valve cover clearance

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dukeboy440

dukeboy440

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Been reading and doing some research about the 440 valve covers clearing the heater core motor on an A body when the 440 is put in. I've got a set of cheap mr gasket chrome valve covers for my 440, they look essentially like the stock ones so I'm sure they'll fit. But I was wanting to run the old school finned valve covers from M/T or offenhauser and was wondering if anyone had tried to run those on a 440 in an A body and if they cleared the heater core motor?
 
dukeboy_318 said:
Been reading and doing some research about the 440 valve covers clearing the heater core motor on an A body when the 440 is put in. I've got a set of cheap mr gasket chrome valve covers for my 440, they look essentially like the stock ones so I'm sure they'll fit. But I was wanting to run the old school finned valve covers from M/T or offenhauser and was wondering if anyone had tried to run those on a 440 in an A body and if they cleared the heater core motor?
Click to expand...

If member "trudysduster" doesn't chime in, PM him (Bill). He went thru a similar issue on his 440 Duster and found a cure.
 
I have the Edlebrock Chrome covers, sounds like generally the same type. Simply loosen the four bolts on the motor and push the heat er motor back on install. will clear once the motor is settled in. To remove the cover you will need to do the same.

Good luck with the install
 
I have a pair of M/T finned valve covers that I have been planning to put on my 440 in my 69 383-s fastback. Based on rough measurements, it looks like they will fit. There is about 3/4 inch clearance above the stock valve covers. Of course, you have to move the blower motor back to do anything with the valve covers. Maybe I will get ambitious and try to put them on this weekend.

Rod
 
I don't think you have to have a short heater motor. Just have to slide the motor back when taking the valve covers on and off, and then put the motor back.
 
Not trying to hijack the thread, but this problem doesnt exist with a 383 B motor in an A body does it?
 
383/400 is about an inch shorter...shouldn't be a problem.

Fisher said:
Not trying to hijack the thread, but this problem doesnt exist with a 383 B motor in an A body does it?
Click to expand...
 
Ok,
I have been meaning to check the clearance awhile for my MT valve covers I bought to see if they would fit. I need to buy a couple of grommets so I can run them.

As you can see, they fit in my 69 383-s sporting a 440+6. I would say there is a quarter inch clearance between the motor and the fins of the valve cover.
 

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Thank you It is something I will experience also. FABO rocks!
 
With the motion of a "running" motor, is that little bit of space all that's needed to swap the motors from a smaller to a larger one? I'm amazed that the clearance on the last picture and the vibration of a motor running doesn't act as a thumping spot for the valve cover to hit that blower motor!!!!!!

Interesting, to say the least!
 
Your engine wants to twist away from the blower motor. That is why a torque strap is put on drivers side of the engine. I don't think it will be a problem.

Rod

67 Power Wagon said:
With the motion of a "running" motor, is that little bit of space all that's needed to swap the motors from a smaller to a larger one? I'm amazed that the clearance on the last picture and the vibration of a motor running doesn't act as a thumping spot for the valve cover to hit that blower motor!!!!!!

Interesting, to say the least!
Click to expand...
 
have a 440 in my 72 duster with the finned valve covers, home made strap to hold her in place, does not hit blower motor, but taking them off after there painted is a *****, trying not to scratch them that is, just be very careful.

John
 
I could always machine down the fins underneath the blower motor and gain another 1/4 inch plus.

rklein383 said:
Your engine wants to twist away from the blower motor. That is why a torque strap is put on drivers side of the engine. I don't think it will be a problem.

Rod
Click to expand...
 
rklein383 said:
Ok,
I have been meaning to check the clearance awhile for my MT valve covers I bought to see if they would fit. I need to buy a couple of grommets so I can run them.

As you can see, they fit in my 69 383-s sporting a 440+6. I would say there is a quarter inch clearance between the motor and the fins of the valve cover.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hi jack but may help others. How much shorter would blower motor need to be to clear towards the back of the valve cover?
 
Looks like if you moved the blower back approx. 1 1/2 inches, it would clear completely.

Dubob said:
Sorry to hi jack but may help others. How much shorter would blower motor need to be to clear towards the back of the valve cover?
Click to expand...
 
rklein383 said:
Your engine wants to twist away from the blower motor. That is why a torque strap is put on drivers side of the engine. I don't think it will be a problem.

Rod
Click to expand...

I would have assumed that my 383 when slightly/lightly rev'd lifts upward from the passenger side of the motor....An RB block....Granted this is a 383 and not a 440, but doesn't the 2 of them run the same and power stroke lift upward on the passenger side of the engine? This to me would create a hitting point on that blower motor. Specially with say 1/4th inch clearance......Quarter inch is nothing for sake of a striking point when the motor is running. ****, the motor (mine atleast) the shake of the block while running would consume the space of 1/2 inch or so.....
 
Only one way to find out!

67 Power Wagon said:
I would have assumed that my 383 when slightly/lightly rev'd lifts upward from the passenger side of the motor....An RB block....Granted this is a 383 and not a 440, but doesn't the 2 of them run the same and power stroke lift upward on the passenger side of the engine? This to me would create a hitting point on that blower motor. Specially with say 1/4th inch clearance......Quarter inch is nothing for sake of a striking point when the motor is running. ****, the motor (mine atleast) the shake of the block while running would consume the space of 1/2 inch or so.....
Click to expand...
 
rklein383 said:
Only one way to find out!
Click to expand...

if you`ve got raised port alum. heads, in which , are longer too, makes this a bigger problem. think I`ll need a shorter heater motor, and clearance the valve cover both.:banghead::banghead::banghead:
 
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