Hey all,
After an upgrade to an edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor, I’m looking to get new valve covers as I discovered a leak on the passenger side cover near the firewall, probably due to the cheap $20 autozone valve covers. Anyone with light-moderate modifications have any recommendations for what you run?
Much Thanks!

 

I have factory steel valve covers and don't have any issues with leaks. I made sure the bolt hole areas were flat, used the thick Fel-Pro rubber gaskets, and torqued the bolts to spec. First time in 50 years that the covers didn't leak.

 

Rocket Racing and Edelbrock offer rubber valve cover gaskets with a steel core, they work the best now that the Felpro Permadry rigid core valve gaskets are discontinued. I found straight Ultra Black worked the best with cheap chrome valve covers, they are a bitch to seal.

 

I use the Mahle cork-rubber valve cover gaskets for the OEM valve covers on my 1971 350 sbo.

 

Order the thick blue fel pro gaskets for anything.
there $.. but ..no issue.
Same with trans pan gaskets the blue works.

 

Cheap valve covers can flex a lot, and OE ones tend to be torn up. Need one with a nice flat surface. I like to silicone the gasket to the valve cover (removes one leak surface). Do not overtighten! Going too tight will quickly cause leaks!
You can post a parts wanted ad on here if you want an OE set. Several guys responded when I was looking for some a few months ago.

My current trick - which I also need to do since I'm running the smaller Olds script covers and roller rockers - is to get a 3/8 spacer from Rocket Racing and silicone that to the valve cover. Now you definitely have a solid, flat surface. Need new fasteners, too, but good time to switch to studs which make installation so much easier.

 

I have a very nice set of factory covers off a 1966 442 400 engine..if interested.