351W-427 valve cover adapters available soon!

Brad Pfeifer · #1 (**permalink**) 01-10-2002, 03:00 PM

Hello all,

After many phone calls and web searches, I gave up on finding an adapter that would allow me to bolt original style 427 pentroof valve covers on my 351W.

I have found a manufacturing firm familiar with Fords, Mustangs, and Cobra's that can make them for us. They will by made out of aluminum, and can be colored as needed.

If you would be interested, please let me know and we can put together an order.

Brad

Len Hurlburt · #2 (**permalink**) 01-10-2002, 07:07 PM

What would be the ballpark cost for the adapters?

pbrown · #3 (**permalink**) 01-10-2002, 09:14 PM

When I was in Ohio visiting family, I made a trip to Dynamic Motorsports, a SPF dealer. They are selling pent roof aluminum tall valve covers for SB Fords. You might want to give them a call.

BTW - I took a test drive in a SPF during a snow storm. That was very interesting

.

Brad Pfeifer · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2002, 06:41 PM

Bringing this back to the top.

pbrown - I spoke with Mark at Snakebite, they had some, but are down to a couple and probably won't have anymore. Are you buying a SPF? I really like mine.

Len - probably in the area of $125-150, but it still remains to be seen. They can be anodized, and color may add to the price.

I am working with a prototype now. It is very well made and lines up very nicely. Pictures to follow soon.

Brad

mkcobra · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2002, 12:43 PM

I would be interested to have and see this my self.

thanks Mike

Brad Pfeifer · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2002, 10:40 PM

Hello all,

Adapters to use 427 FE style valve covers on a 351 W motor are now available. They are available in different thicknesses, and color. Price is dependent on thickness and color, but should be in the area of $125.

For more information, please contact Mark Franzen at 503-681-3093, or at mfranzen@turkmfg.com Mark is the Proto-type/Tooling Manager for Turk Manufacturing. He has developed the adapter, and I can testify that they are of the highest quality and design.

Brad

Len Hurlburt · #7 (**permalink**) 02-13-2002, 04:39 PM

Brad,
Just so I'm clear on this. What you are talking about are spacer/adapters to put FE valve covers on a small block, right? What I am envisioning are FE stlye pent roofs that fit on a small block. But I don't think that's what you are talking about. Please clarify.

Brad Pfeifer · #8 (**permalink**) 02-13-2002, 08:34 PM

Len,

These are indeed adapters to put FE (390, 427) valve covers on a small block!

I have a 427 ci /351W small block like many of the folks here. I wanted to use the original-style chrome valve covers with the 427 emblem but could not find anything that would work so an adapter was in order. I called a number of places but nobody made anything like it. After building the engine an adding roller rocker arms, a stud girdle and such, the puny 351W valve cover didn't seem to have the 'volume' I wanted, which amplified my desire to use the bigger FE valve covers. I found a manufacturing group - which by the way is strongly Ford, including a AC Cobra in the stable - to make the adapters.

If you want to use the FE style valve covers, or need more 'head room' these adapters are for you.

Brad

(PS - saw you are from Illinois - I grew up, and family is still in Champaign)

btsai · #9 (**permalink**) 10-16-2002, 05:36 PM

Brad,

Did you ever end up putting these on your car? Would be great to see some pictures.

Ben

Mr.Fixit · #10 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 08:52 AM

No clearance issues on the inside of the covers once you put them on the wrong motor? I assume they will clear even stud girdles and poly locks.

Brad, I lived in Champaign for 4 years, still have some good friends there myself. Go back once a year. Go Bears!

SFfiredog · #11 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 09:43 AM

I talked with Turk Manufacturing in September and they said the adapter idea was canceled. They told me that while they were able to merge the to bolt patterns together the angle of the FE valve covers hits the 351s rocker arms. The prototypes they made won't work. They may start with a clean sheet of paper but for now the project is stillborn

.
--Mike

terry lee · #12 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 10:53 AM

Olthoff Racing, Inc.
(704)647-9924
Have the FE adapters for $175 a pair plus shipping.
I am told that they work very well.
Hope this helps.
TL

SuperHart · #13 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 12:05 PM

I too recently placed an order with Turk Mfg. for a set of adapters and was refunded when Mark sadly told me that the project was shelved because their adapters would not allow the FE cover to clear roller rockers. This was because their adapters were aligning the FE cover with the center upper valve cover bolt of the small block cover, therefore not allowing enough clearance at the pushrod end of the roller rocker.

Since talking with Mark I was determined to make this thing work since I believed that the concept was valid. I called the man who built my car here in NJ and ran the idea past him. Last week he called me back and said that he had a prototype for an adapter prepared and that it would definitely allow the FE cover to clear small block roller rockers. Also, he said that the adapter would work with either the street type stamped chrome covers or the cast aluminum LeMans type covers. He is currently making final preparations on the prototype and plans to have 20 pair CNC cut within a very short time. The adapter will be 3/8" thick aluminum plate and will be supplied with all necessary installation hardware except valve cover gaskets which can be easily obtained. We do not have any idea at the moment what the price will be but I would venture a safe guess that the price will be under $125 per pair plus shipping. As of today we are pricing aluminum plate and arranging a project cost with the machinist. It shouldn't be long before the finished product is available.

I hope I am not stepping on anyone's toes or causing problems by posting this but I thought perhaps that if there was enough interest in this product I might be able to help cobra owners obtain what they want. If anyone has any further interest please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to keep everyone informed.

SFfiredog · #14 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 01:00 PM

SuperHart,

If I buy the bridge will you throw in a set of adapters for free?

--Mike

Turk · #15 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 01:10 PM

I want to make it perfectly clear -I Turk Ercen - in no way associated or involved with any firm or company under a similar name. The similarities in the names is simply a coincidence.

Poor fellow he may consider changing the name of his company to avoid any backlash from my name!!

TURK

bonyhadi · #16 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 01:59 PM

Turk Mfg. Co in the Thompson Directory appears to be related to Road Serpents.
They both use Arthur Anderson Accounting
firm and have an energy trading division.
Both firms are heavy political supporters of
Gray Davis.

Brad Pfeifer · #17 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 02:31 PM

Daniel, et al,

Turk Manufacturing is a legitimate business in Oregon. Mark sent me the prototype adapters and I tried them on my engine. They looked like they would work well, but I had not put the roller rockers on yet.

I have a picture of the adapter on my engine - I will try and load it later.

The adapters made by Mark at Turk Manufacturing were very nice, of high-grade aluminum, with good attention to detail. If they can get them to work, they will be very nice.

Mr. Fix It - I don't miss Champaign much as the temperatures swing to extremes. What I do miss is the real estate prices! I coudln't get a garage out here for what really nice homes are selling go back there. Oh well, if it was paradise, everybody would live there!

Go Illini!

Brad

SuperHart · #18 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 09:43 PM

To Mike The Fire Dog,
The bridge is a bargain. It includes all the original working toll booths. Make me an offer. I will post info and photos when the FE adapters are available.

decooney · #19 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 09:55 PM

As another option, there is an alternative way to adapt or integrate those Pentroof valvecovers to your car, but it's costly, and worth it:

Step 1: remove 351 engine

Step 2: install Ford FE 352 to 428 family engine, with correct FE heads.

Step 3: install pentroof valvecovers on to FE engine.

Just kidding. Ha, Ha.

Duane

Bannon · #20 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 05:44 AM

Why is all of the effort being expended to invent these when they already exist? I saw a car two years ago with these adapters on them (On a roller rocker 351 motor) and they looked great. As mentioned before Olthoff Racing carries them.

JB