That is why Matt is buying. He is at that great time in life. 16 years old - no obligations - a full time summer job and a classic car that needs stuff. (Man I would love to be there again.) Back to reality -- if it looks like the chrome won't hold up, then it may be more cost effective to buy aluminum. $45 vs. $185. So one aluminum is the price of 4 chrome. Will he go through 4 chrome cover while he owns the car? That is what he will have to decide.
X2 nothing wrong with "cheap" chrome just don't expect it to be perfect a little waxing goes a long way
I got 25$ chrome valve covers had to cut a hole had them on the car for probably 3-4 months and they look brand new.
The aluminum cover will also be more forgiving in the installation and sealing of the gasket. Just remember that over tightening of the bolts will break it at the bolt bosses. And if you use the gasket with the bolt stops, make sure all the stops are in place, if you're missing any, you'll likely end up with a broken bolt boss when tightened at that point as there will be no support there. The chrome cover will simply bend (and that in itself can result in negative consequences, i.e. leakage) The aluminum cover will also hold it's resale value over time vs a chrome steel cover
Any tips on removing an original cover that seems to never have been removed. It seems to be fused on and I don't want to bend it. Will warming the engine help loosen it up? I will be reusing these covers but I need them off to remove the smog tubes from the heads.
Pop it loose with a rubber mallet by hitting it on the inside face (side towards the carb) right at the top radius.
