can i run my car to see/test if everything is working properly without the valve covers on or will that damage anything?

 

At idle, you should be ok. Just don't rev it.. could get a bit messy.

FWIW, I set my lash with the engine warmed up and running. No problems.

 

...Same here. I adjust my valves with the covers off and the engine running.

Frank

 

i've done it b4 no probs on other cars. just messy. protect the rest of the engine bay

 

Cut some carboard to fi in the head all the way back and about 6-8 inches tall. It will not get oil everywhere if indeed it reves up.

 

another old trick - get a set of old chromie valve covers and cut out like a 2 inch section in the middle so you can get to the nuts, slap em on and go for it. This is an old SBC trick, so make sure the covers don't interfere with anything on your LT1, or go buy some used stock LT1 covers and do it

 

make some clear valve covers lol

 

Another ghetto trick that I call the Martha Stewart method, is to go into wifey's kitchen and borrow the aluminum foil. I run two long pieces down the side of the heads above the headers. Fold the foil over the lip of the head to keep it off the headers and in place. This cuts down the oil mess from having the valve covers off.