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Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 24th, 2009, 7:44 pm
by 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

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 25th, 2009, 3:39 am
by dwg86
Where did you get the valve cover? Do you have a pic?

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 25th, 2009, 8:03 am
by SilverXJ
I'll let you know who i got it from after it arrives and I have it installed.

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 25th, 2009, 8:22 am
by 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.

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 25th, 2009, 10:51 am
by 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.

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 25th, 2009, 12:33 pm
by 5-90
Cast Cover - 1/4"-20x1"
Stamped cover is somewhat shorter - probably 1/4"-20x3/4"

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 25th, 2009, 6:15 pm
by 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?

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 25th, 2009, 9:10 pm
by 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.

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 26th, 2009, 7:36 am
by 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.

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 26th, 2009, 8:40 am
by 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. :doh:
So it's "pullin a Mesh"(sounds better anyhow)

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 26th, 2009, 10:03 am
by SilverXJ
And thanx 5-90 for the info.

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 26th, 2009, 2:53 pm
by Exos
Thank you for that post!!! I'll be finding two used steel covers and build me one of those! :cheers:


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

I can't weld aluminium :doh:

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 26th, 2009, 3:27 pm
by 5-90
Exos wrote:Thank you for that post!!! I'll be finding two used steel covers and build me one of those! :cheers:


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

I can't weld aluminium :doh:
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.

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 26th, 2009, 4:47 pm
by 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 !

Re: Valve cover bolt length?

Posted: August 26th, 2009, 5:38 pm
by 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.