two valve cover questions

[NC325iC]

1) those that have sandblasted theirs, did you remove the metal tray on the inside? how did you get the media out of there? did you tape it off so none got inside?

2) has anyone removed the nut/stud configuration and switched to bolts holding it on? i know they used studs so you werent threading in and out of alum all the time, but has anyone switched?

[briansjacobs]

just leave the metal tray, wash it off with soapy water and then a air hose.

[nando]

don't switch to bolts, unless you want them to come loose all the time.

[NC325iC]

interesting. why would the bolts come loose easier than stud/nut?

[nando]

less thread contact

especially with a cast aluminum valve cover, it's going to be annoying. BTDT.

[NC325iC]

thanks for the info. ill just have to find some good looking acorns, all the allen nuts are standard thread...

[nando]

I don't know how or why or what they came from, but I ordered new VC nuts from BMA years ago using the standard PN, and they sent me acorns.

[Dirtsquirt]

I don't know how or why or what they came from, but I ordered new VC nuts from BMA years ago using the standard PN, and they sent me acorns.

M3 cover nuts?

[Alecs MacDonald]

M3 cover nuts?

M3 cover nuts do not fit IIRC. I belive the studs are too tall on the non m3 heads. I belive you need an M6x1.0 with a small washer to fit non m3 covers.

[Jand3rson]

I got my acorn nuts at ACE. And I had my valve cover sandblasted before I painted it, they just laid it flat and did only the top surface, came out just fine.

[nando]

M3 cover nuts do not fit IIRC. I belive the studs are too tall on the non m3 heads. I belive you need an M6x1.0 with a small washer to fit non m3 covers.

yeah, I don't know what they were from. I might still have the PN. maybe BMA could get you a sample to see if it's the same thing.

[NC325iC]

i guess ill tape over the gasket surface and cover the inside that way, and tape over the oil fill and vacuum just to be safeish

getting this stroker ready to go into the coupe, the car is black with bronze ltw5, the engine will be black, with little bits of bronze here and there (i figure i may as well make it look good, it wont cost me but like 10 bucks for powder)