Stupid question, but here it goes...

[bigblock73]

When the term "baffled" is used when referencing to valve covers, what does that mean?

Are the "baffles" on the underside of the cover behind the oil fill hole? When do you need or when don't you need baffles?

I found a pair of VC's I want to buy, and they are not baffled, or in the sellers description, there are no "drippers"

Pleas help, I am baffled by this. (OK, that was sad huh?)

[PHOENIX]

I am pretty positive that the baffled valve covers have baffles welded or bolted to the inside of the cover blocking oil from getting directly to the hole. If you covers dont have baffles you can buy baffled grommets to do the same thing, I dont know how well they work though. If you do have baffles drill a hole in the one you plan to put oil through or you may be there all day pouring oil. You want a baffle anytime the hole it going to be used to vent the covers (to air cleaner, standard breather or pcv), if using for oil fill and you plug the hole with a fill cap then you shouldnt need a baffle.

I purchased a set of Billet Specialties valves covers and it came with these baffles that bolts to the inside of the cover. The one on the left is how it comes, the one on the right is how I modified it to flow oil in faster.



I am pretty sure you're not going to be using an egr with your setup, but for those who are changing valve covers and have egr you may need to purchase another egr spacer and gaskets to raise the egr enough to clear the taller valve covers. Also if you are using stock exhuast manifolds with sheet metal cover for heat into the air cleaner then you need to remove the heat sheild (sheet metal) from the passenger side exhuast manifold or taller and thicker flange valve covers will not fit.

[Captkaos]

Eddie is correct, it will have the above piece welded into the valve cover on stock ones, or bolted as an option.
You want them on the PCV opening so oil won't be sucked up into the engine combustion chamber.

[raceman6135]

The "drippers" the seller is referring to may be describing small triangular pieces of metal that were spot welded to the inside top of big block Chevrolet valve covers.

Factory steel valve covers used to have them. They are positioned directly above the rocker arm studs. As the oil splashed around the valve cover, these triangular shapes of metal directed oil to drip onto the rocker arm balls to aid in lubricating them.

These "drippers" are not often present in tall and/or aftermarket valve covers because they interfere with roller rocker arms.

DJS