Which Valve Covers to Use?
Which Valve Covers to Use? After almost 15 years of looking at the same thing under my hood I'm thinking of finally changing the stock valve covers for something a bit better looking. I've read good and bad stuff from the Cantons, and I've seen the stock height polished aluminum stuff on ebay, etc. What do you guys with aftermarket valve covers recommend? I run the Comp high tech stainless rockers and have the alternator in the stock location. I also run the OTVC wires so what do you guys think will work best for my set up? I'm not opposed to running the wires back in the stock location, too...
Just trying to keep busy this winter. This gives me something to do...
--Alan
Just trying to keep busy this winter. This gives me something to do...
--Alan
Banned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
That's a good question. Seeing how some vets use composite ones. What IS the purpose of the valve cover? Is it just an oil splash and dirt protector, or is it a shield/heat-sink to pull the extreme temps. off the valve train? I switched to a cheap set of chromed ones. They may reflect the heat coming off the headers better than stock? I think someone should make a set with tall heat-sink fins?
I was thinking of powder coating my stocks too!
I was thinking of powder coating my stocks too!
For a really cheap solution...
I just got done pulling off my stock valve covers, sanded them all down to the bare metal. Then, I hit them with 3-4 coats of VHT black wrinkle finish paint. The final product is really amazing. They look gorgeous, and the finish is really even. They look like an expensive set of crinkle valve covers.
The process takes a little bit of time, and the paint needs to cure for 1-2 days but its really worth it. $8 (for the can of VHT) and some elbow grease vs. a couple hundred bucks for new valve covers. I'll try and post some pics later today....
I just got done pulling off my stock valve covers, sanded them all down to the bare metal. Then, I hit them with 3-4 coats of VHT black wrinkle finish paint. The final product is really amazing. They look gorgeous, and the finish is really even. They look like an expensive set of crinkle valve covers.
The process takes a little bit of time, and the paint needs to cure for 1-2 days but its really worth it. $8 (for the can of VHT) and some elbow grease vs. a couple hundred bucks for new valve covers. I'll try and post some pics later today....
I'm running the Cantons, so far so good. I've only seen one tiny spot of slow seepage at the outer back corner, pass side. I used NEW GM gaskets, nothing else would work worth squat. The FelPro blue silicone ones are too short, don't even fit the OE covers (WTF?)
AC, I always liked the old school look of yours, except I still run the alternator in the stock location...and yeah the Cantons are very cool except for the inconsistent sealing issues and, because of their increased height id probably run the wires back under in the stock locations, which is not too bad with the Kooks stepped LTs...I also have a powder coating company about 5 minutes from me and he has lots of color ideas, etc...Anyone use the ones on ebay with the notch already in them for the alternator? and how much clearancing is needed with rocker arms?
--Alan
--Alan
Trending Topics
For a really cheap solution...
I just got done pulling off my stock valve covers, sanded them all down to the bare metal. Then, I hit them with 3-4 coats of VHT black wrinkle finish paint. The final product is really amazing. They look gorgeous, and the finish is really even. They look like an expensive set of crinkle valve covers.
The process takes a little bit of time, and the paint needs to cure for 1-2 days but its really worth it. $8 (for the can of VHT) and some elbow grease vs. a couple hundred bucks for new valve covers. I'll try and post some pics later today....
I just got done pulling off my stock valve covers, sanded them all down to the bare metal. Then, I hit them with 3-4 coats of VHT black wrinkle finish paint. The final product is really amazing. They look gorgeous, and the finish is really even. They look like an expensive set of crinkle valve covers.
The process takes a little bit of time, and the paint needs to cure for 1-2 days but its really worth it. $8 (for the can of VHT) and some elbow grease vs. a couple hundred bucks for new valve covers. I'll try and post some pics later today....
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo AC, I always liked the old school look of yours, except I still run the alternator in the stock location...and yeah the Cantons are very cool except for the inconsistent sealing issues and, because of their increased height id probably run the wires back under in the stock locations, which is not too bad with the Kooks stepped LTs...I also have a powder coating company about 5 minutes from me and he has lots of color ideas, etc...Anyone use the ones on ebay with the notch already in them for the alternator? and how much clearancing is needed with rocker arms?
--Alan
--Alan
For a really cheap solution...
I just got done pulling off my stock valve covers, sanded them all down to the bare metal. Then, I hit them with 3-4 coats of VHT black wrinkle finish paint. The final product is really amazing. They look gorgeous, and the finish is really even. They look like an expensive set of crinkle valve covers.
The process takes a little bit of time, and the paint needs to cure for 1-2 days but its really worth it. $8 (for the can of VHT) and some elbow grease vs. a couple hundred bucks for new valve covers. I'll try and post some pics later today....
I just got done pulling off my stock valve covers, sanded them all down to the bare metal. Then, I hit them with 3-4 coats of VHT black wrinkle finish paint. The final product is really amazing. They look gorgeous, and the finish is really even. They look like an expensive set of crinkle valve covers.
The process takes a little bit of time, and the paint needs to cure for 1-2 days but its really worth it. $8 (for the can of VHT) and some elbow grease vs. a couple hundred bucks for new valve covers. I'll try and post some pics later today....
I had a hell of a time getting my Canton's to seal. The metal tabs wouldn't hold the gasket for squat and they just leaked everywhere. They didn't even sit on the head without rocking (obviously not straight).
If you relocate your alternator, you open up a world of options to valve cover choice/fitment.
If you relocate your alternator, you open up a world of options to valve cover choice/fitment.
Thanks. For a really cheap solution...
I just got done pulling off my stock valve covers, sanded them all down to the bare metal. Then, I hit them with 3-4 coats of VHT black wrinkle finish paint. The final product is really amazing. They look gorgeous, and the finish is really even. They look like an expensive set of crinkle valve covers.
The process takes a little bit of time, and the paint needs to cure for 1-2 days but its really worth it. $8 (for the can of VHT) and some elbow grease vs. a couple hundred bucks for new valve covers. I'll try and post some pics later today....
I just got done pulling off my stock valve covers, sanded them all down to the bare metal. Then, I hit them with 3-4 coats of VHT black wrinkle finish paint. The final product is really amazing. They look gorgeous, and the finish is really even. They look like an expensive set of crinkle valve covers.
The process takes a little bit of time, and the paint needs to cure for 1-2 days but its really worth it. $8 (for the can of VHT) and some elbow grease vs. a couple hundred bucks for new valve covers. I'll try and post some pics later today....
^^ eh... from the picture it looks like battery corrosion, I'm sure in person its better though. I think you should do what he said, w/ sanding down the stockers, degreasing them, and spraying them with metalcast. they have a few colors available and the finish is sweeeeeeeet......but if your money is endless...get CARBON FIBER KATECHS!!! MUAHAHAH
Vette covers FTW
i picked up two pair of these with hardware for like 60 bucks on a vette site. If you get them form gm till run you about 2 bills + the cost of hardware
and yes....there's a ******* in my garage
i picked up two pair of these with hardware for like 60 bucks on a vette site. If you get them form gm till run you about 2 bills + the cost of hardware
and yes....there's a ******* in my garage
I like my CANTONS use cork gaskets with gasketmaker on both sides of the gaskets and it seals perfect! They give the motor that race look that grabs attention. Having my ported intake powdercoated black should look pretty mean when all is done.