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.

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!

[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...

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...

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

[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