Ok, there are a ton of valve covers out there. Mine leak like mad. It's an L48, all stock. Is there really a difference between the $15 sets and the $80 sets? Wha works best on these motors? I don't need a original set, anything that won't leak will do. The ones on it are not oiginal and are hard to add oil to because of the design.

 

The best luck I've had is with the heavy cast aluminum valve covers with the heavy rubber gaskets. No Leaks.

 

thats what i've got and no leaks

 

the stock LT-1 ones or the one on the L82 work the best.

the stock ones are just vary thin metal, when they get warm they warp and when that happens the oil can leak

 

I bought a pair of cast aluminum from Summit a couple of years ago and haven't had a leak yet. Take a look at part number SUM-G3303. They're heavy aluminum and polished and shine like crome. About $70.

 

I too think the factory LT-1/L-82 covers are the best… but primarily because they are factory and look good on the Corvette. They're also not cheap… However there are some very fine aftermarket ones that do just as good a job at keeping your engine dry and clean… and many times they are much less expensive.
If you're going to be installing some roller rockers in the future, you might want to look at the taller after-markets for their additional clearance. Clearance can become an issue with the factory aluminum covers, so take that into consideration when you make your decision.
Years ago I installed a set of M/T aluminum valve covers I picked up, on my 77 L-48 to stop the incessant leaking. While they did a good job with the leaks, they were taller and gave me fits trying to install them under my A/C compressor. I also had to get a new set of belts due to extending my alternator almost all of the way out to clear the left valve cover. I later found a set of L-82's and switched to them.
Take your complete situation into consideration and you will probably only have to do this job once…

Good luck… GUSTO

 

$50 on Ebay - cast aluminum, no leaks


'new' and 'old' :

 

Thanks guys, this is lots of help. ebay was a pain. there are 457 valve covers on there so thanks for the picture and all the descriptions. I should be able to buy something this weekend now!

Mongoose

 

just make sure if your buying a pair of old used onesthe underside was not welded on or have any other repairs done too them. I when I was a major swap meet to buy a pair of the L82 covers i looked at a couple that were cheap but were reapered ownce becouse of a rockers that tried to come thought the covers

 

You can narrow your search by selecting the 'buy it now' items only - several ebay stores sell these for $59 'buy it now'

Mine are the taller ones, I searched Ebay for "sbc valve cover* alu* tall" - 20 results

 

More good advice! Great, this should make it easy and possible to avoid damaged goods.