Ok quick question. I ended up getting the T&D shaft mount rockers. For those of you running shaft mounts what are you using for valve covers? I still have a LT1 casting for heads so I can't use perimeter bolt covers with out getting the $150 adapters. Also when using taller covers what are you doing with the alternator?

I have seen some pics from Jason (I8AFORD) and he has the cast alum. Pontiac covers and just cut and welded the pass. side cover for it to clear. I was a little worried because he also has AFR heads and doesn't have to run the adapter so I don't know if I would run into fitment problems with the alternator with the adapters in place.

IDEAS???

 

Exactly how much added height do you need?

A friend of mine simply grafted the tops off one set of stock F-Body LT1 covers to the bottom of another set, gaining about 1" in height to clear Jesel shaft rockers. The alternator stayed in the stock location with this approach.

 

Well I don't know for sure. I don't have the motor back yet. I believe the guys at T&D said it should only need 1/4" of added heigth. Now the other problem that might come up is, I don't know how well it will clear a center bolt cover. Guess that part I'll just have to see when I get them.

I was hopeing someone on here was running the T&D's with center bolt covers to see what all they had to do.

Do you have pics of his covers?

 

I'd avoid the perimeter bolt conversions if possible.... every one I have ever seen seems to leak excessively.

The pic's of the "taller" stock F-Body covers wouldn't help you much.... it looked deceptively stock - which is why it was done. Eventually he went for the Moroso sheet aluminum centerbolt covers, but by then he had dropped the alternator down under the engine.

I wanted the T&D's when my engine was being built, but by the time I decided, it was too late, and we couldn't afford to wait 4-6 weeks for them. Appears they are more readilly available now.

 

Is it possible to drop the alternator and still keep the power steering with out redoing everything? I don't have A/C so really the only thing on that side of the motor is the Alternator and the Powersteering. Guess I could move it and make my own brackets..

Where do you even get the sheetmetal center bolts? I have seen a couple cars with them but I have yet to see any place that sells them.

And I have to wait about 3 weeks for mine....so they are still not out there just sitting around.

 

You can find them in Summit, Jegs, etc, they are out there, Mark Montalvo has used them before. I think he pounded some clearance for the ALT but I dont recall for sure.

 

The Moroso covers are nice but they're usually about $330 or more.
Another option for you is the Doug Herbert centerbolt covers. They're "sheet-metal" fabbed covers like the Morosos but you can get a set for right at $200. I've used them and the Morosos and both are excellent quality. This way saves you some money though. Billet Fabrications also builds a centerbolt valve cover... don't have a price for you there.
Two other companies I can think of are B&B (Stef's) and Pro Line. Both offer die-cast centerbolt covers but not with the extra clearance (only about 3/8" extra) necessary for your setup. They are also built with the alternator clearance necessary.

Like Fred mentioned, forget the adaptors, they usually leak unless the sealing surface can be cut for an o'ring. Alot of extra trouble though.

Take care

 

http://www.lt4-396.com/engine.htm

Kurtis' motor with centerbolts. he ran crower shaft rockers. His are moroso ones. Can get them at summit or jegs.

I would honestly get a set from doug herbert and then have some space made for the alt at a weld shop. (shouldnt cost much)

Steven

 

i saw in the march 2003 issue of car craft(pg 78) that crane is coming out with a inexpensive shaft mount rocker system

guys should check it out could be a winner

comp should do the same thing

 

There are already quite a few shaft rocker setups in the aftermarket. Yella Terra (australian company), Probe and the Jesel Sportsmans. At least those are the ones I'm familiar with. I don't think any of the lower budget sets are available with the offsets necessary to run the more exotic heads though. Then again, who knows about the quality... I haven't heard much.

Good call on the Herbert centerbolt covers. Scoggin Dickey makes a centerbolt set too...... $185.

-Mindgame

 

My friend as the T&D rockers on his '95 TA but he is using AFR 220 heads which have the perimeter bolts as well as center bolts for the valve covers. He is running the Pontiac cast alum. race covers which are perimeter bolt, he did have to cut and weld on the passenger side to get it to clear the alternator but it does fit.

I was just wondering why someone that makes the sheet metal covers doesn't make them so they fit around the alternator as well, because it doesn't look that bad....just makes it hard for those of us that don't have a welder in the garage.

Chevy makes a center bolt cover that is suppose to be 1/4" taller than that Corvette covers but I don't know if that would be enough to clear everything or not.

I don't want to have to make a whole new drive setup for the accessories but if I have to then I guess thats what I'll have to do, the only person that makes the alternator relocation kit is Madman and with it you have to loose the powersteering.....not so good for a road racer.

Thanks for all the ideas and help....keep'em coming. Anyone have pics???

 

Thumper, I moved my alternator and power steering to the lower part of the motor to make way for my twin turbo setup. I have a pair of valve covers already cut and welded to clear your alternator and rocker assembly. I no longer need the cut out, and with out the alt there its just a sore eye.
Email me if your interested

 

You have mail!

 

Hey guys, I am in the process of installing a set of GM Performance Parts valve covers with the center bolt adapter kit. I decided to go this route so I can have something a little different, not for valvetrain clearance. The billet adapters with o-ring seem like a pretty nice piece, they look like they should seal really well. I did clean the valve cover rail on the head really well with brake cleaner before attaching them. The drivers side goes on with no modification. The drivers side needs a hole drilled for the throttle body hose, and to be cut and welded to clear the alternator. These valve covers with the adapters will sit like 2 inches taller than the LT4 covers I have now. I am in the process of cutting the passenger side valve cover to make it fit, then off to my buddies shop to tig weld in the new piece. I will post some pics (if someone will Host them for me) and let you guys know how well they hold up as far as leaks.


Nick

 

steve10 (posts a lot in the LT1 forum), is working on just that. Basically moves the alternator to where the A/C compressor was, and gets rid of the big factory bracket. Hopefully he will be finished with it soon....he said it will be a complete kit, with a new tensioner, belt, bracket, etc.