in closed first is a few pictures of our beloved 3800 timing covers
seams left side inside of timing cover has a leak and corrosion
problems

first picture from 2006 model

now is picture from
2008 model

we have seen at least 5 of these all have corrosion
in same area
with different kinds of antifreeze
looks like here is why
3 picture is right side of TC with the 3 inch bolt and water pump in place
note thread length

now is left side of TC were the corrosion is and signs of leakage
note thread length

now more pictures of how there is not enough thread length
left side has all most 3/4 inch of thread length for clamping force

these are with factory 3 inch 5/16 water pump bolts
seams like answer is a 5/16 3 1/4 flange bolt not easy to come by
lacks just little of being same thread length as right side
picture inclosed

I just wondering did anyone ever notice this
we are going to use new TC with a ZZ performance
thicker TC gasket they sell intended for clearance with a
double row timing chain they sell
all so any one wants factory kind of water pump bolts
DORMAN 902-803 fits picture unclose
they fit all of our late model cars
but they don't say so
about $13.00 on eBay
just wondering any ones thoughts on this
we found the 5/16 3 1/4 flange bolts after much
searching but now wondering if 5/16 3 1/4 studs might be better
for more clamp force