Mopar Performance Valve Cover Question

[Recovering Cuda]

I hope I'm posting this in the right forum but here is my question.  Santa brought me some new Mopar Performance Valve covers.  Each cover has an oil filler opening and an additional or optional "knock out" plug.  I want to keep the PVC line so this will have to go in one of the "knock out" positions.  Now, how do you "Knock out" this plug.  I don't want to damage these new covers.  Sure would appreciate how to do this right.   Thanks.

[high perf mopar]

i used a hole saw,,measure the diameter of the grommet where it will make contact with the covers,,center it on the "knock out "spot and drill away..no damage to expensive covers,,i think knock out is a relative term...

[Recovering Cuda]

yeah, I have read where some people have drilled them but I'm afraid my hole would out of round.  I read where one guy did knock them out but he never explained the process.  When you mentioned hole saw I'm thinking something for wood.  What do you use on aluminum?   

If I had a drill pass I would be more apt to give it a try.

[jimynick]

A true "knock-out" will have an edge that's actually severed nearly all the way around it and you could use a brass drift on the severed edge to flip and "knock-out" the piece. However, if there's no factory cut, you're into drilling and you can actually use a wood hole saw at low speed to drill aluminum. I don't know where you are, but here in Canada, Canadian Tire sells a nice various sized, bi-metal set of hole saws with proper arbour and pilot drill. In the US- I'd head for Harbour Freight. Good luck and remember, like the man said, drill the hole the size of the INSIDE of the grommet groove. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

This is easier than you think. Just use any punch from the top to open up the hole. It will fall out, but you might have to use a file around the edges before you get the grommet to fit. 

[Road_Runner]

Agree with everything above.  You can get a larger plug that will fit the full sized opening and seal to the PCV valve.  At least I know you used to be able to because that's whats on the Roadrunner.  I will say there's nothing wrong taking your time.  Knocking these plugs out doesn't always leave a perfect edge which could allow oil leaks, etc.

Later, Jim

[67vertman]

On my aluminum ones I used a metal hole saw that I bought at Home Depot, it was $8 dollars.  It has a small drill bit in the middle.  Use a center punch and start drilling slowly.  Hold the drill at a 90* angle, the aluminum is soft and easy to drill.
here is a picture, I drilled the oil filler hole.

[72cudamaan]

Usually you can see a line or fracture on the inside of the cover where the hole should be. If it's 
there, you can punch it out. If not, better to drill the hole. 

[Moparal]

I have a new pair I need to do for dons cuda.  His car is close to doing some street running now

[Recovering Cuda]

Okay,  I bought the grommet set sold by Mopar Performance so I'm assuming they are the right diameter for the knock out.   On the inside of the covers you can see the knock out area.  If I choose the knock out method, do I knock them out from the inside or the outside?   Thanks for the help guys.

[dodj]

Okay,  I bought the grommet set sold by Mopar Performance so I'm assuming they are the right diameter for the knock out.   On the inside of the covers you can see the knock out area.  If I choose the knock out method, do I knock them out from the inside or the outside?   Thanks for the help guys.

I 'knocked' mine out with a ball pien hammer from the outside. Then as Mike said, cleaned it up with a half round file. If you are concerned about your aim, use a punch and hammer. 

[BB73Challenger]

Just a FYI - I got a set of small blocks that needed a very mild clearing around the intake runners to sit flush.
A few minutes with a file cleared those points quickly.

Otherwise same as above on punching them out.

[Recovering Cuda]

Well gents,  I was about to Knock Out the plugs yesterday when I pulled up a few pictures I have saved from the internet of various mopar motors.  I also read, in a thread on this site, that the MP grommets will fit into the holes for the filler caps.   I tried it and it works good.  So without knocking anything out I will switch the PCV to the right bank and the left bank will have the MP chrome breather.  Of course the original set up has the PVC on the left bank and another "breather" on the right bank.  Does it matter what side the PCV is on?  Should I knock out the one on the right bank and add another breather?  Thanks for the imput.

[BB73Challenger]

  Of course the original set up has the PVC on the left bank and another "breather" on the right bank.  Does it matter what side the PCV is on?  Should I knock out the one on the right bank and add another breather?  Thanks for the imput.

On the small block and the big block I have PCV on passenger side and a single breather on driver's side with no problems.

[moprr]

I hit the knock out from the top also, no problem.