Just purchased some nice new aluminum valve covers for our stock '72 350. Any recommendations on new valve cover gaskets? Cork, rubber, steel reinforced, good brands? Comments on using RTV or not. Things to watch out for? 1st time in case you haven't guessed!

I always seemed to have the best luck with the plain old cork and a little permatex.

...Things to watch out for? 1st time in case you haven't guessed!
Do not overtorque the four hold down bolts! I think the spec is only 3-4 ft-lb. There are valve cover hold down tabs (load spreaders) you can buy to spread the load of the bolt onto the valve cover. Four per side.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/norm/edl-4404_m.jpg

Cork gaskets and permatex #2 should be OK.

I use rubber with a inner steel frame, i like them cause you can reuse them. But definitely buy the tabs.

Chris

Thanks guys, I have the hold down taps and "T" wing nut bolds. Anyone use Fle-Pro Perma Plus gaskets? Worth the extra cost?

I use Mr. Gasket cork gaskets.. Spray glue them onto the valve cover and use hold down tabs. Never leaks :D NEVER buy the rubber gaskets.. Total junk..

:? i really disagree with what everyone is saying here. i would go with the steel re-inforced rubber gaskets. they outlast the cork gaskets by a longshot. as far as rtv, i use it but just make sure you get it even.

I always use copper rtv.

The steel reinforced rubber gaskets are the way to go. I have used them on several vehicles for about five years now and not one leaked. Do not use any sealer, silicone or anything else and they should be reusaable several times. Cork gaskets always shrink and eventually leak.

I use Mr. Gasket cork gaskets.. Spray glue them onto the valve cover and use hold down tabs. Never leaks :D NEVER buy the rubber gaskets.. Total junk.. I dissagree, I have used the rubber gaskets and like them alot. But then again, on a solid lifter motor you need too pull the valve covers and reset the lifters every now and then. I was able to reuse the rubber gaskets. Cheaper then buying new cork gaskets every few weeks.

The only reason not to use the steel reinforced rubber gaskets is initial cost. The seal better, last longer, are easier to install and if you consider that they will outlast cork gaskets by at least five fold they are probably cheaper in the long run.
And Doz do yourself a favor on that solid lifter motor--use a stud girdle and you won't be adjusting valves so frequently.

Thanks all, got various opinions which is always good! I am going to give the steel reinforced rubber gaskets a try (got a great deal on eBay). Worst case is they leak and I'll try the cork!

Not that it will affect your purchase anymore, but I have allways used the cork gaskets and given them a coat of Permatex SuperTack to basically glue the valve covers down as to never leak in the future. I would avoid using RTV if possible. I learned this trick while working at an engine machine shop one summer. I have also used the rubber reinforced gaskets while working on marine engine with good success. Good luck, as long as you do a good job of installing whatever you use will work well.