STL Zombie Hunter

I know that my '72 base model 350 was 'supposed' to come with the stamped steel orange valve covers. My question is are they supposed to have little brackets welded to the top of them or no brackets at all? I have seen and read about both types and wonder what is correct for an early production 72 model w/ AC and base 350ci engine.

I plan on changing to the factory ones later this Spring and want to be sure I get the correct ones.

If any of you have a stock engine feel free to post pics (including the dual snorkel air cleaner also; as that's next on my to-do list!).

Thanks guys!

STL Zombie Hunter

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Is this stock?

Alan 71

Hi zh,
No, those valve covers are for a later year car.
The 72 covers had just the grommet for the pvc and the oil filler on the left side cover, and had the grommet for the breather elbow on the right side cover.
Regards,
Alan

STL Zombie Hunter

Ahhhh. I see. I was hoping you would be one of the one to answer this. You have always been 100% on all my questions. Thank you. Now maybe you can stroll over to my post about switching over from power windows to manual.
Are those pics of your car? Its perfect! I plan on copying those 2 pics and use for reference as I piece my original parts back together.

gbvette62

72 covers have a smooth round hole for the oil fill cap. The oil cap, is a round black rubber push in cap. 71 small blocks covers, were only other year small blocks, to use the push in cap. The left side cover in Alan's picture, shows the oil cap used in 71-72.

69-70 and 73 and later covers, use a twist on cap, and have notches in the oil fill hole, to except the cap. The pictures you posted show the twist on cap, used in every year except 71-72.

STL Zombie Hunter

Thanks for that info. I was watching a set on Ebay but noticed the oil cap was a 'twist on style. Which is why I guess it's selling for $20

MrJlr

What part of Alan's car ISN'T perfect!

STL Zombie Hunter

Alan, are your valve covers & oil cap OEM or aftermarket? I try not to have anything aftermarket on mine, but its quite a headache finding the correct valve covers. Ugh!

Just a question, but isn't there supposed to be a crossed-flag emblem on the passenger side? Or is that for the years excluding 71-72? My Richard Prince Guide book leads me to believe that these get flags glued to them. This is confusing.

Alan 71

Hi stl,
Those valve covers are the originals, (repainted), as is the oil filler cap). (71 model year)
Depending what you want your compartment to look like, you may or may not want to use mine as a guide.
It's really quite a bit 'prettier' than the day it was delivered at the dealership. So beware, some people have a problem with it.
Regards,
Alan

STL Zombie Hunter

I think its pure perfection
I know I won't be able to have the shield over the distributor as I have HEI (w/ NO tach drive ).

What about the flag emblem on the passenger valve cover? Is that for years other than 71-72?

Alan 71

Hi stl,
The round crossed flag emblem only appeared on the finned aluminium valve covers which were used on LT-! engines in 1971.
I believe those valve covers were first used on 350 hp engines in 1969, and LT-! engines in 70-72.
I believe they also appeared on L-82 engines, but I'm not sure for just how long... big blank in my brain after 1971.
Regards,
Alan

STL Zombie Hunter

Ok, how about these valve covers? The guy said they came off of his '72 SBC 350.

Alan 71

Hi,
I think they look good.
I believe the number of 'clips' indicate the valve covers are for 72 not 70-71.
Regards,
Alan

mark6669

Here the orig valve covers on a April 72.


These are November 71

Mark

STL Zombie Hunter

Thanks Guys
Looks like I finally found the correct ones!