Are tall valve covers better?
The short answer is that taller valve covers can provide some benefits, but the overall impact on engine performance is often minimal. Valve covers serve primarily to contain oil and prevent it from leaking, while also protecting the engine's valvetrain components.
Understanding Valve Covers
Valve covers are the protective housings that sit atop an engine's cylinder heads, covering the valvetrain components such as the rocker arms, pushrods, and valve springs. Their primary function is to keep oil contained within the engine, preventing leaks and maintaining proper lubrication of the moving parts.
Taller valve covers can provide a few potential advantages, but the actual impact on engine performance is often small. Here are some of the key considerations around tall valve covers:
Potential Benefits of Tall Valve Covers
- Increased Oil Capacity - Taller valve covers can hold more oil, which can help maintain better lubrication of the valvetrain components, especially in high-performance engines that generate more heat and wear.
- Improved Airflow - In some cases, taller valve covers can provide more clearance for larger, high-lift camshafts and valvetrain components, allowing for improved airflow and potentially increased engine power.
- Aesthetics - Many enthusiasts prefer the look of taller, more pronounced valve covers, which can enhance the appearance of the engine compartment.
However, it's important to note that the actual performance gains from taller valve covers are often minimal, especially in street-driven engines. The primary function of valve covers is to contain oil, and as long as they are properly sealed and maintained, the height is usually not a critical factor.
Considerations for Tall Valve Covers
When considering taller valve covers, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
- Clearance - Taller valve covers may require additional clearance in the engine bay, which can be a concern in some vehicle applications. Careful measurement and fitment are essential to ensure the covers do not interfere with other components.
- Weight - Taller valve covers are typically heavier, which can slightly increase the overall weight of the engine and affect the vehicle's handling and performance.
- Cost - Specialty or custom-made taller valve covers can be more expensive than standard OEM-style covers.
Ultimately, the decision to use taller valve covers should be based on the specific needs and goals of the engine build, as well as the available space and budget. For most street-driven engines, the potential benefits may not outweigh the potential drawbacks, but for high-performance or custom applications, taller valve covers can be a worthwhile consideration.
Do valve covers affect performance?
Since the valvetrain is responsible for fuel regulation and airflow to the cylinders, damage to the valve cover could cause serious issues in the performance of your vehicle.
Why do valve covers have breathers?
Also known as breather valves, they are designed to regulate the internal pressure of a given space. As the pressure inside of a combustion engine increases, the breather cap will release it so that it doesn't blow any mechanical seals.
What is the best coating for valve covers?
While most powder coatings out perform high-temperature paints, a Cerakote finish performs especially well at high-temperatures, making it ideal for valve covers. Cerakote and other ceramic coatings are often referred to as “exhaust coating” or “high heat coating” in the auto industry.
How important is valve spring installed height?
Valve spring height is important because it, along with the Spring Rate, sets the Spring Pressure. Installed height sets the seat pressure. Open height sets the open pressure.
What are the benefits of valve body upgrade?
Valve Body Upgrades can also provide better lubrication, decreases in transmission temperatures, less hunting, improvements in the transmission's ability to provide engine braking by approximately 10% and improvements to fuel economy.
How long do valve covers last?
they should last a good 4-5 years and 50-100k miles if they are OEM good quality and installed properly. If they were el-cheapos and installed incorrectly then you could require replacement next week...
How much does it cost to get valve covers powder coated?
| All prices below are estimates only. Prices are subject to change upon inspection. The price minimum for any job is $100. | |
|---|---|
| Valve Cover | 4 Cylinder $90.00 Inline 6 Cylinder $100.00 V-6 Cylinder $100.00-$125.00 pair V-8 Cylinder $110.00-$135.00 pair Polished Lettering Add $25.00-$45.00. |
| Washer | $1.50 Each |
| Water Neck | $15.00-$20.00 |
Why do valve covers fail?
It's important to pay close attention to your valve cover's condition because it can loosen or crack due to frequent changes in temperature, prolonged lack of use, or contaminants.
Do taller valve covers make a difference?
What's the difference? Tall valve covers have added clearance over stock covers. If you upgrade to a High-Lift Camshaft, full roller rockers, and/or Shaft Mount Rockers, you will probably need tall covers. Tall covers are also required if you use a Stud Girdle.
What does an upgraded valve cover do?
Longer Engine Life
Because the billet valve cover itself is made from solid aluminum, it is designed to hold up under extreme conditions much better than its conventional valve cover counterpart. It acts as a great shield and resists thermal degradation; hence, it helps in increasing the life of an engine.
