05-06 valve cover swap on 08??

[Mustang-mike]

To clarify, I bought some really nice red valve covers from a member here and they are the 05-06 style (my cars an 08). I know the heads didn't change on the 05-09 models so these valve covers will fit on my heads. My question is, what do I do about the VCT seals? I haven't test fitted the new covers yet but from the looks of it, doesn't look like the VCT noids come out in the exact location from the two different vc's. Plus the VCT seals are different sizes, did the VCT noids change in these models?

*disclaimer - I used the search and couldn't find this answer *

 

[AutoXRacer]

There were cam changes between the model years; mainly material change.
I believe the solenoids were also improved.

All together there were 13 design changes regarding the heads from 2005 to 2010.

 

[Mustang-mike]

Understood, but the footprint hasn't changed right? As far as I understand the heads have 14 / 15 holes for mounting the vc, but for some reason on 08-09 the vc itself only has 8/9 bolts and the extra holes aren't used. So theoretically the 05-06 vc covers that have 14/15 bolts will line right up to 08-09 heads.

My biggest concern was the fact that the VCT seals from the different years are different sizes, and what looks like in different positions but can't tell for sure.

 

[Mustang-mike]

Anyone else that can comment on the VCT seals, or just the vc swap all together?

 

[05moneypit]

The later model covers use a 36mm VCT solenoid seal and the early ones use a 45mm, the later covers have less bolts. Dimensionally they are the same.

The seals, early cover on the right.

 

[Mustang-mike]

^^^ even though the seals are different sizes, do you know if the solenoid itself will pop up through the same exact spot? I'm just wondering if ford shifted the noid itself for some reason, making it not line up properly with the different VC's

 

[05mustang_TT_charged]

I have a set of 2009 cam covers on my 2005 heads and everything lined back up. Well except for the new cam covers not having all the bolts holes to secure them. All the VCT was in the same spot. I have since removed them and plugged the holes but it worked for the little bit I used them.

 

[Mustang-mike]

I have a set of 2009 cam covers on my 2005 heads and everything lined back up. Well except for the new cam covers not having all the bolts holes to secure them. All the VCT was in the same spot. I have since removed them and plugged the holes but it worked for the little bit I used them.

Awesome, thank you all for the information!