butcharndt

which is better, and if i go cork is there any secret to keeping the gasket on the valve cover during installation I'm having a tough time getting it all lined up properly..

Starfury

Depends on the type of valve cover you have. If you have factory stamped steel valve covers, I recommend cork. The ones with the integral washers to prevent over-torquing are nice. A very thin smear of black RTV on the VC-side of the gasket will get it to stick in place.

If you have cast aluminum valve covers, I prefer the Fel-Pro perma-torque type gaskets. They're reusable and require no RTV, but they do need a nice flat surface to seal properly.

A decent valve cover stud set is also pretty handy. Makes getting everything lined up much easier.

racer_dave

use studs, not screws. I use cork gaskets and use permatex to adhere them to the valve covers. I put them on a flat surface an place weight them to make sure the gasket is flat. Let them dry over night. Then install on the car. I lightly oil the cork where it will meet the cylinder head so it doesn't stick.

doing it this way I can remove the valve covers any time and the gasket stays in the valve cover.

butcharndt

So if I'm understanding you Racer Dave, when i use a stud kit the studs stay in place and use nuts to fasten down the valve covers?

5.0pntydrpr

I prefer the Fel Pro rubber gaskets myself. They are much simpler to take on and off, but then again, I don't have the studs. I've been able to reuse these things for about 6 years now, and they've been on and off about 14 times.

Starfury

Exactly, butcharndt. Screw the studs into the heads and leave them there, and use nuts to secure the valve covers. Lets you set the covers on without having to worry about all the holes lining up.

racer_dave

yes...

chris70

ive got cobra aluminum covers bought a set of the felpro rubber gaskets with the steel center I think I paid around 25 dollars for them but it was money well spent no silicone needed ive had them off several times and still no leaks