zim64

I have Felpro 5/16" thick v/c gaskets and wonder if that is enough to safely run and clear my rocker stud nuts (Comp Cams stuff) Without the gaskets the valve covers don't sit on the head mating surface, they hit the studs/nuts...with that gasket they seem to sit down on the gasket and head ok, but not sure about how much clearance I have. Anyone run these v/covers with rocker studs?

MelWff

get some modeling clay and put it on the studs, assemble the covers and then remove them and check your clearance.

Jackfit

I have comp cam and even with stock rocker studs, and valve covers, I found that I needed the extra thick gasket to stop the slight touching.
L-79 327/350
Jack

Mikado463

they look superb !

63 340HP

Those are good looking valve covers.

Double gaskets or the thick gaskets may provide the needed clearance.

There are also risers or spacers for sale on the web that raise the valve covers about 1 1/4 inch. I use the spacers to fit a stud girdle under the corvette script covers.

I have always wondered why a manufacturer like M/T, Isky, or Edelbrock never produced a valve cover with internal stud guide bosses to function like a stud girdle. They could offer an entire kit of studs, guide plates, rocker arms, locks, and the valve covers to provide a rigid assembly. The result may not be not as rigid as a stud girdle, but better than stock for more valvetrain reliability with a more radical cam, and shorter than the typical tall valve cover to minimize brake vacuum booster interference.

zim64

I have seen the spacers and not a big fan of them, but sure understand their application.
I will try the modeling clay on the studs and see what I come up with for clearance.
Another issue is the perimeter ridge of the v/c's hits the intake runners...wtf? Edelbrock, you can't even make your parts to work together? I had to take a flap disc to the edge of the cover to clear the intake.

mrg

It would seem Edelbrock could cast their wider intake manifold runner dimension closer to factory spec. .. It was the same problem with 2703 intake manifold that went on my engine. The top edge flange on the steel valve covers wouldn't seal properly on the 461 heads because of runner interference.

A thicker Fel Pro valve cover gasket RTV'd to the gasket already in place on the valve covers raised the covers enough to provide the necessary clearance.

Unless I missed it I don't remember Edelbrock making mention of a possible intake runner clearance issue in their nomenclature or installation instructions.
John