Valve cover spacers
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
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Valve cover spacers
I put a 1 inch spacer under 1957 finned valve covers (don't ask why). I have my body off the frame (1971 coupe with a 350) and wondered if the valve covers will hit the power brake booster? has anyone done this? do I need to go to hydorboost brakes?
Melting Slicks
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From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
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I have tall valve covers on my 72 small block to clear the roller rockers. and have plenty of clearance between the booster and covers. 
Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
QUESTION: Why are you using those valve covers? Unless you are using an engine block with the provisions in it...and an intake manifold with an oil fill tube/PCV fitting...using those valve covers in a 350 cubic inch engine....will not allow the engine to breathe. Those 1957 valve covers have no holes in them Due to not having a hole in them for the PCV...and a hole in the other valve cover for your fresh air filter.
DUB
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Navarre FL
Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
...but one question????You either bought these covers already modified or did them yourself....and I am curious...where the PCV is in the valve cover...it is baffled so it can not suck oil directly into it????
DUB
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Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
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I have used spacers to allow the factory valve covers it clear.
QUESTION: Why are you using those valve covers? Unless you are using an engine block with the provisions in it...and an intake manifold with an oil fill tube/PCV fitting...using those valve covers in a 350 cubic inch engine....will not allow the engine to breathe. Those 1957 valve covers have no holes in them Due to not having a hole in them for the PCV...and a hole in the other valve cover for your fresh air filter.
DUB
QUESTION: Why are you using those valve covers? Unless you are using an engine block with the provisions in it...and an intake manifold with an oil fill tube/PCV fitting...using those valve covers in a 350 cubic inch engine....will not allow the engine to breathe. Those 1957 valve covers have no holes in them Due to not having a hole in them for the PCV...and a hole in the other valve cover for your fresh air filter.
DUB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
The other issue with risers and old valve covers is the fact that you have two sets of gaskets to worry about. I used the spreader bars to help even the load on the old stamped steel and hopfullygive a good seal. So far no oil weeping, time will tell.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
lots of personal reasons, who i got them from and need to make him part of my restoration. I have added provisions for breathers, pvc and oil fill to the spacers. dynoed the engine 3 times 6 pulls each time with a 100 cycle break in (computer controlled done by Phaff racing engines). no problems and he did machine work on the spacers and the engine. 427 small block stroker 750 holley made 512 HP with 545 torque.
I was just curious...and you did make provisions for crankcase breathing...which is what I was getting at. Becasue I am sure you would agree that just putting those valve cover on and sealing up the engine where it could not breathe..is NOT a good thing.Many people may read this and do what you did...but if they do not know you did modifications....they could have a problem and not know why.
Did not mean to insult your ability.
DUB