[Soden82]

Hi guys,

Found out after doing my valve cover gasket a few months ago that now my actual valve cover is leaking/cracked.

Instead of buying OEM I'm thinking of going with an aluminum one.

Post up your engine bay/valve cover set up if you have one!

And also if you've had any leaks or issues with it.

[Bimmer_Engineer]

Do you have a link to the aluminum cover? I haven’t seen them and what I’ve heard about aftermarket plastic ones would make me hesitant to go that direction...

[Soden82]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Engineer

Do you have a link to the aluminum cover? I haven’t seen them and what I’ve heard about aftermarket plastic ones would make me hesitant to go that direction...

At least I think they are aluminum. The only ones I know of are the M18 one and VTT.

Just trying to figure out my best option to run an external catch can with

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

The allu are more expensive than FCP euro for lifetime so not worth IMO.

[F13.KENN]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

The allu are more expensive than FCP euro for lifetime so not worth IMO.

Some people like to buy it and kinda not wanna worry about it or having to eventually buy another one though. I get its cheaper & has lifetime warranty though

My valve cover was replaced a little over a year ago with an oem one and its already cracked again. Was installed by a shop that the PO took it to so idk if it is cracked cause of installation error or what

[bluewater328]

I'm in the FCP Euro boat with an BMW VC, but I am interested in seeing this aluminum cover. Won't be missing the expanding and contracting sounds it probably makes though...

[ian3924]

Bump, also looking to replace my VC along with installing a vaccum side OCC but unsure whether to go with FCP, aftermarket, or VTT.

https://vargasturbo.com/product/vtt-...#configuration

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by ian3924

Bump, also looking to replace my VC along with installing a vaccum side OCC but unsure whether to go with FCP, aftermarket, or VTT.

https://vargasturbo.com/product/vtt-...#configuration

The valve covers look nice but will require some custom work to connect the PCV system.

Using it with something like the RBturbo external PCV system would be the best way to go but adds cost.

-Rich

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by ian3924

Bump, also looking to replace my VC along with installing a vaccum side OCC but unsure whether to go with FCP, aftermarket, or VTT.

https://vargasturbo.com/product/vtt-...#configuration

Looks cool, but as mentioned, will be some interesting effort. And if you think your engine ticks now....wait till this thing has to cool off.

[Soden82]

Originally Posted by rbryantaz

The valve covers look nice but will require some custom work to connect the PCV system.

Using it with something like the RBturbo external PCV system would be the best way to go but adds cost.

-Rich

That's where I am at now. Cross shopping PCV systems to run with an aluminum VC.

Cheapest seems to be the RB external system, with proper fittings and adapters from VTT for their VC.

[Soden82]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

The allu are more expensive than FCP euro for lifetime so not worth IMO.

I spent 4 hours replacing my VCG in October and now I need to spend another 4 doing the VC this time around.

I know FCP will be cheaper with their warranty in the long run, but for me it's about the time and the labor spent doing the job. I'd rather do it this last time and then not worry about it ever again

[Bimmer_Engineer]

The gasket will still leak even if you replace with the aluminum cover...so no matter which way you go if you own this car long enough you'll do it again...

just sayin...

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Engineer

The gasket will still leak even if you replace with the aluminum cover...so no matter which way you go if you own this car long enough you'll do it again...

just sayin...

The only way to prolong the life of the VC gasket is to sandwich it in between two beads of Ultra Black.

I have the original VC from 2007. 174,000 miles and still going 💪

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Soden82

I spent 4 hours replacing my VCG in October and now I need to spend another 4 doing the VC this time around.

I know FCP will be cheaper with their warranty in the long run, but for me it's about the time and the labor spent doing the job. I'd rather do it this last time and then not worry about it ever again

I agree but 4 hours isn't that much and valve cover job is pretty easy once you do it once, I had to do mine a second time since I noticed after gasket was crack leaking. But maybe that's just me lol.

[Soden82]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

I agree but 4 hours isn't that much and valve cover job is pretty easy once you do it once, I had to do mine a second time since I noticed after gasket was crack leaking. But maybe that's just me lol.

I'm slightly jaded because I also work on my old XJ cherokee almost every day and I hate having two cars to work on constantly...I'd like to only work on the bmw ideally

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Soden82

I'm slightly jaded because I also work on my old XJ cherokee almost every day and I hate having two cars to work on constantly...I'd like to only work on the bmw ideally

Gotta say I agree if I had to work on 2 cars I might get tired.

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by Soden82

I'm slightly jaded because I also work on my old XJ cherokee almost every day and I hate having two cars to work on constantly...I'd like to only work on the bmw ideally

What are you doing to the XJ? Sounds like a lifted one to me...

My '96 with budget boost and 30.5" tires was one of the lowest maint vehicles I have ever had. Even if I let it sit in the side yard for a month at a time I could start it up (as long as I remembered to put it on the battery tender) and take it on a road trip...

Much less work than the e70 or e90...

Of course the XJ PCV gromets always harden and sweat, the rear main is hard to get sealed, etc, etc.

-Rich

[Soden82]

Originally Posted by rbryantaz

What are you doing to the XJ? Sounds like a lifted one to me...

My '96 with budget boost and 30.5" tires was one of the lowest maint vehicles I have ever had. Even if I let it sit in the side yard for a month at a time I could start it up (as long as I remembered to put it on the battery tender) and take it on a road trip...

Much less work than the e70 or e90...

Of course the XJ PCV gromets always harden and sweat, the rear main is hard to get sealed, etc, etc.

-Rich

Hey Rich,

You guessed it, she's lifted. 4.5in lift with 33x12.5x8 all terrain tires and steel bumpers.

It has been a very reliable car, but I find myself constantly replacing sensors throughout the engine bay. Not to mention some of the suspension bushings seem to be iffy.

[turbohugh]

Originally Posted by Soden82

Hey Rich,

You guessed it, she's lifted. 4.5in lift with 33x12.5x8 all terrain tires and steel bumpers.

It has been a very reliable car, but I find myself constantly replacing sensors throughout the engine bay. Not to mention some of the suspension bushings seem to be iffy.

Hey !

My 89 2 door Cherokee sat for 5 years in my yard after being parked for squealing water pump. So last weekend I put a new battery in [junkyard 30$ special], changed the CPS [after a no start/no spark condition], hit it with some starter fluid in the intake and started right up. TIcked for a while until I held idle ~ 2000 rpms to force the lifters to pump up. Gonna get the band back together. #CherokeeFans Gotta love a I6 motor.

[Soden82]

Originally Posted by turbohugh

Hey !

My 89 2 door Cherokee sat for 5 years in my yard after being parked for squealing water pump. So last weekend I put a new battery in [junkyard 30$ special], changed the CPS [after a no start/no spark condition], hit it with some starter fluid in the intake and started right up. TIcked for a while until I held idle ~ 2000 rpms to force the lifters to pump up. Gonna get the band back together. #CherokeeFans Gotta love a I6 motor.

The 2 doors are very rare, let me know if you ever sell! I had my CPS go a month after I purchased the car. I now only do mopar sensors for longevity