Valve Cover to Poly-Lock Interference
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Valve Cover to Poly-Lock Interference
1996 LT1, 350 out, 388 going in.
I'd planned to drop in the new engine yesterday but wanted the valve covers installed to prevent dirt from falling in. That's when my fears were realized; the stock composite valve covers aren't tall enough to clear the poly locks.
From looking at the two engines sitting side by side on engine stands, I suspected I'd have this problem but I didn't get around to checking the fit until yesterday; now I know.
I installed Scorpion 1.7 RRs with their (included) poly-locks. The locks sit too high to allow the covers to drop down. The interior bracing of the covers doesn't cause any interference though, just the locks.
I need another 1/2" in cover height.
I looked through a few of my catalogs, trying to find a new set of covers that fit the bill but came up empty.
Someone, please, point me in the direction of a new set that are at least 2-3/4" tall. In the meantime, I'll GOOGLE it to see what I can find.
Thanks for any help.
Jake
I'd planned to drop in the new engine yesterday but wanted the valve covers installed to prevent dirt from falling in. That's when my fears were realized; the stock composite valve covers aren't tall enough to clear the poly locks.
From looking at the two engines sitting side by side on engine stands, I suspected I'd have this problem but I didn't get around to checking the fit until yesterday; now I know.
I installed Scorpion 1.7 RRs with their (included) poly-locks. The locks sit too high to allow the covers to drop down. The interior bracing of the covers doesn't cause any interference though, just the locks.
I need another 1/2" in cover height.
I looked through a few of my catalogs, trying to find a new set of covers that fit the bill but came up empty.
Someone, please, point me in the direction of a new set that are at least 2-3/4" tall. In the meantime, I'll GOOGLE it to see what I can find.
Thanks for any help.
Jake
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
I would think this would work for the 1.7's also... http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ight=drip+tabs 
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Unfortunately, for me, that won't work. My stock covers don't have drip tabs.
Also, using the witness marks I created, I tried grinding down the areas where the poly-locks hit the cover with my Drimmel, but still no good.
Not to be one who gives up easily, I continued to grind until one area was paper thin; I could actually move that area with my finger. So that cover is "toast" without some epoxy to reinforce it.
Good new is I found a set on Summit - Proforms - that are tall, centerbolt, black krinkle finish and licensed by GM. Looks like my search is over.
Guess I should have done my 'home-work" before bothering all of you with this post - Sorry.
If anyone has any feed-back on these, let me know: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...rt=PRO-141-131
Jake
Also, using the witness marks I created, I tried grinding down the areas where the poly-locks hit the cover with my Drimmel, but still no good.
Not to be one who gives up easily, I continued to grind until one area was paper thin; I could actually move that area with my finger. So that cover is "toast" without some epoxy to reinforce it.
Good new is I found a set on Summit - Proforms - that are tall, centerbolt, black krinkle finish and licensed by GM. Looks like my search is over.
Guess I should have done my 'home-work" before bothering all of you with this post - Sorry.
If anyone has any feed-back on these, let me know: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...rt=PRO-141-131
Jake
Last edited by JAKE; Jun 22, 2007 at 01:02 PM.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Jake, in response to your PM, I can't say as I know anything about these. They certainly look nice though. Being cast aluminum, they should seal fine if they're properly designed. Here's a bump for you, nonetheless.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
