Why two different Valve Cover Gaskets???

[aleccolin]

Is there any difference between 6bolt heads and 7 bolt heads that would require different valve cover gaskets??

Fel-Pro lists two different numbers: 89-92 is a VS 50041 R and 93+ is a VS 50435 R.

I've pulled both sets (work at a parts store) and they look nearly identical except that the latter appears to be of a little better design as far as the contact areas. The 50435 is considerably less expensive as well.

As long as there won't be any problems with sealing, either of the vc gasket or the spark plug tube seals, I'll use the cheaper one. If there's a difference that any of you know of, please let me know, but I was under the impression that all the DOHC 4G63 valve covers were the same.

 

[TooSlowGSX92]

i work at advance auto and i only list one part for 90-99, the one u have for 93+

 

[aleccolin]

I don't know how that can be, I've worked for Advance for over two years now, am ASE certified, and I found two different part numbers. Are you not on APAL yet where you are? I was under the impression that everyone had already changed over from Legacy. Hell, the Fel-Pro catalog even lists both of them AND I've checked with other parts chains to find the same.

There ARE two different Fel-Pro part numbers as stated before.

EDIT: looking into it further, there is actually a THIRD part number VS 50434 R. I believe that this set is comparable to the VS 50041 R in that it contains the tube seals and end plug. It is, however, still cheaper than the VS 50041 R (89-92).

I still need to know what the difference is to require two distinct part numbers whose contents are unique, though similar.

 

[FiReBReTHa]

just was thinking

I know that you need spark plug gaskets with it as well.

is it possible that one kit has these, one doesnt?

And how cheap are those mofos im leaking, but poor as hell.

 

[aleccolin]

As far as I can tell, the two kits that DO come with the spark plug tube seals and the semi-circular end plug are:

89-92 VS 50041 R (about $44)

93+ VS 50434 R (about $33)

Different part numbers, the gaskets themselves physically look different (though only in contour and only in a minor way) so I can only assume there is some difference between the 6 bolt head and 7 bolt head to need two different gaskets.