Valve Cover Fitment
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 304
From: Lansing MI
Valve Cover Fitment
So I'm in the middle of getting my engine install completed and am on the last few items. The big one is finding a set of valve covers to fit on the 427 with stud girdles, a brake booster and alternator that may be in the way.
I had hoped to run classic style chrome covers to appear vintage at first glance. That pushed me towards a set of CFR cheater valve covers (http://www.cfrperformance.com/CHEVY_...z-9504-t-c.htm) which are 2 3/4" tall which still means I need at least a 3/4" set of spacers to clear the stud girdles. I would also need to cut out the baffles inside the covers for clearance as well. This would mean no oil baffles on the vents, not ideal. I also think this setup may interfere with the alternator.
The other option I have found is a set of Hardin Marine valve covers (http://www.hardin-marine.com/p-15793...-machined.aspx) for rise exhausts. They are designed to clear stud girdles and I think the angled design will clear the brake booster and the alternator should clear as well. The downside is that I lose the vintage original look and they are a little pricey. I would likely order a set without the vent holes and drill them in locations that would clear the stud girdles and figure out a baffle setup for them.
Thoughts from the forum?
I had hoped to run classic style chrome covers to appear vintage at first glance. That pushed me towards a set of CFR cheater valve covers (http://www.cfrperformance.com/CHEVY_...z-9504-t-c.htm) which are 2 3/4" tall which still means I need at least a 3/4" set of spacers to clear the stud girdles. I would also need to cut out the baffles inside the covers for clearance as well. This would mean no oil baffles on the vents, not ideal. I also think this setup may interfere with the alternator.
The other option I have found is a set of Hardin Marine valve covers (http://www.hardin-marine.com/p-15793...-machined.aspx) for rise exhausts. They are designed to clear stud girdles and I think the angled design will clear the brake booster and the alternator should clear as well. The downside is that I lose the vintage original look and they are a little pricey. I would likely order a set without the vent holes and drill them in locations that would clear the stud girdles and figure out a baffle setup for them.
Thoughts from the forum?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I don't know if the tall covers here will clear stud girdles, but they do clear shaft mounted rockers and the brake booster in a 69. And for the price, they're hard to pass.
http://www.cfrperformance.com/Chevy_...overs_s/43.htm
http://www.cfrperformance.com/Chevy_...overs_s/43.htm
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 304
From: Lansing MI
I saw those, but I don't think they are tall enough and I'm not a fan of the style for my engine and they are too pricey for me.
So I found a picture of the Hardin Marine style valve covers that had a tape measure in it. I used that to mock up a rough profile shape of the valve covers. Based on that it looks like they are going to work with my setup. The alternator will be close, but we will figure that out later if there is an issue.
So I found a picture of the Hardin Marine style valve covers that had a tape measure in it. I used that to mock up a rough profile shape of the valve covers. Based on that it looks like they are going to work with my setup. The alternator will be close, but we will figure that out later if there is an issue.
