I'm doing a CSI electric water pump in addition to my head/cam swap. I was just wondering if anyone blocks the hole in the front of the block (not the timing cover) when they take the original drive gear out? Without the gear in the block it seems it would allow a great amount of oil to drain from the lifter valley directly onto the timing chain. A common practice for race motors is to use oil restrictors in the lifter valley. Does anyone else think it would be a good idea to find a freeze plug to block the hole in the block?

Frank

 

Not having replaced a mechanical with the electric pump, but being very familiar with both the traditional and LTx sbc blocks, I believe that idea to be a very good one, Frank.

 

AFAIK everyone who does the swap blocks it off.

 

what happens if u dont block the hole

 

When I put in my Meziere water pump I just left the gear drive in. This was mainly so I didn't have to pull the front cover, but I figure the gears aren't robbing any horsepower. I guess if you're going in there for the cam it may be a good idea just to get rid of a few moving parts though.

 

so is it bad if u dont block the hole???????????????????????

 

OK...Upon further inspection I realized that there are 2 holes the same size on both sides of the drive sprocket hole, so the third hole will probably be inconsiquential anyway.

Frank

 

I didn't plug mine when I did mine, only the timing cover hole. I've seen NO adverse effects from having it unpluged.

 

I forgot to check, but are those 2 holes right there going to the lifter valley as well?
http://paradox.shacknet.nu/dave88lx/...ck/timing3.jpg

 

I removed that drive gear and didn't block the hole, no problems so far.