I am looking these valve covers for my 429.





They only have 2 bolt holes on top. There are 3 in the head and in my old covers. Has anyone used these? Do I need to have all 3 bolts?

 

When I saw your post I thought you must be mistaken, but a quick ebay search showed aluminum covers with just two top bolts, and steel covers with three. So I looked at aftermarket heads, they all have three top bolts, as did some valve cover spacers from Jegs. Go figure.
I know I would want three up there if it was me.
It will be good to have some big block experts weigh in on this one.


B

 

I thought for sure the missing bolt hole just didn't show in the photo, so I did some investigating. Sure enough, there's no top center bolt hole. Never would have guessed that from Ford. It may not matter as the cover is probably plenty rigid across the top, and the oil mess will be more predominant on the down hill side. I've never heard of anyone hating those covers or complaining about leaks, and they've been around for a very long time. If you really like them (and I always have) give them a shot.

 

Thanks guys. Like you said they are more rigid along the top than the stamped covers are and the oil is much more likely to leak out the bottom. I really do like the look of them.

 

They will work great. So would tin ones
if in new condition and installed properly
with out getting them over tight.

 

Ok, so I bought the valve covers. When I got them the box was open (not the shipping box) and they looked terrible. They were full of black soot, had some rubber material stuck to the mating surface and had finger prints on them. They looked used.
So, I returned them and had a new set shipped out. When I got the new set, they had some black film on the inside. So I assumed it was polishing compound. I cleaned them and was about to install the baffles inside of them, when I put the screw in the hole for the baffle the hole was too big. The screw couldn't be tightened. I sent them back too... now I have no valve covers. Made in China junk!

 

I got curious and went an took a look, my 429 has the stock covers three bolts top. But like arctic says they don't have to be very tight and I presume that 'quality' aftermarket covers would be fairly rigid in this area. To bad about your recent purchases, a good reminder for us to be careful where our parts are manufactured.

 

did you have trouble finding these in chrome ??? all I could find was polished Aluminum...finally found a set in Canada... mine is a 460

later
john

 

I didn't know they came in chrome. No problems with them?
Where did you get them?

 

Hey guys I Usually over on the 73-79 forum but being checking in here lately. Just seen your post on valve covers. Just thought I'd send in a photo of a 460 I detailed for a customers car. It's a little different th what your looking for but a alternative. More of a 50's style.



Hand made valve covers and air cleaner.

 

that is sweet !!! beautiful fab work

 

I got a set, but I am not sharing. I think they look great on my engine.

 

That looks beautiful!

 

Where did you get them from? No issues?

 

When I built that engine I was buying a lot of stuff from Street Side Auto. They fit fine and accommodate roller rockers. Here is a link to their site but shop around you might find a better price.
Ford Racing Part No. M-6582-C460 - Valve Covers