g60pops

I have just received my new valve covers from Rennspeed
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350326839481
Before i fit them should i get them powdercoated/painted or are they okay to be fitted straight on?

Merle

They were not painted on 92-94 964's but I rattle canned mine semi gloss black before installation. I bought a set of aluminum 92-94 uppers too when I did mine.

g60pops

i think i will just rattle can mine too.

mrsimpson

Sorry a new owner question here, how do you know if you need replacements?

Cheeksyboy

You'll have a weap of oil coming from the fixing bolts. The first fix is usually to replace the gaskets, but the covers do warp over time, especially if you've not got exhaust heat shields (like me!)....so then you have to replace with like, or upgrade to billet covers.....

mrsimpson

I see thank you for that, are the billet covers the ones type911 sell? What are the advantages of the billet covers? They seem good value.

Merle

The 92-94 964's had aluminum upper and lower valve covers. The magnesium covers on the earlier cars corrode badly. I think that is the main reason most people replace them. The reason I stayed away from the billet covers was because they don't come with holes to screw the spark plug wire clips to and I've heard that the spark plug holes are too big so the spark plug wire ends don't fit tightly in the hole. These aren't problems with the factory covers. I was able to get factory aluminum covers for $400 for all 4. My $.02.

mrsimpson

Thanks Merle good info, I have a 91 so I might look at investing in the standard aluminum covers.

Cheeksyboy

I don't know as I've not looked into it yet......

...advantages?

Standard covers are a (sort of) plastic which eventually warps and then no matter what you do there's a leak.

Billet heads are obviously metal and less prone to warp from the heat of the nearby exhaust!

creaturecat

The billet covers are fine for the top.
I would use the Porsche aluminum on the bottom, for previously stated reasons.
Why do they not make a "proper" lower cover?

g60pops

rattle canned them black.
before:

after:

Crystal Cranks

Can anyone give a running report on how they got on with these Rennspeed covers, quality, fitting any leaks etc.
I know about the Hargatt ones but prefer the original look of these.

creaturecat

The "Rennspeed" covers are the Porsche covers.
i.e. factory quality.

Vandit

Here's one way to know if you need new covers.


When the original magnesium covers fall apart from corrosion.

Merle

I have a set of upper and lower magnesium covers for cheap if anyone is in need. They have a little bit of corrosion but nothing major like the picture in Vandit's post. $100 for all 4 if anyone wants them.