Looking for advice on which is the better valve cover gasket? Cork, rubber or something else? Thanks Al

 

I like the reusable rubber ones.

 

Both work what I found is the valve cover needs to be straight at the flange if it gets waves in it from over tightening the bolts no matter what gasket you use it won't seal

 

I prefer the rubberized cork gaskets but any gasket will work (not leak) if installed properly.

Don't over torque the vc bolts and you'll be fine.

 

Alvad83, You did not say which engine you had. The best I have seen so far are the ones made of silicone rubber with metal sleeves in the bolt holes which are reusable. I believe FELPRO makes them. Of course as another member mentioned the flanges must be straight, I also like to dimple the area at the bolt hole toward the underside of the bolt head. If you use the cork rubber style I have had good results by gluing the gasket to the cover with weather stripping cement then filling the inside cavity where the cover and gasket meet with rtv sealant and give it some time to cure, then just before installation apply a thin film of rtv on the gasket and snug up the bolts.30 years ago I once was given a pair of chrome 390 valve covers because the guy could not make them stop leaking and that is how I solved the problem. Good luck, Kenny