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do i need tall valve covers?

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Old Jan 13, 2012 | 10:51 PM
  #1  
vendetta's Avatar
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Car: 1990 Iroc-Z28
Engine: 350HSR
Transmission: HD 700r4 B&M Stage2 SK
do i need tall valve covers?

ive currently got them on my car but am in the process of cleaning up my engine bay over winter and am feeling like they were over kill. they are about 5 inches which is huge i know, theyre the tall chrome eddy ones with the fins. what are the main criteria for using tall or short covers? rod length? rocker ratio? i belive i brought mine up to 1.6. id just have a lil more room to work with using the standard size but i dont have the old ones anymore to compare. any thoughts would be appreciated

-E
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Old Jan 13, 2012 | 10:55 PM
  #2  
AlkyIROC's Avatar
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From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: do i need tall valve covers?

Tall valve covers may be needed for some roller rockers but not all. Typically you need a tall valve cover when you run a stud girdle or use longer than stock valves to put heavier springs on them. The tall cover is strictly for a clearance issue. If factory style covers don't hit anything under them, they'll work fine.
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 01:57 PM
  #3  
vendetta's Avatar
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Car: 1990 Iroc-Z28
Engine: 350HSR
Transmission: HD 700r4 B&M Stage2 SK
Re: do i need tall valve covers?

figured as much, wish i wouldnt have let go of my stock ones! not that theyd fit my new heads anyhow haha. thanks!
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 03:47 PM
  #4  
AlkyIROC's Avatar
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From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: do i need tall valve covers?

I've got some gold anodized stamped aluminum Moroso covers for SBC. They need a little cleaning up and there's a minor dent at the end of one to clear the stud on the alternator. They're 3-1/2" tall. I can let you have them for $50. I'm in the Ogden area. These retail for around $120

Of course, if you have center bolt covers, these are no good for you.

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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 03:59 PM
  #5  
vendetta's Avatar
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Car: 1990 Iroc-Z28
Engine: 350HSR
Transmission: HD 700r4 B&M Stage2 SK
Re: do i need tall valve covers?

Im actually intterested, have to see $$ wise
If i can spare $50 right now , ill pm you tomorrow
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 05:23 PM
  #6  
AlkyIROC's Avatar
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25 Year Member
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 17,265
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From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: do i need tall valve covers?

While digging through my junk, I found another set. Basic stamped steel chrome covers. 2-1/2" tall. They also need a good cleaning. $20

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