Valve covers & refreshing engine area;searching for pics and suggestions

[RuralRoute C-30]

Since I bought this truck in February, when it comes to the engine compartment, the only attention to this area was new belts, plug wires, plugs, air filter immediately and some basic necessities of general engine maintenance since then. The rear and front main seal was also replaced as soon as it got home. (was leaking like the Exxon Valdez!) I feel lucky as it has been a strong motor, even with the unknown history, so this new goal involves just some clean-up and 'minor' upgrades with necessary repairs where needed at this time.

What started this is that recently it appears to have a minor valve cover leak. So I've decided now is a good time for some overdue engine clean-up during the process of replacing the valve cover gaskets soon. (don't we all know to tell the wife that when replacing valve cover gaskets it is required to replace the valve covers at the same time or the warranty is void?) I tried that once...she smiled quietly.

Odd enough, for me, I don't want to go the chrome route. Instead I want something that is easier maintained than chrome, reflects a working truck, but with improvements that look good too.

Anyway, here is what I've got at this time and it isn't pretty!



Not even sure of the age of the motor as it was explained to me it did get a transplant at one time. I do know it is pre-85 learning that when I changed the belts. Yet it runs without complaint and is due some attention to details.

Here is one option I'm thinking about for the valve covers and such:


The other would be the black crinkle version:


A brake controller represents the white & black wire along the firewall. There is definitely some time needed to clean this "room" up. I know it has been awhile and long before I got it. Not really sure where to begin but what is a given is the black firewall where the previous owner apparently thought undercoating was soundproofing?

Reading here and in the 'big book' service manual I understand the pcv and breather is required. Do you just use the breather as the fill-hole for oil? Do pcv valves come in various sizes to accommodate the size of hole the valve cover comes with?

I admit I've never 'played' dress-up with a 350 before. So thought it best I'd start here with the questions like wondering why short vs tall, do you drill the holes if there are none or are needed, are there any valve covers to not buy and do the two suggestions here look like they'll work?

Having seen many a nice engine on this forum it has helped to get an idea of some basic improvements that can be done. So the goal now is to take some time, and obviously some money, to at least get the C-30 refreshed under the hood over the course of this winter.

Suggestions are more than welcome. One thing for certain, it won't be happening overnight since in this case "money not being an object" does not apply here. There is a budget and it is hyphenated with "wap" in every part number. "Wife approval pending".

The good news is she understands leaks need to get fixed...'darn honey, those old valve cover was seriously warped'.

Anyway, thanks for any and all suggestions.

Mark