Vortec heads w/ spacer and early valve covers ?

[uncle]

Anyone that has used spacer on vortec heads to use non center bolt valve covers having any problems with leaks? Want to go this route but not if major leak problems are gonna be a concern. Thx in advance.

[hugger6933]

I think you will be fine although I have never used them, the rail is so tall on the center bolt heads you could just about not run a gasket and have less of a leak than the old perimeter type covers. If using old covers just make sure to hammer and dolly the holes flat if they are distorted and if you can use spreader bars at least on the bottom to help avoid a leak[but I don't think there will be a problem]
May I ask why you want the old style is it for looks of the old style? Or are you just trying to make a factory appearance with updated flow tech? Jim

[uncle]

Just want old look. Probably run lt1 (old style) covers.

[uncle]

Anyone used these?

[saon]

I tried them from jegs, had o-rings around them to seal to the head surface. Put them on fresh aluminum clean heads and they leaked like crazy!! took them off and installed vortec steel covers painted, sealed up perfect.

[special-K]

I have the same concern for adding headaches for the sake of vanity. For each seal you add you add another chance to leak. Same reason I avoid extra unions in my brake lines. The issue is not so much if center bolt type leak less than old-style. This issue is now you will have both.

I build my trucks to be vintage style. If I wanted modern I'd just get used to the style of a newer truck and drive the wheels off of it. On my '67 I even swapped the '68 327 heads with '67-back style heads in 64cc and am using LT1/Z28 valve covers and dual snorkle. Have had second thoughts to go with aluminum Vortec heads to better accommodate the bumped-up compression/crappy Ethanol issue better. Just don't want to see modern stuff under my hood. nothing on the truck will be newer than '72