taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Topic: taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads? (Read 1952 times) previous topic - next topic

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

October 29, 2014, 08:39:09 PM

Hi,

I'm still putting my parts together to get my TFS TW 170's with 1.6 rockers on the bird. I have read in some vague posts that I might need taller valve cover and a intake spacer. Is this true? I'm using an Explorer intake set up. If so, what are you using for valve covers?

Thanks in advance!

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #1 – October 29, 2014, 08:45:40 PM

I use Ford Racing finned aluminum valve covers with a plenum spacer. No big deal. I have a billet aluminum 1/2 inch spacer that fits the GT40/Cobra/Explorer intakes if you need one. It's in the classifieds below.

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #2 – October 29, 2014, 11:29:19 PM

I use tall valve covers with the Trick Flow rockers. I needed a 1 3/8" spacer with my covers. Fits under the stock hood. Tightest spot is the vacuum elbow on the throttle body. Massage it down.

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #3 – October 30, 2014, 09:49:25 AM

Ford Motorsport tall valve covers (http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/M6582E302P/Mustang-Carbureted-289-302-351W-Ford-Racing-Polished-Tall-Valve-Covers?utm_source=google-shopping&utm_medium=comparison-shopping&utm_campaign=google-shopping-v2&gclid=CLn7vKO-1MECFcpcMgodJDQATw) and a 1" spacer to clear my rockers and stud girdles with my current Edelbrock intake. When I had a Cobra upper and lower with the same valve covers I used a 1" spacer as well. This was all in a effort to get the throttle linkage to clear the top of the passenger side valve cover. If you are going to be using the stock hood I would suggest that you install the valve covers and then measure what height of spacer you will need to make sure you can clear the hood. Again, I had to run the FMS tall valve covers to clear the stud girdles so if you are not running them then you can use a shorter valve cover which will use less spacer.

It sounds like you and Vinnie are going to be running similar intake combos so he might be able to measure the height of his valve covers and tell you what the thickness is of his current spacer to give you a reference point. From there you can figure out what height spacer would work with the valve covers you want to use.

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #4 – October 30, 2014, 12:36:23 PM

I'm running these valve covers http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/M6000C302/86-93-Mustang-50L-Ford-Racing-Black-Cobra-Valve-Covers with an Explorer upper intake. I needed a 1/2" intake spacer for the throttle linkage to clear the valve cover. A 3/8" (more common size) will work as well. I just used a 1/2" spacer as that's what FRPP sells and the local speed shop had one in stock. Those valve covers clear roller rockers fine.

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #5 – October 30, 2014, 07:49:53 PM

Thanks guys. So it doesn't matter what type of heads -- It doesn't look like any of you are using the TFS heads -- it's all dependent on the intake? If so, sounds like I just need 1/2" spacer like the one Vinnie is selling. Those are expensive valve covers -- I'm reading $175 on up. Ebay has some for $80 shipped -- is this something I shouldn't skimp on?

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #6 – October 30, 2014, 09:42:29 PM

Quote from: marianadeeps;439967

Thanks guys. So it doesn't matter what type of heads -- It doesn't look like any of you are using the TFS heads

I'm running those heads. If you're running the rockers that come with them when assembled then you SHOULD be able to get away with using the Trick Flow valve covers without any type of spacer with the GT-40 intake.

I actually ran those in the past with my street heat intake and no spacer. I wanted something that didn't have a gigantic logo on it so I swapped to what I have now because some of the standard height valve covers will not clear the TFS rockers. I didn't feel like playing roulette in this situation.

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #7 – October 31, 2014, 09:21:46 AM

New valve covers that are super cheap...you get what you pay for. Find some used ones in the net:

http://forums.corral.net/forums/windsor-engine-parts/1864513-tf-black-valve-cover-94-95-cai-87-93-distributor.html

Darren

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #8 – October 31, 2014, 09:24:15 PM

Quote from: V8Demon;439972

I'm running those heads. If you're running the rockers that come with them when assembled then you SHOULD be able to get away with using the Trick Flow valve covers without any type of spacer with the GT-40 intake.

I am ordering the heads from Summit. They don't come with any rockers. Which ones did you end up using? You have a custom cam, I'm assuming it's more aggressive than a standard HO cam. No issues with clearance on the flat tops?

taller valve covers and intake spacer with the TFS heads?

Reply #9 – October 31, 2014, 09:29:12 PM

Any 1.6 ratio roller rocker should be fine. Just buy good quality name brand rockers from Comp, Crane, Trick Flow, etc.