Valve cover bolt length?

[SilverXJ]

I purchased a taller custom valve cover to do away with the spacer I currently use... however I can't find my original valve cover bolts. I know the thread is 1/4" x 20... but I don't know the length. Could someone please take a look at one of their bolts and give the length?

-Chris

[dwg86]

Where did you get the valve cover? Do you have a pic?

[SilverXJ]

I'll let you know who i got it from after it arrives and I have it installed.

[gradon]

Oh no, you wanna be the first to buy it off tatt and get it installed(pullin a "stroked'73")? Was the spacer that bad/inconvenient(pics)? I am curious about the price though.

[SilverXJ]

I didn't like the spacer because a) just another source for leaks (including the t-stat spacer) b) it made mounting a dial indicator magnetic base on the head with the spacer on impossible (to measure valve train and such) c) scrapping the sealant off the head is difficult especially with the head still in the vehicle, and d) the anaerobic sealant that hesco recommends that I use is a real pain.

I just want to make sure that it looks good and will work before I give any info and such. And I still need to ask the guy if he even wants me to give his info out. What is "pullin a "stroked'73""?

I think you can see the spacer my project thread.

[5-90]

Cast Cover - 1/4"-20x1"
Stamped cover is somewhat shorter - probably 1/4"-20x3/4"

[gradon]

Wasn't he the one with the secret valvetrain formula that couldn't be told or we'd all make a killing on it/try to get it patented?

[SilverXJ]

Oh that clown.. no, thats Mesh on Naxja

Nah... I just want to make sure It fits and I'll take some pics and add post contact info if he wants.

[SilverXJ]

The person I got the valve cover from is XJtattoo on NAXJA.

I received it today. Now to test fit it, probably modify it with a BFH so the valves don't hit the side then to the powder coaters.

[gradon]

Public apology to stroked'73--We didn't name Mesh, but talked about the secret valve spring setup in one of stroked'73's posts.
So it's "pullin a Mesh"(sounds better anyhow)

[SilverXJ]

And thanx 5-90 for the info.

[Exos]

Thank you for that post!!! I'll be finding two used steel covers and build me one of those!


........Wait... is there such thing as a steel cover for the 4.0 ??

I can't weld aluminium

[5-90]

Thank you for that post!!! I'll be finding two used steel covers and build me one of those!


........Wait... is there such thing as a steel cover for the 4.0 ??

I can't weld aluminium

Neither can it be readily stamped.

The early covers are cast aluminum, while the later covers are stamped steel. I'm fairly sure they'll swap, but I haven't verified this yet.

[Exos]

Somebody gave me another idea : take one steel cover, cut it in half, and weld a 5/8" steel band in between the 2 pieces... I think that would work well too, but I don't know where I'll find the steel band yet. What is the thickness of a steel valve cover?

edit : well, after some taught.. it will be much easier working with 2 valve covers !

[SilverXJ]

Yeah.. why would you weld a band in when you could just cut the covers different heigths.

I was thinking about finding someone to make one prior to XJtattoo's post on NAXJA. I just don't weld nor have access to a band saw that i could cut straight with.

Stamped steel covers will swap with out any issues for the aluminum covers.