ricks993

Anyone installed the Tarett Engineering Aluminum valve covers (they cost $325.00)? Or have a recommendation of other ones to buy.

Need to replace my lowers they are leaking big time

IXLR8

Have you considered replacing the rubber seals?

That is all it took for my OEM covers to not leak.

ricks993

No, I was concerned that the original ones get warped eventually??? Is that true??

IXLR8

True? I doubt it. Mine weren't warped and neither were those of others that PMed me and chuckled about that idea.

Furthermore, even if they were a few thou out, what difference would it make? None, as the rubber seal protrudes well beyond the surface of the valve cover.

You can always lay them flat on a plate glass after you get them off and measure the warp. I once asked; never got an answer.

I'd bet if you installed the old rubber seals in new billet aluminium valve covers, that they would leak just as much.

ricks993

Thanks for sharing your experience and saving me $300.00. . I will check to see if they are warped when they are off and change just the gaskets if OK. I can always spend the money later if they leak!

MarkD

if the old seals were installed with new billet covers then they would obviously leak
thanks Alex

Rick,
in most situations, billet covers are a aesthetic choice
some don't put value on that and that is their choice, of course

if your covers are in good shape and you aren't looking for the "look", then gaskets will likely do the trick
your plan is good
good luck!

Mercedesben

Valve cover gaskets should be part of a 60k service IMHO. Just change out the gaskets and you will be a o k.

ricks993

Does everyone replace both the lower and the upper gaskets? It looks like my problem is with the lower. But I am also changing the plugs at the same time so should I do both, will the uppers eventually leak also?

deekay911

I think mostly the lower ones give problems as this is where oil tends to pool and seep. the upper gaskets are no doubt just as dried and old, but due to their position and orientation, they tend not to show the leakage. They are do-able with the engine in situ, but a lot trickier than the lower covers.

MarkD

+1
nailed it

the lowers are most often the culprit

IXLR8

So I guess the valve covers have very little to do with them leaking, yet the first piece of advice you'll get on this and some other forums would be to replace those so-called "warped" valve covers with billet aluminium valve covers if you have an oil leak.

Anytime! Thats what I'm here for...to provide valid information.

IXLR8

I did since I bought my 993 used and wanted to baseline the car.

The lower valve covers leak more easily because those seals seem to harden faster probably due to being in close proximity to the mufflers. Even the lower portion of the seal was very hard compared to the top portion of the same lower valve cover seal.

I did it all (seals on all four valve covers as well as 12 spark plugs) with the engine in. Not difficult at all.

MarkD

hmm. seems to me you are the only one giving advice on the issue
I haven't seen anyone say that you must replace the OE covers in long, long time.

Here's something to chew on. I know you'll love it:
Replacing the OE covers with billet make it easier to get a good, long lasting seal on the lower VCs. Compared to the OE composite covers, the Billet replacements are rigid and more "forgiving" in regards to torque specs. No need for an inch lb torque wrench and additional disassembly to gain access to the VC bolts.
Just install, tighten and move on.


Anytime! Thats what I'm here for...to provide valid information.[/QUOTE]
oh, THAT is why you are here.

thanks for clearing that up
I kid.
You know I love ya.

MarkD

didn't you have the intake and other components removed at the time?
IIRC...
That would have made it a "bit" easier

Mike J

I have done some of the rigid covers - they do sloppy torquing better, but I really dislike the fact that no routing tabs exist for the plug wires. Since the are aluminum, the do conduct heat very well, and in fact tend to be hotter than the plastic covers. All good except that the plug lines are right there just over the covers, so I bet the ignition wires get more cooked with these covers.

Having TIG welded aluminum, that metal really conducts heat!

I would go stock - I actually like the contrast of a nice black cover with the aluminum engine, so to me that is more bling than more of the same.... LOL!

Cheers,

Mike