Ok, I was at pep boys and I was looking at the high temp paint and I told the guy I wanted to paint my valve covers. He said to do it would be better to take them off, but I would have to replace the rubber thing that goes between the engine and the valve covers...is this total BS?
Yes you will have to change your valve cover gaskets but they shouldn't be too expensive. If your car has more miles on it, then its probably a good idea anyway. I had to replace my gaskets a year or so ago because of a leak and had my valve covers powdercoated while I had them off.
i took mine off, stripped the pain and clearcoated em
i warn you, taking em off of an 87 3.8 is a pain in the ass, with some patience, it can be done
Taking off the driver's side one isn't bad. It's the passenger side one that's the royal pain in the ass.
About what does it cost to get valve covers powdercoated anyway?
it shouldnt be too expensive, but probably just as much as it would cost to buy new ones
there are chrome ones for the 83-87 3.8's floating around, the 5.0's have an abundance
ive got some but they came off of a carbed 302 so i dont think they are any good for FI
I had my valve covers dipped and cleaned, then I painted them with VHT High Temp paint. I think the color was Vintage Ford Blue.
Chris
I got lucky with my powdercoating. There is a company in my small home town that manufactures Hi-Lift jacks which are so popular with the off-road folks. A friend of mine is the son of the ownders and he gave me a hook up for free powdercoating. The stuff is really durable and looks pretty good too.