Basic valve cover questions

[Colin]

I'm replacing the stamped steel valve covers on the 350 with covers from an '84 'Vette.
They're made from magnesium or aluminum and are thicker than the current covers.
My question is "Is there a preferred gasket material for these (cork, rubber, silicone) and
is gasket sealant needed or required. I've researched online and it seems to run the gamut.
I only want to do this once and hate going back looking for leaks.
Any previous experiences or knowledge is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Colin]

Sorry... got posted twice.

 

[Shorty81]

I installed some old aluminum vette style covers. I had to use extensions because the rockers were rubbing. I used rubber gasgets, no sealant. But this is a bbc.

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[WFO]

I use the Fel-Pro cork gaskets, with sealer to the covers, and a thin layer of grease where they mate to the heads.

 

[75gmck25]

I always had trouble with standard cork gaskets and steel valve covers leaking a little. I switched to the rubber gaskets with a metal core and they seal much better. The metal core keeps them aligned properly and the rubber makes the seal. Fel-Pro also makes a steel/cork-rubber laminated gasket.

Bruce

 

[Rusty Nail]

I have the same covers, magnesium, congratulations!

I like fel pro blue silicone gaskets with the steel insert and install them dry with a two finger tight..

 

[bucket]

The rubber gaskets with steel core work well. But the Mr Gasket ultra seal line of cork gaskets work great too. The cork has a thin fancy coating of some kind that seals great. And cheap.

I install both dry and both are often reusable too.

 

[Paladin]

I always had trouble with standard cork gaskets and steel valve covers leaking a little. I switched to the rubber gaskets with a metal core and they seal much better. The metal core keeps them aligned properly and the rubber makes the seal. Fel-Pro also makes a steel/cork-rubber laminated gasket.

Bruce

X 2

 

[Jerry phillion]

GM always used heads with cast mounting surfaces originally.
I don't know when they started to machine this surface, but that
Could make a diff. I'm curious to know as I want to replace mine
Too.

 

[Colin]

Posted in error...

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[HotRodPC]

I use the Fel-Pro cork gaskets, with sealer to the covers, and a thin layer of grease where they mate to the heads.

This is what I do, except I use neoprene gaskets. If you do it this way, you can usually remove the valve covers if you have to for some reason and but them right back on with a new coat of grease on the head side so they don't stick and tear the next time you need to remove the covers.

 

[Colin]

I went with rubber gaskets without any sealant. After preparing the covers
by sanding, painting and re-sanding paint off the ribs, this is what I ended
up with.

Before...

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After...

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Now have to work on the plug wire routing.

 

[HotRodPC]

Hmmm, you do realize that air intake tube is a total 100% waste and not even needed and not even doing a damn thing for that air cleaner right??? I'd have removed that long ago and left it off with that air cleaner.

 

[Colin]

Yeah, I know. I just wanted a little chrome under the hood.
Humor me...

 

[Rusty Nail]

LoL