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1977 Corvette with a 1996 or 2006 Targetmaster 350 (gm performance engine) made in Mexico. Chrome valve covers are soaking the headers on the passenger side with oil. Jegs has a kit.... 2 covers, spreader, hardware, gasket and breather for $250 shipped (coupon). Any reason it won't work with my set up?
They’ll fit just fine. You’re correct about your valve cover mounting years. 1955-1958 small blocks had a different staggered perimeter bolt cover. I can see why they changed it.
Will they work? Probably. But a set of Fel-Pro 1628 gaskets might do just as well, or better, for one fifth the cost. (Note: These are for a Gen 1 SBC made up to 1986)
My car came with those t-handle valve cover bolts. They look stupid, and got in the way, so I replaced them.
EDIT: FWIW, the valve cover gasket for the center-bolt Gen 1 SBC heads is likely this, but please do your own research on that.
Last edited by Bikespace; Jul 29, 2025 at 10:20 PM.
I like the stud kit with Bow-Tie - T Handles. Nostalgia. Sure beats screwing around with a socket & ratchet.
There are potentially two places a valve cover gasket always leaks:
Above the gasket.
Below the gasket.
Why not eliminate 50% of that? Yes, that's right. 50% less chance of leaking ! ! !
Glue (Permatex) the gasket to the cover. Place the cover on your work bench, align all bolt holes.
Place a weight on the cover, overnight.
My valve cover kit came in and I installed it today. The valve covers feel modest, I wouldn't say "heavy duty". Definitely not flimsy. About the same as the chrome covers that I removed. Great finished, no scuffs or scratches during install.
The spreaders are super heavy duty, gotta be at least a quarter inch thick by 4". Great quality.... didn't scuff or scratch during install.
Wings were greats. Threaded the stud into them a thread or two, then install on the valve cover. It was rasier to align that way.
Breather felt good. No scuffs from rubbing against the wing nuts.
Intake bolt leaking. I gotta reseal the threads. Wiped clean and it pools up within 5 minutes at idle.
Looks like stock Targetmaster (predates gm performance motor) heads "made in mexico" 1996 or 2006. No sludge... tiny bit of crude in one spot. Some springs are tighter/looser then others. Is this dued to their position of stroke?
Previously while stopped at light, the burnt oil smoke would build up and as I would pull away, you could smell it. After replacing the valve covers, its much less noticeable. The previous spreaders were grossly inadequate. And the valve covers were warped. Gasket was showing its age.
I have the Edlebrock Performance Intake. Previously all bolts were wicking oil. I used Permatex high temp thread sealant. Wire brushed threads and sealed it. It eliminated 90% of the wicking. I'll try that Teflon tape method. Thanks!
Looks like you already figured out those hold-down wings. They pop right off so all 8 can be aligned and parallel.
Lol, I did not know that. I should of known that, since most all of the old wings had fallen off the other set. I fought my oil dipstick and brake booster on the last one.
Apparently valve covers are directional... in the sense that the breather grommet is larger then the pvc grommet. You've got a 50/50 shot at being right/wrong. I'm not a gambling man, and luck was not on my side today.
As far as torque spec on the wing nuts, I went "snug".... then "firm" hand tight. I figure I'll adjust them after a few more heat cycles.
Do you guys trust the kids at Discount Tires to jack up your car? I may tackle the Tail of the Dragon next month. Needed to check my wheel balance out. Or should I just drop the wheels off myself in my truck?
Do you guys trust the kids at Discount Tires to jack up your car? I may tackle the Tail of the Dragon next month. Needed to check my wheel balance out. Or should I just drop the wheels off myself in my truck?
The kids at Discount Tire can handle my EV (which requires pucks) when I had it towed in. They can certainly handle a C3, which has a generous truck-like frame underneath.
The one I used had a Rivian on the lift, and a clapped E30 drift missile in the parking lot, so I knew I was in good hands.
Proform Valve Cover Kit
