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Looking for valve cover replacement recommendations(1981 Vette)
Happy Friday
looking to replace leaking valve covers on my 1981
I’m considering dressing up the engine bay with some chrome components
looking for insight on installing chrome valve covers pros and cons
First concern is the height. You can get accessory interference from taller than stock covers. The EGR valve will hit them. The A/C compressor bracket will probably hit as well. GM Factory L-82 dress up covers are available in several different finishes. You should also buy the specific length fasteners from a Corvette restoration parts dealer as they are a specific length and hardware store bolts will usually be too long or too short.
Hope this helps.
I personally hate chrome in the engine bay. IMO it is hard to keep from rusting and the VC’s warp too easy. If you live in a dry place maybe chrome is good but here in NE it is way to much work. I just went black or my engine with black air cleaner and black L82 style aluminum valve covers. I painted my engine cummins tan and the car has a tan interior so it all ties together.
if you like chrome get good quality parts! I would for stainless steel or aluminum if I had an urge for bling bling.
Cast Aluminum. Heavy, never warp, very handsome, but pricey.
I got tired of the cheap, stamped, chrome covers and switched to "Polished" which is easier to clean than chrome and still has some bling as shown in the avatar to the <<<<<<<< left. Those are the tall units. I just like the look. (no EGR, A/C bracket was never an issue) They also have oil drippers, PVC hole.
Cast aluminum covers seal the gasket better because the cover has a ridge all the way around on the inside mating surface.
Check out Summit for cast valve covers, highly recommended V.C. stud kits and fasteners.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jan 8, 2021 at 07:51 PM.
I went with the cast magnesium covers from the early 85 and 84 vette on the 69. They come factory crinkle painted, super light weight, no modifications needed to install some brands of roller rockers. Please note : if engine starts on fire DO NOT SPRAY WATER ON Covers". T
Last edited by terrys6t8roadster; Jan 10, 2021 at 06:59 AM.
Happy Friday
looking to replace leaking valve covers on my 1981
I’m considering dressing up the engine bay with some chrome components
looking for insight on installing chrome valve covers pros and cons
Thanks
GRB2017
agree on chrome issues discussion pros cons..what do you have now? Covers not so easy to access to clean 100% on loaded compartment..i would definitely go cast vs stamped regardless of finish..howabout factory? Hides crap and fins are the bling?
...Covers not so easy to access to clean 100% on loaded compartment..i would definitely go cast vs stamped regardless of finish..howabout factory? Hides crap and fins are the bling? ....
Good work. Your engine compartment looks great!
I believe all '81 valve covers were of the L82 style of previous years, which are beautiful and practical. Very hard to improve upon. They did change the material from aluminum to magnesium in 1981. Both are great.
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1979 L82 M21 FE7
Classic White / Doeskin
Thanks for the responses
They were very helpful, in fact I’m now leaning towards keeping the original Black valve covers and just change the gaskets 😀 which be a cost savings as well
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Looking for valve cover replacement recommendations(1981 Vette)
