Look for advice and ideas as usual.

I am working on installing a 216 valve cover to a 261 to make it look the old style. Got a set of new valve cover studs, rubber gromlets and the flashy acorn nuts....

I have spare 235/261 gaskets but no 216 gaskets.... but they have extra holes and don't seem as wide.

Should I be shoping for 216 gaskets...?

Any particular tricks to keep it from leaking... besides not over torquing the acorn nuts.

I have different sets of 216 valve covers BUT some are 25 inches long some are 26 inches long which fits the 261. What are the shorter 25 inches valve covers for...?

Any tricks for straightening the valve cover...?

I have already reproduced the steam pipe that runs from the back of the engine at the heat sensor outlet to the radiator tank and cannibalized the side mounted bracket for the coil... intending to fake the ignition connection cap at the rear of the coil using parts from an old armored wire coil connection. Dizzy appears original with a Pertronix inside.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions.

Bob C.


Bob C.
CMP Heaven
The Hammond Barn