LS valve covers idea's/where to get
 

Hey all, I am just about finished with my LS sway into my 70' SS camaro.

the coil packs have been relocated to the lower firewall, so i am looking for the "smooth" type and am having trouble locating a pair that fits my taste.

I'm thinking of getting a decent pair (trying to find USA made as opposed to some of the deals on EBAY) and then maybe anodizing them blue and maybe doing some sort of "SS" or "Camaro SS" engraved on the cover.....

Any ideas on "where"?

Thanx, Mike

p.s., i am have a difficult time "uploading" to photo bucket so my "build/swap" thread is being delayed due to the lack of pics....

Ironworks makes a nice billet pair with or without coil mounts and if you want a customed engraved pair, contact Mark at Speed and Performance in Arkansas. I bought my big block valve covers from them that were custom engraved. They offer them in polished or chrome. No anodizing last I knew of. You may have to have them anodized yourself. Really nice quality.

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/...g/IMG_0274.jpg

http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/...g/IMG_0273.jpg

Nasty Performance makes a nice set:

http://www.nastyperformance.com/shop...-valve-covers/

GM Performance Parts makes a pretty nice cast version as well.

The anodizing/powder coating i can do, but what you guys just responded with is exactly what i'm looking for.. Thanx, Mike

This was my first attemped on this but this is a stock cover with the holes welded up and milled down smooth. We powder coated this set.

I think they would look good polished if your after that look.

This is similar to Vince's, but it is a set that you can make yourself.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance...post-27-a.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-f...ve-covers.html

http://www.eddiemotorsports.com/prod...billet-smooth/

http://www.xsr1.com/

http://www.hawkinsspeedshop.com/ls1-...olet-logo.html


I quit Photobucket, it is horrible right now. I relocated my photos over to
http://www.smugmug.com/ Rather fast uploading, I was uploading rather quick. I just haven't started another build thread here, but Smugmug is similar to my old Kodak Photogallery site, but expect I paid a year membership on this one.

Jeff

Thanx for the links Jeff, a couple i'm interested in.

Vince, that set up is nice, you powder coated the fuel rails too?

yep, same batch, 40% black. Customer wants sinister.

I have an idea up my sleeve..... :gitrdun:

I know you do but lets get it rolling first. :ups:

I went with these finned vintage aluminum valve covers from Speedway, and I havent really seen very many people running them, but they are a very solid quality casting. I was looking for some thing 60's or 70's looking in an LS valve cover, and these just scream that era, so I had to run them on my build.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps21520887.jpg

So only two screw holes? those are interesting, very clean looking which is what i'm after...

Yep.. Only two screws, because these are very heavy casted, so the two screws are enough to give steady pressure on the gasket. If I remember correctly, they were less than 200 dollars, which I thought was a pretty good bargain compared to other options out there.

Where'd you get?

Those covers look nice but we have had issues with the cork gaskets leaking. And trying to get cork gaskets seem impossible. Kinda sucks to have an Ls engine with an oil leak. That never happens.

These are Katech valve covers that have been hydradipped.

^^^ those look really nice!!

We also have our own line of covers that we just got instock. I'm working on getting solid packaging and the correct ARP fasteners for the covers. They have dual 3/8npt holes for breathers, they use a factory o-ring seal and have an enlarged cap to make oil fill much easier.

We have them in stock, just not quite ready to ship.

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...31-2013003.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...31-2013005.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...31-2013006.jpg

Some more pics for you. These covers have the recess machined in the top surface. I have the covers in both styles. Smooth and Recessed.

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...12-2013010.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...12-2013009.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...12-2013007.jpg

I picked up a Bitchen set from Custom Works. They have been used by Katech and other top engine builders. No leaks works for me plus I like carbon it I and carbon is something that will stand the test of time and won't date a build.

http://www.customworksproducts.com/c...ber-parts.html

http://www.customworksproducts.com/u...75033_orig.jpg

and here are the Edelbrock Coil Covers that we were going to use.

http://garagescene.net/gallery3/var/...rock%20015.JPG

http://garagescene.net/gallery3/var/...rock%20018.JPG

http://garagescene.net/gallery3/var/...rock%20012.JPG

I am fairly certain someone makes billet coil covers for the coils if you plan to leave your coils exposed. I think they are also good option if that is your plan. ( which is what we plan to do )

Marty - I have heard some complaints in the past about leaky CF valve covers. Not sure whose brand tho. Looks like they come with an o-ring grove for sealing. Have you run these for any length of time? Also, what are the screws on the interior side (top right in the pic)...Katech mount holes?

Thx buddy!

Those covers do leak. They just don't seem to be able to stand the engine compartment heat from my experience. I had to swap a set out. They might be better now, but the set I had needed to be retorqued constantly. I think most automotive aftermarket carbon parts are not made with the best materials and do do well with ultra violet rays and engine temp. Real carbon parts cost big money and I'm not convinced the aftermarket will pay the money for top quality.

They are currently on the motor and have only run a few times. A local guy has them on his 9 Second firebird and hasn't had a problem with leaks to date. I am hoping I get just as lucky because I really like how they look.

Those hold the aluminum brackets to the interior side of the valve covers.

ps - Very few aftermarket valve covers will ever work as good as a factory valve cover no matter who is making them as most suppliers don't have the money to match the OE quality.

Is thery any change of using stock coils and plug wires on these? Look really nice!

These were designed to relocate the coils with our brackets and use the cut to length MSD plug wires. I suppose something could be make to mount the coils and such but seems like a lot of work to cover up the fancy covers.

Rodger

You could buy the brackets from Customworks Products coil brackets add $159 pair and install them on the Ironworks Valve Covers.

I like those alot. Engraving " Camaro SS " or something of the like across the top and anodizing blue. Can u get anodizing locally? thanx, Mike

I posted this link once already but not sure if you saw it. They do custom engraving and anodizing.

http://schwartzperformance.com/billet-lsx-valve-covers/

I think i missed that greg, thanks for the link. I could send them a drawing of what i want to get a final #$$. thanx

I know it sound stupid, but i just like the oem wires and really dont think they look so ugly. I was thinking your covers anodized black or dark grey and mounting coils nicely on the top.


Exactly !

Sounds like a Win Win and that is why I love this Board

I could laser cut a plate to go in the machined recess to bolt you coil brackets to. I can also get the covers anodized for you at a place just up the road in Fresno.

Rodger

We can laser cut the letter in a plate to fit in the cut out and have it colored in a contrasting color no problem.

Rodger

Rock on!! I send you an PM Rodger.