When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I discovered this last night because I had to pull the one-piece front timing cover on the current engine in my '76 and I really dislike loosening, dropping or removing the oil pan when the engine's in the car.
Well, the setup that uses the "thick" front seal between the timing cover and the oil pan doesn't require loosening, dropping or removing the oil pan to R&R the timing cover.
Your mileage may vary but this is a cool little trick that made me a happy camper.