Valve Covers

[87ChevyR10]

Just curious, will the stock heads on my '87 350 TBI accept perimeter bolt valve covers? They currently have center-bolt style covers.

Thanks!

 

[Irishman999]

Just curious, will the stock heads on my '87 350 TBI accept perimeter bolt valve covers? They currently have center-bolt style covers.

Thanks!

No but you can get adapters, I have no idea how they work but I recall looking at them when I was working on my TBI small block.

 

[87ChevyR10]

No but you can get adapters, I have no idea how they work but I recall looking at them when I was working on my TBI small block.

I found a set by Jegs. It appears the adapters are held on the head using the center bolt mounting holes while providing perimeter bolt holes for the valve covers.

Product + Instructions

Sweet!

Ireally don't understand the vast price difference between the perimeter bolt style and the center bolt style. Seems ridiculous to me.

 

[da_raabi]

Eeewww... That means 2 gaskets per head... That could turn into a leaky mess. Any reason you really want the perimeter style covers?

 

[87ChevyR10]

Eeewww... That means 2 gaskets per head... That could turn into a leaky mess. Any reason you really want the perimeter style covers?

yeah, they are usually cheaper

 

[cbrodine]

...not to mention there are ALOT more options for valve covers with perimeter bolt covers.

 

[Driver4r]

Centered bolt valve covers were designed to disperse the tension of the bolts on the valve cover to prevent them from leaking as easy as the old style.

 

[John81287]

Cheaper isn't always better guys! Not that my opinion matters in the least but usually a design change is for the better. Not always but usually. As driver said.


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[Driver4r]

And most valvcovers you can get in both centerbolt, and perimeter.

 

[da_raabi]

Looking on ebay there are tons and tons of centerbolt options for under $100 new. That adapter you linked to was $150 on its own... Add in the cost of the valve covers and you are looking at over $200 for perimeter covers. IF IT WERE ME: I would get a set of fabricated sbc centerbolt covers for cheap and just go with it. If you want something special then go get them powdercoated for $20. You still haven't reached the price of the adapter plates... This way you spend way less and you have a virtually leak-free situation. Just my 2 cents.

 

[87ChevyR10]

Looking on ebay there are tons and tons of centerbolt options for under $100 new. That adapter you linked to was $150 on its own... Add in the cost of the valve covers and you are looking at over $200 for perimeter covers. IF IT WERE ME: I would get a set of fabricated sbc centerbolt covers for cheap and just go with it. If you want something special then go get them powdercoated for $20. You still haven't reached the price of the adapter plates... This way you spend way less and you have a virtually leak-free situation. Just my 2 cents.

I guess I need to do some more looking around then. Jegs has a a few options of which most are $150+. Then I see the perimeter type for under $100. I understand the difference, just not the vast difference in price.

 

[da_raabi]

Dude stay off jegs. You don't need overpriced name brand for a set of valve covers. There were a TON of used/new centerbolt covers on ebay for well under $100. Any design you like. Stamped, fabricated, chrome, black, ribbed, etc. Don't over think it and spend too much $$$!!!!

Or if you find a set of expensive name brand ones you like, then see if you can find them used on ebay, or search the part number and they may be cheaper new even. I do that all the time. Instead of spending over $35 on a belt I got the exact same brand/# belt on ebay for $14 shipped. Do some looking around, and try to stay away from the parts magazines, they over charge like a ****!