Valve Cover, Stainless Clip On with 5 Tab Gasket Retainer

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the heart of your air-cooled engine, nothing is more frustrating than persistent oil leaks and unsightly engine bays. The Scat Stainless Steel Clip-On Valve Cover with 5-Tab Gasket Retainers is the definitive solution for the VW enthusiast who demands both form and function. Unlike standard chrome-plated covers that eventually flake, rust, and peel due to heat cycles and road debris, these stainless steel units maintain a mirror-like finish that resists corrosion indefinitely. The high-grade stainless steel construction provides superior thermal stability, ensuring that the sealing surface remains flat even under the high temperatures generated by performance-built 1600cc to 2332cc engines. Whether you are building a show-quality Beetle or a rugged off-road rail, these valve covers offer the professional-grade protection your valvetrain deserves.

The standout feature of this Scat design is the innovative 5-tab gasket retention system. Anyone who has spent time under a Volkswagen knows the struggle of a cork gasket slipping out of place during installation or, worse, blowing out under high crankcase pressure. These five strategically placed internal tabs lock the gasket firmly against the inner wall of the cover, ensuring it stays perfectly centered over the cylinder head rail every time you snap the bails shut. This design not only simplifies maintenance during valve adjustments but also provides a significantly more reliable seal than OEM or cheap aftermarket alternatives. By combining the classic clip-on ease of use with modern engineering tolerances, Scat has created a valve cover that eliminates the mess and enhances the aesthetic of any Type 1 based engine.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (Up to 1600cc Dual Port)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973
• Engine Compatibility: Fits 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based upright engines
• Head Compatibility: Fits stock VW heads and most aftermarket performance heads (CB Performance, EMPI, etc.)

SPECS

• Brand: Scat Enterprises
• Material: High-Grade Polished Stainless Steel
• Attachment Style: Clip-on (Utilizes factory-style wire bails)
• Gasket Retention: Internal 5-tab mechanical locking system
• Finish: Mirror-Polished Surface
• Weight: 2.3 lbs (Approximate shipping weight)
• Corrosion Resistance: High (Will not rust or peel like chrome)
• Gasket Type: Compatible with standard cork, rubber, or silicone gaskets

PRO TIPS

PRO TIP 1: Proper Gasket Adhesion. Even with the superior 5-tab retention system, I always recommend applying a very thin layer of high-quality gasket sealer (like Gasgacinch or Permatex High-Tack) to the valve cover side only. Press the gasket into the cover so the tabs bite in, and let it set for 10 minutes. Leave the side facing the cylinder head completely dry. This ensures that when you remove the covers for a valve adjustment, the gasket stays stuck to the cover and doesn''t tear or stick to the head, making the job much cleaner and faster.

PRO TIP 2: Inspect Your Bails. These stainless covers are precision-made, but they rely on the tension of your valve cover bails (the wire clips) to create a seal. If your bails feel loose or snap over too easily, they may be stretched or fatigued from decades of use. Before installing these new covers, give your bails a slight bend to increase their clamping force. A tight, crisp ''''snap'''' is what you are looking for to ensure that the gasket is compressed evenly across the entire surface of the head rail.

PRO TIP 3: Cleaning and Maintenance. One of the biggest advantages of stainless steel over chrome is that you can polish out minor scratches. If your covers get scuffed during an engine pull or off-road excursion, don''t panic. Use a fine-grade stainless steel polish and a microfiber cloth to bring back the original luster. Unlike chrome, which has a thin layer of plating, these are solid stainless, so you aren''t going to rub through the finish. Periodically check the 5 tabs to ensure they haven''t been bent too far inward during a rough gasket change; they should be just tight enough to hold the gasket without distorting it.