My chrome valve covers that came w my engine like to leak..... can anyone recommend a high quality valve cover for a 350? I do not “show” my engine. I’m looking for quality over sparkle!

 

There will be very few replacement valve covers out there. Yeah, those cheap ones leak pretty much no matter what. Get the Edelbrock signature series valve covers, thicker without instant rust and the rubber valve cover gaskets. Rocket Racing and Edelbrock among others sell those gaskets.

 

Stock valve covers and a quality gasket.

 

I agree. Be aware that the later 80s-ish(?) valve covers have only 7 of the 10 bolt holes drilled, so I'd not recommend those - look for the earlier ones with all 10 bolt holes drilled.

 

^^^THIS. If you really must have chrome, take a set of stockers to be plated.

 

The vintage M/T covers come up for sale often, many times in near-new condition and for not a lot of $$ - they're a great period addition and if they haven't been overtightened for most of their past life, seal perfectly. make sure they have the screw-in baffle covers inside though.

 

Your are right 100%. I went through 3 pairs of M/T valve covers, I bought them all online and all leaked, even with RTV, they were painted so you couldn't see the hair line cracks in the Aluminum, people are really shady online so be careful. I found a NOS set of Aluminum Ebrocks here and knew they would not leak since they were never used, I used a thick mr gasket with no RTV and they are dry, point of all this is I wish I wouldnt have wasted all that money on used, buy NOS or new. As noted above you may have to buy or make baffles for aftermarket Alum covers and grommet's.

 

It is a real nice Edelbrock brought back their curved script aluminum valve covers for everybody, AMC and Pontiac included, none for Oldsmobile unfortunately. My aluminum Edelbrock covers also leaked, even with the awesome rigid carrier, now discontinued Felpro Permadry valve cover gaskets. They were leaking on the cover side. I used the best RTV on the market, Permatex Optimum Grey and glued one side to the cover, so far, so good. Obviously these covers being so old, they could be warped and cracked, NOS, especially the Edelbrock version is a great score. These covers also leak in other makes as well FYI.

 

I have a set of original 73-74 valve covers with the Oldsmobile script if you are interested. They need to be stripped and painted. If you are interested I would take $75 plus the trip. Send me a PM if interested.