Dripper rails
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Funny you ask that question. About 2 years ago I bought some cheapo chrome valve covers for my 68 bigblock. They don't have drippers. The originals would have them. I got a little concerned that maybe I should have that functionality and it would be pretty stupid to screw up my original engine by saving $50 on a set of valve covers. So I never installed them. Just today (! 
) I ordered a set of valve covers with drippers! On special ... about $85 after shipping/handling.
) I ordered a set of valve covers with drippers! On special ... about $85 after shipping/handling.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 51
From: Lexington Park Maryland
The drippers are there in order for the oil that's pumped up to drip right over the nut on the rocker arm to help keep it well lubricated so as not to fail. If you're running "real" roller rockers (as opposed to the ones with roller tips) you don't really need the drippers. Remember....., if Chevrolet could leave a part off of the engine and not cause a problem they would do so.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,507
Likes: 1,513
From: Little Rock AR
The drippers are there in order for the oil that's pumped up to drip right over the nut on the rocker arm to help keep it well lubricated so as not to fail. If you're running "real" roller rockers (as opposed to the ones with roller tips) you don't really need the drippers. Remember....., if Chevrolet could leave a part off of the engine and not cause a problem they would do so.
The drippers are for improved durabillity. The early BB aluminum covers do not have them but the later ones do. They are there to lube the rocker arm ***** because GM did not want warranty failures.-Mark.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
Reviving an old thread from the dead..... 
So for a run-of-the-mill 454 that will not see heavy duty race use....in fact no racing.....is a guy safe to buy a set that doesn't have the drippers? I need a set, and the only ones in my price range are the ones on eBay for like $40, and clearly state that there are no drip rails.
Deja
So for a run-of-the-mill 454 that will not see heavy duty race use....in fact no racing.....is a guy safe to buy a set that doesn't have the drippers? I need a set, and the only ones in my price range are the ones on eBay for like $40, and clearly state that there are no drip rails.
Deja
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
There are both BB and SB cars out there that have ran for many thousands of mile without them. If you have a big cam, heavy valve springs, then they're not a bad idea. Not required, but not a bad idea.
