I know this is probably not possible but can I run the early staggered bolt pattern Corvette valve cover on a regular later model 283 head? Was thinking a riser underneath drilled out to fit staggered pattern ? I really dig these chromed valve covers or I wouldn't bother with it. Thanks
Yes you can, exactly like you said. Make a 3/8" inch aluminum or steel exact copy of your VC gasket with one set of holes tapped and the other hole countersunk. It is close but can be done. Pat
Yep.As 1934 coupe said make a spacer.I run Offy no hole covers on my 1970 heads.I put on a gasket,then the spacer then a gasket.Paint it the engine color.Guess you could use gasket in a tube to reduce the stack if the spacer is good,and flat.
Or, if you don't have the tools or ability to make a spacer/adapter, commercially made ones are available, but they are fairly costly. I am butch/56sedandelivery.
I just marked the head then drilled and tapped the head for 10-32. Then I installed the valve covers using sealer, good quality screws being careful while tightening them. It worked fine. Back then I was young and didn’t realize “you can’t do that”. Come to think of it, I did just the opposite of what you want to do, I put later covers on early staggered heads. If I did I today I’d probably try 12-24 screws. Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Valve cover adapters are fun to make. I usually use 1/4 or 3/8 aluminum but I have used laser cut 10 ga steel. I've done regular staggered or not SBC covers to center-bolt heads and SBF to SBC in aluminum. I recently did adapters in steel for Y-block T-Bird aluminum covers to a SBC. No particular reason other than I could and that the aluminum Y-block covers are the most handsome valve covers ever made. One man's opinion anyway.
They are aluminum. I have polished them and they look great. You can get the later ones that have the holes straight across. Try to trade them it will be easier then making a riser.
The Jalopy Journal
