LT4 Valve Covers
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
LT4 Valve Covers
Removed my valve covers today to replace gasket and hopefully resolve leaks. Was surprised to find out that they are plastic and the four bolts that hold them down are two piece torx nut on an allen stud. Tried torking one down to 106lbs and busted the torx bolt.
What did i do wrong? Is it the stud that is torqued to 106 and if yes what is the torque on the torx bolt? Do these plastic covers actually stand a chance of creating a leak free seal? Do they require frequent re-tightening?
Hopefully will receive new bolt by next weekend to put everything together
What did i do wrong? Is it the stud that is torqued to 106 and if yes what is the torque on the torx bolt? Do these plastic covers actually stand a chance of creating a leak free seal? Do they require frequent re-tightening?
Hopefully will receive new bolt by next weekend to put everything together
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 917
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte NC
The bolts are two piece so you can't tighten them too much and warp the plastic valve cover. I don't know what the torque specs are but 106lbs seems very high to me.
Mine never have leaked. But I also do tighten them. Every oil change, I check and tighten all the bolts I can get to. The valve cover bolts usually do turn a very Little bit each time I check them.
If you decide you don't like the composite valve covers, GMPP makes a die-cast aluminum valve cover with the same black textured finish. (see pic) And the corvette composite valve covers sell for around $200 on ebay. A lot of people sell them to pay for the new ones.
Mine never have leaked. But I also do tighten them. Every oil change, I check and tighten all the bolts I can get to. The valve cover bolts usually do turn a very Little bit each time I check them.
If you decide you don't like the composite valve covers, GMPP makes a die-cast aluminum valve cover with the same black textured finish. (see pic) And the corvette composite valve covers sell for around $200 on ebay. A lot of people sell them to pay for the new ones.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
Torque requires some length unit, but I'll assume you mean 106 lbs-ft. For some perspective, that is more torque than is used on the lug nuts. I don't have an LT4, but I am positive that is waaaayyyyy too much torque for a valve cover nut/bolt.
Most all newer engines have plastic covers. Plastic intakes too. Yes they should be able to create a leak-proof seal.
Most all newer engines have plastic covers. Plastic intakes too. Yes they should be able to create a leak-proof seal.
