The 2 3/4 was taken at the center of the Speedway motors Offenhauser valve covers.  I even asked the guy to double check.



Lawrenceville, GA

 Charlie  the first measurement I gave you on the offenhauser was taken in the middle of the valve cover,on the ends it measures 3 1/8.The inside is curved just like the outside and so is not flat like the t bird covers.Sorry didn't think of that the first time  Carl

The Speedway Motors Offenhauser reproduction valve covers are only 2 3/4" deep, according to tech support.

Carl, I'm sure originals are deeper but would you mind double checking that measurement?



Lawrenceville, GA

These, http://www.ebay.com/itm/121712499070?item=121712499070&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123&vxp=mtr, are 3" deep according to the seller.



Lawrenceville, GA

These, http://www.ebay.com/itm/221800644930?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D221800644930%26_rdc%3D1, are 3 1/2" deep, according to the seller.  I like these, too.



Lawrenceville, GA

Yes, that helps.  Even if there is a lip along the perimeter for the gasket, either one of those will probably work.

The ones that Honest Charley sell are 3 1/2" deep, according to their tech support.  They look a lot like they are inspired by the Offenhauser covers, but without the Offenhauser name on them, or any logo at all.  I think Moon Eyes sell the same cover - they use the exact same picture.  I like these because I'll have to drill holes for the breathers and logos get in the way of that.



Lawrenceville, GA

Charlie  Offenhauser valve cover  3 7/8    original t bird is 3 1/8  I put  a straight edge across the bottom and measured the depth in the middle of the cover  hope this helps  Carl

Yeah, not a totally selfless post, for more clearance.  I can make spacers or double up on the gasket but I prefer to have a one piece setup..



Lawrenceville, GA

We're not ignoring you Charlie - I promise............!!!!
All of my loose tins are up in the attic of the garage, and the "official" T-bird castings are boxed-up (somewhere) up over the workbench.....
Are you looking for more rocker clearance?  

OOPs - just read Ted's comments - about the lift measurements and the double gaskets. Could have the "Metal Man" or a waterjet outfit cut a set of spacers that fit in the gasket grooves? I believe you found someone local to you - and a DXF file will do the trick....

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I'd like to know the depth of various valve covers, from gasket surface to the roof of the valvecover.  T-Bird original, repro, Offenhauser, original, repro, anything you might have and can take the time to measure.

These guys, which I got through Mummert years ago are about 2 3/4" deep fromt he gasket surface to the roof.  I placed a straight edge across the cover and measured to the imaginary line along the roof between the mounting holes, subtracting the lip for the gasket.




Lawrenceville, GA