I own a 1972 Corvette 454 BB all original,

The valve covers on my engine are the ones that were painted the same the same color as the engine.

1968 to 1971 you had the option to get Chrome Valve covers. In 1972 could you have ordered from the factory the chrome BB valve covers for a 1972 454 BB? I do have an original set of GM Chrome Valve covers from a 1971 Corvette 454 which I'm debading to use on my 72.

Thanks

vadelsohn@cogeco.ca

I don't think the chrome v/covers were available in '72. The "fancy" v/covers were usually reserved for the high-output(optional) engines. There were no big-block options in '72, other than the smog pump.
If you like the chrome covers, and are not planning on having the car judged, put them on! Even if you are going to have it judged, they come off fairly easily, so you could swap them any time.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Accoring to all reference materials I've seen after '69 the big blocks came equipped with engine colored stamped valve covers, but chrome covers may have shipped on early '70 examples due to running the existing parts on the line. From my understanding all '68 and '69 big blocks came with chrome valve covers regardless of horsepower rating. They were actually somewhat poor quality flash chroming that didn't hold up with age and miles.

After that point all big blocks would have been factory equipped with painted valve covers. I don't think chrome covers were even an option beyond installing them yourself.

If you have a nice set and want them on, by all means do so!

Further research has determined that the chrome covers were used up to approximately vin # 4000, in 1971. After vin # 4000, all bigblock covers were painted.
If ya likes the way they look, slap 'em on!!
I regularly swap them on my car. For the NCRS "shows", I'll put the stockers on. For the rest of the time, I put the chrome stuff on. Go for it!

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

[QUOTE=1972Corvette454]

I own a 1972 Corvette 454 BB all original,

The valve covers on my engine are the ones that were painted the same the same color as the engine.

1968 to 1971 you had the option to get Chrome Valve covers. In 1972 could you have ordered from the factory the chrome BB valve covers for a 1972 454 BB? I do have an original set of GM Chrome Valve covers from a 1971 Corvette 454 which I'm debading to use on my 72.

Thanks

vadelsohn@cogeco.ca

[/QUOTE]

 Not sure this is the right forum...

I've been thinking of some chrome myself... what's the general consensus on chrome vs. orig. I'm talking valve covers and anything else easy enough to do (alternator, water inlet, hoses etc.) I'm all original right now but sure do like the look of chrome and I don't do any major showing... Mostly local stuff...

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



(click to see a bigger image)

I guess it boils down to personal choice, and I'm sure everyone will agree that the chrome ones are nicer to look at. 

My '68 327/300 is mostly original & came with the painted valve covers.  I'm keeping the car stock, but after re-doing the chrome ignition shielding I felt the car needed more so I put on the chrome valve covers that came on the L-79 350 HP motor & put the painted ones in the shed. 

The chrome always catches the peoples eye @ local shows, and like Joel said, you can always put the painted ones on if the car is to be judged. The bottom line is that it's your car & the choice is yours.

Just my 2 cents,,,,,,,,,,Good luck,

Anthony

Was looking around and there seems to be a big difference in chrome valve cover prices... is this mainly for quality of chrome... or maybe just overall quality... any suggestions . I will keep my original painted...

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



(click to see a bigger image)

Foreign made parts are cheaper, and for a good reason!!!
The factory chrome wasn't all that great, either. The better quality aftermarket stuff is well worth the few extra $$$ imho Adams' Apple38664.847349537

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Foreign made parts are cheaper, and for a good reason!!!
The factory chrome wasn't all that great, either. The better quality aftermarket stuff is well worth the few extra $$$ imho [/QUOTE]

Is price indication of foreign? Any suggests on suppliers of chrome accessories? Saw a set in Zip for $130

2 cruzn38664.869537037

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



(click to see a bigger image)

Most(but not all) of the "cheaper" v/covers(and other chrome goodies) are foreign made. There is a definate difference in the looks and feel of the lower priced stuff. The chrome v/covers I bought for my '74 are very heavy, compared to the cheapo chrome ones from Pep-boys(etc.) The chrome plate is very well done, with no visable machine marks under the chrome. It's like the difference between a steel beer can and an aluminum beer can! They both do the same job, but one will last longer.(the can, not the contents!)
I think I paid around $70 for my v/covers, compared to $29.99 for the "generic" ones.

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

[QUOTE=1972Corvette454] [/QUOTE]

Funny you should mention them... I found them on line last night and was gonna ask about them.. I'll try them...

One problem with mail order is really knowing what you are getting

Thanks all... as always...

2 cruzn38665.285

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



(click to see a bigger image)

One thing to keep in mind when buying valve covers (at least stamped steel, anyway), is not just the quality of the chroming, but the gauge of the steel. Most, if not all, inexpensive valve covers on the market are stamped out of thin gauge, lightweight steel, no matter how well done the chroming is. These are very springy and no matter how well you tighten the bolts, will flex and leak oil. You'll find yourself constantly tightening the bolts and cleaning up oil.

If you're planning on buying chrome steel valve covers, pay the extra for quality heavy gauge covers. The factory valve covers may not have real high quality chroming, but they won't leak either. Aluminum covers won't suffer from this problem.

I got my BB covers from Noah they have the V/C slant w/drippers, and they have the plug wire stems. IMHO, you can't go wrong for the price.

Noah Performance, Melville NY.  1-631-427-2881

Are you near St. Catharines Vic?

I live in Oakville Ontario vadelsohn@cogeco.ca

If you ever want to stop by with your Vette let me know.

Brgds

Vic

[QUOTE=warbird]

I got my BB covers from Noah they have the V/C slant w/drippers, and they have the plug wire stems. IMHO, you can't go wrong for the price.

Noah Performance, Melville NY.  1-631-427-2881

[/QUOTE]

Warbird... sounds like the same ones Vic has.. do they seem to be of heavy gage steel? One drawback not being able to check them out physically. Pictures in catalogs and internet always "look" good.

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



(click to see a bigger image)

Ray, I tried a number of after market covers which were qiute tinny, these are pretty good. Gunslinger is correct about watching for leaks, I had mine leak due to a number of reasons. Make sure that you use the correct bolt length, use new and good quality gaskets, and try and get the long spreader bars. If you over tighten the bolts you'll eventually "dent" the covers as well as the gasket, which will lead to leaks. This problem can happen with any quality cover, but is less likely with good heavy guage ones. When you contact Noah, he'll be able to set your mind at ease. Good luck !