As I get closer to finishing the engine I keep running into expensive details. I first had tall, plain chrome valve covers and decided I didn't want chrome. I then went with extra-tall cast script covers that were too tall and would not fit under a stock brake booster. Now I have vintage M/T valve covers that wouldn't clear the rockers. A set of billet spacers seems to have fixed that.

From what I've read it would be beneficial to have a PCV and a breather. The M/Ts still have the "knock-outs" (?) in place. Do you remove them with a hammer and punch or drill them out?

 

what rockers are you running. M/T clear harlen sharpe rockers

 

They were from Mondello for aluminum heads.

 

I think I tapped mine out with a ball peen hammer and then dressed the edges.

 

I hit it a couple of times but chickened out after no noticable effect. Do they get pushed in (which is what I tried) or from inside out?

 

I hit mine in yes. You could also drill it out along the edges on the back side which would weaken the parting line then hit it from the outside.

 

drill and Dremel cutter?

 

The hammer on ball peen hammer worked great. Hit the edge with a die grinder and the edge smoothed out nicely. Thanks for the help.

 

I had the valve covers powder coated with a silvery finish to match the aluminum heads. I still am planning on painting the recesses gold to match the block and polishing the fins.

I did order an aluminum breather and PCV. The knocked out holes on the valve covers are D shaped. Will a round grommet work or do I need different ones? I hate getting parts that I don’t need that costs too much to ship back. Anyone have a suggestion or source for grommets that will work?

 

The round grommets don't work but the D shaped are available, check your dimensions.

 

$30
both
claims to be factory parts
you will know if they are, because they will fit and work right

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-OLDSMOBI...63ed65&vxp=mtr

 

I got mine at napa. I ordered the online and picked up in store.


I try to stay away from online and 'restoration' shops as much as possible. Local stores let you see the parts, etc, and if they don't work, you don't have to pay for return shipping.

 

Can anyone see if this is "tall" type valve covers, get mine from ebay today but they look so small.. i can see its about 7.5cm total (its about 2-61⁄64in?) ,but they should be 3-3/8" ?! the 307ci covers looks same height...

 

That looks like a short cover to me.

 

I use the following when I run the M/T valve covers:

Grommet - Dorman Part No 42067 + a push-in breather

Grommet - Dorman Part No 42314 + a PCV - Wells Part No PCV76