Thread: New guy question

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I'm new here so I apologize for what has probably been asked a couple of thousand times before.
I have a 428 that is getting a Mass-Flo EFI setup this winter and as long as the upper end is apart I want to change out the existing valve cover gaskets which tend to seep. The existing gaskets are cork and I was wondering if there is an after market gasket out there that is make of something less prone to seeping.
The valve covers have studs for mounting and I use nyloc nuts but when I tighten the nuts I'm only going by feel for how tight they are. Is there anything out there that would let me use a torque value to set them so all of the nuts are at the same tension? Oh yes, Edlebrock heads.
Thanks for any suggestions.
DonC

Welcome to CHR
They sell spreaders that move the presure on the gasket from under the nut to about a 4" area (2" both sides of the nut) I have used these on Chevy valve covers Summit has them Hold down tabs # MOR-68516. I don't know if they will work for you or not.

Charlie:
Thanks for the idea.
I've seen valve cover gaskets for small block fords with, appearantly, a metal insert in the holes that allow you to torque all the hold down bolts/nuts the same. Was wondering if anyone has ever seen these for the 428FE.
DonC

I've had great success in the past with the Felpro rubber gaskets. I use them alot on solid lifter or roller lifter engines. I've reused them continually for a whole season without a leak through many valve adjustments. If using the cork gaskets where you don't need to adjust valves I suggest gluing them down to the valve cover rail with 3M black weatherstrip adhesive. Yes the same stuff used to put on your door weatherstrip. Lay a continous bead about an 1/8 inch wide all the way around the lip. Let it set up for about a minute then lay the gasket on. Once in place gently lift the gasket up about an inch a little at a time all the way around the cover to "string out" the adhesive. Press firmly in place and let it dry until you can't move the gasket around on the cover. Lay an 1/8 bead of black silicon around the gasket for some extra insurance and reinstall. Torque the gasket snug and do not over tighten. The glue holds the gasket in place and won't allow it to split while tightening. If done properly this method has NEVER leaked, guaranteed! You can do this with any gasket that contacts oil except head gaskets. Good luck!