My PCV hose is looking worse for the wear. I was surprised by the cost to replace it. Even if I did, the stock system is less than ideal. I don't want to grind my block for the LS6 setup.

I noticed that Dorman as a replacement valve cover with a redesigned baffle and an integrated orifice. Theoretically I could use this and eliminate the inline PCV. I can't find anyone who's tried this on a LS1.

The part number is 264-965. Dorman also sells a 964-969 that is much cheaper but is only listed as fitting 2009 and newer. I'm not sure what the difference is.

Thoughts?

 

I thought there were two LS6 PCV setups, with the change happening after the 02 or 03 model year. Both had vents in the valley cover, the later one had the check valve integrated into the cover, the earlier one had the check valve in the hose that runs from the VC to the TB.

Anyway, depending on what you're coming from, you might need a new intake manifold. Improved Racing sells an LS6 VC upgrade kit that explains. I'd link to it but I don't know if they're a sponsor or not.

 

That is good information, but I was hoping to AVOID the LS6 valley plate. I have a 2000, and I have already upgraded to an LS6 manifold. I did leave the LS1 steam vents though. Would that be an issue if I ever did decide to go with the LS6 valley?

My question was regarding the use of a baffled valve cover with integral PCV orifice. It wouldn't be any cheaper, but would require less work.

 

He mentioned he didn't want to grind the block to fit the LS6 valley cover. As you mentioned, with the LS6 valley cover you also need to switch to the LS6 intake manifold (which is also a good upgrade) as the LS1 intake interferes with parts of the valley cover.

Anyway, OP's options are either replace the factory PCV lines or bit the bullet and upgrade to the LS6 setup, which is what we recommend. I have not heard of the Dorman valve cover; are you sure it has the baffle and PCV orifice you described? Their website doesn't mention anything. If it works well, that is a solid option as well.

Here's a link to our valley cover options: http://www.improvedracing.com/oiling...-20_51_70.html

 

Yes the part number 264-965 is a similar version of the stock driver side valve cover (264-964) and helps with some oil burning and consumption on the trucks. It has a larger square baffle hole instead of the one small baffle hole for the trucks. On my 2002, the baffle has three holes in it.

(Edited for accuracy)

 

Here is an outside look. It does have the PCV fitting in the rear. The underside shows the full length baffle. These are a similar design to GM's revision to address oil consumption in the trucks. The idea would be to use this with a plain rubber hose to the intake PCV port, and cap off the passenger side, leaving only the fresh air port.

 

Converting the Vette to use the truck style PCV would be a good way to describe what I'm talking about.

The Dorman cover is listed as being for the driver side. That is the only side I'm proposing to replace.

The stock passenger side cover would be left, but with it's PCV port plugged. Most V6 and V8 engines use PCV on one valve cover and fresh air inlet on the other.

The end result would look like this.

 

A buddy and I did the LS6 PCV conversion on his 2000. We cut the block with a dremel using about 3 cutoff wheels.
We did have to replace the steam pipes from the 2000 with a set from a 2001 to clear the new plumbing. Already had a LS6 intake. Caped off the drivers side PCV port and the back one on the passenger side. still ran the hose from the front passenger side valve cover to the intake (vent tube). The worst of it was the cutting of the block. Stuffed the valley with old towels, taped off the intake ports, taped around the towels in the cut area and used a shop vac while cutting to capture all the metal shavings. He probably has at least 15k on the car since this work. No issues from it.

Gary

 

I see what you're saying, but my 02 driver side valve cover already has the baffle so I wouldn't see the point. The only difference I see is the PCV fitting on top is metal on the Dorman, and has one larger square vent on the inner baffle. My OEM has a rubber fitting on top (press-fit) for the PCV, and three small holes on the inner baffle. EDIT: OEM driver side valve covers for the trucks only had one small hole in their baffles, so ours stock is already more open with three holes.

 

I suppose the point is with one small hole it requires all crankcase gasses to travel the entire length of the valve cover so more oil droplets would fall out of suspension.

This valve cover is a copy of a revised part from GM designed to address oil consumption. The biggest reason given for converting to the ls6 setup is to reduce oil consumption. Here is the bulletin that addresses the redesigned part. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10069032-5448.pdf

Seems like this could accomplish the same goal as the ls6 setup with much less work.

 

Well I know at least on the 02s the valve cover baffles had 3 large holes, not 1 like the trucks. Not sure about previous model C5s

 

What are you doing with the car? That really has an impact on which route would make the most sense.

The issue with the earlier PCV is that by being integrated into the valve cover any hard acceleration would cause your oil to pool near the intake of the valve cover (aft on driver's side). This would send oil right through the valve and into the TB causing a very smoky exhaust (not to mention how bad that is over the long run to your intake and valves!)

If you aren't accelerating hard then this is no big deal and probably the baffled valve covers will help.

If you are tracking the car (which I do) then the BEST alternative is to move forward with the LS6 valley pan. Having the pick up point in the valley cover makes it a lot harder for the oil to get into the system. The conversion really is no big deal. There are several good videos on YouTube walking you through the process.

I have a C5 Z with an custom built 383 stroker which has both LS1 and LS6 parts. Initially we had big problems because the builder (and Forum Vendor) made a critical mistake by using LS6 valve covers and an LS1 valley cover - guess what? No where for the internal pressure to go!!! Anyway, by buying an LS6 valley pan cover and routing the PCV lines to a catch can, the problem was mostly solved (I think that the orifice on the LS6 valley pan cover may be too small to handle the pressure created by a 383 stroker, but that's for another thread!)

Hopefully this was helpful.

Jeff

 

It is a daily driver. I would like to do a track day, but it'll probably never happen. I don't seem to have any smoking. When I swapped the intake i didnt have any oil puddles inside. My only concern was the last time i changed oil the level was low. That got me looking into the PCV system. If nothing else, this thread was just a feeler to see if this had be done before.

 

If its not a track car, I'd just stick with LS1 PCV and add a catch can.
I'm using the 5.3L revised drivers side valve cover, both for the baffling and the metal nipple for a custom 2 catch can setup... this is a track car though.