Chevy™ Small Block, 1955 to 1959, CHEVROLET® Script and Fins
Part Number 11029

Dimensions: Click here for dimensions.

Number of Bolts: 4 per cover, on the perimeter, staggered bolt pattern

Finishes: Read about finishes and construction of PML parts.

These sand cast aluminum valve covers feature raised CHEVROLET script lettering and 7 fins. They have perimeter mounting with staggered or offset bolt holes for 1955 to early 1959 cylinder heads. The mid height design clears many roller rockers.

Benefits:

• Traditional CHEVROLET script and fins
• Heavy duty sand cast aluminum construction
• Thick flange will not tweak when bolts are tightened
• Staggered/offset bolt pattern for 1955 to 1959 cylinder heads
• GM licensed product

These valve covers do not have a provision for PCV, breather or oil fill because the original valve covers did not have a provision for PCV, breather or oil fill. This was done in the intake manifold.

 Licensed GM product. All related Emblems and vehicle body designs are tradmarks of General Motors LLC, used under license to PML, Inc.

These valve covers fit Chevy small block GM cylinder heads with the staggered or offset bolt pattern. Four bolts on the perimeter of the flange hold the cover on the head. This bolt pattern was used from about 1955 to 1959.

These valve covers are larger than stock. Check for clearance for larger covers before ordering.

Loaner Program

We want to make sure you get valve covers that will work on your engine and you love looking at. With that in mind we have a program for borrowing a PML valve cover to test fit on an engine. Learn more about the PML Loaner Program.

1956 Chevy 265 V8

Chuck installed these PML valve covers on his 1956 Chevy. The 265 engine is original with 62,000 miles.

Initially, the covers would not installed because the valve springs were hitting the inside of the covers. The valve spings closest to the bottom two holes rubbed on the indentations for the bolt holes. Grinding off some material made enough clearance. He also needed to grind a small notch next to the intake manifold. This may be specific to the 265 engines, which might have a different fit than the 283 engines that came out in 1957.

1956 Chevy   Valve springs on rockers on the 1956 265 engine   Ground off area on PML valve cover to clear springs   PML valve covers installed on 1956 Chevy, original 265 engine
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1955 Chevy 265

Customer installed these PML valve covers on his 1955 Chevy 265. He had to remove about 0.125 " (1/8") for the valve cover to fit. There is a very slight lip left beside the gasket. Gasket did not need to be touched.

1955 Chevy 265   Driver side   Test fit   Manifold   Passenger side   PML valve covers
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1950 Chevy Panel Van

Patrick installed these PML valve covers on his 1950 Chevy Panel Van. The engine is a 1958 Chevy 283 V8. He purchased the polish finish valve covers and customized them with paint across the center to match his van and updated engine compartment.

The images show (from left to right): Van, Engine before overhaul, Custom painting the PML valve covers, Engine after overhaul with PML valve covers
1950 Chevy Panel Van   1958 283 V8 engine in 1950 Chevy Panel Van before overhaul   Custom painting PML valve covers to match Chevy   Overhauled Chevy 283 engine with custom painted PML valve covers
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Gaskets

Gaskets are not included with these valve covers. PML designed these Chevy Small Block Perimeter Mount Valve Covers to work with cork composite gaskets (sold separately).

Included with Valve Covers

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PML includes new mounting bolts with the valve covers.

Mounting Bolt Holes

The holes to mount the valve covers on the engine are about 8.8 inches apart (center to center) on the intake or inside edge and 10 inches a part on the exhaust or outside edge.

Inside of Valve Covers

Interior is open, same as stock covers.

Picture shows the inside of the PML cover. Click on image to view larger.

PML Valve Covers Compared to Stock

 
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PML valve covers are sand cast aluminum, so they have thicker walls, are taller, and have a rougher texture.

Many original valve covers were die castings or stamped steel. Both have a smooth surface.

The images below show this PML valve cover compared to a typical die casting, GM part 3726086.

 
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Read more about finishes and construction of PML parts.