valve cover clearance?

[Roachgod]

I have a 1970 Custom10 that i'm about to swap the 350 with a rebuilt 454. Has anyone here got a bigblock in one with edelbrock elite valve covers and a 10" brake booster? I'm not sure if those covers will clear the booster or not.
if you have measurement from the stock big block valvecover to a 10" booster I could do the math for my covers.

[dennislbrooks]

you could change it to a hydroboost

[Roachgod]

I thought about that but wasn't sure how that would act on the 70 brake system. My motor is in the original truck right now I had to break it in 500 miles . The original is a 1979 1 ton chevy with hydraboost. All the mechanics here say it sucks and wouldnt i need the steering box for a hydraboost?I figured I might need one of those 7" racing boosters but didn't want to spend $350 on it if I don't have to. I also might steal the engine mounts from the 79 . the turbo 350 has to go also. i have a good turbo 400 waiting for a home.

[dennislbrooks]

If you have power steering now then all you need is a hydro, hoses, and maybe a cooler.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=175714

[Roachgod]

Thanks for the link. I was going to sell the 79 1ton body but now i'll stip it. I just put like 70bucks worth of hydroboost lines on it that sonds like the right ones for my swap. BTW I have been told the rear end in the 79 is a dana 60 and i know it leaves two marks on burnouts any idea if I should hang on to it for the 70 someday or is that too different?

[QKENUF4U]

how tall are the ELITE series covers ? i just measured mine with the MT covers and i have lots of room but its around 4-4.5" from the gasket surface to the booster.

[Roachgod]

They are 4 7/8" on the outside .
What motor mounts do you have on that bigblock?

[clay68c10]

I have the stock height valve covers and the single diaphragm booster. I have 1 3/4 inch clearance to the edge of the booster.

[Roachgod]

I just have to try I guess. I dont mean to whine but it sucks doing this outside in Texas summer, not that it hasn't been done before or will be done again. I'll just stab the motor with the mounts from the 79 1ton and remove the booster and master cylinder if I have to and loot the hydroboost off of the 79 1ton chevy.Thanks for all the replies. Eric

[longhorn70gmc]

RoachGod,
Nice truck. I just traded for a Custom/10 just like yours but mine was originaly gold. Looks good. As for the Valve covers, I had to go back to original on my 402 BB in my longhorn.
Respectfully

[Roachgod]

I threw out the stock ones. but would gladly buy some other ones that would clear my crane roller rockers. I would really prefer aluminum over steel ones though. Anyone got some that fit?

[rage'nrat638]

i don't have a big block in the 69 but..in my 85 i had the elite covers and just could not use the because they were to tall, much taller than most tall covers. i even had a 7" booster in there.. but needed to remove the covers all the time for valve adjustments..i wound up buying new covers the ones pictured...i don't know what elelbrock was thinking...the square corners kill them..most others are rounded...mark

[Roachgod]

Thanks man, if yours wouldn't fit with a 7" booster and a sbc there's no way in hell mine will fit. That really sucks for me cause I got the matching air cleaner and i'm probably anal enough to change both.

[kwmech]

[QUOTE=Roachgod]Thanks for the link. BTW I have been told the rear end in the 79 is a dana 60.

Rear axle in that truck should be a GM 14 bolt with 13'' brakes

[chevymad]

Alot will depend on how far back you mount the 454 too. I used a 74 motor mount/crossmember setup and a set of chrome repop chevelle low rise valve covers. My passenger side cover is within 1/4" of edge of the firewall. There's about 1/2" on the drivers side. The motor could have gone a bit further forward because there's 1.5" of space from the fan to the radiator. Not sure on the power brake booster cause I dont have one. lol

[Roachgod]

Thanks for all the tips you guys. There are so many variations it's really hard to tell unless someone had the same exact setup. Last sat. i pulled the vortech 350 out with the help of a friend. And yesterday he had some drunk illeagal w/out insurance rear end him at about 70mph and totaled his gmc with the vortech still in back. As soon as we put his motor from his wrecked truck into his 4x4 camaro so he can get to work when he has recovered we'll get back to mine. I think I'll use the motor mounts from my 79 1ton and cut and mig any firewall issues. I'll also probably just get the expensive chrome mini booster with master if it will clear those stupid valve covers. Once I get the motor in I'll know what i'm dealing with. Once again thanks for all the help. Eric

[Roachgod]

Don't mean to top post, really but would solid motor mounts help lower the motor without any serious drawbacks besides vibrations?

[jhow66]

Here is how a 502 clears (came from factory with 402 )-close

[OLDROCK&ROLLER]

I have billet specialties valve covers they are 3.5" tall and there's 1" clearance between them and the brake booster. I would have to remove it to take off valve covers. sorry no pic on dial up.