I have a '32 Ford with a small block Chevrolet crate motor using a late model Rochester Fuel Injection Unit. I also have a leaking valve cover on the rider's side . . . thought to be a simple fix, except I can't remove the valve cover without removing the FI Unit first. The valve cover will not clear the pump drive on the side of the plenum! The valve covers in question appears to be an early Z-28 cover rather than the typical finned Corvette covers. Although I don't know if the current covers are GM, I assume they are . . . could GM have made a late model valve cover that doesn't conventionally fit a late model FI Unit? Thanks in advance for any thoughts or comments you may have! Jim
Just worked on a 40 with a 64 unit-it had early style vette covers-was able to get off pass side. On my orig 57 Fuely I had to remove part of the air meter to get the dr side off to adjust the valves (stock valve covers).
I'm not sure what you mean by " a late model Rochester Fuel Injection Unit" but assuming we are talking about a HAMB friendly FI, they quit making FI in '65, and didn't start making the Z-28/LT-1 finned valve covers till '67, so its entirely possible.
I had a '63 fuelly coupe back in the day and the cover came off with no problems as the valves had to be set every so often.
uh guys, the valve cover hes describing is not the Corvette script valve cover, its the later Z-28/LT-1/seventies Corvette valve cover, pretty sure its taller...
I believe you will need to change valve covers if you want to continue working on the engine (recommended). As Tim stated, you may just need to remove the air meter to replace the gasket. On my stock unit I never had any interference.
I ran Z 28 valve covers on my 32 with 1964 rochester injection and had no trouble setting valves without removing injection parts.....
Yup, LOVE the light 'tick-tick' of the 097 copy in my 283 Fulie... from 1k up, it pulls BITCHIN' with just the right lope at idle. With a 2.54 Muncie, I don't even bother with 2nd-gear, unless I'm turning a corner! Car is a '57 Utility Sedan, Black Widow Tribute...
OK guys, thanks for all the input! Let me provide you with an update to my dilemma on the fuel injection's fuel meter ( I originally referred to this as the fuel pump) interfering with removal of the driver's side valve cover. By loosening the fuel injection unit where it bolts to the intake manifold we were able to remove the valve cover. It only required a minimal amount of additional clearance. I've attached a photo showing the actual interference before loosening the fuel injection unit. In looking at the valve cover I am still curious if it is aftermarket or original GM. I've also attached a picture of the numbers in the casting . . . no evidence of a GM symbol. Lou, do you know if your valve covers are GM or aftermarket? Could the fact that my unit is supposedly a '65 make any difference in the size/shape of the fuel meter? And are those shrinkage (?) cracks on the inside of the valve cover typical? Thanks again for all the comments . . . they all help! Jim
In looking at the valve cover I am still curious if it is aftermarket or original GM. I've also attached a picture of the numbers in the casting . . . no evidence of a GM symbol. View attachment 3393986 Jim: My Z28/LT1 valve covers are GM and the numbers on mine match yours.I have compared the Z28 covers to stock 56-67 corvette covers and can find no difference in height. I have had every variation of the Rochester fuel injection over the years and the only one I had the problem that you are going thru was a 1957 unit that required loosening the bolts and lifting the plenum just like you did.
I've been told that when you encounter a problem you have three choices . . . fight, flight or compromise! So I compromised and ground the edge of the valve cover that was coming into contact with the fuel meter and buffed the raw aluminum to a pretty good gloss, almost chrome in appearance. Where it sits it is impossible to notice unless you've got a flashlight and a mirror! I still have no idea why I had the problem to begin with. My best guess it that it was a unique application of parts that combined to create a tolerance stack up. Problem solved, thanks to Lou and everyone else who offered up thoughts and ideas.
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