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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: 197 on November 06, 2008, 09:20:11 PM

Title: Valve Covers
Post by: 197 on November 06, 2008, 09:20:11 PM
Im looking to replace my stock valve covers on my 73 c20 454. Can anyone link me to a set of nice ones with the gaskets and fasteners?

What do I need for Breaters or PCV? Oil Cap?

Thanks
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: hotrod24 on November 06, 2008, 10:27:46 PM
what brand you looking for?
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: Dragon on November 06, 2008, 10:53:32 PM
Finned Covers:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=CAL%2D196280&N=700+401095+4294908216+115&autoview=sku

Non Finned, But custom embossed flame design or a recessed flame design outlined with heat-resistant red enamel Covers:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=CAL%2D198235&N=700+401095+4294908216+115&autoview=sku

Your Choice on the Breathers:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+401095+115+4294888301
But I would highly recommend one PCV Breather on the Opposite side that you have the Non-PCV Breather, to help keep the Crankcase balanced....
A Summit PCV, if your going with a traditional Push-In Breather, as apposed to a Finned Push-In Style.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D440308&N=700+115&autoview=sku


Plenty of Fastener Choices for you, but it really depends on weither you are going with Cast Aluminum, or Stamped Steel Covers.....  Stamped Steels, I would lean more to using a Fastener, and adding Load Spreader Bars to the mix...  That way you can get proper even pressure to the mounting lip, as they can warp somewhat, either during manufacturing, packaging,shipping, or stocking them on the shelves....   Diecasts are less likely to have the problem, but in most cases a Load Balancing is designed into it already, so you will only need the fasteners(Most Cases you won't have the ability to use anything but the fasteners).....
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?Ntt=Valve+Cover+Fasteners&x=0&y=0&searchinresults=false&Ntk=KeywordSearch&DDS=1&N=700+400065+115

As for the Gaskets, any Local Parts Store can help you with those, but I would suggest a good Quality Dry Type, as you can reuse them several times, and not have to worry about leaks.....
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: eventhorizon66 on November 07, 2008, 10:30:23 AM
If you are looking for something in stamped steel, I like the Proform black crinkle painted covers (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PRO%2D141%2D810&N=700+400405+4294919746+4294908216+4294840133+115&autoview=sku).
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: 197 on November 07, 2008, 04:38:29 PM
Is there like any kits where they have the valve covers, gaskets, hardware and the breaters?

I like these http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PRO-141-810&N=700+400405+4294919746+4294908216+4294840133+115&autoview=sku

But what Breathers fit on it? And just normal gaskets?
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: VileZambonie on November 07, 2008, 06:55:13 PM
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PRO%2D141%2D754&N=700+115&autoview=sku
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: eventhorizon66 on November 07, 2008, 11:25:37 PM
I don't see why you couldn't use normal replacement gaskets.
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: 197 on November 08, 2008, 08:37:27 PM
Im going to probley get the black crinkle ones. I need to get 2 of those breather correct?

Where/What do I do with the PCV hose that is coming out of the stock covers and into the air cleaner?
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: eventhorizon66 on November 09, 2008, 10:17:15 AM
You need one breather and one pcv valve.  To fill the oil, remove the pcv valve and use a funnel with skinny end small enough to fit in the grommet.  You should check the pcv valve at every oil change anyways.

The PCV valve goes to a vacuum source at the carb.  The tube going to the air cleaner is the stock breather (there should be a small filter element for it on the inside of the air cleaner).  You may be able to reuse that if you want.

Also you should know that the valve covers I linked to in the above post are stock height.  They also make a taller height in the same style.  But this taller style only necessary when using aftermarket rockers and stud girdles, and can cause clearance issues if you have all stock equipment (air cleaner, AC compressor, etc.) on the engine.
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: VileZambonie on November 09, 2008, 12:54:20 PM
I got a set of valve covers from here and they have 454 cast into the center

http://stores.ebay.com/ANSENUSA
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: eventhorizon66 on November 09, 2008, 12:59:58 PM
You mean these (http://www.ansenusa.com/shopexd.asp?id=151)?  They don't seem to have them on their eBay store.

Thanks for that company, Vile.  I just found a great set of SBC covers.
Title: Re: Valve Covers
Post by: VileZambonie on November 09, 2008, 07:13:24 PM
yep and I can attest for their quality. They are gorgeous.