I have found a really nice set of aluminum valve covers, problem is that they have no opening for PCV valves or breathers.

Now I know what the PCV does and we its used, but would one PCV on one valve cover and no breather do enough? Is anybody out there doing something really clever that makes the use of valve cover PCV obsolete?

I really do like these valve covers...and they have a boss to drill for one PCV...so ideas/ thoughts please gentlemen.

cheers
Nick

 

Those valve covers were designed for early engines that had the breather and oil filler on the intake manifold. This was common practice on most fifties and early sixties engines.. Anyway... you MUST have a breather of some sort. Closed breathers have a hose running to the air cleaner while open type just use a filtered cap. The pcv valve is actually an anti-backfire valve so the vapor in the crankcase can't ignite. It is calibratered to allow the vacuum to open it. You could use a pcv in one cover and run it to the carb or intake as always. and a small elbow in the other and run a hose to the air cleaner if you have an air cleaner with the hose fitting on it.. That will let the engine breathe but you will have to put oil in through a small hole.. That's OK but just a PIA. Sorry to ramble but That's what it takes.

 

I, too, like the looks of the clean valve covers, and in fact have the corvette script covers on my small block. The PCV is simple to solve, or maybe not depending upon the year of your baby. I have actually done this on several manifolds.

I purchased a PCV valve that had a 1/8 pipe thread on the end going into the engine. Turn the manifold upside down to find ribs that are in close enough proximity to install a shield, but are not obstructed by a runner or water jacket. Also, look for ribs back by the distributor, or as far back as possible, but at least behind the plenum.

Drill and tap the manifold in the center of the ribs so you can thread the PCV into the manifold. If you have to drill on an angled surface, you can purchase a machined brass-angled elbow to help straighten the PCV so it is at a 90-degree angle.

Purchase flat shim stock that is wider and longer than the identified ribbing, and cut so it covers most of the ribbing, and leave enough to bend a lip around the ribbing for mounting. The new pan is to keep oil from just being sucked into the PCV, as it acts as a splash shield. Pop rivet the new pan to the ribs.

You will probably have to use an after market manifold, as most of these come with a pad in front of the front water jacket. (You will need to check your stock manifold to be sure) This pad can be machined to accept the old style oil filler tube that allows for the ventilation of the valley, as well as adding oil to the engine. The nipple off of the cap (or tube depending upon which tube you purchase) is plumbed to the existing air cleaner, and provides for clean air entering your engine.

I have thought of using a valley pan in place of the custom made pan in the past, but was more trouble to install. Also, the custom made pan that is pop riveted to the ribs works great, and costs very little.

So in a nutshell, you end up with a filler tube like the pre-69 engines, and have a PCV that is essentially hidden at the back of the manifold, and get to use the cool valve covers. I have shared this process a few other times with folks who what to use the corvette script covers, and it has worked great for them as well.

Good Luck

Rick

 

I drill all my manifolds for pcv, but I use a grommet instead of a threaded valve. The threaded one would work even better now that you mention it :rolleyes: I did use a lifter valley baffle along with a shield on the manifold.