Should I buy tall or short valve covers? I've installed roller tip rockers and a new cam but other than that my valve train is stock. Is there a benefit to one or the other? Clerance issues? It's a 65 289, and I've got an Edelbrock intake manifold and may one day want AC. Thoughts?

 

Original Mustang V8's thru 67 (and 68 289) all used the lower profile valve covers. In 68 Ford went to the tall on the 302. You should get the tall type in cast aluminum for your engine. There are manytypes with different cast in names.
Jim

 

If I'm reading your reply correctly... Being a 65 the lower type will fit, right?

 

The two styles will fit the heads for all 260 and 289engines, the low/short may not fit a head with taller valve springs or other mods.
Jim

 

It'll be a tight fit.The baffles will be the problem. You may have to drill some holes in them where they contact the rocker.

 

might as well go tall and not worry about clearance issues

 

Bite the bullit and buy hollow letter Cobra covers. Set the covers finger tight with gasket in place and mark the interference with dye on the rockers. Then heat the baffle and dimple it with a ball-peen hammer. You're done, nobody knows you have roller-rockers and your engine looks right. (I hate tall valve covers)

 

i quintuple stacked valve cover gaskets to retain the black wrinkle finish ford motorsports covers

 

They also make cover spacers, or you can double gasket it if you want to jimmy it for now

Best bet to just buy the tall ones though..

 

Tall covers. You'll wind up going full roller later on...