I have been breaking in my new motors, Everything is great..BUT...trying to seal a few oil leaks..on my 2nd set valve cover gaskets..Have IMCO Alum. raised valve covers, on Alum Heads,tried rtv, cork /steel cork gaskets..Whats the best LEAK PROOF GASKETS ?..I haven't over tightened..I think?..Summit as some @ $50/set?!!:

I don't know about the Summit gaskets, but the GM steel core rubber gaskets for BBC are the last set you will ever have to buy.

Do you have a part number or a link, source or something on those?

Don't know the GM part # but they are on the Summit website as a GM Performance Part:

Valve Cover Gasket, Rubber with Steel Core, Chevy, Big Block, $ 43.99 each

There is no glue or sealer needed, just wipe them off and reuse. How long do they last?....longer than 10 yrs.

Are your valve cover bolts too long and thus not tightening cover down enough ?

I typically have no problems with most cork valve cover gaskets. I clean VC well, lay down very slight film of 3M weatherstrip, lay VC gasket down on that, and keep pressing down gasket working your eay around quick until weatherstrip dries.

Install like usual. Gasket should come off with VC anytime you remove it and stay in good shape for many more removals, unless, of course, it's been split by overtightening.

Note: if you ever have to remove gasket from VC is is a beatch. Get some weatherstrip adhesive remover and some patience.

The thicker MR Gasket cork VC gaskets (black face) have worked real well and not much $$$$.

All just my experiences. Others may vary.

Chris,This is what I used.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Moroso/746267/10002/-1/10195

Yes, I've used the Morosos before with excellent results.

GM sometimes has some wacky pricing on their parts- I was hoping this was one of those situations. Example- I needed a piece of trim for my son's Tahoe- figured it would be $70 to $80. It was six bucks & change. The box it came in cost six bucks.

Here is the GM gasket from your local Chevy Dealer. Both sides have grooves/ridges so no leaks and they conform/compress to fit to both surfaces.

OEM Steel-Reinforced Rubber Valve Cover Gasket
GASKET
Part #14085759Price: $28.95
Quantity:
This GM Performance Parts Steel Reinforced Gasket fits all big block chevey rocker covers. Price is per gasket, requires 2 for a set.
I hope someone buys a set as it took me an hour to find

So to be clear, the Summit piece and the GMPP dealer piece are the same gasket?

P.S. Thanks for the effort!

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

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GM PART # 14085759
CATEGORY: Engine Camshaft and Valve Cover Gasket
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $34.29
OUR PRICE: $24.96


DESCRIPTION: GASKET
Valve cover gasket
Stee-reinforced gaslet fits all big-block Chevy valve covers. Sold as a single piece. Order two per engine.