95_993

Looking at making the switch to billet valve covers. I remember there was a group buy on Hargett's, so I know a few have them.

I know all will be an upgrade over flimsy stock covers. Any big differences/advantages to speak of between the Tarret, Hargett and Rennline covers?

Quadcammer

There is zero benefit to these. The stock covers work perfectly well. What is flimsy about them?

If you insist on getting them, make sure to get ones with plug wire holders

Holytin

... and you have to lay flat on your stomach to see them. There are (more) better improvements!

95_993

Points taken. I was just finishing up doing plugs, wires, etc, etc and was thinking.....while I was in there, easy to do.

nine9six

If your lower valve covers are leaking, change the gaskets. Billet VC are not an improvement, or an upgrade.

Hilltopper

Rennline billet kit works for me and it is not because I am from Vermont as are they.

sand_man

Stock works perfectly fine for me! I'll be keeping them...

Endoman

Used Rennline ones to replace the lowers after new plastic ones started leaking again after 2 yrs. Pity they are not on show, they are very nicely made. I'm sure there are advantages as early cars used magnesium ones, which can still leak but thermal dissipation must be better and less heat distortion.
I'm not from Vermont either.

Quadcammer

993s didn't use magnesium valve covers. And if they leaked again after replacing them and the gasket, they were not installed properly.

Endoman

I said early cars, not 993s (964s were)and I'm sure Ninemeister would not be happy to be accused of fitting them incorrectly.

Quadcammer

What do 964 valve covers have to do with this?

Further I don't care whether nine meister is happy about it or not.

95_993

All done.

I had new bolts and gaskets already. I cleaned up the stock covers and put them back on.

I had one allen head that rounded pretty easily, but i managed to get it out. Glad I had a set of new bolts to put in.

Spokes

Good call. Did the same when I changed out plugs and leads. No oil weeping since.

nine9six

+993^^^

Clean up the OEM VCs (both sealing surfaces), install new Porsche VC gsskets
(I apply a thin coat of motor oil to allow the rubber gasket to squish, just like an oil filter). Using a good quality shorty 5 mm hex socket, completely seated, for a proper installation.

I torque from the middle out, in an X pattern, to 5 ft lbs and then finish torque to 7 ft lbs, using the same pattern. Never a problem, never a leak.

I'm not shy to say it again; billet VCs are a waste of $$$, IMHO.
However, I support each individual to spend their money as they choose.

Ninemeister the business, or whatever trainee monkey they had install them improperly? Did you take it back for correction?!?

mr_bock

I went with Hargett valve covers, but I first grit blasted them and did an Iridite chemical film conversion to but a anti-corrosion finish on them. Instead of the crappy OEM screws, I got ARP twelve point black oxide metric screws that look great!!

Each to your own and what makes you happy!!!