Are the 1.7 - 1.8 and 2.0 valve covers all the same...What about other options, like VW bus etc...Should I just look for Type IV engine covers...

2-OH!

i think they are all the same. there are some aftermarket bolt on versions, but the consensus of the group is that these arent as good. (mount to rocker studs )

They are all the same.......Aftermarket ones suck.

Not that I would ever be put in a position to disagree with Jake. BUT! My stock valve covers leaked like a sive, anything I did to remedy the problem didn't work. So i bought a set of cast Aluminum aftermarket ones. That bolt to the rockers, no more leaks . Being cast they were thicker and more ridged. Or maybe my thirty yr. old valve covers were just worn out. Any way it worked for me. Dave

Most people do not know that valve covers have a right and wrong way of being installed..

The right way is with the VW logo upside down.

Most of the time I can dyno an engine with stock covers and no sealant all day and never havea single drip.

Some covers are warped and will never seal off.

The reason I don't like the bolt on covers is the way they attaach. They expect a piece of grade 2 hex bar that has been threaded to hold the tesnion of the rocker assembly and the cover with a 7mmx1 thread pitch.

Poor design.

I use some carbon fiber valve covers, and have great results. they work with the stock bails.

upside down, eh? (in my best homer simpson voice)

now that would explain a few things
Andy

Yep, upside down. a Type I ONLY goes on one way....guess what, logo is also upside down.

that seems stupid on vw's behalf.... common sense would tell you to put them right side up