Year of Chevy 350 with Center Bolt Valve Covers
The Chevy 350 with center bolt valve covers started in model year 1987. This change was accompanied by the introduction of the roller cam setup.
This design debuted on the Corvette in 1986, and the Chevrolet 4.3L 90-degree V6 the year before. The valve cover surfaces were changed so that the mounting lip was raised and the bolt location was moved from 4 bolts on the perimeter to 4 bolts along the centerline of the valve covers. Also changed were the mounting angles of the two center bolts on each side of the intake manifold, and the lifter bosses were increased in height to accept roller lifters ).
Contents
- How long are SBC valve cover bolts?
- How can you tell if a 350 head is a Vortec?
- Are valve cover bolts universal?
- What year Chevy 350 has center bolt valve covers?
- Do Vortec heads use different valve covers?
- How do I tell what year my Chevy 350 engine is?
- What is the torque on SBC valve cover bolts?
- Do you have to torque down valve cover bolts?
- How do I know if my 350 has Vortec heads?
- What size are the bolts on a big block Chevy valve cover?
How long are SBC valve cover bolts?
1 3/8″
SBC valve cover bolts FITS chevy 283 302 305 307 327 350 383 400 ENGINES valve covers bolt. SIZE – valve cover bolts for chevy 350 are 1/4″ – 20 Thread Pitch. Bolts Measure 1 3/8″ IN Length studs measure 1 1/4″ IN Length.
How can you tell if a 350 head is a Vortec?
Vortec heads will have two bolts in each corner of the engine, all of them are perpendicular to the ground with the engine sitting in the car.. So if you have 8 bolts, and they’re straight up and down, then it’s probably vortec heads…
Are valve cover bolts universal?
Different engines and valve covers may have varying bolt hole patterns, thread sizes, and lengths. It’s important to choose a kit that matches the specifications required for your engine and valve cover.
What year Chevy 350 has center bolt valve covers?
In 1987, another round of changes were made, this time to the top of the engine. Engine now has Center Bolt valve covers (Figure D), and the intake manifold bolt angle has changed on the four center intake bolts, thus making all previous intakes not applicable to the 1987-1997 Engines.
Do Vortec heads use different valve covers?
Vortecs use standard centerbolt valve covers. Depending on what rocker arms you’re using you might be able to fit them under factory style short valve covers. You may need to do some cutting to the inside of the covers though.
How do I tell what year my Chevy 350 engine is?
There should be a stamp on the deck of the block that sticks out past the edge of the head on the right front of the engine, often behind the alternator. It’s a flat smooth area. The numbers there will be stamped. It will tell you the build date, the build location and the last numbers of the VIN.
What is the torque on SBC valve cover bolts?
Torque the valve cover bolts to 5-6 ft/lbs, making sure the gaskets do not slip out of position. Proper torqueing will help to ensure that your covers do not leak oil.
Do you have to torque down valve cover bolts?
Do you need a torque wrench for a valve cover? If the manual says so, yes. If not, just pay attention and tighten the fasteners sequentially in stages… Finger tight, another wee turn with a wrench, then maybe another couple of rounds until the fasteners are fully seated.
How do I know if my 350 has Vortec heads?
The easiest way to tell is the bolts that fasten the intake to the heads. Vortec heads use eight 5/16″ bolts that are vertical to the ground. Other heads with center bolt valve covers use twelve 3/8″ bolts that are close to square with the intake/head interface.
What size are the bolts on a big block Chevy valve cover?
1 3/8
Product Size:Bolts Are 1/4″-20 Thread Pitch. Set Of 14 Chrome Steel Hex Head Bolt Kit. Bolts Measure 1 3/8 In Length.
