Feedback on New Valvecovers for LSx

[MCG]

After looking around for a while, I decided that there wasn't a nice set of GenIII valvecovers that looked nice, were functional, and didn't cost a mortgage payment. So, using my vendors for my other consumer products, I decided to design my own version. Here are the highlights:
Die-cast aluminum valve covers, high quality casting that will come powdercoated a silver grey color.
2-1/2" tall to clear the tallest Jesel rockers (like mine) with ease
Uses the stock gasket for a leak proof seal just like GM
Includes longer bolts along with a rubber sealed washer
Hole in top fits a standard baffle grommet and breather available at any speed shop. Additional boss underneath if you want to drill and mount your stock PCV grommet and valve.
Angled side and underside bosses allow the coil packs to be mounted (optionally) such that the bolts are accessible for valvecover removal with packs in place.
Position of coil packs allows the use of standard LS1/LS6 spark plug wires
Positioning lip on bottom side allows easy installation just like stock valve covers
Optional CNC engraving for additional cost of basically anything you want that can fit on the valve coverThe best news? Right now, these look like they will be retailing for $150US per pair. I'm about to commit to the tooling, so if you have any feedback or thoughts, get them in quickly so I can make changes. Otherwise, I'm looking at getting in the first set hopefully by March, in time for racing season.




Here is my computer rendering of the models:
http://www.mccordcg.com/pics/mcg_ls1_vc.jpg
http://www.mccordcg.com/pics/mcg_ls1_chevy.jpg
http://www.mccordcg.com/pics/mcg_ls1_chevy2.jpg
http://www.mccordcg.com/pics/mcg_ls1_chevy_red.jpg
http://www.mccordcg.com/pics/mcg_ls1_bb.jpg


After looking at the hideous factory coil mounts, I decided to just do my own style. These are two pieces of aluminum with tapped 1/4-20 holes in them where you can mount the coils to them. Then, you can take this assembly as a single unit and using two 1/4-20 cap screws, mount it to the valvecover. I'll put two small divots in the casting so you would know where to drill. Initial cost on the coil brackets looks to be around $40US.

http://www.mccordcg.com/pics/mcg_ls1_chevy_coils.jpg
http://www.mccordcg.com/pics/mcg_ls1_ta.jpg

I'm committing to tooling for the dies in the next 5 days, so if you have any feedback, let me know so I can look at implementing it.

The graphics would all be extra engraving on our CNC mills. Standard designs (as shown) and custom engravings would all be available at an additional cost. If you can think of some good standard engravings, like Holden, GTO, etc, shoot me a graphic and I'll try to incorporate them to see how they look engraved.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Trippin]

Is alternator clearance a concern?

[joecar]

Looks good and clean, well done with coil mounting position, looks tall enough for rocker clearance.

I don't quite see how F-body PCV plumbing would go:
F-body valve covers have PCV tube from rear of each cover, and hose near front of left cover
(however, I'm going to replace mine with LS6 in-valley PCV plumbing);


If you can think of some good standard engravings, like Holden, GTO, etc, shoot me a graphic and I'll try to incorporate them to see how they look engraved. How would this look:
the Pontiac dart in red/silver and the word "Pontiac" in silver (in the same font as "Trans Am" on your blue example) on black...?

[johnsZ06]

They're beautiful and a steal at $150 a pair! :coool:

[Wasted Income]

Wow, I'll definitely get some when my LQ9 is finished!!

[Bruce Melton]

Looks like you have thought of everything. As you know the 04s have no PCV vents for use with the new valley, but as mentioned I guess there needs to be a way for the <04 guys to vent. Does the increased height cause a problem for spark plug wires?
Very nice product that I am sure will be welcome.
Bruce

[bink]

They look alot like the Katech covers...but better.:D
I like the angularity of your design and of course the prelim pricing.

Here's a pic of the Katechs. Will you offer a similar finish??

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-12/1117406/MQUAB-XNXNB-102-0259_IMG.JPG

[MCG]

Looks like you have thought of everything. As you know the 04s have no PCV vents for use with the new valley, but as mentioned I guess there needs to be a way for the <04 guys to vent. Does the increased height cause a problem for spark plug wires?
Very nice product that I am sure will be welcome.
Bruce

No, with the relocated coil packs (if used) and the angular design, the stock length of spark plug wires are retained.

[MCG]

Looks good and clean, well done with coil mounting position, looks tall enough for rocker clearance.

I don't quite see how F-body PCV plumbing would go:
F-body valve covers have PCV tube from rear of each cover, and hose near front of left cover
(however, I'm going to replace mine with LS6 in-valley PCV plumbing);

How would this look:
the Pontiac dart in red/silver and the word "Pontiac" in silver (in the same font as "Trans Am" on your blue example) on black...?

What it will consist of is some extra material (essentially a boss) at the opposite end of the fill hole that will allow a person to drill a hole there and use the PCV grommet in the hole. You can also choose to run a moroso cap that has a nipple on it that will work with a PCV line. They are around $8US from Summit. It will fit in the oil fill hole (1-1/4").

A majority of the folks will either run the LS6 style valley PCV system or ditch it all and just run a breather.

[MCG]

They look alot like the Katech covers...but better.:D
I like the angularity of your design and of course the prelim pricing.

Here's a pic of the Katechs. Will you offer a similar finish??

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-12/1117406/MQUAB-XNXNB-102-0259_IMG.JPG

The finish will be similar to the Katech finish. I just don't like the coil packs up top. That is why I located them down low to reduce the clutter and retain stock wire lengths.

[bink]

The finish will be similar to the Katech finish. I just don't like the coil packs up top. That is why I located them down low to reduce the clutter and retain stock wire lengths.

Will heat be a problem that close to the headers?

[deano]

That looks pretty sharp and the price is good too.. I like the clean look..:coool: Custom engraving would rock!! Hmm might have to get one of our subcontracting techs to get me some..

Harrop here in Oz are talking about doing some budget versions similiar to the one's they made for the EFIJY show car at the sydney motor show..

http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/Chris5.7ltr/efijy%20engine.jpg

Bit too old school for a new tech engine for me..
The show ones are billet tho (apparently at a cost of $3.5k!! :eek: )

[Bruce Melton]

Will heat be a problem that close to the headers?
Great question Bink. I wonder if particularly with headers if you wouldn't cook the coils? Maybe a heat shield is in order?

[Extinct]

I love 'em and would definitely buy a set. I know the Pontiac guys would be all over them too !

[ToplessTexan]

I like the idea of a heat shield. Maybe something incorporated into the pack mounting. The coils are hidden under the fuel rail covers in the stock configuration on a C5 so I suppose they can tolerate some amount of heat.

Would they be available uncoated?

I like 'em. :)

[ringram]

I think you might want to keep a semi stock pcv system though, especially for emissions compliance.

[mistermike]

Will there be enough clearance to accommodate the MSD coil packs? They have the same mounting centers, but are deeper than stock.

[Tydriver]

Dayamn.. Those are awesome... I like !! I'd like to clean up the ugly stockers as well.. Those rock !

[mistermike]

Any update on these?

[johnsZ06]

Any update on these?

Ditto. What's the story?

[smokin2002]

Those look real good! for anyone that can come out with an affordable choice in aftermarket valve covers for the ls1 will get alot of buisnnes. :D

[Texas Terminator]

me want! are they in production yet? any custom engraving avaliable?