Machining Cobra Valve Covers for 351W

[Russ Dickey]

Guys:
What's the full scoop on machining 289-302 Cobra "Power By Ford" valve covers for 351W engines? Is it because of the rocker-arm length? And, does it work? I've seen that the aftermarket companies offer the taller Cobra valve covers now, and am wondering if it's worth it to machine the insides of the 289-302 versions for originality sake.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Russ

[John A. Simpson]

Hi Russ,

Cobra Restorers has spacers for small block valve covers for $125.00. I think the Ford Racing catalog has some "tall" covers to clear roller rockers, etc.

[Ray R]

The machine shop that built my 351W (now 408) machined my Ford "Cobra" valve covers to clear the roller rocker arms. They also used a double thick valve cover gasket to add a little more height to the finished product. As John says, the machining is to clear roller rockers.

[mikiec]

From what I understand the baffles need to be ground down a bit to clear the rollers.

Mike

[cobra427hp]

IT'S A SIN TO RUIN ORIGINAL COBRA PARTS! DO NOT REMOVE OIL SHIELDS, YOU RUN THE RISK OF OIL COMING OUT YOUR OIL CAP AND PCV HOLE AT HIGH RPM. BUY THE REPRODUCTIONS AND BE DONE WITH THE PROBLEMS!