along with whatever it takes to get it running. Had I known the whole freak'in thing was bolted together...lesson learned! The other car has low miles so the spring should be alright especially seeing how many miles are on yours. Maybe the wreck broke the spring? They fixed most of the body, but there was no signs of damage to cam or lifters...maybe the hard hit? I can take more chances with parts since I get them cheap. I unbolted the pan bolts taking the rest of the cover off. I had to drill a 3/8 hole through the side of the inner fender to use the impact to break loose the front mount bolted on the front of the mtr. Now I understand why you said the motor goes out the bottom, Thanks for all the info.