nmp0098

As I understand it, the VLOM that is used on DOD/AFM equipped engines only supplies oil to the lifters when the solenoids are activated. If I replace the lifters, trays, and disable DOD in the calibration, why would I need an LS2/3 valley cover? It seems like there would be no difference in practice between a vehicle equipped with a VLOM that is never commanded to send oil pressure to the lifters and vehicle equipped with an LS2/3 valley cover. I do have an LS3 valley cover lying around, but the LS4 is effectively a reverse intake engine (when compared to the traditional longitudinally mounted engines) and I have modified the mounting bung of the oil pressure sending unit to clear an LS6 intake manifold. It would be a pain to modify another valley cover, and I would need to get new O-rings as well. Is there something that I am missing?

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

The afm one has the ridges and all built into it, the non afm versions are flat and dont have any of the ridges or humps

nmp0098

So it's just a cosmetic thing? The covers are cheap, but I have everything fitting happily as the car stands now. I did have to modify the DOD electrical connector to clear the intake manifold, so maybe they are prepping people in case they run aftermarket maninfolds.

litle88

iTrader: (20)

Those ridges carry oil in it for the VVT? And afm? and since your deleting it you wont be needing those oil passages any longer.

HSV-GTS-300

By getting rid of the AFM valley cover you're eliminating a bunch of potential places where you can have hidden oil leaks over time (solenoids/Orings etc). Why have oil pressure constantly sitting against 4 solenoids if they're never going to be doing anything.
Another bonus with having a non-AFM valley plate is that you have a half decent PCV foul air scrubbing system underneath the valley plate. If you keep the AFM valley plate all you have is a restrictor (fitting with a drilled hole) in your left valve cover at the rear.

HSV-GTS-300

thompson

iTrader: (4)

We have seen oil pressure issues when using the old DOD valley cover. If you use your LS3 cover it will eliminate the possibility for any loss of pressure in the valley. I would not think twice about replacing the cover. I would say it is a must to be safe.

JIMB

iTrader: (2)

SLP sels take off LS3 valley covers cheap. They take them off maggy installs. Check with them.

nmp0098

I see what you mean about the solenoids being an unnecessary potential point of failure. I also like the LS3 PCV system; the LS4 has it's dirty side PCV in the valve cover. The only issue for me is that I had to cut the OPSU bung at 30*, and then have it TIG'd back together at a 60* angle in order to clear the throttle neck of the LS6 intake manifold. I'd like to swap my ported and milled 243s onto the engine and change lifters and trays this weekend, and the friend that can TIG it back together for me is out of town. I may keep my valley cover for the time being and swap the LS3 cover on when I get a chance to get it modified.

Beau@SDPC

iTrader: (14)

Oil Pressure.

We did a DOD delete on an employees truck and did not change the cover.. 10-20psi at idle.

Changed to LS3 cover and it went back to normal.

thompson

iTrader: (4)

We had a similar experience. Ran it for a while to see how it would effect the bearings, removed and inspected at less than 20k. The bearings looked like they had 300k on them.

1lejohn

iTrader: (9)

Another thing to think about even if you do swap covers the block still has oil passages dead heading against the new cover and O rings. We drilled and tapped the passages and put set screws in them.

427

iTrader: (3)

If somebody has low miles take out DOD parts they would sell cheap I would like to buy them. Please email me at kuperf427@yahoo.com if you have some parts for sale.

Kurt

nmp0098

Just to follow up, I talked my buddy into trying out his TIG (he's a great MIG welder and metal worker) and I got the LS3 valley cover onto the engine. I didn't tap the oiling feeds as I believe the gaskets will do just fine at the job they are designed for. I see good oil pressure at idle. I T'd the new PCV dirty side together with the old PCV dirty side in the back valve cover (transverse V8) and the system looks good as a whole. The only note I'd like to add is that if you reuse the gasket from a DOD VLOM you can't torque the 3 corner bolts properly because there is no gasket material there (the DOD VLOM has metal protrusions in all 4 corners.)

Thanks for the heads up about oil pressure!