1.6rr clearance issue on LT1?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Jonesboro AR
1.6rr clearance issue on LT1?
I got 1.6 Comp magnum rockers on my 92- a few of them are tapping the valve covers- its an annoying sound-lol
in the install manuel for them it sayed if used with cast aluminum valver covers it may happen.
has any1 else had an issue?
where is a good place to get a replacement cover that wil fit with the stock alternator bracket on there?
thx
in the install manuel for them it sayed if used with cast aluminum valver covers it may happen.
has any1 else had an issue?
where is a good place to get a replacement cover that wil fit with the stock alternator bracket on there?
thx
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 2
From: Champaign, IL
St. Jude Donor '05
I bought the composite valve covers that come stock on the 96 cars - they're a little bit pricier but I love the way they look. 
Call up Chris at Superior Chevrolet I think they were $180 shipped.
Call up Chris at Superior Chevrolet I think they were $180 shipped.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 24
From: Charleston SC
You may need to clearance your valve covers in a similar maner to what I had to and clearance your covers. Pull your valve covers and see exactly waht is hitting it may be you baffel. Here is a site that has great tips on clearancing F-body covers http://www.hotss.com/Members/scott_vaca/pro-mag.htm
Here is what I had to do to clearance mine because of the close trunions, notice how I removed the support on the left side of the cover for clearance.
Here it is all done I just have to reinstal the baffel (And put the cover on the other side where it belongs
Here is what I had to do to clearance mine because of the close trunions, notice how I removed the support on the left side of the cover for clearance.
Here it is all done I just have to reinstal the baffel (And put the cover on the other side where it belongs
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
If you want to retain your aluminum covers, you might pull the cover and measure the clearance needed when the RR if fully depressed (the push rod end at its highest point). Then measure the clearance (with standard gasket) of the valve cover. If you are using a standard gasket and your hitting the valve cover, you could go to a thicker gasket. I believe Summit sells a 1/4" thick gasket, which is about double the standard thickness. If this works to give you the clearance, order one. Or take two (2) standard gaskets and use epoxy or contact cement and glue them together and you will get more than the 1/4". You might have to get longer valve cover bolts. 
Isn't it fun to play and modify!
Just installed 1.5 and 1.6 RR on my 85 and I am going to use two standard gaskets with contact cement. Just love to play and enjoy the challange of doing it myself. I also replaced all the springs and seals at the same time. I used a spark plug with a air compresser fitting welded on and a small diameter high pressure hose and was able to use this for all 8 cylinders! ENJOY YOUR VET!
Isn't it fun to play and modify! Just installed 1.5 and 1.6 RR on my 85 and I am going to use two standard gaskets with contact cement. Just love to play and enjoy the challange of doing it myself. I also replaced all the springs and seals at the same time. I used a spark plug with a air compresser fitting welded on and a small diameter high pressure hose and was able to use this for all 8 cylinders! ENJOY YOUR VET!
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
The drip tabs in the factory valve covers will touch aftermarket rockers. This was a problem up until 1996 when they redesigned the valve covers for use with the LT4.
There are a few options out there, you can get the 96 covers, aftermarket covers, Z-28 covers, or you can clearance your stock ones.
If you do decide to clearance your stockers be VERY careful. The valve covers on the 92 were not aluminum, they are magnesium. Magnesium is a pretty cool metal but it has this nasty tendency of catching on fire. If you go grinding away on your stock covers make sure that you use a grinding wheel that is not going to cause any sparks.
If you've never seen magnesium burn let me just say there's not much like it. It's not just a small deal either because water won't put it out. If you catch it on fire the only thing to do is just let it burn or try to starve the flame of oxygen, which can be tough to do.
There are a few options out there, you can get the 96 covers, aftermarket covers, Z-28 covers, or you can clearance your stock ones.
If you do decide to clearance your stockers be VERY careful. The valve covers on the 92 were not aluminum, they are magnesium. Magnesium is a pretty cool metal but it has this nasty tendency of catching on fire. If you go grinding away on your stock covers make sure that you use a grinding wheel that is not going to cause any sparks.
If you've never seen magnesium burn let me just say there's not much like it. It's not just a small deal either because water won't put it out. If you catch it on fire the only thing to do is just let it burn or try to starve the flame of oxygen, which can be tough to do.
Racer
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Vienna VA
On my 90...I took two cork valve cover gaskets and used hi-temp silicon to create a double layer gasket. This will increase the clearance. I have done this setup for years and periodically remove valve covers and reuse the gaskets...no problems with oil leaks.
