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I think that the engine cover paint and replace is going to be the most hands on I'll be on this vehicle. I enjoy oil changes, but my dealership provides lifetime free changes so there goes that. I'll stick to simply driving the Game Changer. Not a bad position to be in.
That superman pose is what I was looking to avoid. I'll see how tough it is for me to lean over the side but I'm starting to think it might be better to have a professional wrench take care of the valve cover replacement
I know lots of these "professionals" personally. I promise that you will take better care than they would. Only a great tech would even bother putting a fender protector on to lean in from the side. Do you think they posess any sort of magic that enables them to hover over the engine bay?
I know lots of these "professionals" personally. I promise that you will take better care than they would. Only a great tech would even bother putting a fender protector on to lean in from the side. Do you think they posess any sort of magic that enables them to hover over the engine bay?
it is possible they have special magic to hover over the fenders. There is equipment that allows this, they even use it on tall trucks, and because they are professional shops, they can make the case to spend the money, when an individual might blanche at the cost for a single use.
it is possible they have special magic to hover over the fenders. There is equipment that allows this, they even use it on tall trucks, and because they are professional shops, they can make the case to spend the money, when an individual might blanche at the cost for a single use.
I think a set of fender guards would be cheaper than paying a "pro mechanic" to R&R a pair of valve covers. I would not count on a pro mechanic to use them though, even if they were readily available in the shop. Some will, some won't. I would bet that the odds are maybe 50/50. If it were me, I'd DIY and know for sure.
I think a set of fender guards would be cheaper than paying a "pro mechanic" to R&R a pair of valve covers. I would not count on a pro mechanic to use them though, even if they were readily available in the shop. Some will, some won't. I would bet that the odds are maybe 50/50. If it were me, I'd DIY and know for sure.
Yes, and an old blanket would be even cheaper. But there still special magic equipment to allow them to hover above the fenders, and a pro shop would be more likely to have it than an individual.
I wouldn't have a shop do it either. What are they going to do, take the valve covers off and have the body shop paint the valve covers, or just store the Corvette while the owner paints the valve covers and then brings them back to be installed. For all that you could maybe buy a topside creeper.
Yes, and an old blanket would be even cheaper. But there still special magic equipment to allow them to hover above the fenders, and a pro shop would be more likely to have it than an individual.
I wouldn't have a shop do it either. What are they going to do, take the valve covers off and have the body shop paint the valve covers, or just store the Corvette while the owner paints the valve covers and then brings them back to be installed. For all that you could maybe buy a topside creeper.
I'm bringing my already painted valve covers to the shop and they will just remove and replace the OEM.
After taking a closer look at the engine bay the passenger side valve cover looks like it could be troublesome, but doable, without any extra equipment.
It appears rear access to the C8 engine is gone if you have a HTC. It is only from side over fender and wonderful "hood' is in the way too. Another reason for a coupe. Coupe or real Convertible/Removable HT for me.
To each his own. But I can tell you that in the past a number of people have criticized the Corvette for having an "old-fashioned" soft top when many other brands had HTC.
An alternative for folks with a red car! With LBR I also was not happy having a LBR engine cover and clashing Edge Red valve covers. Considered removing the valve covers and painting but not worth the effort. Then looked at the distance from my LBR fenders etc and the engine cover/valve covers. Far greater than the distance from valve covers and engine covers. In fact looked like with black separating engine cover/valve covers should not be an issue.
Decided best solution was Edge Red Engine cover! Works for me!!
They are not actually valve covers - but coil covers - that is why there is no gasket
They are valve covers and are exposed to oil inside. They are removed when broken valve springs need to be replaced without removing the engine.
The coils are mounted below the heads and are accessed from underneath the car.
Fun Facts:
The valve covers are aluminum and made in China.
Yes, They have gaskets! Preformed rubber ones.
Yes, They can be swapped out.
Is it easy? It's not too bad but you must remove some things that are in the way. If you don't know which parts, you should probably have someone else do it.
Can they be painted, powder coated or polished? Yes!
How much do they cost? Brand New, GM from Rock Auto...about 65 bucks each/2 part numbers. It blows my mind folk are willing to pay 500,600, 800 bucks for painted ones. Do it yourself and save BIG!
