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I'm installing a set of Proform aluminum valve covers and having slight fitment issues. I've removed the heat shield from the factory exhaust manifold on the drives side and the brake booster metal part of the vacuum line and it now fits. The passenger side I've removed the EGR valve and installed a block off plate but there is a support rod to the AC compressor still in my way. Who makes a replacement rod that will fit over these valve covers? I'm assuming you can't just run without it. I know I'm not the first one to run into this issue and someone in here will have me a solution.
If it was me....I would heat it with a propane torch until Cherry red and bend it!
Then when you get it right,,,,Quench it by heating and dumping into a bucket of water to take the annealing out.
I was hoping for a direct replacement. I don't have a bench vice to bend the thing in. I do have a walmart propane torch but it will be to short to reach the bracket after bending it. I wish I had metal fabricating skills but have never done it before.
I'm guessing that you purchased a set of valve covers for a small block Chevrolet and did not research whether or not they would fit a Corvette with ac.
Everything on these cars takes a ton of research and reaching out to the manufacturer before you pull the trigger.
Bending the bracket may work, but if you need to make the bend higher to clear the valve cover it will make the bracket shorter at the point you need to connect it.
It might be easier to return the proform covers and find a set designed to fit a Corvette with ac.
Another option would be to find someone who makes a custom billet bracket that "may" fit.
Good luck.
I'm guessing that you purchased a set of valve covers for a small block Chevrolet and did not research whether or not they would fit a Corvette with ac.
Everything on these cars takes a ton of research and reaching out to the manufacturer before you pull the trigger.
Bending the bracket may work, but if you need to make the bend higher to clear the valve cover it will make the bracket shorter at the point you need to connect it.
It might be easier to return the proform covers and find a set designed to fit a Corvette with ac.
Another option would be to find someone who makes a custom billet bracket that "may" fit.
Good luck.
It will have to be bent up to clear the covers and that will cause it to be short at the compressor end. I knew the valve covers were a lot taller when I ordered them but I wanted them taller for roller rocker arm clearance. I went back and forth on buying a set of Lt1/L82 finned covers and decided I'd rather have the option to add the roller rocker arms.
Something about your compressor and or mounting bracket just doesn't look correct, your compressor looks to sit way to low. The belt tension bolt (may be metric) with spacer should screw directly into the compressor, not via a carriage bolt passing through the compressor housing as shown. Also, the manifold bolt attaching brace is a special bolt with threaded stud so that would give a little extra clearance if it's not there. Just can't tell from your photo. May put a couple 3/8 flat washers on stud and get a little extra space?
That said, I have a 77 L48 w/ac and the L82 aluminum valve covers and have to remove that brace if I want to remove the valve cover on the right side. Easy enough to do. I have no problem with EGR or brake booster pipe w/support clearance with these covers.
Last edited by bmotojoe; Oct 23, 2019 at 07:48 AM.
I have L82 finned v covers with full roller rockers. I had to remove the oil drippers underneath by snapping them off. My is a 79. My compressor support rod fits fine. Just fyi
Last edited by speedreed8; Oct 23, 2019 at 01:16 PM.
Check into a set of Crower stainless steel roller rockers.
They are smaller and stronger than the aluminum roller rockers and may fit under the stock size or finned valve covers.
You may need a shorter belt on the compressor which will bring up higher.
I have L82 finned v covers with full roller rockers. I had to remove the oil drippers underneath by snapping them off. My is a 79. My compressor support rod fits fine.
GIVE THAT MAN A CEEE-GAR! Simple, elegant stock looking, and within the means of the poster!
BTW...Have you ever seen the L-46 Covers polished to perfection.....they must be the best looking rocker covers ever. (Can't say I like the L-82 covers on 82CE car in Black...even if they are Magnesium.)
Proform valve covers fitment
