Valve Covers for Crate Engine

[Robert I.]

This may have been answered before, but I can't find it via Search.

The spring issue of Hagerty's magazine arrived and it has an article on resto-mods. The author's example is a friend's 66 Stingray with a crate engine that uses old style Corvette Valve covers.

I'm trying to decide whether to rebuild or replace my 340 hp 62.

I really don't like the look of any crate engine I've seen.

So are their crate engines that can use the aluminum valve covers off my engine?

[Joe L.]

Re: Valve Covers for Crate Engine

This may have been answered before, but I can't find it via Search.

The spring issue of Hagerty's magazine arrived and it has an article on resto-mods. The author's example is a friend's 66 Stingray with a crate engine that uses old style Corvette Valve covers.

I'm trying to decide whether to rebuild or replace my 340 hp 62.

I really don't like the look of any crate engine I've seen.

So are their crate engines that can use the aluminum valve covers off my engine?

Robert------


All currently available GM crate engines use a PCV system that requires valve cover-mounted fittings. The pre-1968 Corvette aluminum valve covers have no provisions for such fittings. Most of the crate engines also use center bolt style valve covers although adapters are available to convert to perimeter bolt style.

In order to use the pre-1968 Corvette aluminum valve covers on a current GM crate engine one has to modify the engine for use of a pre-1967-style crankcase ventilation system and this can be somewhat involved. In most cases, one also has to use the valve cover adapters which also raise the valve covers about 1/4".

[Steven B.]

Re: Valve Covers for Crate Engine

Bob, Edelbrock offers small blocks crate engines with the old bolt pattern. Scroggins-Dickey used to and I think still does.

I had the same choice years ago you have now for my '57 and '77. Although it cost more than crate engines I chose to slightly modify my original engines (head and distributor work, balance, blueprint) and I am glad I did as I got the additional performance I wanted and I maintained the original blocks, heads, intakes, etc.

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: Valve Covers for Crate Engine

Bob, Edelbrock offers small blocks crate engines with the old bolt pattern. Scroggins-Dickey used to and I think still does.

I had the same choice years ago you have now for my '57 and '77. Although it cost more than crate engines I chose to slightly modify my original engines (head and distributor work, balance, blueprint) and I am glad I did as I got the additional performance I wanted and I maintained the original blocks, heads, intakes, etc.

Steve

Steve------


Using a crate engine with perimeter bolt heads only solves the valve cover bolt configuration needed for the use of the pre-68 aluminum valve covers. The big problem is the crankcase ventilation issue.

By the way, there are a few GM crate engines that do use perimeter bolt valve covers. These are the 350/290 (GM #19244450) and a few others. But, one still ends up with the crankcase ventilation issue.

[Scott P.]

Re: Valve Covers for Crate Engine

Robert, check this web site. They make what you want for the crate motors and its first quality stuff. Scott
yourcovers.com