Valve Cover Clearance

[EZ$]

Valve Cover Clearance
Been away from the build for quite a while, but I'm trying to get going again. My question is, how much clearance from the rocker arm bolts to the underside of the valve cover is needed? I'm going to be using stamped steel covers that I welded up to resemble the original cars, but with the new valve technology, I know that I'm going to need a spacer. Question is how thick will it need to be?
Sorry for the dumb question, but I've been battling with this for some time, and I want to tie up the loose ends on the engine so it's ready to install hopefully soon.

Rick

I moved this here from the 289 engine forum because it didn't show up on the latest posts tab when I checked back just now.

[mike forte]

Hi EZ$,
I make a set of billet aluminum valve cover spacers that are 1/2" think. I know many people with aluminum valve covers have epoxied the spacer to the valve cover. Works really well.

[EZ$]

Thanks Mike. About a million years ago, I bought some parts for my build from you. The only thing I've gotten around to installing are the seat heaters, and the seats are still not in the car! You gave me a cost on the spacers back then, and I still have it around here somewhere, so once I figure out how thick of a spacer I'm going to need I'll definitely give you a call.
Rick

[mike forte]

Hi EZ$,
Rick, you know me, always working but my store hours are Monday-Thursday 10-5:30, Friday 10-4:30.

[EZ$]

OK. So I loaded the inside top of a valve cover with modeling clay, got some slightly longer bolts, made some 1/2" spacers, installed the cover with no gasket, and then turned the motor over by hand. Nothing touched anywhere except at the breather baffle. At that point, which is the lowest inside the cover, the rocker bolt compressed the clay to about a 1/16", but the rockers themselves just barely touched the clay. Since the bolts should not be moving, and once I add a gasket the rockers should be at least 1/4" below the covers at all points, does it sound like the 1/2" spacer should be enough? Thanks for any input.
Rick

[mike forte]

Hi Rick,
The 1/2 inch space plus the gasket should be plenty of clearance.

[EZ$]

Thanks Mike. I'll be in touch this week.
Rick