Chrome Valve Covers??
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Englewood FL
Chrome Valve Covers??
Would like to do a mild clean up and dress up of the engine on my '76. Nothing fancy, just chrome valve covers and air cleaner along with some paint and general clean-up. I've noticed from the board that a lot of you guys think most chromed stamped steel parts are of poor quality and am looking for a recommendation for the valve covers. Noticed a set with the Edelbrock name on them in my local auto parts store, they were about $15 more than brand-X. Are they worth it or are they all crap?? Expense is always an issue around my place.
Tks
Doug C.
Tks
Doug C.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
Re: Chrome Valve Covers?? (RustyVette)
Mine were kinda a PITA to seal but prob only because I'd never done it B4. Not sure of the Brand anymore but they have the bowtie and Chevrolet on them. Biggest mistake I made was gettin a set that dont have the Oil Fill Hole....Kinda slows down the Oil Changes but not really a BIG deal.... :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,268
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Virginia
Re: Chrome Valve Covers?? (RustyVette)
OK, here's the scoop on at least my chrome covers. Yes, they are poor quality stamped steel, HOWEVER...you can make them last by using studs instead of bolts. Studs screw into your heads, use extra thick corks gaskets, which hold their shape and stay in place over the studs, then bolts down your covers using the "corvair" style "load spreading device" I've had 1 too many beers, don't know the proper term. This will keep you from using RTV or similar sealant, and you'll never have to pry, force, or clean the sealing edge of you covers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Re: Chrome Valve Covers?? (RustyVette)
Have a set of TD Performance Products No. 9216. I use them with the
Mr. Gasket weight spreaders. The valve covers are like stock in that they
have a hole for a twist on oil filler cap plus holes for the pcv and vent
pipe. I use them with the high temperature Mr. Gasket valve cover gaskets and apply a thin layer of permatex 300 on both sides of the gasket. Do
not have any leaks. I originally only used gasket sealer on the valve cover
side but always had seepage toward the back of the covers.
The valve covers sell locally in my area for about $40 a set. The chrome
finish is decent.
Mr. Gasket weight spreaders. The valve covers are like stock in that they
have a hole for a twist on oil filler cap plus holes for the pcv and vent
pipe. I use them with the high temperature Mr. Gasket valve cover gaskets and apply a thin layer of permatex 300 on both sides of the gasket. Do
not have any leaks. I originally only used gasket sealer on the valve cover
side but always had seepage toward the back of the covers.
The valve covers sell locally in my area for about $40 a set. The chrome
finish is decent.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Chrome Valve Covers?? (RustyVette)
Rusty, you can have mine, for the cost of shipping. Honestly, they look fine, they don't leak, etc. But I don't like them. They came with the car and they are being replaced by some center bolts I refurbed.
Let me know.
Let me know.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Englewood FL
Re: Chrome Valve Covers?? (joeveto)
Thanks for all the help guys. Very special thanks to Joe for the covers (this forum just keeps getting better!) and to JAF for reminding me to use the spreader thingies. My car is just a beater to drive around and have fun with, but NO Vette should look like this when you pop the hood.
Thanks again,
Doug C.
Thanks again,
Doug C.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
