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.

[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

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.

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 !