I can't find the two 1/4-20 bolts that secure this cam cover inside the lifter valley. They measure about .500" deep from the surface of the cover to the cam bearing below. How long of bolts should I buy? Should I put a thread locker on them and what's the recommended torque?

 

Would this bolt work? Dick Miller site has something else mentioning not to use the "bath tub" cover but his instead.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#92316A311

 

Stick something in the bold hole to measure the distance, then get the appropriate length bolts (or cut longer bolts to length).

I did this years ago when I attempted to install a Mondello valley tray. Then I found it would not fit under the Performer 350 intake (after Lynn had assured me on the phone that it would fit) so I don't have anything in the valley now.

 

Huh! You can't get a piece of .050 aluminum to work as a valley tray with a performer intake. WOW

 

I've probably got a couple of those small bolts on a core engine. I don't know where your located and if you want to put your project on hold for a few days. But if you want to go with factory bolts send me a PM or email. If you'd rather I can take some pictures but don't know how accurate my measurements would be on something that short. John

 

I can wait. I'm located in Blue Springs Mo just outside Kansas City. I'm masking it off now to primer then paint sometime this week. Give me a PM if you are willing part with them and I'll give you my address and send money.

 

Yeah, that Mondo piece was a bit overkill anyway. I ended up not using any valley tray and it's been over 15 years with no issues. I pulled the Performer 350 some years back and installed a Performer RPM and the underside of the 350 didn't have any cooked oil on it, so I don't really know if the tray does anything at all.

 

Don't you need to at least plug the two holes above the #2 and #4 cam bearings?

 

It would be great to not have to use the turkey tray this time around. I know there are debates about this but if you didn't have any cooked oil on the underside of the intake, then put me down.

 

I'm not following. Is the concern that oil will lay on top of those bearings and get caked?

 

I don't know that's why I'm asking. Would oil come out from under the bearing and cause a decrease in oil pressure?

 

There is NO load on these bolts. Use whatever fits without bottoming out.
Your kinda overthinking this a bit. Use threaded rod and use nuts.

 

No.