Trimming a valve cover gasket?

[slappnutz]

So i'm having a debate if i should attempt this or if its even a good idea. 350 sbc with vortec heads, center bolt covers. I have to run a double thick gasket for clearance. Old one was leaking bought a new set of felpro dbl with metal gasket in the middle. Here is my dilemma, its a little to snug to fit in the valley without trimming the inside corners a bit. I'm thinking a dremel with a sanding wheel to shave off a little bit to make it fit properly. Anyone have experience with this? i searched the forum and google with not a lot of luck.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Are you using the Vortec specific valve covers and gaskets or the pre Votec centerbolt style valve covers and gaskets?

 

[slappnutz]

something similar to this. not the greatest but they do the trick.

 

[Streetbu]

That's odd. I fit full roller rockers under stock valve covers on my old Vortec headed 350...

See post #37 in my build thread. Link below.

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/project-long-time-coming.67018/page-4

 

[slappnutz]

The rockers fit fine. It’s the actual cork gasket that doesn’t fit in the valley.

 

[John Canon]

I would use an Exacto knife and a cutting mat or flat piece of wood. Use an ultra-fine Sharpie marker to draw the line, then the Exacto knife to cut gradually deeper and deeper until done.

 

[slappnutz]

That’s kinda what I was thinking but it has a metal gasket sandwiched between the cork. That’s why I was thinking a dremel.

 

[Streetbu]

Personally I would run the blue rubber gaskets that the valve covers come with originally. JMO

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

If you cut the cork gasket you will expose the shim core which can allow oil inside the gasket and eventually cause leaks. I guess you can seal the cut corners with RTV. I have not seen SBC valve cover gaskets with such thick corners. Generally, I use steel core rubber valve cover gaskets instead of cork.

 

[565bbchevy]

I only use steel core rubber valve cover gaskets.