Valley Pans and Accessories

Engine Components- External - Valley Pans and Accessories

he Valley Pan (also known as the Push Rod Cover or Lifter Valley Cover) is a signature component of the classic Pontiac V8. Situated between the cylinder banks, beneath the intake manifold, this component serves several vital functions: sealing the lifter valley, providing a mounting point for the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system, and acting as an oil splash shield.

Butler Performance provides a range of valley pans and essential accessories, solving common headaches associated with performance builds—namely clearance issues and proper crankcase ventilation—to ensure a clean, reliable, and powerful engine.

 

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Engine Components- External - Valley Pans and Accessories - Valley Pans
Valley Pans
Valley pans do a great job helping eliminate oil consumption through the pcv valve. Butler Performance has it's own custom line of custom Pontiac parts produced and also stocks many from ALL Pontiac, Tomahawk, and more.
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Valley Pan Accessories

More About Valley Pans and Accessories

I. The Clearance Challenge: Roller Lifters

 

The single biggest headache when installing high-performance camshafts, especially hydraulic roller lifters, is clearance in the lifter valley. Modern, larger diameter roller lifters and their link bars often collide with the stock factory valley pan.

 

Butler’s Roller-Ready Solutions:

 

  • "Tomahawk" Roller Valley Pan (TPP-TP-041S): This is one of Butler's most popular solutions. It's a high-quality reproduction of the stock steel valley pan (typically the and up style), but it has been specifically modified, reformed, and clearanced by the manufacturer to accommodate the larger size of modern hydraulic and solid roller lifters.

     

    • Stock Appearance: The pan retains the factory aesthetic, making it perfect for sleepers and period-correct engine bays.

    • Durability: Made from durable steel, often with an electroplate finish (like silver) that can be painted.

       

  • Aluminum Valley Pans (BFA-AVP2): For builders prioritizing light weight and easy fitment, Butler offers thin aluminum valley pans. These are often used when a factory look is not required and offer a very low profile.

     
     

 

II. Gaskets and Leak Prevention

 

The valley pan requires a specialized gasket to seal against the block, and the most common cause of oil leaks and vacuum leaks in a Pontiac V8 is a poor seal here.

  • Fiber Valley Pan Gaskets (SPM-11960C): Butler stocks high-quality Black Fiber or traditional Cork valley pan gaskets. The fiber gaskets are often preferred by builders for their improved sealing properties and resistance to tearing.

     

  • Installation Kits: To ensure a perfect, leak-free installation, Butler offers Valley Pan Installation Kits (e.g., BPI-Bolt-Kit-VP-TPP-041S). These kits are specifically matched to the type of pan being used (stock vs. Tomahawk) and include:

     

    • The correct fiber valley pan gasket.

    • The necessary sealing bolts with neoprene washers.

       

    • The correct PCV grommet and PCV valve.

       

 

III. Essential Valley Pan Accessories: PCV Control

 

The valley pan provides the primary exit point for crankcase gases, which are then routed through the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve. Proper PCV function is absolutely critical for performance, reliability, and preventing oil consumption.

 

PCV Valves and Grommets:

 

  • PCV Valve Selection: Butler offers the correct PCV Valves (such as the long PCV-1226) and matching grommets (MOT-42054) to ensure a factory-style installation on the valley pan.

     

  • Intake Manifold Routing Kits: When using modern aftermarket intakes like the Edelbrock Performer RPM or Crosswind manifolds, the standard PCV routing can be awkward. Butler supplies PCV Line Kits that help route the vacuum hose neatly under the intake manifold, providing a clean and functional solution.

     

By utilizing Butler Performance's specialized valley pans, high-quality gaskets, and complete installation kits, the Pontiac builder can avoid common installation pitfalls and ensure that the upper end of their engine is properly sealed, ventilated, and cleared for high-performance roller components.