A failing valve cover doesn’t just give up overnight. You’ll notice it gradually; maybe a thin film of oil on the engine block at first, then it starts creeping into the spark plug wells and coating your ignition coils. On newer engines, the valve cover routes your PCV system, so when it cracks or warps, you’re dealing with vacuum leaks and rough idling on top of the oil mess. Getting ahead of it with a new cover saves you from replacing other critical components down the line.
Replacing the whole valve cover makes more sense than chasing leaks. You get fresh sealing surfaces, new gaskets, and usually an improved PCV design in one shot. A straightforward swap beats piecing together old and new parts to save a few bucks.
The good news is that aftermarket valve covers match OE quality without the dealer markup. You’re practically getting the same durability and fit for less money. Check out the selection at CarParts.com and get your engine sealed up right.
The 5 Best Valve Cover Brands
These five brands put real effort into gasket rail geometry, internal baffles, and hardware packs that match factory torque patterns:
- JC Whitney
- A-Premium
- Dorman
- Holley
- AC Delco
JC Whitney
JC Whitney started more than a century ago as a mail-order catalog. Today, the brand leans toward everyday drivers who want straightforward parts that bolt on without drama. This includes valve covers that come with gaskets and hardware in the box. Many JC Whitney valve covers also carry a one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, which lowers the risk for DIYers ordering online.
Key Features
Price: $45 to $100
Configurations: Sold individually or as part of a kit
Fitment: Direct-fit for many US and import models, with OE cross-reference numbers shown on the product page to aid matching
Materials and Design: Black composite or aluminum covers with integrated tube seals
Warranty: One-year, unlimited-mileage JC Whitney warranty plus CarParts.com’s 30-day return window.
Best suited for: Daily drivers whose owners want a complete, drop-in cover at a modest price while still buying from a long-running brand.
Our Score: 9.5/10
A-Premium
A-Premium sits in that middle space between bargain-bin parts and dealership invoices. The company sells a broad list of engine components, with valve covers that target common oil-leaking engines from BMW, GM, Ford, Toyota, and many others. Online reviews for the brand suggest consistent quality across product lines.
Key Features
Price: $55 to $150
Configurations: Sold individually or in full kits with gasket, tube seals, and hardware
Fitment: Covers hundreds of models, from mainstream pickups to European sedans
Materials and Design: Cast aluminum and upgraded composites, with attention to spark-plug tube seals and oil-separation baffles
Warranty: One-year or multi-year warranties
Best suited for: Owners who want solid construction, broad coverage, and longer warranty terms without paying dealership prices.
Our Score: 9/10
Dorman
Dorman has been tackling worn-out factory parts since 1918 and treats valve covers as a core category. The company notes that it builds more valve covers for more vehicles than anyone else in the aftermarket and often revises known trouble spots on the original part. Many Dorman covers draw good feedback from owners of engines famous for warped plastic covers, such as certain GM and Chrysler units.
Key Features
Price:$80 to $180
Configurations: Many part numbers ship as full kits that include the cover, gasket, spark-plug tube seals, and factory-style hardware
Fitment: Huge catalog coverage for US and import models
Materials and Design: Heat-resistant composite or aluminum shells with reinforced bolt bosses and thick gasket rails
Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage
Best suited for: Engines with a history of valve cover problems, where a slightly revised aftermarket casting makes more sense than another round of factory plastic.
Our Score: 9/10
Holley
Holley built its name on carburetors and race parts, and its valve covers lean heavily toward enthusiasts who care about the look of the engine bay. The Vintage Series line uses die-cast aluminum with finned tops and retro Holley scripts that echo 1960s speed parts. These covers often show up in dress-up packages alongside matching air cleaners and valley covers, so hot-rod builders can keep a consistent style across the whole induction system.
Key Features
Price: $200 to $450
Configurations: Sold mostly as matched pairs rather than singles, with some part numbers that include provisions for breathers, PCV valves, and emissions punch-outs
Fitment: Focused on older GM V-8 platforms such as classic small-block and big-block Chevy, with tall and standard heights that suit different rocker arm setups
Materials and Design: Die-cast aluminum shells with deep fins and cast-in oil drippers, and finishes that range from natural cast and factory orange to satin black with machined logos
Warranty: 90-day limited warranty
Best suited for: Classic-car owners and hot-rod builders who want a sealed top end that also dresses up the engine bay.
Our Score: 8.5/10
AC Delco
AC Delco serves as the service-parts arm for General Motors, so its valve covers often match the exact GM OE components. For GM owners who want to stay close to factory specs, AC Delco sits at the top of the short list.
Key Features
Price: $80 to $330 per cover
Configurations: Most covers ship as single pieces with built-in baffles and mounting points that mirror factory design, and some late-model units also carry pre-installed gaskets or seals
Fitment: Strong focus on Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac models, including Ecotec four-cylinders and modern direct-injection V-6 and V-8 engines
Materials and Design: GM-specified composite or aluminum construction
Warranty: 24-months or unlimited-mile AC Delco limited warranty
Best suited for: GM owners who want OE branding, exact fit, and dealership-level backing instead of a generic aftermarket part.
Our Score: 9/10
Our Recommendation
All five brands have strong offerings, but JC Whitney makes the most sense for a broad slice of drivers and home mechanics. Prices stay modest, yet many covers arrive as complete kits with gasket and hardware, which shortens the job and cuts down on extra trips for missing pieces. The one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and the safety net of CarParts.com’s return policy give extra peace of mind if you are tackling a leak on your own. For someone who wants a straightforward fix that stops oil seepage without a dealer bill, JC Whitney stands out as the smartest first pick.
Shopping Tips for Replacement Valve Covers
1. Application and Fitment
Start with the exact engine code, not just year, make, and model. Mid-year revisions, turbo versus non-turbo versions, or different emission packages can change bolt patterns and PCV routing.
Use online fitment tools that let you plug in your VIN, then cross-check OE numbers in the product description before you click “buy.” This quick cross-check cuts down on surprises once the old cover is off.
2. Material and Design Choices
Stamped steel, cast aluminum, and glass-filled plastic all behave differently after thousands of heat cycles. Composite covers are resistant to corrosion and handle complex shapes, but may crack if over-torqued. Aluminum resists warping but weighs and costs more.
Look closely at photos of the gasket rail and bolt bosses; thick rails and reinforced bolt pads usually hold torque better than thin, sharp edges.
3. Included Components and Installation Effort
A valve cover swap can be an afternoon project or a quick lunchtime job, depending on what comes in the box. Kits that ship with gaskets, spark-plug tube seals, and hardware mean you can pull the old cover, clean the head surface, and bolt the new one down without hunting for extra pieces.
4. Warranty, Brand History, and Real-World Feedback
Warranty length offers a quick snapshot of how much confidence a manufacturer has in a part. Pair that information with online reviews that mention mileage and driving conditions, not just unboxing impressions. Comments about flange flatness, gasket crush, and long-term leak behavior matter more than one-day ratings.
5. Budget and Longevity
A cheap valve cover might look tempting on the product grid, but a second teardown six months later wipes out any savings. Pick the brand and configuration that matches your engine, your budget, and your plans for the car.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
