Hemi Valve Cover Problem

[pnora]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this topic. I have a 69 Charger that now has a 528 Hemi. It has the Indy aluminum valve covers. My battery tray wont fit. It will hit the valve cover. I can notch it but then I also will have to run a smaller battery. I will not install it in the trunk. Has anyone else seen this problem. My first Hemi so its a learning curve. Also did all 69 b-bodies have the battery brace from the front top inner fender to the battery tray. I do not recall taking one off. Any help would be great.

 

[chtampa]

Can you slide the tray forward?

 

[pnora]

I just got in from the shop. I cut the battery tray to fit around the valve cover. I thought the same could I move it forward. Possibly if I notched the left front corner of the tray and relocated the lower braces. I will have to see if I have a junk group 24 battery to see how it will fit. The one thing good is all I am out is a tray if it does not work out. Forward might work but I think it also may keep me at a group 24 battery. I was hoping some other Hemi guys had the same issues. Man these motors are huge. Hind sight tells me I might of been better off with a RB 440.

 

[BLK 68 R/T]

To answer your other question - yes it should have the brace from the top of the inner fender to the battery tray.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Sounds like valve cover design. Pictures?? Stock covers are rounded just below spark plug tubes for clearance.

 

[moparchris]

I've had several 68-69 factory hemi Chargers. Battery tray is a tight fit with original valve covers. The aftermarket covers are taller, which is nice if you are using larger diameter valve springs etc... With the aftermarket covers there is no way around cutting the battery tray that I am aware of. It is possible to use stock valve covers with two gaskets to buy a hair more room for the valve springs and still get away with the battery tray not being cut. Could you do that instead of the Indy covers?