So one of my Vette books says that early '71 LS5's came with chrome valve covers and later ones came with the orange valve covers. Anyone know if this is really true and if so what the cutoff point for the chrome ones was?
My assembly date is January 5th 1971, so not sure if mine would be an early or late 71 anyway.

Chevy changed from chrome flashed valve covers on big blocks in 1970 to painted orange for the '71 models. It's not beyond probability that any chrome valve covers as left over stock got used up in early '71 production until they ran out and went exclusively to orange painted covers. I wouldn't bet against it.

I'm yet to run across any '71 454 with chrome valve covers who's owner doesn't acknowledge that the chrome is NOT original. Mine are chrome -- only because I like the chrome. Originality loses out to looks! GM's enigine orange really clashes wtih Ontario Orange !!

anybody know when they changed to chrome, my 74 has chrome, and i believe that's what it should have??? thanks

Very early 1971's did use left over stock. Probably no cars built beyond the September '70 month of production though. The early cars also had the Tonawanda team decal on the passenger valve cover as well.

'74's were orange with clips on the side for plug wires. They also had a clip beside the drivers side PCV for the idle stop solenoid wire.


The oil fill cap in the photo is aftermarket and should be black rubber.