cam cover gasket vs valve cover gasket

took my 2004 aveo hatch base model to chevy yesterday and they found an oil leak they said was due to a bad cam cover gasket that needs to be replaced. everywhere i've looked online say that valve cover gasket and cam are the same thing. when i asked chevy about it though, they told me no, they are two completely different things. i called and asked a few other mechanics and they said no, they are the same thing.
so i am confused are they the same or not for my car
if anyone could help i would greatly appreciate :)

The terms "cam cover" and "valve cover" are commonly used interchangeably - they mean the same thing, and in many cases, it's a regional thing. Depending on where you read the info, you may also see them called "rocker covers"...

Yes, it's incredibly confusing, and makes it difficult for people to shop around.

Now, if they are talking about the camshaft seal, that's a totally different thing, which requires removal of the timing belt to change (a lot more work)

thanks jimzdat for clarifying.
i ended up talking to the manager at chevy and he assured me that they were the same as well; and after even the associate who told me they were different apologized and said they were the same and that he was apparently confused when he first told me. it seems like his manager being involved cleared up his confusion really fast.

Blueboo how much were they gonna change you for the work?

turboelk, first they quoted me 500.
after asking why it was so much, they then told me that the parts and labor for just the gasket was around 150, and the reason they quoted me 500 was for all new spark plugs and wires and for labor.
pretty crazy quote for just changing a gasket and basically a tune up

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blueboo

...pretty crazy quote for just changing a gasket and basically a tune up

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Actually it's just the basic, standard stealership rip-off price, and it comes as no surprise to me at all.

It would be interesting to see what your local indy shops get for gasket/plugs/wires. My guess would be $200-250. DIY retail price for the parts from Rockauto is around $48 + shipping.