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Tall Centerbolt Valve Covers

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Rob 85K5

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There was a post over a year ago about running roller rockers on centerbolt heads. The problem is that the center bolt covers are very short and cause clearance problems. At a show in Montgomery over the weekend, I saw these,<a target="_blank" href=http://wsphotofews.excite.com/038/jk/Om/Zo/lq35463.jpg>http://wsphotofews.excite.com/038/jk/Om/Zo/lq35463.jpg</a> for $140. The plain janes run around $125. These area a full 4" w/o a tape measure.
I have the company info if you would like it.

Rob 85K5

<font color=orange>Bleedin' Chevy Orange</font color=orange>
 
The height isnt the only problem with centerbolts. There is also where the bolts go through the covers, most roller rockers are too wide to run without hitting the bolts. You need to get a set or rockers that are slimmer than normal

My 73 K5 <a target="_blank" href=http://www.geocities.com/xk5blazerx/73k5.htm>http://www.geocities.com/xk5blazerx/73k5.htm</a> 350/TH350/NP203, Q-jet, Edelbrock intake, Vortec heads, 4" lift, and 36" TSL's
 
Or just grind some of the reinforcement out of the stock ones. I tested the height issue on a set of Vortecs off the motor, with some 1.5 rockers, there was no height issue, its the reinforcements for the bolt holes. Narrower rocker bodies or some grinding should solve the problem. Soon as I get my block and cam back, I should be able to mock that up on the stand, and make SURE the grinding will allow clearance.

If different valve covers work, with the centerbolts in the same location, grinding stockers will let them fit, as the bolt location won't change.

Dorian
My tech/links page: <a target="_blank" href=http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html>http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html</a>
No anti-theft measures on your truck? No pity when its stolen
 
GM performance parts makes a conversion kit to switch from the centerbolt style to the rim style specifically to install roller rockers. My vote would be to buy something like that which is designed by the same people that designed your motor to deal with this specific problem.
 
That GM kit is about $100. I would rather spend that on some thin body, self-aligning rockers

My 73 K5 <a target="_blank" href=http://www.geocities.com/xk5blazerx/73k5.htm>http://www.geocities.com/xk5blazerx/73k5.htm</a> 350/TH350/NP203, Q-jet, Edelbrock intake, Vortec heads, 4" lift, and 36" TSL's
 
Actually, not sure about you, but do you want FOUR valve cover gaskets? Thats exactly what the adapter kit does. And for half the adapter cost, if you REALLY want them (since they aren't needed) you can buy a set of aftermarkets. And then you end up with taller rockers anyways


Dorian
My tech/links page: <a target="_blank" href=http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html>http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html</a>
No anti-theft measures on your truck? No pity when its stolen
 
The nice thing about the ones in the link are they are one piece cast aluminum the only seperate parts are the baffles. They bolt in which makes it nice wehn you clean them. Ever had a the bolt sleeve on the stockers come off or get bent, and wonder why the hell does the valve cover keep leaking. I didn't get a pic of the inside of these, but they are pretty solid.

Rob 85K5

<font color=orange>Bleedin' Chevy Orange</font color=orange>
 
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