Bonding Standoffs to Sheetmetal Valve Covers

Raymond_B

Raymond_B

Hobbyist
I figure you guys are the best to ask :)

I have some small block Ford sheetmetal valve covers. The engine is going to run 8 coils, Fords do not use any type of valve cover mounted coils. So I was going to find someone to TIG some threaded standoffs to the VCs. But I am having problems finding anyone in my area. So I had a thought, why not just use some sort of epoxy or bonding agent to adhere the standoffs to the VCs. Would you guys recommend something like a panel bond product? And if so are there any small quantity setups that do not need a gun?

I was going to paint the valve covers with black epoxy, but should I wait and bond the standoffs then paint or paint them before and then again when the standoffs are on? I wasn't sure if the panel bond or epoxy would behave differently than a body filler.

For reference here is a small block Ford with valve cover mounted coils and is exactly what I am looking to do.

coil%20mounting.jpg1_zpsipbawtwk.jpg
 
I personally might not trust just some small standoffs bonded to the covers, as much as I like some adhesives. Jb weld is actually pretty damn strong on aluminum, done correctly.
​A 1/4" aluminum plate for the coil bolts to thread into would have more surface area & be better bonded or possibly even bolted through with sealant.

Or my personal choice :::: a cool looking coil mount mounted to the fenderwells. Some of the chevy LS guys do this. Just a suggestion.
 
Yeah I am worried too about the longevity the stand offs with an epoxy. I've thought about mounting them out, but this is in a truck and it would require my harness to have to go out pretty far on each side. Plus I just love the look of it on the VC. Funny how the LS guys are moving theirs and I want it where there's is stock :)
 
What are the stand off's made of. If they are metal you could have them welded with a mig welder
 
crashtech;n81370 said:
You have custom aluminum covers like the photo?
Click to expand...

Yes, and MIG is prob the best choice, but finding someone local has been tough. That's why I was going to go the epoxy route.
 
shine;n81362 said:
make the standoff then bolt it to the valve cover. strip of steel or aluminum .
Click to expand...

Thanks Shine, I was leery of bolting anything to the valve cover for 2 reasons. Fist I am afraid it will leak, and 2nd I'd hate for a nut or something to fall off the backside and go in to the valvetrain.
 
take the nut and smack it , making it a lock nut. do not use nylocks. with valve covers i would think a local racer could tig them for you .
 
I would beat that your local jobber or welding supply Co. would know someone that could do that easily or you could do what Shine suggested.
 
Thank you! I am running the IGN1A coils though, they look just like Holley's and sadly the bolt pattern is different. I did find a local guy who does a lot of turbo and chassis fab work. He's going to make the stand offs and TIG them. I'll post pics when I get them done.
 
I agree with just a heavy piece of bar stock welded on that you can tap right thru and into the valve cover. Just use some white sealer on the threads and dont worry about needing to put washers and nuts inside.
 
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