5_LTR_ETR

i bought the ebay fabbed valve covers and the felpro gaskets i bought are "stretch to fit" and the inner flange (or lack of) won't hold the gaskets in place. is there a good gasket that i can just adhere to the cover that doesnt need to be stretched?

White Lightning

iTrader: (9)

felpro makes a cork/steel gasket for center bolt covers. im currenty running a set. they were pretty pricey but a heck of alot better than the stretchy fit ones

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

I always RTV'd the stretch-to-fit gaskets to the valve cover. Makes removal/installation a hundred times easier!

Puck

iTrader: (17)

I also RTV'd a reusable rubber gasket to my cantons - made installation a ton easier and they never leaked a drop.

If you don't do it that way, its a PITA to get the small tabs to hold the gasket in place and you'll probably have leaks.

5_LTR_ETR

this is exactly what i planned to do but like i said i cant get the gasket to stay on the cover once it is stretched out.... the inner flange is only like a 1/8" tall at best. wish i had like 20 little c-clamps right about now.

speed_demon24

iTrader: (6)

I remember the gm gaskets not having to be stretched much at all compared to the fel-pro gaskets.

RGSS

iTrader: (2)

I have the ebay fabbed valve covers in the picture and used the felpro cork gaskets with steel like white lightning suggests RTVd to them. Seal is perfect and you can remove and install them without leaks.



You can see a part of the gasket here:

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

Fel pro perma dry I think it is. They're blue rubber with a steel backbone. Best gaskets I've ever used.

5_LTR_ETR

thanks guys. i think im gonna go to a dollar store and find a bunch of little clamps and just try to rtv these things down. otherwise it sounds like steel/cork would be the answer. hate to hand out the big bucks to gm.. i think it was like $75 or something rediculous like that locally

5_LTR_ETR

ya thats what im looking for... basically what i have but has the steel to hold them in place/shape any idea on a part number?

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

I don't. I've used them on small block fords mostly. Auto zone usually stocks them though

5_LTR_ETR

ok thanks. i'll check what they have tomoro. its just nice to go in with a part number instead of dealing with some of the air heads here.

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

Try these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FE...443R/?rtype=10

5_LTR_ETR

never thought about using the conventional sbc gaskets.. shouldn't have any sealing issues though i would imagine

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Exactly. The valve covers I've used in the past I would stretch the valve cover gasket a bit, apply RTV on the four corners and call it good.

quik95lt1

iTrader: (7)

yea those fel pros suck like that............i use them i just get four pieces of masking tape and tape the corners of the gasket to the cover pop the conver on and lightly tighnten it then slide the pieces of tape out then tighten the cover down.......kinda gaffff but it works lol

Wicked94Z

iTrader: (26)

perimeter bolt valve covers ftw! also the felpro permadry gaskets are top notch, I've used them many times without any leaks I'm aware of.

qc97z

iTrader: (9)

The Perma-Dry's for SBC/LT1 are a matte finish blue rubber, but they do not have a steel layer. I run them, they're great.

Soak the gaskets in HOT water for awhile, they'll be easy to stretch and won't try to go back to their original shape as quickly. I used "Right Stuff" sealant on the valve cover side. Leave the head side dry. Seals like a dream, and re-usable time and time again.

5_LTR_ETR

well i ended up with the cork gaskets with the steel inside... bad choice? maybe.. but im tired of dicking around and these will go right on. i kinna wish i had thought about the hot water idea before i went and returned them but oh well. if they leak.. good excuse to pull em and take a look inside