What year Chevy 350 has center bolt valve covers?

The center bolt valve covers were introduced for Chevy small-block V8 engines in the model year 1987. This change was accompanied by the introduction of center bolt heads and a roller cam setup. Both 305 cid and 350 cid motors used center bolt heads after 1987. These valve covers are officially licensed by Chevrolet and are designed to fit small-block Chevy engines with center bolt heads. Some blocks started using them in late 1985 for the 1986 models, and there was a mix match for a year or two. The center bolt valve covers are designed for 1987-Up 305-350 Chevrolet Engines. They are available in die-cast aluminum or stamped steel with a center bolt hold-down. The center bolt valve covers measure 2-1/2” inside height and work great for stock valve terrain.

Contents

How can you tell a Chevy 350 from a 327?
How long are SBC valve cover bolts?
What year Chevy 350 had center bolt valve covers?
How do I know if my 350 has Vortec heads?
Do Vortec heads use different valve covers?
Are valve cover bolts universal?
How can you tell if a 350 head is a Vortec?
Do you have to torque down valve cover bolts?
What year 350 has Vortec heads?
What size are the bolts on a big block Chevy valve cover?

How can you tell a Chevy 350 from a 327?

The difference in the displacement comes from the crankshaft stroke. The 327 uses a 3.25 inch stroke, where the 350 uses a longer 3.48 inch stroke(thats what makes it bigger). Depending on the year of the block, the biggest difference in the block itself is the main journal size.

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.

What year Chevy 350 had 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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

What year 350 has Vortec heads?

From 1996 to 2000, GM truck and van 350 engines came equipped with L-31 Vortec cylinder heads. Built of cast iron, these powerhouse heads upped the horsepower of these engines by magnitudes. This is primarily attributed to the high port flow in the .