i'm pretty sure it was cost cutting because the 2k2 valve covers are injection molded plastic... I hope it doesn't warp or crack or go brittle over a period of time with all that hot oil splashing inside of it... i prefer the aluminum valvecover...

do ya think there will be aftermarket valve covers for the 2k2 vq engines?

 

Given that it is plastic, wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy another plastic cover if it does crack?

 

Dont worry about that, injection molded is the toughest and it is still a valve cover, nothing is every gonna happen to that.

Dixit

 

Check along the underside edge of the valve cover ( dipstick side ) with a dental mirror. Look for oil residue or black burn-off. Also, check along the left edge. The gasket / silicone seal is of poor quality and that area is prone to leaking oil. When I posted this message in the past some other ' 02 owners commented that they spotted evidence of an oil leak in this area.

 

But then cast valve covers are nice as they conribute to rigidity of the heads.

BuddyWh