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tucsonjwt · 03-18-2015, 04:36 PM

I just installed steel core valve cover gaskets made by Magnum and got a set of valve cover "spreaders" off Ebay. I used the factory valve covers (sanded, primed, and repainted with engine primer and paint. So far, two weeks and no leaks.

Not cheap:
Magnum gaskets: $45 from local speed shop
Valve cover spreaders: $25 from Ebay
Engine Primer: $8
Engine Paint: $8
__________________________________________
$86 Total

I think if you get out the "dimples" around the mounting bolt holes on the valve covers (using a block of wood and a hammer/straight edge) and use a torque wrench in inch pounds (about 50 lbs. in my case), then you should have a leak free installation if using steel core gaskets.

I see two problems with chrome covers: 1) They will be aftermarket and not good quality (e.g. thin and cheap chrome) 2) they will look out of place if you don't do a full dress up, which is very costly. Most older chrome valve covers I have seen are rusty.

Cast covers would be good, but they are not cheap either. They will more likely seat better and be flatter, but they are also aftermarket and could likely be tweaked and not seat well. (Reminds me of the mid year Corvette 340 hp/327 which could be distinguished by their factory cast valve covers. Those covers had a casting flaw which revealed a distinct vertical line in the covers. If you replace those covers with identical covers which do not have the line defect, you lose NCRS judging points.)

03-18-2015, 04:36 PM	#4
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,198	Re: my first square body 87 I just installed steel core valve cover gaskets made by Magnum and got a set of valve cover "spreaders" off Ebay. I used the factory valve covers (sanded, primed, and repainted with engine primer and paint. So far, two weeks and no leaks. Not cheap: Magnum gaskets: $45 from local speed shop Valve cover spreaders: $25 from Ebay Engine Primer: $8 Engine Paint: $8 __________________________________________ $86 Total I think if you get out the "dimples" around the mounting bolt holes on the valve covers (using a block of wood and a hammer/straight edge) and use a torque wrench in inch pounds (about 50 lbs. in my case), then you should have a leak free installation if using steel core gaskets. I see two problems with chrome covers: 1) They will be aftermarket and not good quality (e.g. thin and cheap chrome) 2) they will look out of place if you don't do a full dress up, which is very costly. Most older chrome valve covers I have seen are rusty. Cast covers would be good, but they are not cheap either. They will more likely seat better and be flatter, but they are also aftermarket and could likely be tweaked and not seat well. (Reminds me of the mid year Corvette 340 hp/327 which could be distinguished by their factory cast valve covers. Those covers had a casting flaw which revealed a distinct vertical line in the covers. If you replace those covers with identical covers which do not have the line defect, you lose NCRS judging points.) Last edited by tucsonjwt; 03-18-2015 at 04:44 PM.