I like cast aluminum valve covers simply because they have less tendency to leak. Factory pained valve covers are usually ok, although I've had some problematic ones. Cheap chrome is the absolute worst for leaks. I spoke with a rep from Fel-Pro a number of years ago and he explained that gaskets are not to be glued on, the gasket's job is to seal and if that doesn't work, there is a problem. Personally I like to get the surfaces as clean as possible, using usually brake cleaner on a rag to wipe them down, then lightly glue the gasket to the valve cover. I can normally re-use it many times this way. I have a solid lifter 427 in my El Camino and pull the valve covers probably 10 times a year. I think the last time I put gaskets in it was about 3-4 years ago. Nothing special, off the shelf cork gaskets from FLAPS.
Devin
