Installing one wire alternator

Meanwhile am I correct to assume the timing chain cover is more or less a universal fit over a number of years
Yes and no.

Universal physical fit untill they pulled the fuel pump.

The timing marks changed and need to match your damper or whatever is used to set timing

68 and older had a bolt on market.
69 was cast in in the pass side
70 up was cast in on the driver's side

ALSO...

at some point they changed the crank seal from internal install to external install. They are still interchangable but when getting parts you need to know the change over date so you can order for instance a 78 318 crank seal for a (insert favorite car model) even though your engine is from a 69. (Years are just for example)



SB Timing Covers Info


Left is internal seal
Right is external seal
Screenshot_20250717-191310.png