Please help!

I have a 1968 C3. I have owned this car since March 2024. So, I'm still learning my way around it. My car retains it's original L-36 427. I am in the process of replacing the oil pan gasket, AGAIN! The first time I used a rubber gasket from Jegs. I thought this would be sufficient. WRONG! The gasket was too big, meaning it did not lay flush in the pan. I foolishly ignored this thinking that because the pan bolt holes lined up nicely with the gasket I would simply torque to spec and all would be well. WRONG! I took my car out for a test ride and - you guessed it - OIL BATH!!! coating the underside of my fresh, painstaking work! With a heavy heart I removed the oil pan once again. Upon closer inspection I see that the timing chain cover has 5 holes - 3 on the bottom (the center hole being the largest) and 2 near the top adjacent to the oil pan's smallest 3/8 bolts. I looked on the internet and saw that some bbc oil pans have a center bolt which connects them to the timing cover. Mine does not. I know that my oil pan is correct for my 68 427. It is my understanding that this is a one year only deal with the plug front and center. Also has the trap door, etc. Question(s): At some point was my timing chain cover changed for one that is incorrect? What would be the wisest coarse of action at this point? I would prefer not to have to remove the timing chain cover. I just installed a new water pump. Should I use silicone sealer in the holes? Is there a gasket set that addresses this problem. Speaking of gasket sets, which one would be a quality replacement ? Am I better off with cork? Who should I buy from that is reliable? I usually deal with ZIP. Please see attached pics for reference. Thank you for your support!

The holes in the timing cover are for the "tits" on the rubber timing cover seal. That's what holds the rubber end seal to the timing cover. Some folks will cut off all but the center "tit" to make it easier to install, but without ANY of the tits, the seal can move out of position, and....leak.  I have NEVER seen or heard of a center bolt used on a pan/timing cover junction as you described others have said, at least not stock/factory. 

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I went with the blue rubber/silicone (?) one piece gasket from Felpro and have no leaks.  Small block LT-1, not a BB.

Thank you all for your help and input.

I wound up ordering the Felpro blue one piece gasket for bbc. It had good reviews. I am assuming it has the nipples, which I will diligently make use of -lol!  If it does not have the nipples, any reason why I couldn’t use some high temp gasket maker (used sparingly) to fill the holes? While on that topic, will gasket maker/silicone sealant be necessary at all (corner, etc.) when installing this gasket? I have already purchased some all thread to make positioning the gasket easier. Again, many thanks for your help. Glad I found this group :)