Valve cover adapters
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 197
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Valve cover adapters Would like to use later chevy center bolt valve covers on my LS2. Guessing that since I don't see any adapters for sale, that it can't be done?
Can anyone confirm whether this is not possible or is it just that nobody sells an adapter?
Thanks!
Can anyone confirm whether this is not possible or is it just that nobody sells an adapter?
Thanks!
Are you referring SBC valve covers? If so adapters are made for the older perimeter style. If you mean late LS covers, the LS2 uses the center bolt LS valve covers (as long as it has the original 243 heads).
TECH Fanatic
Joined: May 2010
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From: Atlanta, Ga
Anything is possible. From a first look it appears that the bolts may be on close to the same plane. The first step would be to see how the early valve cover bolt holes align with the LS. Then make patterns and have them watercut. My first guess is that the adapters might need to be 2 layers laminated. The first a pattern of the LS outline with the center bolt hole pattern. The second being a "spider" early pattern center bolt layout. Then use a double ended stud to hold them together.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix, AZ
They are close and that is probably more an issue than if they were more different. I Need to really think about this. It's a lot of work and I have a bad feeling it will be a leak issue.
I wish I could get these fit down better on the passenger side over top of the LS covers.
Two problem areas are the oil filler neck/cap and the pressed in PCV tube. I will have to hack a big notch in the SBC to clear that thing.
Wish I knew how to get that tube out without trashing anything, but it's really tight and hidden by the baffle.
I wish I could get these fit down better on the passenger side over top of the LS covers.
Two problem areas are the oil filler neck/cap and the pressed in PCV tube. I will have to hack a big notch in the SBC to clear that thing.
Wish I knew how to get that tube out without trashing anything, but it's really tight and hidden by the baffle.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I will go tout take a picture later today if can.
I picked up some long 6mm screws and the holes line up enough that all 4 screws come up thought the SBC cover. They are all a bit off center in the holes, but if I come up with a good method of sealing it, it should work.
I was pretty jazzed to see that they fit that close. I will wait for the adapters to arrive before getting too excited though. Want to make sure all of the gasket surfaces are aligned.
I also will need to slightly modify the spacer bracket on the Holley accessory drive kit, to clear the adhe of SBC cover but it's pretty simple.
Thanks for the help.
I picked up some long 6mm screws and the holes line up enough that all 4 screws come up thought the SBC cover. They are all a bit off center in the holes, but if I come up with a good method of sealing it, it should work.
I was pretty jazzed to see that they fit that close. I will wait for the adapters to arrive before getting too excited though. Want to make sure all of the gasket surfaces are aligned.
I also will need to slightly modify the spacer bracket on the Holley accessory drive kit, to clear the adhe of SBC cover but it's pretty simple.
Thanks for the help.
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
How would a pair of valve covers hide the fact that it is an LS anyway?
Last edited by jozw30; Dec 8, 2014 at 10:15 PM. Reason: Grammar....
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
I purchased a set of the LS to perimeter bolt SBC adapters. I will make the LS center screws into studs instead and use a nut on the SBC cover.
For those really wondering what the heck I'm trying to do, here's a picture of the valve covers I am trying to use.
Original plan was to use these as decorative covers but they just won't sit right without heavy mods.
Last edited by jozw30; Dec 8, 2014 at 11:05 PM. Reason: Grammar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Hey Mike,
Those look cool too! Looks like they used them on top with the coil packs underneath.
Those are the 54-56 style. I have the late forties style covers that are actually cast with SBC mating surface for the hotrodder guys.
I've moved my coil packs to the rear of the heads and want to route the coil wires up and over through the wire loom strip on top.
Thought it would be a cool look and subtle tribute to Olds being as I'm building a 55 88 sedan here. Not planning to use the Oldsmobile sticker on top. Don't want to lose my membership in OCA.....
Those look cool too! Looks like they used them on top with the coil packs underneath.
Those are the 54-56 style. I have the late forties style covers that are actually cast with SBC mating surface for the hotrodder guys.
I've moved my coil packs to the rear of the heads and want to route the coil wires up and over through the wire loom strip on top.
Thought it would be a cool look and subtle tribute to Olds being as I'm building a 55 88 sedan here. Not planning to use the Oldsmobile sticker on top. Don't want to lose my membership in OCA.....
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 197
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Appreciate all input Mike. Thanks!
I should have the adapters in the next day or so. I also found some M6 threaded rod locally.
I will post my results good or bad once I have a chance to put it all together.
I should have the adapters in the next day or so. I also found some M6 threaded rod locally.
I will post my results good or bad once I have a chance to put it all together.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 197
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Here's a look at what I came up with. Still need to make some spacers inside to prevent over-torquing and am still fiddling around with the wire retainers and placement, but I have plenty of time to sort that out.
Think it looks pretty cool.
Thanks for all of the help!
Think it looks pretty cool.
Thanks for all of the help!
I'd say, mission accomplished! Since you are putting this in an Olds, I would use a nice Oldsmobile emblem/decal/sticker on them, perhaps something nostalgic looking like an old Delta 88 emblem(didn't you say it was going into a '55 88?). Your fellow OCA members should remember Olds used GM 'corporate' engines in their cars back in the '80s, you're taking it a few decades further back...LOL.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 197
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Thanks! I will take some time and try to come up with something cool for the wire retainers. If got time. I'm still sorting out what color I want to paint the engine and may not do that until I get the car back for me body shop.
So I've got time. Here's a couple pictures of the car. I just got it off the rotisserie and back onto the chassis for final mockups. It'll go back on the rotisserie at the body shop for him to finish up the bottom side.
So I've got time. Here's a couple pictures of the car. I just got it off the rotisserie and back onto the chassis for final mockups. It'll go back on the rotisserie at the body shop for him to finish up the bottom side.