Valve Covers
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Valve Covers
Here is my dillema,
I have a 73 - 454. The stock valve covers even with 2 gaskets are very close to having the rockers (especially a true roller) hit the cover when running. I would like to go to tall ones 3 5/8", but the stock location of the alternator is about 1/2 over the valve cover. Hence, almost any cover except stock hits the side of the alternator.
Has anyone modified the location of the alternator to mount just outside the valve cover so a taller cover can be added? I see from photos that most small blocks have the mount outside the cover.
I have a 73 - 454. The stock valve covers even with 2 gaskets are very close to having the rockers (especially a true roller) hit the cover when running. I would like to go to tall ones 3 5/8", but the stock location of the alternator is about 1/2 over the valve cover. Hence, almost any cover except stock hits the side of the alternator.
Has anyone modified the location of the alternator to mount just outside the valve cover so a taller cover can be added? I see from photos that most small blocks have the mount outside the cover.
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: West Dundee Illinois
I had a similar problem on my 454 with a roller cam. I found this web site which sells valve covers that are slightly taller than original, at 2-3/4 tall. They resolved my double gasket issue.
http://www.cfrperformance.com/Chevy_...overs_s/43.htm
knut
http://www.cfrperformance.com/Chevy_...overs_s/43.htm
knut
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,889
Likes: 3,324
From: NYC NY
If you really want to keep the stock covers you can consider something like this. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Big-Bl...ign=GoogleBase
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Good idea also on the spacers -thanks for looking. When good steel valve covers with the baffles and an oil fill hole cost 60-80 or more, the spacers at 80 make sense and use the stock ones.
On a bbc 73 the mounting brackets are fixed in length and that is where my problems is. There is almost no clearance on the bottom of the alternator to the left side of the valve cover.
Any ideas if other engine alternator brackets and arms would mount to the 454?? Thx
On a bbc 73 the mounting brackets are fixed in length and that is where my problems is. There is almost no clearance on the bottom of the alternator to the left side of the valve cover.
Any ideas if other engine alternator brackets and arms would mount to the 454?? Thx
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 8
From: Cataumet MA
Here is my dillema,
I have a 73 - 454. The stock valve covers even with 2 gaskets are very close to having the rockers (especially a true roller) hit the cover when running. I would like to go to tall ones 3 5/8", but the stock location of the alternator is about 1/2 over the valve cover. Hence, almost any cover except stock hits the side of the alternator.
Has anyone modified the location of the alternator to mount just outside the valve cover so a taller cover can be added? I see from photos that most small blocks have the mount outside the cover.
I have a 73 - 454. The stock valve covers even with 2 gaskets are very close to having the rockers (especially a true roller) hit the cover when running. I would like to go to tall ones 3 5/8", but the stock location of the alternator is about 1/2 over the valve cover. Hence, almost any cover except stock hits the side of the alternator.
Has anyone modified the location of the alternator to mount just outside the valve cover so a taller cover can be added? I see from photos that most small blocks have the mount outside the cover.
Good Luck!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,827
Likes: 959
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Good idea also on the spacers -thanks for looking. When good steel valve covers with the baffles and an oil fill hole cost 60-80 or more, the spacers at 80 make sense and use the stock ones.
On a bbc 73 the mounting brackets are fixed in length and that is where my problems is. There is almost no clearance on the bottom of the alternator to the left side of the valve cover.
Any ideas if other engine alternator brackets and arms would mount to the 454?? Thx
On a bbc 73 the mounting brackets are fixed in length and that is where my problems is. There is almost no clearance on the bottom of the alternator to the left side of the valve cover.
Any ideas if other engine alternator brackets and arms would mount to the 454?? Thx
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8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: West Dundee Illinois
Yes, these valve covers did clear the alternator side and the recessed corner took care of the brake cannister. In addition, i ordered one THICK gasket from the same shop so I got the extra clearance. In my case, it worked out great. In the end, I painted my valve covers orange. It looks very original. Good luck.
knut
http://www.cfrperformance.com/CHEVY_.../hz-9504-t.htm
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Thanks for all the info.
69427 - The lower bracket is cast and mounts to the front of the block and the exhaust manifold. Here is where you idea of maybe a little grinding and drilling is needed in order to pivot the alt. further out away from the valve cover. The top bracket is not just an arm or brace but a steel bracket for the top dog ear of the alt. I would have to get the brace style that allows the alt. to slide in and out.
knuts, I will seriously consider those covers from your experience along with some massaging of the bracket to help clear.
69427 - The lower bracket is cast and mounts to the front of the block and the exhaust manifold. Here is where you idea of maybe a little grinding and drilling is needed in order to pivot the alt. further out away from the valve cover. The top bracket is not just an arm or brace but a steel bracket for the top dog ear of the alt. I would have to get the brace style that allows the alt. to slide in and out.
knuts, I will seriously consider those covers from your experience along with some massaging of the bracket to help clear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
I just went through this today. You "can" shim the alternator forward. I put (2) 5/16" washers behind both mounting points of the alternator and the strap brackets. This effectively pushed my alternator forward about 3/16", just enough to clear the cheapy tall valve covers I had to install today. The alternator belt will be real close to the shroud though. I trimmed it a tad.
I was also running the stock chrome covers with 3 gaskets and the rockers were still hitting, not to mention the valve covers were leaking through the gaskets. I threw my cheapy tall covers on but thanks to Knut-71, I just ordered the stock looking taller covers from CFR.
I was also running the stock chrome covers with 3 gaskets and the rockers were still hitting, not to mention the valve covers were leaking through the gaskets. I threw my cheapy tall covers on but thanks to Knut-71, I just ordered the stock looking taller covers from CFR.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Really interesting as I thought I was the only one with the problem of alt and valve cover interferance and rockers pounding the hell out of the covers and changing valve opening - along with poor running. Thx to all for the input and the problem will get fixed here, when it is warm enough to work comfortably in the garage.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
Really interesting as I thought I was the only one with the problem of alt and valve cover interferance and rockers pounding the hell out of the covers and changing valve opening - along with poor running. Thx to all for the input and the problem will get fixed here, when it is warm enough to work comfortably in the garage.
