modifying mid-year alum valve covers

[pat #25912]

Has anybody tried making the finned aluminum v-covers a little taller? I was told that the stock covers don't clear roller rockers. Thanks. Pat

[Donald T.]

Re: modifying mid-year alum valve covers

Dream Car Garage had an episode with the restoration of an L88 vette with roller rockers. They used a spacer to raise the valve covers enough for clearance. I believe the spacer was aluminum but I don't know the dimensions.

[Mike M.]

Re: modifying mid-year alum valve covers

since your post asks about finned covers, i assume we're dealinmg with a small block. i have a set of roller rockers on my 64 365 ac coupe. just added an extra valve cover gasket per sid and no abnormal noise. take a piece of play-dough and place it on top of each rocker after you've got the valves set then crank the sb over by hand with valve covers attached. after a couple revolutions, remove valve covers with doubled gaskets and see if the dough is compressed enough to touch the valve covers. if ya got a couple ten thousnads, it'll probably work. mike

[Bob Simard]

Re: modifying mid-year alum valve covers

I have Harlan Sharpe roller rockers (1.5 ratio) on my 60 fuelly with aluminum valve covers. No problems. No interference.

[Jim T.]

Re: modifying mid-year alum valve covers

GM sells a aluminum valve cover adapters which allows use of flange mount valve covers on center bolt style heads and also required when roller rocker arms are used. Part #24502540. The adapters can also be used to raise the flange mount valve covers for roller rockers if needed.

[Pat #25912]

Re: modifying mid-year alum valve covers

Thanks guys. I will try the putty trick to see how much clearance I need. The spacer or double gasket are great ideas. And yes, it is for a rollered small block that I want to get rid of the tall chrome v-covers and make a little more "vintage" looking. I keep forgeting there are big blocks out there

Thanks again. Pat

[Tom B.]

Re: modifying mid-year alum valve covers

Summit sells valve cover spacers from a couple manufacturers. One is 1.15" think and the Brodex is 1.5" thick (about $117./pr). I have heard for years that the double gasket trick will clear most roller rockers. I can't recommend Play Doh for measuring though. It is elastic and will spring back some after dented by the rocker, valve or whatever you are measuring. Go to a hobby store and get some modeling clay. It will give you a true reading.

Tom