I was about to install the new valve covers last night when I noticed that the covers could be installed with the drippers pointing (dripping) either way (dripping onto upper rocker point or dripping onto lower rocker point).



Common sense would make us assume they should drip down onto the upper part of the rocker, but that may not be correct. Anyone want to share their knowledge on this subject?

Common sense would make one belive it would be so, but whenever I start to think, or think that I'm thinking, I get into trouble.

They are designed to drip on the fulcrum(center) of the rocker. That's where most of the friction is. AND that's where you have the most clearance too.

Merv, you and me both!!

I just took some measurements and played around a bit....bottom line is I now do not feel comfortable using these new valve covers on the new engine.

The space tolerance is way too close for comfort. I'll need to buy either aftermarket tall, aftermarket without drippers or maybe something in between. The "short stock" with drippers leaves no room for chance.

Yet another stumbling block.

5/16" valve cover gaskets add clearance...

Greg, its the after-market "drippers" that have me concerned. They are cheap, flimsy and weak little aluminum pieces welded into the inside of the covers. Can't take the chance of putting them on the new engine.

Two more pieces for the wall of shame I'm afraid. I just ordered tall basics and also sent Banshee palpal cash for those Mickey Tees he advertised last week.

I see no problem with these valve covers, in fact this is something pontiac should have done way long ago, being involved in engine building and specifically building one for use in the stock eliminator class of drag racing you quickly find out that the stock style rocker regardless of who makes it is a weak link at best, these valve covers keep oil on the rocker fulcrum just like the big chebies which also suffer the high failure rate in this area when pressed into heavy duty.
Nothing is scarier than an exhaust rocker breaking in half at 6800 r.p.m going through the lights! now if i could get N.H.R.A let us use roller rockers in stock it should would save us some money on damaged engines.

I hear you osa6637, I have the original pontiac drippers assemblies off the old engine that I will use with the "tall" covers once they arrive. They are separate assemblies:



I just can't get myself to use those new short aftermarket ones on the new engine.

Hey John

Here's a pic of what I believe is a stock `74 valve cover.
Drips on both sides.
(Not sure this info helps you at all, but what the hey.)

Thanks Dave. Call me nervous, but it seems like there is less than a 1/2 inch of clearance between the cover and the rocker.