Boy, is this an old story! Well I have been around a few years and owned and worked on a lot of different cars and airplanes, being an aircraft mechanic/inspector by trade, but I have never quite understood the thinking behind just four bolts for securing the valve covers on a SBC. Oh sure the four bolts will secure the valve covers, but providing sufficient equal tension to provide an effective, long lasting seal between head and valve cover??? I am sure someone on this forum has discovered the magic answer as to providing an effective seal. I have the newest, expensive gaskets Felpro makes on my engine now and they leak. If someone here has the secret to providing a long lasting effective seal for SBC valve covers I would be ever so grateful. The secret, I know lies in the correct gasket, gasket sealer, correct torque and do not disturb, but what is the most effective gasket and gasket sealer? I have the cast aluminum valve covers and stock heads.