Mustang valve covers and stock upper intake

[core-rider]

So got my Mustang valve covers on, went to put the upper intake back on and it won’t fit because it just barely hits the oil filler neck. I always assumed they were exactly the same except for cast aluminum compared to stamped steel, but comparing them now the filler neck on the factory covers is moved towards the front of the engine just enough for clearance.

I’ve ordered a 1” phenolic spacer that will HOPEFULLY give enough clearance. I really don’t want to go back with factory covers now, but will do so if necessary because the intake is staying put! Also hope the spacer doesn’t cause too much issue with the turbo charge piping.

Just some info for others, as I’d never heard anyone have this issue before.


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[FMOS Racing]

I stuck a 1/2" breaker bar into the oil filler neck and pulled just a little. Clears fine after that.

 

[core-rider]

I’d thought about a similar move… may still do it if I don’t like the spacer option.


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[core-rider]

I stuck a 1/2" breaker bar into the oil filler neck and pulled just a little. Clears fine after that.

View attachment 105444

Well… spacer didn’t work, so I tried your prayer idea. That worked… until it didn’t! Casting around the fill tube cracked, so now I guess I’ll clean up the originals and put them back on this weekend. Kinda upset with myself since I wasted time and a decent amount of money on covers that are now junk all because I wanted a certain look… oh well, can’t win them all I guess.

At least I got to examine the valve train which looks good after 32 years still!


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[core-rider]

Decided I’m going to clean up the original passenger side cover, paint it wrinkle black and put it back on… leaving the driver side cast aluminum cover on since it’s already done and it’s more visible anyway. Might as well get something for all the effort!


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[FMOS Racing]

Wait, what cracked?? I just bent the tube over, I didn't touch the cover at all. It only took a very small tweak to the angle.

Dang, I'm sorry that advice didn't pan out!

 

[core-rider]

Broke right where the filler neck is pressed to the cover. Just a thin lip there where they press the parts together and looks like they use a sealant of some kind.

It did fine bending a little, but I needed just a bit more clearance so the oil cap could be installed and that’s when it cracked. I was worried it would and was trying to support the base of the tube… just not enough.

I think it would be better to somehow dent, kink, etc the tube so it would bend at that point and not where the tube contacts the cover.

No worries… I have a new plan!

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[XLTbeater]

I had the same problem when I attempted to change the valve covers on the 5.0 in my Crown Vic. Upper intake points the same direction as the 1st Gen Lightnings. I couldn't get the truck EFI valve covers, so I settled on the Mustang VCs; not realizing that the fox body Mustang upper intake points the other way. So of course my stock upper intake was hitting the filler neck. I should have gotten an intake spacer, but instead, I returned the VCs and put the stock ones back on.

Fast forward 9 years and I swap in a 351W and retained the EFI. In anticipation of the same problem, I got Ford Performance valve covers for a carb'd application. This had a hole for a breather or filler tube in the right spot. I poked a Trick Flow filler tube in there and was on my way.

 

[rusty_408]

has anyone looked into the newer anderson ford valve short valve covers for fitment? Build quality looks nice. they claim to fit RRs. Hard for me to tell if the AF-6582-S3 or the AF-6582-C2 version would be a better fit for our trucks.

Best I can tell is the C2 should fit except the instructions want that they state "Will NOT work with head studs that sit higher than the valve cover base". I dont quite understand that part.

S3 version might work except for that rear passenger AN fitting... but the oil filler neck looks like it's set back a little more than the C2 version.

https://www.andersonfordmotorsport.com/af-6582-c2-fabricated-short-valve-covers-for-86-95-mustang-bare-aluminum/

AF-6582-S3 Fabricated "Short" Valve Covers for 86-93 Mustang SC/Turbo with Ventilation for Catch Can (Bare Aluminum)

Anderson Ford Motorsport is the ultimate source of high-quality Ford Mustang performance and racing parts. We provide parts for classic and modern engines.

www.andersonfordmotorsport.com

 

[Required]

I did chinsium Amazon covers and just welded in fittings and baffles. Used the Anderson performance steel rubber gaskets though.

 

[RPM289]

I have Fox body finned aluminum power by ford VC on my lightning and can't find a cap that will fit under Lightning intake.... Spacer maybe? Was going to go with stock 5.0 ones but seeing this make me second guess that.

 

[oilwell1415]

Best I can tell is the C2 should fit except the instructions want that they state "Will NOT work with head studs that sit higher than the valve cover base". I dont quite understand that part.

I suspect it's because of the cutout next to the filler tube.

 

[jonwoos]

I heated the tube on the Mustang valve covers to bend it slightly forward.

https://nloc.net/index.php?media/img00484.33395/

 

[SVT1077]

I’d thought about a similar move… may still do it if I don’t like the spacer option.


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The spacer will cost you power on the top end.

 

[rusty_408]

the guy that ported my intake has been posting about plenums with broken mounting flanges that he says was due to spacers... I want to eliminate my spacer if possible.

looking at 94-95 style valve covers. looks like the filler neck is more forward, but the mounting flange looks wider at the corners. not sure if that will interfere with my head studs... i might pull it apart and look closer