vtech

I decided to put back on my original value covers. I know their are different valve cover gaskets on the market - cork, extra thick cork, rubber and rubber with a metal band adheared to it. I purchased a rubber set of gaskets thinking they are the best. After installing my passenger side sealed fine but my drivers side leaks. Tried to reinstall the rubber gasket but same problem.

I am going to buy another set to try on the drivers side valve cover. What do you guys like better - cork or rubber any suggestions.

page62

Cork with a steel core. Not cheap, but very effective

JJ Deuce

Which valve covers are you using? Steel or aluminum? If they're stamped steel, you may have a warped cover, causing your leak.

I'm switching to Aluminum (LT-1) valve covers, and am having a hard time finding a gasket that will fit.

stingry

Ted,

On the steel covers I used the cork gasket that came from the engine builder (Fel-Pro) and had no problems with leaks.

Jeff,

For the LT1 covers I bought a Fel-Pro rubber gasket.

On both the cork and rubber gaskets you need to trim off two of the bolt hole areas so they fit properly in the gasket cover. I believe the gaskets are universal for new and older SBs so you need to turn the valve cover upside down and see if the gasket sits flat in the valve cover. From memory it won't unless you take razer blade and cutoff a couple of areas of the gasket.

Good Luck guys.

Pete

JJ Deuce

I started to do just that with the cork Fel-Pro gaskets that came in the rebuild kit. It just looks too thin after cutting the extra hole.

I got the Victor gaskets with the steel in the middle, and just 4 holes, but they're a little too small to fit. I am picking up another set of Fel-Pro today.

flood

Doesn't fel-pro make a permadry gasket for valve covers? If so that would be the way to go. Made of neopreme

PortDawg

I've got Fel-Pro perma dries in my SB... Love 'em !

Dawg

SteveG75

Mr Gasket Ultra Seals.

They are cork with a coating that does not stick so they can be reused. Also very cheap so easy to replace yearly or so. Hand tight then retighten once after first heat cycle and they don't leak.

I also use ARP studs which makes installation very easy. BTW, I have Billet Specialties aluminum valve covers.

flood

I would suggest these. I knew they made them but I haven't gotten a set yet. A mechanic friend of mine swears by them. Can be re-used and from what I was told you can't over tighten them.

JJ Deuce

Found a set that fits perfect - Fel-Pro #1604. Cork with a steel insert, and only 4 holes.

Fevre

As a suggestion I like to bond them to the valve covers so when you take the covers off the gasket stay with them, I have used RTV and super tack, RTV is a little easier to get off the valve cover when/if you have to replace the gaskets.