2000 Formula LS1 misc oil leaks

[455firebird1969]

I recently purchased a 2000 formula, with 116K, everything works and it runs very nice. After putting a couple hundred miles on it I noticed a faint oil burning odor. After putting the car on ramps and jack stands to get under it, it appears there are several oil leaks. It is leaking from the front of the engine, maybe the front cover or the balancer seal, I'm not sure yet. Towards the rear of the engine it appears it is leaking from the valve covers, more from one than the other. I'm planning on putting a wrench on all the hardware to make sure everything is tight, and cleaning all the oil before driving it again. I hope to identify the leaks so I can fix them. My last LS1 (98 T/A) had over 130K and did not have any leaks. The previous owner claimed the car was not driven frequently. I put a couple hundred miles on it in two days. The underside of the car is clean, so I'm pretty sure these are new leaks.

My two questions are how hard is it to change the valve cover gaskets?

Is there a preferred gasket to use or can I use any from my local auto parts store?

[The Boss]

Mine was leaking from the passenger side valve cover - replaced the PCV valve & line and the problem went away.

[455firebird1969]

Originally Posted by The Boss

Mine was leaking from the passenger side valve cover - replaced the PCV valve & line and the problem went away.

So the valve cover gasket appeared to be leaking, but you did not have replace it, you replaced the PVC valve and line instead?

Is the PVC valve on the right valve cover?

[455firebird1969]

My PCV valve has been changed to the fixed orifice style and the hose seems OK. The engine is still leaking and seems to be leaking from the left valve cover more than the right, but both are leaking, It's time to replace the valve cover gaskets.

My original two questions still apply.

[455firebird1969]

I replaced both valve cover gaskets with GM gaskets. The car no longer leaves the small oil puddle under it every time it is parked, so I fixed the big leak for sure. The job took about three hours including an oil change. The drivers side is easy, the passenger side is more difficult due to the heater core lines making access very tight. See steps below.

1. Disconnect coil pack electrical connector.
2. Using a 1/4" drive 10 mm deep socket or 10 mm combination wrench remove the 5 bolts attaching the coil pack bracket to the valve cover.
3. Remove coil pack/bracket assembly.
Note: The rear Bolt on the passenger side is hard to get on, this is where I used the wrench, one flat at a time. A ratchet wrench might be a good idea.
4. Remove PCV hose from valve cover, one on D/S two on P/S.
5. Using an 8mm socket remove four valve cover bolts, and remove valve cover.
6. Reinstall in reverse order.
Note: this is for 1999 and up LS1, the 1998 LS1's utilize a perimeter bolt pattern to hold down the valve covers, and the coils are attached individually vice the bracket mount technic.