Topic: Valve Cover Gaskets
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Former Member
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New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe /
Snowcrest White /
L48, 350 /
Comp Cam /
Edelbrock Heads /
Cyclone Intake /
Holley Carb /
Holley Fuel Pump /
Patriot Headers /
Dual Exhaust /
Magnaflow Mufflers /
1964 Coupe /
Riverside Red /
L76, 327, 365hp
I just purchased a set of "Corvette" script, 7-fins valve covers for my L48, 350.
What would be the best gaskets to use. I've read that FEL-PRO gaskets are pretty good but they make so many different types. I have also read that you should replace the spark plug tube seals and grommets at the same time you replace the valve cover gaskets.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Chuck
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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Unless you've done some extensive work on the heads of your small block, like....moving the spark plugs up to the top of the heads, you won't be needing to worry about tube seals or grommets! Tube seals/grommets are only used on overhead cam type engines, where the spark plug goes down thru the valve cover.
Any Fel Pro gasket will be fine. I prefer the thicker ones, tho, since they don't seem as susceptible to leaking. Just be sure the the surface of the head where the cover goes on is clean of all old gasket, and dry. The gaskets, whatever kind you use, will always work better when both the valve cover AND the head are dry...no oil, or any sealer.
hth
Any Fel Pro gasket will be fine. I prefer the thicker ones, tho, since they don't seem as susceptible to leaking. Just be sure the the surface of the head where the cover goes on is clean of all old gasket, and dry. The gaskets, whatever kind you use, will always work better when both the valve cover AND the head are dry...no oil, or any sealer.
hth
Joel Adams
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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.
Hey Chuck, nice choice! 
Assuming the set you ordered have holes for PCV and breather? Also, they should have an oil baffle underneath the holes so so oil shoots up into the PCV and breather.
Have fun!!
Paul
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Former Member
Send PM
New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe /
Snowcrest White /
L48, 350 /
Comp Cam /
Edelbrock Heads /
Cyclone Intake /
Holley Carb /
Holley Fuel Pump /
Patriot Headers /
Dual Exhaust /
Magnaflow Mufflers /
1964 Coupe /
Riverside Red /
L76, 327, 365hp
Yes they drilled the holes for the PCV valve and the breather.
They also installed the grommets.
They do have baffles.
I'll probably use the Fel-Pro gaskets.
Thanks for the input.
Chuck
Chuck
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.
Just checked out the site. Very nice stuff. Ilike the side mount for the breather and pcv. Way cool!!
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops
Former Member
Send PM
New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe /
Snowcrest White /
L48, 350 /
Comp Cam /
Edelbrock Heads /
Cyclone Intake /
Holley Carb /
Holley Fuel Pump /
Patriot Headers /
Dual Exhaust /
Magnaflow Mufflers /
1964 Coupe /
Riverside Red /
L76, 327, 365hp
And their service is great, too. I talked to the owner of the company. He has his own C2 Vette. He called to make sure I got the correct sizes for the PCV valve and breather hole. They also have their own machine shop to drill the holes. The "Corvette" script is officially GM licensed.
I got my covers in one week. I was very pleased.
Chuck
Former Member
Send PM
New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe /
Snowcrest White /
L48, 350 /
Comp Cam /
Edelbrock Heads /
Cyclone Intake /
Holley Carb /
Holley Fuel Pump /
Patriot Headers /
Dual Exhaust /
Magnaflow Mufflers /
1964 Coupe /
Riverside Red /
L76, 327, 365hp
Yes, they are.
- Strong sand-cast aluminum construction
- Thick side walls and gasket flanges that will not bend when bolts are tightened
- Cast-in internal baffles
- Mounting hardware included
They seem to be very high quality to me. The covers, drilling the 2 holes, the 2 grommets, and shipping cost me a total of $333. I didn't think that was too bad - especially when I saw some for as much as $500, elsewhere.
Chuck
What is the web site to get these?
(click to see a larger image)
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Former Member
Send PM
New Albany, OH - USA
Joined: 8/17/2010
Posts: 173
Vette(s): 1980 Coupe /
Snowcrest White /
L48, 350 /
Comp Cam /
Edelbrock Heads /
Cyclone Intake /
Holley Carb /
Holley Fuel Pump /
Patriot Headers /
Dual Exhaust /
Magnaflow Mufflers /
1964 Coupe /
Riverside Red /
L76, 327, 365hp
PML Your Covers.com is the website. I have pasted the following link to the covers I ordered.
Like I said, I was impressed with their service.
Chuck
in Forum: C3 Engines
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