TBI/center bolt valve cover options

[tj43]

What options do I have for a nice looking valve cover that is a direct bolt on for an 88 suburban (center bolt, TBI, dual grommet, short stack height)?

I bought a set of GM Performance/Proform covers (pic below), but they did not have the correct ports for the factory venting/PCV system. I’ve found other sets that I like, but most appear to be too tall (the OEM harness for the TBI “brain” fits tight over the factory passenger side valve covers).

What options are out there? Not looking for anything flashy. I just want a solid, classic, OEM+ upgrade over my flat black OEM valve covers.

Thanks.

 

[jcperformance]

You’re kinda stuck in a niche there—short, center bolt, dual grommet isn’t super common. Best options I’ve seen:

Eddie Motorsports short covers – about 2.5” tall, clean OEM+ look, dual holes for PCV/breather

Generic finned short aluminum covers (2.5–2.6” height) – look stock-ish and clear TBI harness

Honestly, a lot of guys just run plain steel center-bolt covers and add correct grommets/baffles for factory PCV

Anything tall (3”+) is gonna fight your harness. If you want true OEM+ fit, short cast aluminum or even restored stockers is usually the move.”

 

[xm20k]

Are looking for room to run rollers and poly locks?

Cheap option.

Pardon Our Interruption

More expensive but more clearance.

Pardon Our Interruption

Also, this

Pardon Our Interruption

And there are lettered or chrome versions of the stock style covers but not really worth swapping too.

 

[Rustisbest]

I still see the magnesium L98 center bolt covers for sale every now and then if you can find a set for a decent price

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[HotWheelsBurban]

I still see the magnesium L98 center bolt covers for sale every now and then if you can find a set for a decent price

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I want to say there are magnesium and aluminum versions of these. I missed out on a set in the Northside LKQ last year, on an 80s Vette, because it was during the time when my truck was down. I've seen both types listed on eBay, haven't had a set in hand to see which one it was.

 

[Rustisbest]

I want to say there are magnesium and aluminum versions of these. I missed out on a set in the Northside LKQ last year, on an 80s Vette, because it was during the time when my truck was down. I've seen both types listed on eBay, haven't had a set in hand to see which one it was.

I didn't know they ever made em in aluminum. I had some on my Tahoe before I switched to AFR heads and they wouldnt clear the rockers and polylocks. They had turned a bronze color and had some pitting so I painted them with wrinkle black and polished the ribs

 

[Scruffy49]

My tbi 350 is based on a 1979 date coded block/heads. Runs a redrilled midrise intake, full 1992 serpentine belt system. I put a set of finned sandcast aluminum valve covers on it, wiring harness fit like stock. Truck is getting carb converted via factory 80-85 aluminum intake and a Qjet. Tired of chasing mouse chewed wiring under the hood.

Those same covers are available in short or tall sizes for centerbolt heads. Will be adding the tall version to a to be carburetor converted Vortec 350, along with a set of roller rockers. Has 1 port and 1 drillable boss per valve cover. Tired of chasing efi gremlins, going back to the basics, hardest part is finding a fuel pressure regulator to drop from mpfi to carbureted.

Did the same to a late 60s LA318 Dodge engine. Stamped tin valve covers replaced with cast aluminum. No more leaks from the covers… Would do the centerbolt original 4.3 in our 85 C10, but can’t find listings from Aussie Speed (I think) anymore, and the cover set was around $600…

 

[Fat 454]

Alternatively you either make or buy centre to perimeter bolt adaptors for the heads. Then you can run anything from Corvette to Buick .....

 

[Gander]

I still see the magnesium L98 center bolt covers for sale every now and then if you can find a set for a decent price

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So these match up with the locations for the oil fill, PCV, breather? I see these for sale occasionally too and just wondering if ai should pick some up.

 

[ChuckN]

Found these on Fleabay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/186737828145

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They look pretty nice and less squared off than the typical center bolts.

 

[Rustisbest]

So these match up with the locations for the oil fill, PCV, breather? I see these for sale occasionally too and just wondering if ai should pick some up.

I dont see why they wouldnt work. But comparing the pic to what you have is the easiest way to verify

 

[bucket]

These ones should meet all the requirements. They are GM Performance Parts / Proform if I remember correctly.

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[tj43]

These ones should meet all the requirements. They are GM Performance Parts / Proform if I remember correctly.

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Those are what I bought originally. That is my favorite SBC valve cover design. Sadly, the fill/breather/PCV holes don't work with the 88 TBI setup.

 

[tj43]

Found these on Fleabay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/186737828145

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They look pretty nice and less squared off than the typical center bolts.

Those look great, but they are too tall for the TBI harness.

 

[bucket]

Those are what I bought originally. That is my favorite SBC valve cover design. Sadly, the fill/breather/PCV holes don't work with the 88 TBI setup.

How so?

Placement of the breather/pcv/oil fill is not critical. GM themselves moved them from location to location depending on the year and car/truck model. All that matters is that the breather is on the opposite bank as the pcv valve.

Here's two typical ways GM did it. The breather and PCV swapped sides and the oil fill was driver front or driver rear.

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