MEL aluminum Valley cover project proposal

[buddy67lincoln]

What ever happened to these??? Were they made or not...if so I WANNA SEE SOME PHOTOS! I'd like one too but it seems it never happened. Thanks

[Chris Craft crazy]

I think it still has life, and I am still interested.....

[56vicky430]

What ever happened to these??? Were they made or not...if so I WANNA SEE SOME PHOTOS! I'd like one too but it seems it never happened. Thanks

It's is "happening" I didn't get the stock covers sent until early this month. Everybody just hang tight.

Rocky

[Chris Craft crazy]

Nobody I can think of would be mad if it was a little more than originally quoted to cover your time...

[Theo]

Please allow me to write down a few thoughts that come up each time I read about alum. valley pans.
They sure look fancy, but they're probably tricky in combat.
Unless you are working on a perfectly blueprinted engine block with all geometries ideal, installation will need your close extra attention. In most instances irregularities at the block's mating surfaces, such as not being perfectly parallel or situations were you have stepped surfaces between block and cylinder heads etc. the good old flexible steel stamped pan did fine. It's flexible enough to compensate in those areas and at stress points such as the bolt holes areas .
With an aluminum pan I'm not sure if the gasket thickness is gonna compensate enough. In the worst case you'll probably take chances to crack your investment.
I've been working on blocks that were not "block trued" and I can tell you, it was a mess. Especially when the intake manifold didn't mate those twisted surfaces.
I don't mean to spoil the thread and your drooling in aluminum heaven. That thing will sure look great on your engine. Just a few thoughts in a discussion board to throw in.
BTW will the v-pan be finned?

[Chris Craft crazy]

Yep, I agree that could be a problem, although working out a thicker custom gasket might help.

[Theo]

I think the aluminum valley pan should be of a thick and sturdy construction. It should have extra meat at stress points and at the gasket surfaces in general. On a trued block those aluminum pans can be superior to the steel pans, but if the blocks are not true, they will be problematic to install

[Chris Craft crazy]

Any further word on valley covers?

[buddy67lincoln]

The engineering is a concern so maybe that's what is going on right now...just making sure to cover all 'worst case scenarios' I'd sure love one or 2 of those if it all works out. These finned valley covers would look great with those finned rocker covers Moon made. Will the fins be spaced approx the same and have the same thickness (the fins that is)? We can measure when they come in or just compare to any other Moon valve cover. Thanks and looking forward to an update!

[56vicky430]

The design is being tweaked right now. I received one and there was going to be some bolt alignment problems on the side. Those are going to be elongated front to back to allow for shifting on different head profiles. There is going to be some work in the front and back saddles that guys are just going to have to work out on their own. It's going to be hard to have a perfectly fitting cover for everyone. I have the moon covers and the thin thickness and height of the fins was right for a matched look. I sent that back a few weeks ago. He's working on other stuff too right now. I'll keep everyone posted.


Rocky