Hello, I am further planning my 455s exterior re-freshening before installing in 77 D88 Pace Car. The goal is "look stock". This is the same engine on the test stand that I posted Flickr photos of earlier.

The Edebrock "Performer Olds 455" aluminum intake is "not stock" but that's staying.

I have Milodon 85640 chrome valve covers on there now - they are the main element I need to change. Not only are they not stock-appearing but also have "no provision for PCV valve" and "breather not made to work with stock air cleaner's various pipes and fittings".

I have the Comp Cams 1-442 kit on C Heads. I now cannot recall whether I needed the increased height of the Milodon's covers, or Not.

"Will OEM valve covers fit over my valve train?"
"Which particular OEM valve covers?"

$64k - "Will the stock 1977 403 valve covers fit this 455 w/ Comp Cams 1442 kit?" This would be the best move for me re my goals.

Thanks

 

I'd try the stock covers for clearance on the stand but you may need notched BB covers once you get it in the car.

 

stock covers will fit over comp cams rocker kit. you may have to use double gasket at most

 

I think that people have had clearance issues with the locks but one vendor sells shorter ones. I can't remember which.

 

I got my short poly locks from Mark, Cutlassefi, under stock notched valve covers. HS roller rockers Thick Mr Gasket gaskets.

 

I have the Mr Gasket poly locks / Comp Cams rockers on my engine and used the thicker rubber Fel Pro valve cover gaskets and have no issues with rocker clearance.

 

Thanks.

Is there a vendor to recommend other than this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/69-70-71-72-...-/390020456472

Thanks

 

So...the link above was to a product sold by Inline Tube aka MotorCity Super Cars for $165.

I also see these sold by thorntonmusclecars.com for $179 (basically the same money):

http://thorntonmusclecars.com/produc...d-valve-covers


Are these "the same parts" (made from the same stamping), or is there one retailer who is selling a better 455 notched valve cover than another?

Thanks

 

Anyone? Class, Anyone?

Has anyone purchased a new pair of "notched 455 valve covers" from any vendor, including the two previously noted (Inline Tube & Thornton)?

I took my '77 Quadrajet to my favorite re-builder over the weekend...now I just need to lock down my valve cover choice to keep this party moving. Its going to be Stealth-O-Rama all the way - I'm excited.

Looking forward to hearing any feedback re: purchasing new notched 455 valve covers.

Thank you

 

I have no 1st hand experience but I'd imagine that they are coming from the same plant (most likely in Taiwan).
There is always used examples available if you check this site or EBay.

 

I got an OPG catalog in the mail today...they list their notched 10 bolt valve covers #C240690 @ $156.99.

Can anyone comment re whether these are "the same" or "different" (or even perhaps "better" or "worse" than either the Inline Tube or Thornton parts?

Thanks

 

"Notched " valve covers has nothing to do with the rockers fitting under them so why spend $180 for them? If you want stock go on Ebay and buy a set of used factory covers and get then sand blasted and use thick gaskets or double up for less than $100.

 

I am very much aware that the notches do not provide increased valvetrain clearance. The point of discussing them here was "factory stampings, both Notched as well as Not, clear the CompCams kit".

I want the factory notched covers re clearing the HAVC suitcase and the brake booster on '77 BBody. Perhaps these will prove "unnecessary" - or maybe theyll just end up looking awesome instead.

Re your prescription - I have two kids under 5 (thus "no time") and also no sandblaster. Therefore Im willing to exchange dollars for a new awesome part requiring "no work".

 

I know for a fact the rocker kit will fit under a stock valve cover, with a stock gasket, with short polylocks. I have used that kit on several engines over the years, all worked well with no problems.

 

I think that's the key.

 

What's the length of a short poly lock?

 

100% correct.

 

That is, indeed, 100% correct:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsm1rtbKU

The regular 10-bolt cover with the regular FelPro cork gasket fits over the CompCams 1-442 roller-tip rockers without incident.

 

100%
Mine the baffles had to be removed with stock covers, everything is fine