Is it necessary to install the valley cover which restricts the return of oil to the openings in the block. I ground these openings to open it up a little and to hopefully help oil return faster. It seems like that cover would slow down the return of oil.

How about using the cover but raising it?

 

There is enough room around the cover. I'd just install it with blue loctite on the bolts--and make sure they aren't too long or they will hit the cam bearings.

 

How much material did you take off? You are only supposed to deburr it, any more and you ruin the lifter valley supports. Any way you can post a pic?

 

the valley cover helps keep hot oil from flying off the camshaft and on to the underside of the intake manifold, where hot oil would heat the intake too much.


bill

 

Thanks for the replies.

What I ground off was burrs and irregular castings to smooth the edges. There is a picture on my recent posting Progress on the 455. If you would like I'll take a close up and post it.

I got the oil pump in tonight and, hopefully, put the pan in place for the last time. Now I have to rework the C heads from the 425 that is in the car now.

 

Ok, I thought you took off a lot of material lol! I hate to send you to Mondello but you would be well served to get a valley tray from them. I don't know who else sells them...just don't spend too much money over there. I have been learning the hard way for the last 2 years that their mechanical parts are junk.

I just pulled my motor to replace bad head gaskets I got from them and broken lifters...but a valley tray should be good, unless you can find it at Dick Miller Racing or Bill Trovato Racing

 

I use the stock cam cover and stock type bathtub intake gasket. It also keeps the oil away from the hot heat riser area of the intake manifold.

 

Thanks! I have a cover on the 425 that is still in the car. I'll use it and possibly raise it a little if it makes sense--I'll calculate the area open on the top of the block and make sure that there is about that much area on the sides of the baffle.

Thanks again!

Another vacation day and I got to work on the car for a few hours and now have to do wife things.... It's her birthday and, since she knows how much money I have in the Delmont, she is expecting a trip to Kay Jewelers. I can't complain since she has been supportive about the whole thing and can't wait to drive it!

 

I second the valley tray from Mondello. It's the only thing I'll buy from them. I bought one for my 330 and IIRC it was $20