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I am looking at a set of used 1980 L82 Aluminium valve covers for my new engine with Roller Rockers and found a set I would like to buy, but the advert says:
These valve covers have no internal baffles.
What does it mean?
Can I use them?
If I need the internal baffles can I buy them and retrofit them?
Paul, this is similar to what the internal baffles normally look like. I couldn't find a good picture of the actual baffle, but this is very close.
The L82 baffle is made of stamped steel and not cast as these are, The baffles are needed to prevent the PCV system from sucking oil into the system instead of just oil vapors. If they are missing you could probably fabricate some, but the time and effort would hardly be worth the cost of a new complete set.
As for running roller rockers, I run roller rockers under a stock set of L82 valve covers. I ran them for a number of years with just standard gaskets and had no issues. A few years back I did install a double set of gaskets for additional clearance.
As mentioned above you definitely need the baffles. I built a 350 for my Nova SS many years ago (1986) when I was young and stupid and used a set of valve covers with no internal baffles and like stated above the engine sucked oil through the PVC valve fouling spark plugs constantly until figured the problem. I run comp cams 1.5 roller rockers under my stock L-82 valve covers with no issues with normal gaskets (just 1). Hope that helps!!
I had a set of these valve covers glass beaded, and the baffle under the pvc was knocked off. I can't seem to figure out how to reattach it. Any suggestions? Thanks,
I have had the comp cams magnum roller tip rockers since the early 90's, not the true roller rockers:
COMP Cams® Steel Stud Mount Rockers
Magnum
Ultimate street rocker arm designed with the serious performance enthusiast in mind
Made from 8620 chromemoly steel, a superior material that will not flex
15 to 30 horsepower increase over conventional rocker arms
Friction reducing roller tip, stiff design and precision ratios yield more effective valve lift
Perfect for use in any application with less than 350 lbs. open spring pressure