So I feel like I've tried everything. Now running a vacuum pump for crank case evac - I figured that would take care of any possible oil leaks. I've tried 2 different sets of valve covers with cork gaskets. I read in another thread that the 'superseal' gaskets work well - I got those and they still leak. I took them off, cleaned them up, and applied 'aviation form-a-gasket' figuring that would have to take care of it. Still getting leaks.

I put UV dye in the oil to make sure it was the valve covers, and sure enough, that's where it's coming from.

It's only leaking enough to leave about 1 drop of oil every time I shut the car off. I need this thing to be dry so they don't laugh at me when I take it to the racetrack...

 

Are you sure your covers are flat?

 

brand new AFR heads. tried my old covers, and now have a set of nice finished aluminum covers.

 

Maybe there is a slighty warped surface on the cylinder head...???

 

I guess the next step is to try some excessively thick gaskets like the Fel-Pro 1628. It's a quarter inch thick rubber over steel... maybe the extra thickness will allow me to tighten it some more and get a better seal?

 

well the Fel-pro's are awesome. They didn't fix my problem though. Turns out my breather has a leak. it's a brand new Moroso breather that has a seam.... leaking good out of the seam any time I shut the car off.

thank you UV dye....