Valve covers

[markallen]

Looking through a jegs catalog and got to wondering what's the difference in a $30 set of chrome valve covers and a $500 set...were these things handcrafted by elves and polished with fairy tears????? I realize that you would need taller ones for roller rockers and what not but other than that what's the difference?
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[jocko]

big diff between the quality of chrome and polished cast aluminum. chrome covers are basically just like factory covers - just chromed. in other words, they will deform when overtightened, etc. cast aluminum (polished or not) are higher quality, generally speaking.

Bottom line, unless you have a $100K show car, I'm not sure I can see paying $500 for ANY valve covers, but SOMEtimes you get what you pay for.

Having said that, I have paid a few hundred bucks for very good condition old vette script cast valve covers. To me, nothing beats the factory hi perf stuff, it's just cool. For our ol trucks, I stick with stock, but if I WERE to hot rod one, it'd get the old vette covers.

But, to answer your question, the difference is quality between chrome steel and cast aluminum. But, it's NOT a $470 difference... Just don't overtighten the chrome steel ones and you're fine. Some prefer chrome, I tend to shy away from shiny these days - just me tho.

[special-K]

Without a link or description,I can only assume the $500 ones are the low production hand fabricated in the USA aluminum ones and the $30 ones are the mass produced,in a country where few have seen a V8,and plated using the cheapest/fastest methods. Their elves and fairies aren't paid as well,either

[cdowns]

the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten


cheapo chrome valve covers rarely have baffewls and the pcv system sucks a bunch of oil into the engine and they call you smokey

[68gmsee]

^ True, cdowns

I bought the cheap chrome ones about 20 years ago and still have them but they're somewhat rusty. They're okay to get you by but I prefer original ones. If you can find a decent pair at the j-yard and clean and paint them, they would be better than the "cheesy" chrome ones you see in all supposedly hot-rodded vehicles.

[Ft.ValloniaStreaker]

35 years ago I got a pair of chrome valve covers for my birthday, I just didn't like them....I say spend your time and $ finding an old set of scrip Chevrolet covers paint them to your liking and enjoy. Remember, chrome don't get ya home..............and now I have 98 cents left, what to do, what to do....lol

[kcsa75]

I think the answer to your question comes down to what you like and what you can afford. I have Edelbrock Signature Series because I like the chrome and I could afford them. I think you can pick up a set about anywhere for less than $50. I bought the valve covers and matching air breather used on eBay for about $35 bucks. I had to spend a few minutes polishing, but that's OK. And to cdowns' point, these have baffles.

I've picked up a couple sets of "script" covers at swap meets, but they didn't have holes for PCV or to add oil, so I cleaned them up, threw on a coat of orange paint and sold them for a profit.

[Madtat]

[special-K]

I've had good luck with chrome valve covers. They're just stamped steel like OEM. You do have to keep on them or they'll rust around here. If you have a leaky motor they're easier. There's all kinds of valve covers for all kinds of prices,just like engines. I guess if you have some crazy-built high dollar engine you don't mind the cost of valve covers that look like they were hand made.

[67ctener]

If you think 500 is crazy billet specialties has 1k plus LS valve covers.
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[GASoline71]

I have been using plain Jane chrome stamped steel cheapie valve covers for eons. It's all in how you bolt them on, and the gaskets you use. Mine don't leak and the PCV system works just fine.

Gary

[Sicklajoie]

I get a lot of compliments on mine. I was going to go with black or orange originally but chickened out and went with gray. I'm glad I did now.

[SCHRUMGMC]

How much is one of them Chevy Air breathers

[markallen]

I suppose the better question would be about comparing two of the less extremes...what does say a $200 pair have that a $100 pair doesn't

Is cast aluminum vs. stamped steel and plain vs. pretty really the only differences?
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[Andy4639]

What about a set of Carbin fiber covers for $979.99!

[markallen]

Haha ill just sell my tuck and put in an order for a set
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[cdowns]

i got all these for 20-25 a pair

[volksworld]

i'd say its exactly the same as the difference between steel wheels and a set of Boyd's or whoever the latest megabuck wheel manufacturer is....its a part that any idiot can install and an attempt to separate the rich ones from their money....

[sKnNyPpY]

What are those black finned ones Cdowns? They are sexy
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[bigmac73]

i would look at the "meat" or surface area for the gasket , i have bought some custom ones before but did not seal very out well and blow out

[big_al_71]

Quality quality quality!!!!!!

same reason I paid $600.00 for billet hood hinges, march pulleys the list goes on and on.

I would not spend the kind of money I put in my truck if it was a rust bucket
When I do spend money I pay for the BEST nothing less do it one time and well done.

[cdowns]

Originally Posted by sKnNyPpY

What are those black finned ones Cdowns? They are sexy
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