Are new valve cover gaskets really necessary?

[trainville]

I'm thinking about roller rockers and maybe powder-coating the valve covers while they're off. Do the valve cover gaskets need to be replaced? I don't know what they're made of or how important they are to replace.

Also, what's a ballpark price on a set of valve cover gaskets. TIA,

Ted

 

[hemibeep]

Actually, these are pretty good parts. If you go slow, they should be reusable. Not much crush since there is just a light amount of torque.

I think around $80 something each.

 

[Jim Wilson]

I agree with hemi, if their in good shape then reuse them.