These cast aluminum finned valve covers are being sold on a lot of places from E-B** to Summit, under different names, at crazy low prices: $75.00 and up!! Yeah I know, probably Chicom beer cans and other scrap. What I’m looking for is: 1. Do they actually fit OK? 2. Do they leak? 3. Too good to be true? looking for some temporary trad dress up for the SBC in my 40 Thanks!
Hello, If a traditional look is to be selected, perhaps an all finned look with a Moon Breather would fit right in to today's SBC motor look. For originality, this look was the most popular in drag racing circles from 1959-60. They are original finned valve covers from this time period. Jnaki Besides, the breather cap for your photo shown will be a large round cap that was not the most popular version at the time of our 1957-60 era hot rod/drag racing participation. It was the all Moon Aluminum breather cap as shown in the 671 SBC photo above. But, be warned, if you decide to install the Moon Breather caps, watch your drilled breather holes and a gasket necessity. YRMV
I hate to say it, but "they" are making some really good aluminum castings over there anymore. Most aluminum heads that aren't Edelbrock or high end stuff like Brodix come from there, and even though the hardware, valves, and springs are generally garbage, the heads themselves are very nice. Same with intakes....those valve covers are pretty dang nice, I've seen a few in person (don't own an sbc myself, but know many who do obviously).
Ive had a set on my 33 pickup for quite a while, nice thick gasket surface, has never leaked. No clearance issues either as I have a set of stainless full roller rockers under them as well.
Most do not like the top Threw bolt Valve cover's , There is a Nicer looking Version then what most are being sold, Most do Not know that the 86-87 Cast iron I -Roc head & the Vett Aluminum head much better flowing head then a set of worked 2.02 D H , Same with stock cast Iron Vortc heads. The pic with my finger are cheap , well made , but many sellers are copy & pasting & will not get the Nicer full size, I had to order from , I think 4 different places to get Correct One's pictured in there Ad , & not in my Opinion the ugly set. Most seller Do Not know there a difference, "Copy & Pasting " from other's
Thanks everyone. I've been eyeing these since my choices are limited to the beautiful Moon's at 500, the knock off stuff at near 100 or the modern style stuff I would not use if they were sitting out in the driveway. Or trying to track down some 1955-64 Studebaker for the old school (fake) look. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/vortec-heads-and-studebaker-valve-covers.422661/ @19Eddy30 That's a great detail, I feel the same about that. I'm not ready to buy, having other things with higher priority, but will keep this in mind. Appreciate the detail.
I had a set of these valve covers. They fit just fine and don't leak and look good when they are first installed. After about six months or so they started to turn a dull black color and couldn't get them back to the original shine with Mothers polish. Became even dark and duller looking after a year's time. Finally took them off repolished them and sold them at a swap meet. They are a low grade aluminum.
I had these from speedway on my engine several years. They'd still look perfect but I got over spray on them lol
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