Big Block Valve Cover Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 16, 2012 | 09:12 PM

goyamaha

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 14

Likes: 0

Big Block Valve Cover Question

I am getting ready to reinstall my big block in my 68 after a rebuild and roller cam upgrade. After seeing the cost of new rocker arm lock nuts tonight, I went ahead and ordered a set of full roller rockers with the polylocks. Then started looking for new valve covers since my old ones are getting pretty ratty looking. After reading item descriptions on valve covers I am now concerned about valve cover clearance both the roller rockers and brake booster. My first question is - Will valve covers without the brake booster corner fit on my engine? I know the corner is designed into the original cover for a reason but I didn't notice how much clearance there is before the engine was out of the car. Any ideas would be appreciated. Trying to find covers with the brake booster cut out really limits your options. Thanks much. -Rick
(757) 214-5334

Jan 16, 2012 | 09:55 PM

Les

Race Director

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 11,096

Likes: 990

From: Sierra Foothills CA

I'm not sure about the clearance for valve covers w/o the indent for the brake booster. I do know that a few years ago I found a nicely chromed set of repro valve covers that were made with the indent, with original dimensions, look stock and are available w/o the drippers. I bought a set and used a double thick FelPro gasket and had no problem fitting my Crower full roller rocker arms. If you're interested I can try to dig up the receipt to see who made them.

Jan 17, 2012 | 03:23 AM

roscobbc

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 1,528

Likes: 148

From: East London/SW Essex UK

I used Brodix 'tall' valve covers on my non-powered braked '68. Whilst they actually fitted the 'notch' in the drivers side bulkhead they would hit it with torque reaction both on acceleration and letting off gas. A set of 'poly' engine mounts helped - but in the end I still had to 'relieve' the bulkhead notch!

Jan 17, 2012 | 12:58 PM

Big Block 69

Racer

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 460

Likes: 56

From: Southeast Ohio

I'm sure all cars are a little different. Mine has power brakes. The left valve cover has the dent, but there would be plenty of room without it

Jan 17, 2012 | 05:34 PM

1427

Racer

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 259

Likes: 5

From: Valrico Florida

I've got tall moroso's on mine w/ power brakes. I cut out the area where it lines up w/ the booster and had a guy weld in another piece of aluminum and then I blended the welds. Turn out very nice and the kicker is I can pull 3 plug wires and the booster hose and it comes right out slicker than &%#*#$%%. I also have a set of cheaper covers that I did the same thing to. If interested pm me

Jan 17, 2012 | 07:18 PM

zwede

Race Director

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 11,361

Likes: 383

From: Plano TX

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BSP-96029/

I'm using these from Billet specialties. Cast aluminum. With a double gasket they clear roller rockers. I also have PB and AC.

Jan 17, 2012 | 08:25 PM

goyamaha

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 14

Likes: 0

Thanks for all the replies folks. Very helpful indeed.

Jan 17, 2012 | 08:34 PM

ajrothm

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 9,993

Likes: 1,136

From: League City Tx

Here you go man....This is what you need... They look like stock but are about 3/4" taller then stock... With the recessed corner...Best off their cheap..

http://www.cfrperformance.com/CHEVY_.../hz-9504-t.htm

I have them and they are pretty damn good valve covers... They will clear full roller rockers with a single rubber gasket.

Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

Brett Foote

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Pouria Savadkouei

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Joe Kucinski

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Joe Kucinski

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Michael S. Palmer

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Joe Kucinski

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Joe Kucinski

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Verdad Gallardo

Jan 17, 2012 | 09:13 PM

Ben Lurkin

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 5,557

Likes: 9

From: Oquirrh Mountains

St. Jude Donor '09

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajrothm

Ditto. That's what I have on mine and have used for a few friend's engines as well.

OP, depending on the roller rocker, you may have to do a little bit of grinding on the rocker body near the pushrod side on two of the intake rockers. They will sometimes contact the valve cover bolt recess.

Jan 17, 2012 | 09:18 PM

#10

Manuel Azevedo

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 1,057

Likes: 4

From: Concord Calif

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajrothm

Now those are some really cool valve covers!!! Great Find!!!!

Jan 18, 2012 | 10:44 AM

#11

ajrothm

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 9,993

Likes: 1,136

From: League City Tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manuel Azevedo

Now those are some really cool valve covers!!! Great Find!!!!

Yeah I thought so....Especially for $45.... They look great...

Here is installed pics..

Jan 18, 2012 | 11:37 AM

#12

Rebelrob

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 1,534

Likes: 14

From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajrothm

Yeah I thought so....Especially for $45.... They look great...

Here is installed pics..

Yep, same here. I use these as well. Got the referral from Alan also.
C'mon Alan........ your not foooling anybody with that 454 365 hp air cleaner sticker... LOL.... really... Time for a new sticker. One that says....
" I'm faster than you" 496 cid

Jan 18, 2012 | 02:31 PM

#13

TheSkunkWorks

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 7,353

Likes: 72

From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajrothm

Awesome!

I couldn't remember if it was you who had them, but knew they were out there. These would look a lot better than spacers, and much more affordable than others I've been eyeing. Thanks for the link.