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While searching thru my spare parts I came across these valve covers and hopefully someone can tell me something about them. My assumption is I bought them for my 77 as it has some cheap looking chrome covers on it. First off will they work on my 77 with a base 350?
Second in the box with these I found 4 bolts and washers, would the bolts be different for this style cover or does it not matter? Third, what are the best gaskets/grommets etc to use with this style cover? And lastly what would be a good paint to use to touch up some scuff marks? Thanks
They certainly appear to be genuine GM valve covers, most likely from a late 70s L-82 engine. My suggestion would be to mask off the emblem on the one cover, then bead blast them, and give them a fresh coat of paint. Fel-Pro makes a silicone valve cover gasket that seals quite well. I suggest that gasket, but secure the gasket to the cover with a small amount of RTV. The retaining bolts possibly need to be a touch longer than the bolts you currently are using, to compensate for the thicker aluminum covers.
I had those on my 80 L48. Great look but they were a mess from trying to be painted. As far as gaskets. I tried a bunch (always some kind of leak) went back to good ole cork. Glue them down and don’t over tighten.
Those covers will fit just fine on a 77 L48. Mine have been on since the early 1980's with the original EGR valve. If your alternator belt is new you may need to remove it from the pulley to swing the alternator out of the way to set the cover in-place. That is the only clearance I had. You will need 1" bolts and new Grommets for these covers.
Last edited by bmotojoe; Nov 23, 2019 at 09:17 AM.
[QUOTE]Those covers will fit just fine on a 77 L48. Mine have been on since the early 1980's with the original EGR valve. /QUOTE]
Bmotojoe, strange how your EGR valve seems to be positioned so much differently than on my '77. Granted my valve isn't the original but I believe it's actually smaller in diameter. It wouldn't go on without the spacer.
Those covers will fit just fine on a 77 L48. Mine have been on since the early 1980's with the original EGR valve. /QUOTE]
Bmotojoe, strange how your EGR valve seems to be positioned so much differently than on my '77. Granted my valve isn't the original but I believe it's actually smaller in diameter. It wouldn't go on without the spacer.
The L-82 came with a spacer under the EGR valve so it would clear the taller covers. You'll need that and a 2nd gasket.
Frank, is that spacer wedge shaped by chance? If it is, it may tilt the EGR slightly towards the carb which would yield more clearance and less chance of interference with the air cleaner and valve cover. I know a lot of folks just eliminate the EGR when installing the '78 and later L82 intake because of clearance issues. It may be because of that spacer you mention.
The bolts for the cast aluminum valve covers are an unusual length. Not common to find them at the hardware store. I would advise sourcing the reproduction bolts if you need fasteners. Saves you from buying crappy bolts then messing around with shortening them because they are too long. JMO.
I had those on my 80 L48. Great look but they were a mess from trying to be painted....
That's why I suggested that the OP have his covers bead blasted (and also thoroughly de-greased) back to bare metal, in order to promote good paint adhesion.
Valve cover questions
