I have an update on the custom set of valve covers I had fabricated. The following was taken from the old thread to catch others up to speed:

Thought I'd share this for those interested.

Since I was not impressed by the aftermarket valve covers out there for LT1's--I decided to get with a fabricator (RFR Custom Metal Fabrication) to have a custom set built. They are strictly bolt-on and do not require any alterations whatsoever. They also accomodate the 1.6 or 1.7 RR's with no alterations to the valve cover.

Now for the price. The set I ordered is going to cost me $360--this is how it was broken down: $300 base price, $35 for the filler cap I wanted, $10 to weld up a tube for the cap, and $15 for the 1/2" NPT bung. Please bear in mind that these were built specifically to my needs--thus the term custom valve covers. I know the price will scare some off, but to me it's worth it because I've just saved myself a lot of headaches down the road as far as not having to relocate anything and being able to put 1.6 RR's in with no clearance issues inside the cover.


Okay, now for the update. I have the valve covers installed and you can see the finished product
here. Scroll down to the bottom if you're not interested in the process the fabricator and I went through.

I had zero issues installing them and since they were CNC flanged I have not had any issues with leaks, like some of the other aftermarket valve covers out there. If you have any specific questions pertaining to my paticular set, I'll do my best to answer (since I was heavily involved in the process) other than that, I know very little and you'd probably be better off asking the fabricator.

 

those a really nice lookin.......i wouldnt even powdercoat them!

 

Damn, those are VERY nice looking

 

Nice valve covers.

 

Very nice, pricey but you get what you pay for, would look really nice with a custom sheetmetal intake and a monoblade setup

 

Ummmm perty welds. Wish I had a pulsar for my tig welder. Pulsing the pedal manually really gets old after about the first three inches of weld.

 

Those do look really good. And the welds look top notch.

 

Hey guys! I just wanted to introduce myself, and to say thank you for all the nice compliments!

442olds... My TIG does have a pulser, but I don't use it on valve covers, nor anything thicker than .050" (aluminum) or 20ga (stainless) with one exception: When tacking aluminum when you can only use one hand, pulsing can sometimes make fusion tacks easier. It's like it "shakes" the puddle enough for the two puddles to join. It's wierd, but it works!

Anyway, thanks again everyone!

 

Truer words have never been spoken.

How much more power you think them thar purty things'll gimme anyway?

 

Those are damn beautiful valve covers

 

Awesome looking covers! Felpro gaskets?

 

Cool...here are mine. http://members.fbody.com/doodad/bart_bling002.jpg

Have to c&p no hot linky.

 

With those valve covers do you have to remove the alternator to remove them?

-B

 

Well they're much lighter than the stockers so at least 10RWHP--and that's being conservative!

Nope--just used standard AC Delcos.

Hmm, good question. I had my alternator off when I put them on so I couldn't say for sure. They have very good (alternator) clearance but I don't know if it would be enough or not. Sorry I can't really answer with any certainty.

 

sheet....wish i could weld like that