When I did my cam swap I just eyed up the front cover and it's been good for like 25-30k now. I have the tools for when I build my LQ9 though...there are methods for lining everything up without the tools if you search on LS1Tech, but the tools make it easier and exact. Many, many guys have put their covers and oil pan on without the tools and never have a leak though

 

yea i looked around some more and found methods to line them up without the tools and thats what i did. It would be nice to have the alignment tools but they are pretty spendy.

 

Hell i never heard of this till now, have put 5 front covers on with no problems, put GM sealent on the corners of the oil pan and ive never had leaks.

 

This shows the tools being used. Stroker Engine Build Cover Alignment Photo 43

 

I lucked out and found the tools cheap on ebay a few years ago...I would love to have the entire Kent Moore kit, which I've seen on ebay a few times, but never had the scratch when it was available.

 

Never used the tool, never had a leak. As a matter of fact, don't remember ANYBODY at the dealership ever pulling the tool off the shelf to use it either.