Advice on good valve & timing covers

zdld17 · Sep 1, 2014

VengefulTick said:
Ok...here is the only major problem I have...the Proform valve covers look to have the clearance. BUT...they are too thick for my current head studs...

I really want to use these covers & such. How hard/difficult is it to back those studs out some or to replace them with longer ones?

What studs? The 4 for valve covers? They should have a little allen head socket fitting . Go for longer ones, not sure if hardware store would have them but you can get the length you need, put a dab of 3M glue on end and put them in as I think you have some type of long barrel nut that I am seeing in the top picture?

HawkX66 · Sep 1, 2014

I'm not sure about clearance issues yet because they are on a bone stock (except for intake, carb and headers) 69 L34 396, but I love the look of my M/T covers... I was going to go for the factory chrome ones, but I think I've decided against it. Just because.

VengefulTick · Sep 1, 2014

zdld17 said:
What studs? The 4 for valve covers? They should have a little allen head socket fitting . Go for longer ones, not sure if hardware store would have them but you can get the length you need, put a dab of 3M glue on end and put them in as I think you have some type of long barrel nut that I am seeing in the top picture?

Unfortunately no allen heads on the studs.

VengefulTick · Sep 1, 2014

But! If the rest com out as easily as this one just did...im in luck! Woot!

VengefulTick · Sep 1, 2014

Might have to go with head bolts instead...can't find a place in town that has studs. Not without special ordering them.

BPOS · Sep 2, 2014

Just an FYI -

I was able to use the Z/28 finned covers over roller rockers w/o modifying anything, including leaving the drippers intact and no special thick gasket. Profiler head, Scorpion narrow body roller rockers. Most aftermarket aluminum heads have a taller v/c gasket rail, and the narrow body rockers provide clearance for the baffles.

zdld17 · Sep 2, 2014

VengefulTick said:
But! If the rest com out as easily as this one just did...im in luck! Woot!

These are just threaded studs and you should be able to find these at the speciality bolt section at Lowes or Homdepot, or a true hardware store. Those that don't want to come out by hand, there is always vise grips.

kookykrispy · Sep 2, 2014

sgthawkusmc said:
I'm not sure about clearance issues yet because they are on a bone stock (except for intake, carb and headers) 69 L34 396, but I love the look of my M/T covers... I was going to go for the factory chrome ones, but I think I've decided against it. Just because.

Those M/T covers look killer! If you want to take the time, you can polish those out to get to shine up real nice. :yes:

zdld17 · Sep 2, 2014

I am old school and those old MT covers look kool. I would not do a super polish job but something clean looking. Changing out those cap screws to something like tall wing nuts would work if you have the room.
Some guys painted the covers, leaving only the fins in bright finish, or polish the body and fins but paint between the fins. Maybe power coat manifold to match covers and black coated headers? Just thoughts.
You have the pcv and oil filler so I presume you have some internal baffeling around the pcv hole.
Think you are on the right track.

VengefulTick · Sep 2, 2014

zdld17 said:
These are just threaded studs and you should be able to find these at the speciality bolt section at Lowes or Homdepot, or a true hardware store. Those that don't want to come out by hand, there is always vise grips.

Indeed. I was able to get the four out on the driver's side (haven't cracked open the other side yet). No place in town had any (of what I was looking for). I'm going to order some nice ones from Jegs.

Thank you all for your immediate help and advice! Very much appreciated!

scblucam · Sep 3, 2014

If you want to save them and not use vice grips you can double nut them and back them out.

HawkX66 · Sep 3, 2014

kookykrispy said:
Those M/T covers look killer! If you want to take the time, you can polish those out to get to shine up real nice. :yes:

zdld17 said:
I am old school and those old MT covers look kool. I would not do a super polish job but something clean looking. Changing out those cap screws to something like tall wing nuts would work if you have the room.
Some guys painted the covers, leaving only the fins in bright finish, or polish the body and fins but paint between the fins. Maybe power coat manifold to match covers and black coated headers? Just thoughts.
You have the pcv and oil filler so I presume you have some internal baffeling around the pcv hole.
Think you are on the right track.

Thanks guys. I'm probably just going to clean them up. I like the flat look vs the polished. It might get some tall "T" or wing nuts on studs too when I'm ready.

Advice on good valve & timing covers

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VengefulTick

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