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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: Jeff on March 01, 2010, 04:36:13 pm
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This is probably a dumb question, but I'll humiliate myself anyway. I want to replace my old rusty/chrome (short) valve covers. Does it matter that much (mechanically), if I replace them with "tall" valve covers, vice the "short" ones??? I found a reasonable priced set, but they're "tall" valve covers. What are some of the better features that I should be looking for?, I know I will not purchase chrome valve covers. I appreciate your info & comments.
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I dont have experience, but Ive heard that the tall covers contact the brake booster. I suppose a little hammer work would solve the issue, perhaps someone else will chime in.
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I don't think that will be a problem. Did not want to make this a "long story". But, I'll give you the "Paul Harvey-rest of the story". Currently, the 454 is mounted in an '86 GMC K10. I'm removing the '86 GMC body, and replacing these with a '74 C10 (2wd) cab & front clip, and a '76 short bed-step side. Looking at the current installation, there's plenty of room between the brake booster and the valve cover (even, if it were a "tall" valve cover). I believe the location and positioning of these items should be about the same, regardless of year. Thanks for your response.
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The a/c compressor may have clearnace issues, but if you have no a/c, no prob
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I do have a vintage air serpentine belt system, so that is very noteworthy information. I'll check for clearance issues with the A/C compressor and maybe the alternator. Thanks! ;D
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A 2wd cab on a 4x4 will require you to modify the trans tunnel or run a body lift. I'm not a huge fan of the body lift but it will help you with the valve cover/brake booster clearance issue.
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I agree with you with regards to the body lift. Currently, the '86 GMC K10 has a 4" suspension lift. I haven't checked the tunnel yet on the hump of the '86 to see if it is the bolt-on removable type. Haven't got that far yet, as I've been busy working on the other cab. As a minimum, I'd rather cut out the '86 tall hump and "graft" it on the '74 hump for clearance. Thanks for your response. ;D
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yeah i have not run the tall covers with an AC compressor but depending on the brand of tall covers i had edelbrock elite covers at first and i had to loosen off my brake booster to get the covers on...and it left about 1/4 inch clearance between the booster and valve covers.....since then i swaped to comp valve covers and now i have close to an inch and i dont have to loosen off the brake booster...