Valve cover.

[drewd]

Search was being gay so no flaming
Just wondering if it is completely neccessary to use a new head gasket when removing and replacing the cover..

And how do I prep It to put it back on? Is it just like a take it off, put it back on kinda thing? I have to cover the open engine from debris obviously. What if the inside of the cover gets dirty? I want to have it painted/powercoated but I'm scared I'll screw something up opening the head up.

[redlinee46s3]

The headgasket goes between the block and head not the head and valve cover. But no, you don't need a new valve cover gasket, unless of course it's already leaking.

[drewd]

Cool, thanks.

[cicatrize]

The valve cover gasket is rubber. Just visually inspect it for any tears or dents. If it's all good, you shouldn't need to replace it.

[GSBoek]

^ Yep. Just make sure you inspect the rubber seal, it should be without cracks and dents, and it should be plyable, if it's hard you better change it.
As an extra measure wipe away all the oil in the channel on the valvecover where the seal sits and clean the seal itself with a clean rag.

As for the head, a clean blanket will do over it while the valvecover is out. the inside of the valvecover can be wiped clean if it gets dirty.

When putting things back together just make sure you put a little dab of FIGP or Gray Silicone at the joints between the timing cover and head before installing the valvecover back.

[drewd]

Thanks for the help. I removed all the bolts and the thing wouldn't budge, I tried prying it up, nothing. Anyway I just sprayed it off with some degreaser let it dry, taped it all off, and sprayed it with this metallic engine enamel. Don't hate, couldn't afford powder coating, It turned out real nice, looks like a carbon red color. I'll post some pics up if I can..

[GSBoek]

Dunno about the others, I wouldn't hate, mine's not powder coated.
If you do proper surface prep and priming it should last a while. That's how I did mine you see in the sig. The pic doesn't do it justice, but I specially liked the anodized effect of the dark blue stripe on the valvecover. The lightblue stripe on the plastic cover was a failure though hehehe.
If you can get some heat resistant clearcoat, it will help to protect the paint.