FireDemonSiC

Hey guys had a quick question. Would there be any downside or danger to running tall valve covers with a stock valvetrain?

The reason I ask is because of this set of valve covers I found (See attachment).

The primary reason I want to run them are because #1, I've always wanted a set of aluminum valve covers. Right now I have chrome plated edelbrock covers, and the chrome plating is flaking off leaving rust behind which looks just terrible. They also seem to be giving off a slow oil leak (I know the gaskets can be just as much the cause but let's assume this another reason for them needing replacements).

#2, if you look at the design of these covers, the top of them bears a striking resemblence to a TPI plenum. I was thinking if on the top part of these covers I painted with black rollbar paint then filled in the stripes with red, it would match the paint I did on the plenum and would make the motor look seriously BA.

I have always liked the bold look of tall valve covers, and one day do plan on installing roller tip rocker arms.

The only problem I forsee with these covers is they are not baffled. But perhaps I could transplant a set of baffles over from the extra set of valve covers I am currently using as a soldering iron tray?

What do you think guys?

Apeiron

No problems at all with taller covers than you need. Use a baffled grommet if they don't have baffles in them already.

FireDemonSiC

I completely forgot they make baffled grommets. Thanks apeiron.

Only other question I have is how hot do valve covers usually get? When I -painted my intake I used VHT black rollbar paint for the base which is rated to 250F. I used brake caliper paint to fill the stripes in red which is rated to 900F, and engine enamel clear to top them of which is rated to 550F.

I think the 250F of the rollbar paint may be a little low for valve covers.

Apeiron

They don't get all that hot. They're only warmed by a bit of oil splash and conduction where they contact a head full of coolant, and they have a lot of surface area to reject heat.

FireDemonSiC

I know the covers that are on there now (Chrome Edelbrock covers), they get hot enough to start burning my hand if i dont lift it off them after a second or two.

Apeiron

That means they're at least 120 F or so, which is about as hot as most people can tolerate holding. But drops of water don't boil off them, so they're less than 212 F.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

I have a set of Billet Specialties Tall covers which I am hoping to switch out for some BA fabricated covers. I got mine because I removed my old valve cover and the rust was unbearable (should it have been?), I even think at one point I felt as if I could poke a whole through the cover, so I got new ones, but now want newer ones since I'm not to big anymore on polished. I like the brushed look now..haha, growing up, your taste changes. Well you seem good to go so when done, post some pictures.

Take care

FireDemonSiC

Here is my motor:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/...00000515150955

A few things have changed since then. The alternator died and got replaced with a chrome plated powermaster and the headers cooked the spark plug wires which got replaced with red wires and heat guards.

Now imagine the valve covers painted in the same fashion as the plenum.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Nice, DO IT DO IT. Looks real good black and red. Are those hose covers or actual Braided SS? Looks like covers, just curious. I use these, expensive, but nice.
Summit Racing Radiator Hose

FireDemonSiC

Just bought the valve covers. The only part I'm contemplating on is how to paint them. I'm worried I paint just the top portions of the covers black w/ red stripes, it will look weird. But if I paint the entire valve cover black, the motor will kinda fade away into the engine bay.

The hoses are sleeved, but for asthetics I might consider doing just the top radiator hose with the style you have.

FireDemonSiC

Here is a pic of the first valve cover done.

The car is going next week to get the AIR tubes on the headers chopped and welded.

AlkyIROC

Although the majority of aftermarket valve covers are a tall design, you don't really need a tall cover unless you have clearance issues under them. The majority of roller rockers with stock length valves in the heads will fit under normal covers. When you start getting into longer valves for taller springs or stud girdles, you need the taller covers to clear everything.

You could have really good heads with longer valves and springs and upgrade to shaft mount rockers and still keep them under a normal height cover.

FireDemonSiC: Facebook links don't work for people who do not have a facebook account. It's better to let TGO host the picture or use a public picture host like flickr.

Grumbles

That looks slick :]

FireDemonSiC

I could have sworn that I had my facebook photo album set to public access, but it appears Stephen is right.

So, brought to you by photobucket, here is a picture of the first valve cover installed. Man that turned out damn nice. Matches the intake real well.

Should have seen the gasket when I pulled the old cover off. Had a MEAN *** oil leak and crumbled in my hands @_@. Went and got a FelPro PermaDry

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...g?t=1274072805

shelad

looking good.

IROCK ZZ

lookin pretty good! hey that accel supercoil will fit like a stock replacement if you break off that silly plastic. then you can have your distributor cover back!