I think its a load of crap that GM wants people to replace the entire timing cover for the front crank seal replacement. What kind of ignorant BS is that? It just shows that GM screwed the 350 reputation once they started trying to "Improve" and already good idea.

Now if you want to replace your front crank seal it will cost you upwards of $140 for the new timing cover, plus you will have to pay more labor for the oil pan to be removed. Lets not forget the oil pan gasket that will also need to be replaced. So instead of the old days where you just pull off the balancer, pop the seal out, and re-install the new one, you are looking at $500+ to have the crank seal replaced. You used to be able to purchase a front crank seal for under $5.00 with only $70-$100 labor.

Good Job GM! No wonder the public sent your ass to bankruptsy! This is great for GM who now gets to collect the money for replacement parts. Great for the mechanic (ME), but totally SUCKS for the owner of any Vortech 350.