Topic: big block valve covers w/ drippers
in Forum: C3 Engines
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Former Member
Send PM
Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
the 1974 Stingray I bought has factory style chromed valve covers installed and you can clearly see the spot welds for the drippers....
the left bank cover does not have the "crushed in" spot for the power brake booster.... were these meant for a Hi-perf car of a differnt year/style? It has the push in style oil fill cap, not the "bowtie" style..
seems that aftermarket covers with drippers are expensive, are these covers worth re-chroming?
thanks, jim
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Former Member
Send PM
Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
The original factory big block valve covers were cheaply flash chromed. Actually, your '74 should have orange painted covers. The chrome covers were standard on '68-'69 big block cars...possibly some early '70's as well.
The crushed corner was for the left side cover on '65-'67 big block Vettes because of interference with the master cylinder and brake booster. My '69 427 doesn't have the crushed area on the left cover.
Worth rechroming? That's your call.
The crushed corner was for the left side cover on '65-'67 big block Vettes because of interference with the master cylinder and brake booster. My '69 427 doesn't have the crushed area on the left cover.
Worth rechroming? That's your call.
Former Member
Send PM
Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
Oh, Ok I didnt know the crushed corner was only for a few years...
maybe I'd be better off having them powder coated orange... make the engine a little more "correct"
74stingray454 2006-10-29 08:57:56
but its safe to say for 1974, dripper equipped covers were not standard... but worth using?
Former Member
Send PM
Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Don't know for sure, but I think that dripper equipped covers were used. Chevy (as all car makers) didn't spend money for no reason if they didn't believe the drippers weren't necessary.
Since Chevrolet used drippers in the valve covers, I would think there's a good reason for it.
It's your car...use whatever valve covers make you happy, but speaking for myself, I would use a set equipped with drippers.
Since Chevrolet used drippers in the valve covers, I would think there's a good reason for it.
It's your car...use whatever valve covers make you happy, but speaking for myself, I would use a set equipped with drippers.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
The v-covers should have the drippers from the factory, with the push-in style filler cap. The chrome covers would not be original, as 'Slinger states. They should be painted. Instead of painting/p-coating the ones you have, why not locate a set of used covers, and use them? You could either save the chromies for show, or sell them to pay for the painted covers.Adams' Apple 2006-10-29 16:58:12
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"
Former Member
Send PM
Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
aaahh... the chromies are not very nice and Id have no problem beadblasting them and repainting them. if they were show quality id leave them alone...
I wanted to use them as they do have the drippers... so I guess the best bet would be to redo them...
Chrome or not, the drippers help direct oil to where it's needed. Right onto the rocker arms. Or more correctly, into them. Keep those rockers well lubed. I've had a couple die on a small block with a Z-28 cam. Added the cast covers with drippers and no more problem. Same game for a BB TimAT 2006-10-30 22:08:24
Former Member
Send PM
Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
Sounds like Ill keep the dripper equipped covers, but just paint them orange or rechrome...
in Forum: C3 Engines
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)