Topic: Moving from stamped steel valve covers to aluminum
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Good Afternoon Guys!
Originally, the 1973 L48 came with stamped steel valve covers. Looking to replace as mine are beat up and after pricing out refinishing, it's out of my price range to do so. Is there an issue with moving to aluminum valve covers instead?
Thank you!
Jason D.
Originally, the 1973 L48 came with stamped steel valve covers. Looking to replace as mine are beat up and after pricing out refinishing, it's out of my price range to do so. Is there an issue with moving to aluminum valve covers instead?
Thank you!
Jason D.
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"
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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
You'll need longer bolts to hold them on, the proper grommets for the breather tube and PCV valve, but other than that, go for it! 
There MAY be an issue with the height of them, depending on what ya get. Some covers are taller than the factory aluminuminum covers, which can make it tough to get them under the A/C compressor....
There MAY be an issue with the height of them, depending on what ya get. Some covers are taller than the factory aluminuminum covers, which can make it tough to get them under the A/C compressor....
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"
Thank you, Adams! The "while I'm here" hole goes deeper...LOL!
Would you mind following these links? I'd really like your opinion on what I'd like to order. I'm pretty sure they will all work. Just looking for a second opinion. The only thing I am unsure of are the grommets. Do I need to do any drilling out if I use longer valve cover bolts?
Thank you!
Valve covers - http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-aluminum-valve-cover-show-quality-1969-1982.html
Bolts - http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-valve-cover-bolts-aluminum-small-block-1964-1986early.html
Left hand grommet:http://www.corvettepartsworldwide.com/product_p/33470.htm
Right hand grommet: http://www.corvettepartsworldwide.com/Corvette_Parts_69_84_Vent_Tube_Grommet_RH_Alumin_p/33457.htm
Valve cover reinforcements: http://www.corvettepartsworldwide.com/Corvette_Parts_68_82_Valve_Cover_Bolt_Reinforceme_p/33612.htm
Would you mind following these links? I'd really like your opinion on what I'd like to order. I'm pretty sure they will all work. Just looking for a second opinion. The only thing I am unsure of are the grommets. Do I need to do any drilling out if I use longer valve cover bolts?
Thank you!
Valve covers - http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-aluminum-valve-cover-show-quality-1969-1982.html
Bolts - http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-valve-cover-bolts-aluminum-small-block-1964-1986early.html
Left hand grommet:http://www.corvettepartsworldwide.com/product_p/33470.htm
Right hand grommet: http://www.corvettepartsworldwide.com/Corvette_Parts_69_84_Vent_Tube_Grommet_RH_Alumin_p/33457.htm
Valve cover reinforcements: http://www.corvettepartsworldwide.com/Corvette_Parts_68_82_Valve_Cover_Bolt_Reinforceme_p/33612.htm
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"
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
Those will work fine.If you click on the "related items" there, you'll find the grommets, the bolts, and the filler cap for those valve covers. Might as well get all of the stuff from the same place, if those are the valve covers you're going to get. No drilling, or any other mods will be needed...just throw some new gaskets on, and bolt em down.
You do NOT need the "Reinforcement" pieces with aluminuminum valve covers.
You realize there is NO CURE for this disease, right?
You do NOT need the "Reinforcement" pieces with aluminuminum valve covers.
You realize there is NO CURE for this disease, right?
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"
Thanks, Adams! Ordering them this weekend!
Good to know about not needing the reinforcements. I figured since they were aluminum, reinforcements would definitely be needed. Saved me money...again!
No cure for the disease, but it's a disease I'm happy to have!!
Jason D.
|UPDATED|9/23/2015 6:28:58 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Good to know about not needing the reinforcements. I figured since they were aluminum, reinforcements would definitely be needed. Saved me money...again!
No cure for the disease, but it's a disease I'm happy to have!!
Jason D.
|UPDATED|9/23/2015 6:28:58 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
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Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
The factory aluminum covers weren't polished. You might check w/ the vendor to see if their's are. I had mine polished and they look like chrome now. Of course they now require periodic polishing but worth it for the improved looks.
1973 L-82 4 spd
Adams' Apple said: You'll need longer bolts to hold them on, the proper grommets for the breather tube and PCV valve, but other than that, go for it!
There MAY be an issue with the height of them, depending on what ya get. Some covers are taller than the factory aluminuminum covers, which can make it tough to get them under the A/C compressor....
There MAY be an issue with the height of them, depending on what ya get. Some covers are taller than the factory aluminuminum covers, which can make it tough to get them under the A/C compressor....
I replaced mine a few years back and did have an issue with the A/C compressor, just needed to move it a bit and buy a longer belt. Also suggest getting the felpro gaskets - while you're at it.
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
I saw that too...but I'm sure there are plenty of '69-'77 Corvettes with LT1s in them, factory or not. Actually, the L82 engines used the same style valve covers. 
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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