Valve Cover gasket?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 0
From: Strongsville Ohio
Valve Cover gasket?
Had my 1994 vette motor rebuilt and the builder left the valve cover seal replacing up to me since I told him I am going to paint them. Well I am done painting and took a look at the gasket today. I noticed the gasket is not the same as the original. This new gasket looks to just sit between the block and covers. the old gasket used to sit INSIDE the valve cover. Am I not looking at this correct or will this not work? Where could I get valve cover gaskets at an autozone or pepboys ect?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Had my 1994 vette motor rebuilt and the builder left the valve cover seal replacing up to me since I told him I am going to paint them. Well I am done painting and took a look at the gasket today. I noticed the gasket is not the same as the original. This new gasket looks to just sit between the block and covers. the old gasket used to sit INSIDE the valve cover. Am I not looking at this correct or will this not work? Where could I get valve cover gaskets at an autozone or pepboys ect?
A photo would help?
Are the valvecover gaskets sealing OK ?
Any oil leaks on none at all?
All aftermarket gaskets are slightly diiferent in appearance from Original factory GM installed parts.
From my experience.
ROL, Victor- Dana, GM Gaskets are ok or just fine usually.
I prefer Fel-Pro gaskets.
I have used other brands.
Surface preparation, Cleanliness of mating sealing surfaces, and installation is most important.
Along with Sticking to factory torque specs.
Avoiding over-torque during reinstallation.
If You use a good calibrated torque wrench, torque starting from the center outward on fastners, follow factory torque recomendations........
You will 999 out 1000 times have a leak proof seal.
Autozone used to sell Fel-Pro gaskets brand.
Have to check around yourself to find the Fel-Pro brand if thats what prefer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
It is a gasket for centerbolt covers ; not one for old style perimeter bolt covers?
Last edited by rodj; Dec 26, 2010 at 07:37 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 85
From: O'Fallon Missouri
The LT1/4 composite valve covers use a unique gasket unlike the common SBC gasket. You can reuse your originals if in good shape, or pick up a new set of Felpros at any auto parts store.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 0
From: Strongsville Ohio
the old gaskets seated inside the valve cover. The new ones look more like a shoe lace instead of a spagetti string. The new ones are flat and cant go inside the valve cover. I am confused. Ill post a pic in a couple hours
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 85
From: O'Fallon Missouri
The new ones won't work. If you are going to use new gaskets, get ones the will work with your composite valve covers. The early LT1's (92-93) used a different gasket.
Last edited by STL94LT1; Dec 26, 2010 at 10:40 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 0
From: Strongsville Ohio
Sounds good. The new ones look like you have to glue them to the block then put the VC on them. The old ones had to gasket seated in the lips on the covers. I went to autozone and had them order some new ones and the pic looked like the old ones. So we will see. I will post a pic for the people that have no idea what I am talking about. Sorry for the confusion. 
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Kinda like everything else, buy the best you can afford and even the best VC gaskets are pretty cheap. I have perimeter bolt VCs so I used gasket seal to glue them to the right position in the valve cover. Ive never had to replace the center bolt ones so I dunno where exactly where you would seat them. Definitely seat them on one side or the other for ease of install because just getting the cover on can be a bi*** anyway.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 85
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Also, install the new VC gaskets dry, don't use a sealer.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 0
From: Strongsville Ohio
lol. I meant the heads sorry. The new seals wont work then FOR SURE because they need to be stretched to fit. And they wont stay put unless glued or something. I will get the new gaskets then report back !! thanks guys
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I'm having the opposite problem, my gasket set included the thin/tall gray gaskets that insert into a channel in the composite covers, and my 92 needs the flat/wide style that just sits on the flange.
If you have an O'Reilly, they'll have the ones you need....they keep trying to sell me those for my 92, which I believe uses the GM 14088564 gasket similar to the convential old style gasket.
FelPro VS50443R,,,93-96
FelPro VS50088R 92
If you have an O'Reilly, they'll have the ones you need....they keep trying to sell me those for my 92, which I believe uses the GM 14088564 gasket similar to the convential old style gasket.
FelPro VS50443R,,,93-96
FelPro VS50088R 92
Last edited by a454corvette; Jan 2, 2011 at 02:20 PM.
