A few weeks ago there was a discussion here regarding various GM valve cover retainers which can be used to improve gasket sealing for engines with stamped steel valve covers. Two different valve cover retainers were discussed and I have further information on them that I'll present here.
The first one is GM #14082321. This retainer was used on some 80's Gen I small blocks with perimeter bolt, stamped steel valve covers. This retainer is manufactured of steel with a hot-dip galvanized coating. It has a slight "bow" in it and the concave side is stamped "down".
The second one is GM #3850874. It was used on 65-69 Corvairs and became the SERVICE retainer for earlier Corvairs. It has die-formed "feet" on the ends. Applying torque to the retaining center bolt causes the "feet" to exert downward pressure. In this manner the valve cover (and, consequently, gasket) are pressure-retained at 3 points rather than just one (as in the case of the "triangular" retainers used on most small and big blocks).
Neither of the above-referenced and shown retainers were EVER used on a Corvette. However, they may be of interest to folks that want to improve steel valve cover sealing and are not concerned about originality issues (or, that are concerned about originality issues and can easily remove these retainers before judged events). Primarily, I think that these retainers would be applicable to small blocks, but they might also be put to use for big blocks.
So, which one works better? I don't know, for sure. However, based upon their design, I expect that the GM #14082321 might be the most efficient. It spreads the retaining force over the entire length of the piece; the 3850874 applies it at 3 points only.
I am going to post 2 pictures showing the retainers side-by-side. The first picture represents a bottom view of the retainers; the second picture shows a side view.
The first one is GM #14082321. This retainer was used on some 80's Gen I small blocks with perimeter bolt, stamped steel valve covers. This retainer is manufactured of steel with a hot-dip galvanized coating. It has a slight "bow" in it and the concave side is stamped "down".
The second one is GM #3850874. It was used on 65-69 Corvairs and became the SERVICE retainer for earlier Corvairs. It has die-formed "feet" on the ends. Applying torque to the retaining center bolt causes the "feet" to exert downward pressure. In this manner the valve cover (and, consequently, gasket) are pressure-retained at 3 points rather than just one (as in the case of the "triangular" retainers used on most small and big blocks).
Neither of the above-referenced and shown retainers were EVER used on a Corvette. However, they may be of interest to folks that want to improve steel valve cover sealing and are not concerned about originality issues (or, that are concerned about originality issues and can easily remove these retainers before judged events). Primarily, I think that these retainers would be applicable to small blocks, but they might also be put to use for big blocks.
So, which one works better? I don't know, for sure. However, based upon their design, I expect that the GM #14082321 might be the most efficient. It spreads the retaining force over the entire length of the piece; the 3850874 applies it at 3 points only.
I am going to post 2 pictures showing the retainers side-by-side. The first picture represents a bottom view of the retainers; the second picture shows a side view.
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