Valve covers, stock or aluminum

[Dino]

The '71 440 hp in my '69 has crappy chrome covers and need replacing.  Which are most leak proof: stock covers or aluminum MP black wrinkle covers?

Are the stock covers the same for all years or year specific?  I'd like them to have the brackets for the wiring but I've seen a bracket up top as well, what's that one for?

[Mopar Nut]

I'm going back to my original stock covers on mine as soon as I get them redone. I heard the mp covers are cracking at the corners.

[myk]

I had original covers and they leaked.  I bought MP covers and they leaked.  I bought Summit aluminums and they leaked.  I just figured it came  with ownership of the car...

[ottawamerc]

Ya I can atest to the MP's cracking, mine did You can only apply minimal pressure on the corner screws but they dont leak!!

Scott

[mopar0166]

I love my cal customs alum

[oldcarnut]

I got a set from 440 source and modified them with clear tops.  Haven't had them installed yet but I hope they aren't breaking for people too.

[Dino]

I have the MP air cleaner and wanted the matching valve covers...but now I think I should better run all stock parts.  It's a '71 engine so it won't look stock in the '69 but that's okay.  I'd like to run the dual snorkel with the heat stove and HP manifolds so I probably should get the '71 valve covers.  I'm not sure why there's an extra hole in there compared to the '69 covers though.   

[71 SE3834V]

I was told my chrome covers were a mopar part from the dealer back in the day. As I said in the pm rear hole is for the breather.
Color code:
Yellow arrows - wire harness loom.
Green arrows - #8 spark plug wire runs through these 2 above the cover and through another similar one bolted to the last manifold stud.

[myk]

I got a set from 440 source and modified them with clear tops.  Haven't had them installed yet but I hope they aren't breaking for people too.

Clear tops?  What an interesting idea...

[Mopar Nut]

I got a set from 440 source and modified them with clear tops.  Haven't had them installed yet but I hope they aren't breaking for people too.

Clear tops?  What an interesting idea...

oldcarnut, post some pictures.

[oldcarnut]

I got a set from 440 source and modified them with clear tops.  Haven't had them installed yet but I hope they aren't breaking for people too.

Clear tops?  What an interesting idea...

oldcarnut, post some pictures.

.     Here's the post I did.  http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,85589.0.html
The hard part is seeing the date I did that and still don't have the motor together or the car  

[Mopar Nut]

Nice work!

[Ghoste]

Thats an interesting take.  Cool.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I had original covers and they leaked.  I bought MP covers and they leaked.  I bought Summit aluminums and they leaked.  I just figured it came  with ownership of the car...

What summit covers did you use Myk? I've got the summit ones and I've never had a drop leak out of them. What gaskets are you using?

[tan top]

  for me   , stock valve covers  ( valve train permitting )    chrome plateted  or  OEM color !

 thinking about  trying  to find a pair of the old 70s direct connection stamped steel valve covers , blast them & paint them  engine color  

[polywideblock]

 I'm using these  moroso blue gaskets on the 440 no leaks so far ,  have same brand on 340 and no leaks there either  + permatex copper

                                                      http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moroso-93055-Perm-Align-Valve-Cover-Gaskets-Rubber-Steel-Big-Block-Mopar-/201154933954?hash=item2ed5c4b4c2&vxp=mtr

     

[70-500-SE-EXPORT]

I like the new repro direct connection covers. Mancini racing has them for only $65. No leaks using moroso steel core blue gaskets. Had corner leaks with three other brands.

[ODZKing]

I have original on both my 383 and 400HP. The 383 tried some special sealing covers which leaked immediately in the back. They were guaranteed no to leak until I brought them back and they were broken.  I was told "well, you tightened them to much"    
I purchased regular cork ones and my wrench told me to use Hi Temp gasket maker (both NAPA items) and line cover and the head with a nice line of it. Then put on the gasket on the cover and tighten by hand, no wrench.  Leave overnight then tighten a bit more the next day and repeat for a couple days until you feel comfortable with the fit.
well, so far - so good with no leaks.
The 400 on the other hand, rubber gaskets, first shot ... no problems.
THAT is what I would recommend with the OEM covers.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1611?seid=srese1&gclid=CKiKv4W7gMcCFVOQHwod7ocNuw

[myk]

I had original covers and they leaked.  I bought MP covers and they leaked.  I bought Summit aluminums and they leaked.  I just figured it came  with ownership of the car...

What summit covers did you use Myk? I've got the summit ones and I've never had a drop leak out of them. What gaskets are you using?

I honestly don't recall, probably some Fel-Pro kit.  In all honesty we can't rule out my inability to properly torque down parts-maybe that's what the problem is lol...

[tan top]

 been using the black rubber type Felpro  valve cover gaskets ,  no leaks  &     been on & off prolly 10 times !  since I finshed ( well never finished   )  the nut & bolt resto   , still seal up , all i do is wipe  the  gaskets  down with lacquer thinner , & the mating surfaces ie head & rocker cover , to remove all grease oil etc .

[myk]

Is there an alternating pattern to tightening down the valve cover bolts, like you do when installing a wheel?  Maybe that's my problem...

[303 Mopar]

Is there an alternating pattern to tightening down the valve cover bolts, like you do when installing a wheel?  Maybe that's my problem...

I've always done inside out.

[69wannabe]

Just old stock valve cover's for me. They are 68 or 69 models I think and I use the old fel pro cork gaskets and they haven't leaked in years. I do like the look of the black wrinkle mopar valve covers but as long as the one's I have are not leaking then I just leave well enough alone.