That would likely cause interference in the steering linkage. Look up my post where the inner tie rod stud barely clears the starter, and with the correct thick motor mounts. I did have the thin mounts on during initial build (w/o steering), more from accidental ordering. They help with hood clearance, but also wouldn't work with the later Federal pump I installed to match the later aluminum water pump. It barely clears the K-frame with thick mounts. I suggest staying with the cast iron w.p. if possible, especially if pwr steering and AC. The alum w.p. causes multiple issues in an early-A, as I found. The only advantage of the alum w.p. is more choice in radiators.
That is a brilliant idea. I installed the later timing cover and alum w.p. and re-marked my 273 damper with a hacksaw. It was a bit inexact since I installed the 273 timing tab temporarily and had to stand it off to clear the w.p. If you do so, do this before installing the w.p. I will have to wait until the heads are off someday to verify, or maybe get a piston stop. I tried verifying from below (pan off), but too hard to arrange a dial indicator. I have read the two marks vary by 90 deg, but does anyone know if exactly true? If so, pishta's suggestion would be great.
