valve cover gaskets

[76bonanza]

I got my new aluminum valve covers. I am going to get new gaskets what is best rubber, cork, steel inserts, thick, thin? Just need some advice my covers are new.

[lilpup69chevy]

i like the fel pro rubber ones myself, and they are reusable but i also like the thick rubber ones with the steel inserts just gotta put in the stud kits in the heads to accept them either or should be leak free

[76bonanza]

I am using studs now. Do you need them with the thick ones because they are longer?

[70rs/ss]

The thick gaskets came about to give a little wiggle room when running roller rockers under short valve covers. If you have AC you cant use the tall style valve cover, and the short (stock) height will not clear roller rockers, so if you use a thicker gasket, that little extra room allows rollers, AC, and the use of the stock height covers. That being said, if you don't have AC and can run short or tall covers, then the thick or thin gaskets can be used and there is no diifference in sealing. I like cork, hat e rubber cause they split, but the stell reinforced are the ticket but more $$$. Cork seals great and they are reasonably priced, so you decide, its your ride!