I`m thinking about getting some mopar performance valve covers. 440 the black cast kind. Are these leak prone? I have a edelbrock manifold and headers. What kind of gaskets does everyone use? Any other tips to pass on? As always thanks for the replies.

I switched from my chrome valve covers to the MP Polished cast aluminum valve covers and used the felpro 1612 high temp gaskets. I used Felpro Right Stuff to glue them to the valve cover ( not the heads) and so far no leaks. I also used the bolts instead of studs on my covers.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-1612

Moroso is what works for me

link
gaskets link

Follow the proper tightening instructions, I cracked the corner of mine being dumb earlier this year. I used superformance gaskets with mine

I find they are pretty stiff and relatively easy to seal... why I like them.

the issue I had with mine on a small block was they hit the intake manifold at the runners. so I trimed them with a grinder. mopar factory heads at the valve cover surface are some of the worst heads I've ever seen. get a good thick gasket and tighten them even and they will seal great. Mine came with bolts and gaskets but If I remember the bolts were too short. either way If you put them on right they are good.

73EStroker
member

Registered: 03/29/13
Posts: 12
Loc: Calgary, AB, Canada

"These were the only working solution for my Indy EZ and crappy MP valve covers. Now the back of the engine is clean. It was the valve covers. The heads have perfect machined surfaces. So did the valve covers but they don't seem to have the same layout pattern as everything else and were barely sealing in places. I did have to retorque though."

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbt...tml#Post1503062

I've had 'as cast' covers over a 440 with high-temp gaskets(dry) for many years...

They leak not a drop...

These are the two most common issues I've seen with getting a good seal. Test fit them without gaskets to see how low and flat they fit. If you have any gaps greater than a gasket's thickness, you need to address that issue before bolting them down.