Need Valve cover gaskets

[outatime86]

Need to replace my leaky valve cover gaskets. Got a leak on the rear passenger side. From my search on the forum I've found that people like Felpro's VS50156T, and use rtv on from cover to gasket NOT on the gasket to head, making them reusable. Torque only to 5ft/lb. Local autozone has them for $35 bucks a set. May require some trimming I've also read. Have Champion's aluminum heads and GN1 valve covers.

Any thoughts or experiences?
Thanks

 

[DSEROVY]

I have the same valve covers and heads as you.
I used this gasket and it worked out well - no leaks.

 

[outatime86]

Good to know. Did you rtv from cover to gasket, or did you install dry?

Also I know I don't have a torque wrench that goes to 5lb so I'm just gonna go hand tight.

 

[N2BUICK]

Good luck, I have the same heads and gasket. I have always had a leak at the rear of one maybe both. Leak is small and I just deal with it. I do not have that type torque wrench also, I know I have exceeded the 5lbs for sure, trying to stop the leak.
I haven't tried the sealant from cover to gasket? They are the type that doesn't require sealant I thought?

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

I believe these valve cover gaskets only need to be trimmed on the inside of the corners with stock valve covers. The stock valve covers have a lip on the inside of the corners that interferes.

I believe aftermarket valve covers only have a lip on the outside edge if any lip at all, depends on the manufacturer.

I believe the inside corner tab gets pinched between the stock valve cover and the head, not sealing.

 

[outatime86]

I believe these valve cover gaskets only need to be trimmed on the inside of the corners with stock valve covers. The stock valve covers have a lip on the inside of the corners that interferes.

I believe aftermarket valve covers only have a lip on the outside edge if any lip at all, depends on the manufacturer.

I believe the inside corner tab gets pinched between the stock valve cover and the head, not sealing.

View attachment 390080

So with champion heads n gn1 vavle covers I dont need to trim those red circles tabs correct?

That felpro gasket is what I ended up getting.

 

[1986 Buick GX1]

So with champion heads n gn1 vavle covers I dont need to trim those red circles tabs correct?

That felpro gasket is what I ended up getting.

Test fit them on your valve covers to be sure, I believe for you there’s no trimming involved.
I had to trim them for my stock valve covers.
I couldn’t find a photo of the inside of a stock valve cover. No, I’m not taking mine back off. Lol

 

[outatime86]

Test fit them on your valve covers to be sure, I believe for you there’s no trimming involved.
I had to trim them for my stock valve covers.
I couldn’t find a photo of the inside of a stock valve cover. No, I’m not taking mine back off. Lol

Thank you for your reply!