Chevy 350 Timing Cover Bolt Torque Specs
Chevy 350 Timing Cover Bolt Torque Specs with fastener-group distinctions, installation cautions, application limits and official source lookup.
Chevrolet Performance specifies 97 in-lb (11 N·m) for the front-cover bolts on the 350 HO Deluxe.
Chevrolet Performance specifies 97 in-lb (11 N·m) for the front-cover bolts on the 350 HO Deluxe.
This is an exact package value for the cited Gen I 350 HO Deluxe front cover. Cast aftermarket covers, reinforcement plates, different washers and accessory brackets can change the fastener stack and required torque.

Interactive 350 Small-Block V8 fastener map
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Orientation aid only. Match every position and stage to the exact service diagram.
Chevy 350 Timing Cover Bolt Torque Spec
| APPLICATION / ITEM | SPECIFICATION | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Front/timing-cover bolts | 97 in-lb | 11 N·m; 350 HO Deluxe |
| Cast aftermarket cover | Manufacturer instructions | Material and hardware may differ |
Fit the cover loosely before the oil-pan corner seals are compressed, center it to the crank seal as the installation procedure requires, and tighten the small bolts evenly. The joint seals through correct alignment and gasket compression; overtightening can dish a stamped flange, squeeze out the seal or create a new leak path.
How to use this specification correctly
- 01
Identify the exact engine, component, fastener size and hardware instructions.
- 02
Clean and inspect threads and mating faces; apply only the specified lubricant or sealant.
- 03
Tighten in gradual balanced passes and verify any angle, cure-time or recheck instruction.
Application boundaries for 350 Small-Block V8
This is an exact package value for the cited Gen I 350 HO Deluxe front cover. Cast aftermarket covers, reinforcement plates, different washers and accessory brackets can change the fastener stack and required torque.
Fit the cover loosely before the oil-pan corner seals are compressed, center it to the crank seal as the installation procedure requires, and tighten the small bolts evenly. The joint seals through correct alignment and gasket compression; overtightening can dish a stamped flange, squeeze out the seal or create a new leak path.
Chevrolet 350 Small-Block V8 specifications can change by model year, engine, platform, wheel, and installed component. Confirm the VIN or engine identity, part numbers, fastener condition, and the current manufacturer instructions before service.
Chevy 350 Timing Cover Bolt Torque Specs FAQs
What is the Chevy 350 timing cover bolt torque?+
97 in-lb (11 N·m) for the front-cover bolts on the Chevrolet Performance 350 HO Deluxe.
When should the timing cover be fitted during assembly?+
Fit it loosely before the oil-pan corner seals are compressed, and center it to the crank seal as the installation procedure requires. Sequence matters here as much as torque.
Will more torque stop a front-cover leak?+
No. The joint seals through correct alignment and gasket compression. Overtightening can dish a stamped flange, squeeze the seal out or create a new leak path that was not there before.
Does 97 in-lb apply to a cast aftermarket cover?+
No. Cast aftermarket covers, reinforcement plates, different washers and accessory brackets change the fastener stack, so the manufacturer's instructions apply instead.
Technical sources
TorqueSheet favors engine- and component-specific manufacturer instructions over unsourced universal values.
1Chevrolet Performance 350 HO Deluxe engine specificationsPrimary Chevrolet Performance guide specifying 35 lb-ft for the starter, 97 in-lb for the front cover and oil-pan side rails, 15 lb-ft for the oil-pan corners and drain plug, and 63 lb-ft for the balancer bolt on this package.↗