So, why did GM decide to use centerbolt valve covers? They're more expensive for one, what are the advantages?

 

I hear they leak less.

 

Hell, they always leak on me. And in the exact same spot everytime....back of the engine.

Yeah, I wanted some nice lookin' valve covers, but all the good lookin' ones are for the old style.....and all the centerbolt ones are freakin' expensive.

 

I guess you guys need to look around some more. I have a pair of polished aluminum centerbolts on my car that I paid around $140 for. Thats not bad really. Chase the street rodders around, thats how you'll find some.

Mine dont leak.

 

Yeah, the don't leak as much as the old style. Unfortunately they also don't accomodate most aftermarket roller rockers very well. Leaks: GM's problem. Lack of clearance for rockers: our problem.

 

Speedway has em for $100

here

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/produc...7SWRQHFUB76M0D

 

Maybe its easier to maintain, you cant go wrong
tightening the screws since theyre in the middle.

 

lets see... edelbrock valve covers... well used that as and example cause they sell both.... perimiter bolts... tall ones 69.99 center bolt... with left or right hand breather... 112.99.... wtf!!! they sell a valve cover adapter... but thats 175!!!! ahahaha plus now i have to get 70 dollar valve covers!!! .... the cheepest center bolts are the caps.... there 45....

 

Check Summit and a few other places, they have/had an adaptor to let you use perimeter valve covers on center bolt heads.

 

Thanks for the tip if I ever need it.

 

The adapter is more expensive than the valve covers themselves.

 

I paid $40 for these they are pretty nice. They dont leak at all - no problems with the engine in this car, others things.......

I like the perimeter setup better.

 

SBCs changed to center-bolt rocker covers to prevent leaks.

With the internal bracing and central fasteners, the distribution of force on the gasket surfaces is more even. I guess a lot of you don't remember the multitudes of Chevys that used to leak despite all efforts to seal them. That was back in the day when the gasket sufaces were rough cast (not machined flat) and gasket sealer was a must.

Incidentally, the center bolt covers are more expensive for GM to supply, too. I'm sure we've all seen the chinese version of chromed perimeter bolt covers for ten bucks a pair. You get what you pay for.

 

I agree Vader. Unless you spend a decent amount of change on a perimiter valve cover you're going to get leaks like crazy. The cheap ones distort so damn much after tightening them a couple of times. The perimiter cover I have now work great but that's because they have very thick aluminum flanges and cost over $100.

I happen to like the centerbolts better for working on as well. Lot eaiser to get at the bolts to tighten them.

 

Is it me, or does anyone else not like the look of centerbolts?

 

i like the look of them, i just wish they were cheeper to get nice ones....i would like to get smooth ones... but hey... ill save all the cool look stuff for my one day, magical 350

 

i got cheap parameter valve covers n they dont leak! gottem for 50 cents at a swapmeet! they do cost like 100 somethin in stores n stuff tho. hehe

 

I like center bolt looks. I will probaly polish mine when the time comes for good looks.