Topic: After market valve cvrs. pros/cons
in Forum: C3 Engines
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
I want to replace my stock 350 valve covers with either chrome or polished alum. Are there brands or types to avoid? (one piece,two piece,finned, etc.) Are some prone to leaking or discoloration?
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Former Member
Send PM
Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Avoid the cheaper stamped steel chrome valve covers. They might look great but the steel is of very thin gauge and is "springy"...you'll have a hell of a time keeping them sealed. The springiness makes the bolts back off and you'll be regularly re-torquing them and wiping up oil seepage. I speak from experience on that.
If you buy stamped steel valve covers, make sure they're a good brand and of heavy gauge steel. Cast aluminum valve covers don't seem to have this problem, though they're a bit more expensive to begin with.
There's lots of good looking covers to consider...both stamped steel and aluminum. Find the look you like and get the best one that suits you.
If you buy stamped steel valve covers, make sure they're a good brand and of heavy gauge steel. Cast aluminum valve covers don't seem to have this problem, though they're a bit more expensive to begin with.
There's lots of good looking covers to consider...both stamped steel and aluminum. Find the look you like and get the best one that suits you.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Ditto all of Bruce's comments. The cheap, thin gauge, stamped steel covers are just that...cheap
Also(just a personal thing here), the chrome covers are much harder to keep clean, imo. Aluminuminum covers won't show fingerprints, or smudges like shiny shiny chrome...I'm lazy, so the less time I have to spend cleaning stuff, the more I like it!
Also(just a personal thing here), the chrome covers are much harder to keep clean, imo. Aluminuminum covers won't show fingerprints, or smudges like shiny shiny chrome...I'm lazy, so the less time I have to spend cleaning stuff, the more I like it!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I bought a set of L-82 Style Valve Covers off eBay, which actually came from Corvette America and I'm really happy with them and they look great. I actually got them cheaper off eBay then if I had went thru CA 
Heres some pictures Valve Covers 1 Valve Covers 2
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117 
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I went with Billet Specialties from Summit racing - superior product, no leaks and cross flags!!!
See signature...
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
I liked the Edelbrock aluminum covers. Don't get the tall ones if you have A/C. No leaks or problems so far and they look good.
Larry
The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!
Great input guys, thanks. I get a little lazy myself at times, so the aluminum might be alot easier, but man those pics of the shiney stuff sure look good, and I am a little partial to "crossed flags". I swear I don't know how you guys keep those engines and engine compartments soooo clean! 
I also got a set from Billet Specialties. Very high quality valve covers!
1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
cilrah, great looking motor like them covers. Hey while looking a pictures of your motor got a suggestion for you. Use some of that exhaust dress up stuff on your exhaust manfolds. Also use it on your master cylinder works great. Your engine looks great but using that dress up stuff will really make it BLING. Just a though nice car, take care.
sgm2004 2007-09-21 19:01:36
sgm2004
AKA/ Guy
[QUOTE=sgm2004]Use some of that exhaust dress up stuff on your exhaust manfolds. [/QUOTE]
cilrah 2007-09-22 11:40:30
Thanks Guy I've got some CALYX Manifold Dressing on order, I saw it on Steve's (WETVET) Vette at the gathering in Carson City, man what a difference it makes.
I know about the Master Cylinder, my son looked at that picture and though the MC was a Cinn-a-Bun 
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
in Forum: C3 Engines
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)