Topic: Looking for the correct valve covers
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Former Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 2/5/2012
Posts: 3
Vette(s): 1974 Convertible: 4 Speed 454 BB 270 hp Mille Miglia Red Numbers Match Project Car
Hey guy's,
I'm new to this C3 site. I own a 1974, 454 BB, matching numbers, convertible. I'm trying to find the correct used painted valve covers. Does anyone have pictures on exactly what they should look like, or can direct me to where I can see them? Thanks MMM
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ebo
eboHi MMM
I also have a 74 big block.
I'm not sure what else you have in your engine and what are your intentions with original covers; but I just wanted to throw out there that mine has MT covers installed by the previous owner. The reason he did it is because he said that when he upgraded high performance roller rockers; the original covers where not good enough for this. I think it was for both solidity and oil channels.
Just something to keep in mind...
Steph.
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
Not sure about all of the Shark cars, but some big block valve covers have a large slope/dent in the rear corner on the driver side cover, to clear the brake booster....just something to be aware of if your's takes that type of cover.
If you're looking for 100% original looks, make sure the covers have the spark plug wire holders in the correct location, and that they have the little oil deflectors spot welded on the inside...you can see the spot welds from the outside, so if you're planning on having the car judged at some point, the Judges will be able to tell if they are original or not.
If you're looking for 100% original looks, make sure the covers have the spark plug wire holders in the correct location, and that they have the little oil deflectors spot welded on the inside...you can see the spot welds from the outside, so if you're planning on having the car judged at some point, the Judges will be able to tell if they are original or not.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Former Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 2/5/2012
Posts: 3
Vette(s): 1974 Convertible: 4 Speed 454 BB 270 hp Mille Miglia Red Numbers Match Project Car
I have a stock 454 w/ 270 hp. The previous owner for some reason put chrome valve covers on. I want what should be there, painted ones. I don't think I will ever have the car judged, just want to get as close as possible. The valve covers in the picture look very close to mine. Do you guys think the previous owner could have had the original valve covers chromed?
I often check the Doc Rebuild or Paragon site when looking for what original s/b........
.............. after which I start looking on flea bay, etc.... good luck, love them big blocks 
Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
I dropped an email to the guy I know that may have some for a reasonable price. And as far as did he just chrome his.
That could have happened back in the days when chrome was not a real high expense item. I had that done on my 55 when I was in college in the 60's. It was why buy something you already had when you could take it down to the local chrome shop and they would chrome it for you.
Now there are no local chrome shops.
Former Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 2/5/2012
Posts: 3
Vette(s): 1974 Convertible: 4 Speed 454 BB 270 hp Mille Miglia Red Numbers Match Project Car
Yes, with all the info from you guys, they look just like the valve covers that Paragon has.
I'm thinking that maybe back in the day they just chromed the ones that were on the car from the factory.
Thanks for all your help. 
1973-74 Corvette 454 Valve
298 × 400 - 26k - jpg
shop.justparts.com
Maybe they still have them?
ebo
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
Back int he day, you could buy the chrome valve covers from the dealer. In fact, some dealers installed them in order to make the cars more flashy for potential buyers. The chrome on the factory, and GM valve covers was not very good...just a quick "flash" chrome. It was really kinda dull for chrome, and had somewhat of a texture to it. The aftermarket valve covers looked way mo better, as far as the quality of the chrome. You could buy chrome valve covers for $20....wouldn't make any sense to have yours chromed if you could go to any parts house and spend $20 for them.
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"
in Forum: C3 Engines
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