Valve cover gaskets

[Whons]

what material valve cover gaskets does everyone like best. I have always used cork with permatex . I see now they make silicone ones with a steel core. Can these be used without gasket sealer? I have heavy cast aluminum valve covers.

[420ponies]

I'm using those on my BBC this time.These are the Motion finned valve covers w/spacers. so there are an upper and lower, both silicone with steel core. No issues of yet. I was going to use cork, but decided to give these a try 

[Dtret]

The great thing about the metal impregnated ( no sealers) is that they can be reused. 

[Whons]

Thanks everyone.

[McCall72]

I was getting leaks with the cork type gaskets for my aluminum valve covers.  Switched to the blue Fel Pro silicone ones and that solved that issue.

[72 Monte Carlo]

In today's world, cork gaskets are obsolete. Decades ago, they were the only option to seal up mechanical parts.

But with newer technology, rubber and silicone gaskets provide a much better seal, and are easier to install and in most cases reusable. 

On any engine build or for a reseal nowadays, I only use Fel Pro one piece oil pan gaskets and their silicone/rubber valve cover gaskets. 

[John S]

I have used Fel-Pro, part number VS 12869 R with good results. I have LT-1  aluminum valve covers.

John S

[Dtret]

53 minutes ago, John S said:

I have used Fel-Pro, part number VS 12869 R with good results. I have LT-1  aluminum valve covers.

John S

Yep. Good gaskets. VS 12869c are the cork, not so good.