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Topic: Looking for the correct valve covers

in Forum: C3 Engines


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Looking for the correct valve covers (1/10)
 7/18/12 9:24am
Mille Miglia Mike
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Convertible: 4 Speed 454 BB 270 hp Mille Miglia Red Numbers Match Project Car


Joined: 2/5/2012
Posts: 3

Hey guy's,
             I'm new to this C3 site. I own a 1974, 454 BB, matching numbers, convertible. I'm trying to find the correct used painted valve covers.  Does anyone have pictures on exactly what they should look like, or can direct me to where I can see them?    Thanks MMM 


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Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (2/10)
 7/18/12 11:31am
eboLifetime Member
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

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 They Should look like this.
Evil Smileebo


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Evil Smileebo
Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (3/10)
 7/18/12 11:48am
74-454Lifetime Member
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, - Canada

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Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!


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Hi MMM

I also have a 74 big block.

I'm not sure what else you have in your engine and what are your intentions with original covers; but I just wanted to throw out there that mine has MT covers installed by the previous owner.  The reason he did it is because he said that when he upgraded high performance roller rockers; the original covers where not good enough for this.  I think it was for both solidity and oil channels.

Just something to keep in mind...

Steph.
Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (4/10)
 7/18/12 12:35pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Not sure about all of the Shark cars, but some big block valve covers have a large slope/dent in the rear corner on the driver side cover, to clear the brake booster....just something to be aware of if your's takes that type of cover.
If you're looking for 100% original looks, make sure the covers have the spark plug wire holders in the correct location, and that they have the little oil deflectors spot welded on the inside...you can see the spot welds from the outside, so if you're planning on having the car judged at some point, the Judges will be able to tell if they are original or not.


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Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (5/10)
 7/18/12 12:51pm
Mille Miglia Mike
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Convertible: 4 Speed 454 BB 270 hp Mille Miglia Red Numbers Match Project Car


Joined: 2/5/2012
Posts: 3

I have a stock 454 w/ 270 hp.  The previous owner for some reason put chrome valve covers on.  I want what should be there, painted ones.  I don't think I will ever have the car judged, just want to get as close as possible.  The valve covers in the picture look very close to mine.  Do you guys think the previous owner could have had the original valve covers chromed?

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Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (6/10)
 7/18/12 3:35pm
Willis76Lifetime Member
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Rockland, MA - USA

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I often check the Doc Rebuild or Paragon site when looking for what original s/b........
 
 
 
 
.............. after which I start looking on flea bay, etc.... good luck, love them big blocks Thumbs Up
 
 
 
 
 


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Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (7/10)
 7/18/12 8:29pm
tb2k82ceLifetime Member
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Lemon Grove, CA - USA

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I dropped an email to the guy I know that may have some for a reasonable price.  And as far as did he just chrome his.  

That could have happened back in the days when chrome was not a real high expense item.  I had that done on my 55 when I was in college in the 60's.  It was why buy something you already had when you could take it down to the local chrome shop and they would chrome it for you.

Now there are no local chrome shops.
Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (8/10)
 7/18/12 8:54pm
Mille Miglia Mike
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Convertible: 4 Speed 454 BB 270 hp Mille Miglia Red Numbers Match Project Car


Joined: 2/5/2012
Posts: 3

Yes, with all the info from you guys, they look just like the valve covers that Paragon has.  

I'm thinking that maybe back in the day they just chromed the ones that were on the car from the factory.

Thanks for all your help.    Thumbs Up 


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Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (9/10)
 7/18/12 9:01pm
eboLifetime Member
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

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#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


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Posts: 4420


1973-74 Corvette 454 Valve
298 × 400 - 26k - jpg
shop.justparts.com
 
 
 
Maybe they still have them?
Evil Smileebo


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Re: Looking for the correct valve covers (10/10)
 7/18/12 10:12pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Back int he day, you could buy the chrome valve covers from the dealer. In fact, some dealers installed them in order to make the cars more flashy for potential buyers. The chrome on the factory, and GM valve covers was not very good...just a quick "flash" chrome. It was really kinda dull for chrome, and had somewhat of a texture to it. The aftermarket valve covers looked way mo better, as far as the quality of the chrome. You could buy chrome valve covers for $20....wouldn't make any sense to have yours chromed if you could go to any parts house and spend $20 for them.

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