I feel kinda silly asking this but I guess if I don't ask... I've never removed the valve covers on my Small Block. I think adding a nice set of covers will add a lot to my engine compartment. Is it as simple as just buying some new ones and slapping them on? I mean, I assume I'll need new gaskets and if the covers don't come with PCV/Oil Fill holes I'll have to drill them myself. But other than that...is there anything I need to know. Will centerbolt covers work on any engine or do the heads have to be specially made for that? Also...how can I tell if I need tall or short covers?

thanks,

--rO

I think the newer vortec heads are the ones that require center bolt valve covers. For old stockers, you'll need the perimeter bolt covers.

Come on...I know it's a stupid question but I need to find out somehow.

--rO

There are a ton of valve covers to chose from, so the only way to be sure would be to look at pictures of them and try to determine if they have the holes you need. But basically: On a stock engine, it's usually just a matter of "buying them and slapping them on". You may have to go back to the store a couple of times for the correct grommets and oil filler cap, but any parts store should carry them so it's not really an issue.

Stamped steel covers usually come with the holes (one in each), so you don't have to punch them out, but you have to plug them if you don't need them. The SB covers can be flipped over, so you don't need to worry about the holes being in the front or the back, unless they have a logo or something on them (they don't look good upside down :) ). Cast covers sometimes come without holes, but with a boss for the hole location so you can bore them out if you want to.

You're fine with standard height covers if you don't have roller rockers, Magnum rockers etc, and I have heard that high ratio stamped rockers can get a bit too close on some cast covers too. If you're using stock covers now, you can go with standard height aftermarket covers as well.

As far as I know, you can't use centerbolt covers on the older heads, but you can use the old style covers on centerbolt heads by using adapters.

If you go with stamped covers, don't forget to get the hold-down clamps. The wider, the better. Cheap covers can be very thin, and they will warp around the bolts if you don't use clamps, and you'll never be able to make them seal either.

Thanks Olle, that's exactly the info I was looking for.

--rO