Was thinking about picking up a set of cheaper no name finned aluminum valve covers, I need centerbolts, do these have issues with cracking and leaking? Is there an affordable name brand set anybody can recommend? Thanks. Id actually like to find a matching oval air cleaner to.
What motor are you talking about? The reason I'm asking is I don't think they make cheap finned valve covers for Olds or Y-block Fords which are center bolts. If you're talking about the later sbc I don't recall seeing the finned aluminum for those. I've seen chrome, though.
Hey sorry forgot to mention it is a later model 350 chevy with centerbolts, I have seen them new on ebay with hardware, baffles etc. but if they are total junk I do not want to waste my time or cash!
Had a buddy that had a leak in his valve covers (Cheap Finned). Then he put on vintage units (with the drippers on the inside) about $250 a set made out of magnesium. They still leaked. Couldn't figure it out for the life of him. Worked on it off and on for two weeks in his spare time. Come to find out the studs were bottomed out in the head and the oil was traveling up the screws. Shorter screws fixed it. They were not center bolt covers though.
I orders 2 sets off evilbay and they seem to fit fine. One was a set that came with the air cleaner. I decided to go with dual quads so that's why I have the air cleaner.
They make finned ones, I think Speedway even sell them. Don has a pair on a bucket, PM him and ask if hes had issues http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/member.php?u=8841
I bought some (twice - once for a 401 Buick and once for a local GM V8) and the biggest issue was incorrectly drilled holes which made it a bear to line up the bolts. After battling bolts for a few hours we ended up having to drill and file the holes to make them fit but the finish was also crap. Both pairs ended up as wall hangers. Obviously, quality is usually worth the investment. "Cheap" anything is always going to be a compromise.
My offenhauser finned VCS leaked before I went with REALGaskets BC gaskets.there made with aircraft silicone they DONTLEAK!.
I think if they were left loose they might leak. I think if the gaskets aren't properly positioned, they might. I think if there's no seal provision for the center bolts they might. I think...aww fuck it. To early for thinking.
Moon: traditional (as much as you can get with centerbolt valve covers) and good quality. Certainly not cheap, though. http://www.mooneyesusa.com/shop/product.php?cPath=188_229_270&products_id=1821
No more than any others, typically if installed correctly as per instructions. Unless to have a high dollar show or race car paying $250 or even $100 seems ridiculous to me.
oh no, that thread is spreading like a rash to other threads. did you check classifieds or local swaps?
I used Mooneyes finned "no name" valve covers. No leaks at all. I did opt for their breathers too. They weren't cheap though. Over $485 a set with breathers mounted but that was 12 years ago.
I bought a set of "NOS" "moon" covers for a 371 Olds. Don't know if there are any other finned no name covers around so I asume they are Moon. The casting looks terrible. Lots of little"holes" from poor casting quality. Are they all like this? Is Offenhauser the same quality? I didn't try them on yet, so don't know how they fit and if they do their job Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Those ebay type center bolt valve covers are just fine. The do not leak. They do narrow at the top so high lift cams and roller rockers may hit.
I've owned Offenhauser and Moon rocker covers, while not exactly cheap, they didn't leak or break. I even had a set of Cal Custom covers...no leakage. Mike
I don't know about Offy ones, but casting pinholes are a fact of life with sand cast aluminium parts. If by "NOS" you mean they're vintage then it just adds to the feeling of history - a couple of guys in a small foundry turning out speed equipment for a burgeoning industry
proper instalation and sealer technic make a lot of the difference w the problems get the thick cork gaskets, some of the aftermarket centerbolt sbc do not hold the rubber gasket properly and will give you a fit. Brush tac to hold it to cover should be enough , no need to glue crap out of it or use silicone
proper instalation and sealer technic make a lot of the difference w the problems get the thick cork gaskets, some of the aftermarket centerbolt sbc do not hold the rubber gasket properly and will give you a fit. Brush tac to hold it to cover should be enough , no need to glue crap out of it or use silicone
I sell a nice finned style in center bolt and 4 bolt SBC. PM me. I happen to have a set of my own and the quality is top notch. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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