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Still a ways to completing it, but I am using a 5.0 EFI engine for my Cobra roadster. It has the stock Mass flow and throttle body. I have the stock valve covers on it now, and wondered what aftermarket covers may fit it, considering the clearance issues.
I wonder if the fancy "Cobra" valve covers are even worth the price, considering how they are so hidden on these engines. Maybe I should just paint the original covers an add an emblem. Perhaps a Ford Racing, or snake emblem. Any opinions?
If they are hidden and you have more money then you know what to do with change them. If you are on a budget go for the emblem idea. I bought some nice emblems on ebay for 15 bucks.
Ford SVT (and others) sell a spacer to raise the intake plenum ~.75 so you can use many of the other aftermarket VC's. My recollection is that you will have hood clearance on most of the Cobra reprosQuote:
Originally Posted by Chev malibu
Some of the older 5.0's had smooth top cast aluminum valve covers. They came from the factory painted grey, but with a bit of work they polish up great!!!!
Dave, unfortunately mine are stamped steel. My concern is I have heard the stamped ones can get distorted, at the mounting holes, and leak. I suppose this could happen with the stamped aftermarket covers just as well. Cast would be nice, if the price was right.
I will have to check into the spacer idea for the plenum. Seems anything from my local ford dealer is priced to the max. Price a simple filler pipe seal for the fuel tank the other day, and they wanted $46.00..:(
Perhaps a new coat of paint, and the emblem route, is the way to go. I thought about that heat proof wrinkle paint, but it might be a pain to clean. Apparently POR15 is a good engine paint, although I see nothing on the can, about being heat proof. One fellow painted his SBF with it and has been very happy with it for the last few years of driving.
The best valve covers to run on a EFI engine in my opinion are the stock aluminum covers from an 86-93 mustang...the same ones that Dave referred to. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MUSTA...Q5fAccessories they pop up on ebay cheap all the time. I've seen them painted, powder coated, chromed and I've polished a set myself before. If you have a 86-93 Mustang style upper plenum, you won't need a spacer. If you have the curved upper plenum, you will need a spacer like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-0-F...1%7C240%3A1318 Also when using the curved plenum you have to modify the oil filler neck on the aluminum covers a little to clear the throttle body....I've done it, it's no that involved. On that cobra, you really should be using the "cobra" intake. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-0-F...1%7C240%3A1318 With that intake the covers will fit with no spacers or modifications. Hope it helps.
What the world really needs is a GT40 upper plenum that looks like it belongs on an old car. That's why I'm building one. Just look me up on photobucket.com