anything to be aware of when installing MOPAR valve covers?

[Talkwrench]

Hi guys is there anything I should be aware of when installing a new set of Mopar performance valve covers?
I haven't had a real good look, but I have new gaskets in a kit somewhere, I will have to drill the hole for the PCV . Do I just us the old pcv grommet? And looks like I'll have to get another breather [open] too.
Would it matter on what side the pcv is on so long as the breather is opposite side?

While they are off is there anything I can check or look for regarding the valves?

[GranCuda1970]

I have heard they leak if not sealed proper I have a set painted chrysler orange but a I am going to get the origional valve covers and sell my others, I may be biased I like the look of the origionals. My wife got me the mopar performance ones because my origies were pitted.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

You don't have to drill a hole for the PCV. Those round flat areas punch out. A standard size grommet will fit them.

[Chryco Psycho]

the cast cover are difficult to seal up , the heads are not milled flat where the valve cover sits on the rail , the steel covers will bend enough to seal on the uneven rails but the cast cover will not flex at all & will break if you tighten them enough you generally need a thick bead of silicone in the front & rear corners of the heads to get the gaskets to seal up

[422STROKER]

IIRC, make sure that they clear the intake before bolting them down.  I had to clearance mine along the intake face to have them seal up nice.

Tom

[burdar]

I had to double up on the gaskets so they would clear the intake.(small block) 

[HP2]

Did you get the accessories kit with them?
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Brand/Mopar-Performance/Product-Line/Mopar-Performance-Valve-Cover-Accessory-Kits/?autoview=SKU

Contains all the grommets you may need along with a chrome cap and bolts.

The cast units do need to be flat on the heads or you will break tabs and/or leak. Doubling up gaskets can do this, or adding silicone can do the same thing. Also, these have a cast in lip on the mounting flange that runs the perimeter of the cover. This lip may hit the intake runners and require some clearencing to lay flat.  Sometimes, doubling up gaskets can raise them up too high and the fins could interfere with the brake booster. I've only seen this once and the user used a grinder to knock down the fins in that area.

[mrob]

I agree with what burdar said. In my case, I had to use thicker valve cover gaskets to clear the intake manifold runners (LD340 intake).

[Talkwrench]

I have the covers off and have sat the new covers on, all seems ok. Ill lay the gasket down and see if the cover rocks on it or if it sits flat. Take it from there. I did buy some new bolts at 1 " long but dont have the rubber grommets, I dont hold much hope for getting them out as they seem quite old and hard. The covers did come with the caps but I will only be using one. I dont think I'll use the original type breather I'll just get an "open' one [the motor shouldn't smoke ]   
 

[Talkwrench]

Update:  I have taken her for a short drive, no probs. I did have to start the right bank with the 1" bolts and then use 3/4" bolts.  Plenty of non hardening sealant [permatex no.3] and all is good....

[422STROKER]

Looks good.

Is the breather on the pass side twist in style?  If so where did you get it?

Thanks
Tom

[Talkwrench]

yes its just a twist in one, I got it from topline [Billet works] in Malaga.. Not much help to you unless you live in Perth Western Australia.. 

[422STROKER]

Yeah, I can't find a twist in open element style like that stateside.

Thank
Tom

Looks great!

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Tom,

   I have a breather like that on my car. Summit racing sells them.

[422STROKER]

Do you have a link?  I looked at about 300 pictures and gave up.

Tom