my 1st d2 had 2 bolts totally missing from the vale covers....Loctite is a good measure on these tiny little guys. helps combat the vibration

 

12 point iirc

 

true that^

 

I take it 8mm 12point is not a common pattern, none of my socket kits have 8mm in a 12point and when I browsed quickly at the local store I only saw 12point go down to 10mm.

 

Much to my surprise Lowes has them here in Canada.

And watch your torque. They're in aluminum and you can only strip them once. Check the RAVE for the proper setting.

 

The RAVE says, 6 ft/lbs, but the common practice is 10 ft/lbs and check them every oil change as they will loosen.

The 12pt 8mm socket was actually included with my truck. The previous owner made a point of saying "you'll need this, it's for the valve cover gaskets".