I know this should be on small block forum but I thought someone here might have a quicker response. It appears to me that 83 and later HO motors and maybe 5.0 injected motors use taller covers than small blocks thru 82. Is that the case? I had purchased some ribbed cast aluminum covers at a swap meet that I thought I could switch out for the same looking covers that came on my 84 HO motor, but they are too short. Joe

 

...are ya usin' roller-rockers?

 

Nope, a stock 84 HO motor. I will post some pictures later. I also have some aftermarket cast covers that are shorter. I did notice that the covers on my 84 have two "wagon wheel" stamps embossed in them that say 83 on the left one and 84 on the right. There is a number in between. E4ZE-6582-FC. The shorter ones have the wagon wheel stamps with 81 on the left and 82 on the right, no number in the short ones. Joe

 

I am not sure when they changed to the taller valve cover. But the first change was mandated on May 2 1966 when Ford changed the valve train and they had to use the pent roof type valve cover. If you just halfto use the valve covers you have look up Tony D Brada Tony Branda Mustang Parts Shelby Parts Cobra Parts and type in VCS1 in the search block and you will find Valve Cover Spacers for both heads problem is they cost $120.95 ouch but maybe you can find cheaper somewhere else.

 

Thanks cobrajet. I wondered if maybe there might be spacers. Guess I will just use what I have. I just don't ever remember seeing any notations from aftermarket suppliers abour them changing. Joe