..do you pull the passenger side valve cover on a 455 to replace a leaking gasket on a 1972 Cutlass with factory air and Hooker Competition headers?

I can not see a way to get to the rear lower valve cover bolt short of pulling the damn engine.....

There has to be a trick... right?

 

I just got done replacing the valve covers on mine and I used a number of tools to get it off and back on again. A ratcheting wrench seemed to be the best since a socket wouldn't fit and a there's no room to work an open end wrench. I also used a drill with a bunch of socket extensions and a flexible u-joint extension to help tighten it back up.

 

are your valve covers notched ? the A body w BBO had a VCs that were flattened (notched) on the rear corners to clear the ac box and brake booster.

for another good time try removing the spark plug next to the AC box

 

I use 1/4" drive with a 3/8" universal socket with a 2" short extension and another universal with another extension on a 1/4" drive ratchet.

 

This morning I have found an easy way to get to the bottom pax side valve cover bolt. I put my 69 442 on my 2 post lift and that bolt will be easy least to get in and out. Sure is taking the pain in the *** out of this little project. Now I'm just waiting for my valve cover gaskets.