MCX valve cover removal

[ncsone]

Anybody know if you can remove the valve covers on the MCX engine without removing the exhaust manifolds? I am thinking about some nice chrome or polished aluminum Bowtie valve covers, but don't want to go change them out if I have to pull the exhaust manifolds off.

My boat is not here at the house unfortunately, so I can not go out and look.

Let me know if anyone has any experience around this.

-NCS

[Sodar]

I have looked at them a few times with the thought of having my intake and valve covers powdercoated a metallic silver or grey to match the boat. From what I can see on my boat with the Cat exhaust, the manifolds are going to need to be removed to get to the valve covers.

[ncsone]

Thanks for the info. I am lucky in that I do not have the cats on my 05 MCX, so I may be able to do it without exhaust removal.

Now I am curious if the stock ones are steel or aluminum.

[Sodar]

Yeah, I figured you would have more room than I would.

The exhaust is 2 pieces, right? Maybe you could just remove the risers if need be...

[rspiecha]

2005 MCX should have the one piece exhaust manifolds, mine does.

Rob

[ncsone]

Yes, one piece manifold w/o cats. Probably will just order the covers and hope that installation goes easy.

[ncsone]

Any thoughts as to how this would look on the MCX?

[rspiecha]

Sweet!!!!!!!!

[TMCNo1]

I would think that the center bolt valve covers should come off w/o removing the manifold, where the earlier Fords and Chevy's with the bolts on the valve cover flange against the head, made it impossible to get a socket and extension down to the nut/bolt unless you removed the manifolds and risers. But, you'll never know unless you try or someone comes along who says you can't, from experience.