Are all Valve Covers created the same??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 282
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From: London
Are all Valve Covers created the same??
I'm thinking of buying some L-82 aluminium valve covers for my '79.... it seems as though these covers were fitted to corvettes, camaros, LT-1, Z-28, L-82 etc from the early 70's... Are they all exactly the same?(some are advertised as having drippers??)... will they all fit my car?
Also, i'm quite happy to do a bit of restoration (well...polishing), but is there anything i should look out for/ avoid when buying used covers? :chevy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
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From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
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St. Jude Contributor
Re: Are all Valve Covers created the same?? (Skeets)
When buying used covers, the main thing to watch for is a similar bolt pattern. That is, don't buy centerbolts if your car's heads require the traditional style. Most heads don't require center bolts (four bolts going through the center of the valve cover rather than around the perimeter), as these didn't really come into play until the 90's.
Another thing to watch for, is obvious, major damage. Other than that, buy a set you like. I bought an older set, blasted, sanded, and then painted them. They look and work great.
Valve covers are not make or break items, in that even the cheap ones, used with good gaskets, will work. They have a job to do, obviously, but most are differentiated by cosmetics and what they are made of (aluminum, magnesium, steel, etc.)
Another thing to watch for, is obvious, major damage. Other than that, buy a set you like. I bought an older set, blasted, sanded, and then painted them. They look and work great.
Valve covers are not make or break items, in that even the cheap ones, used with good gaskets, will work. They have a job to do, obviously, but most are differentiated by cosmetics and what they are made of (aluminum, magnesium, steel, etc.)
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington IN
Re: Are all Valve Covers created the same?? (Skeets)
Just bought a set of the traditional Edelbrock chrome ones. Strickly for dress but, I made sure to get the covers with baffles. Apparently it keeps from getting oil into the pvc. I'm cutting the tops off my old ones to make covers that I can use when adjusting the valves and not get too much oil everywhere. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 282
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From: London
Re: Are all Valve Covers created the same?? (Skeets)
thanks guys.
I'm gonna go for the original GM items, and it looks as if they have baffles fitted... though i'm still not sure if covers from a 1970 vette or camaro will be exactly the same as an '79 or '80 vette... namely, will they fit?
.... does anyone else know?
I'm gonna go for the original GM items, and it looks as if they have baffles fitted... though i'm still not sure if covers from a 1970 vette or camaro will be exactly the same as an '79 or '80 vette... namely, will they fit?
.... does anyone else know?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 792
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana, It's Always Party Time!
Re: Are all Valve Covers created the same?? (Skeets)
I asked a similar question a few months back and was told what Joeveto said. I believe that as long as it came off a 350 with the same type of bolting arrangement, they should work. I wanted to do what you are doing and still might (the L82 style). I have some new chrome covers sitting in a box that I need to get some grommets and gaskets for and then I'll install them. I have a line on some of the L82 style from a camaro but the owner is still hesitant to part with them.
:steering: & :seeya
:steering: & :seeya
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
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From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Are all Valve Covers created the same?? (Skeets)
Skeets,
If these are the valve covers you are speaking of, they will fit any 350 head GM engine. I am guessing you are speaking of the LT-1 valve covers. These are now on Dart heads. When buying used covers like these beware of cracks that can occur when some owners constantly try to seal their valve cover gaskets from leaks rather than buying new gaskets. The original set I had on the motor that was pulled was a complete disaster with all the cracks. And no... valve covers were not created equal. I've had Edelbrock & Moroso valve covers on engines that were so cheaply built(the price wasn't though) that it was difficult to get them to seal without leaking(even with holddowns). The earlier models to these valve covers were much heavier built with a stiffer rim that would not flex like some of the new models will.
If these are the valve covers you are speaking of, they will fit any 350 head GM engine. I am guessing you are speaking of the LT-1 valve covers. These are now on Dart heads. When buying used covers like these beware of cracks that can occur when some owners constantly try to seal their valve cover gaskets from leaks rather than buying new gaskets. The original set I had on the motor that was pulled was a complete disaster with all the cracks. And no... valve covers were not created equal. I've had Edelbrock & Moroso valve covers on engines that were so cheaply built(the price wasn't though) that it was difficult to get them to seal without leaking(even with holddowns). The earlier models to these valve covers were much heavier built with a stiffer rim that would not flex like some of the new models will.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Re: Are all Valve Covers created the same?? (bgrice)
I have had untold problems with second hand valve covers.....It's all in the holes.....my twist on oil cap won't fit tight (I've had to pack it out with paper gasket which I know will eventually work loose), and the hole for the PCV has been drilled too big....should be 1.02", but it's 1.06", enough of a gap to have to use goop.
I'm sure your wanting LT1, aluminum finned valve covers, just make sure you buy new/reproduction from a reputable vendor and make sure the plumbing is right, 'cause they're not all the same.
I'm sure your wanting LT1, aluminum finned valve covers, just make sure you buy new/reproduction from a reputable vendor and make sure the plumbing is right, 'cause they're not all the same.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Are all Valve Covers created the same?? (standup)
I have had untold problems with second hand valve covers.....It's all in the holes.....my twist on oil cap won't fit tight (I've had to pack it out with paper gasket which I know will eventually work loose), and the hole for the PCV has been drilled too big....should be 1.02", but it's 1.06", enough of a gap to have to use goop.
I'm sure your wanting LT1, aluminum finned valve covers, just make sure you buy new/reproduction from a reputable vendor and make sure the plumbing is right, 'cause they're not all the same.
I'm sure your wanting LT1, aluminum finned valve covers, just make sure you buy new/reproduction from a reputable vendor and make sure the plumbing is right, 'cause they're not all the same.