tcsracing1

I am building my 1969 L79 Corvette motor.
It is missing the original parts.

Would like to build the engine by the book to look 100% correct.

Anybody know what style valve cover was used?
Manifolds?
Was the intake painted orange or raw aluminum?

GUSTO14

Here are a few pictures of of the 327/350 in the '68 Corvette...







Good luck... GUSTO

Easy Mike

^^^^^ I can sum that up in two words: Dee Licious.

SI67

If the correct color for intake is orange, I suspect it's cast iron. Did Chevy ever paint aluminum intake manifolds?

Alan 71

Hi,
I believe the 68 300hp and 350 hp engine both used the same intake manifold, #3919803, it was made of cast iron and was painted orange.
NICE looking engine pics G14!
Regards,
Alan

I don't think Chevrolet painted aluminum intake manifolds orange. I believe typically a 'mask' was used to keep most of the paint off the aluminum.
I also believe that sometimes aluminum intakes had some silver paint on them.
When the engine had painted valve covers it led to some interesting looks.

BB

tcsracing1

really appreciate it guys.
This is what i need to get my 1968 L79 looking correct.

I will need the manifolds. Any idea where to find a set?
The valve covers are very expense in NOS....

Alan 71

Hi t,
Your right, even the reproductions appear to be around $180 per set.
But it looks like any that are cheaper are just 'universal' fit and might not even be worth their lower price.
The covers DO set a off the look a small block compartment though….. maybe santa makes them?
Regards,
Alan

20mercury

I bought a set of L79 327 valve covers for my 68 about 9 months ago and paid $144 for a GM restoration set which were very well made. I thought that was pretty expensive for valve covers, but they were very nice. I did a search and here are a couple of links, a little more, but not too bad. The GM restoration set is hard to find or maybe there is just a jillion chrome valve covers to sort through, LOL's. See links below; pretty sure these are GM restoration, but I would call and make sure. The box mine came in has "pro shop series, classic headquarters, GM restoration parts, 27370148454.

http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/s...0-chrome-1968/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/68-Corvette-...eGuKEQ&vxp=mtr

You say 68 and 69 in your original post, I am thinking you mean 68?

I would look for your manifold used on ebay. As said above, 68 is 3919803 cast iron for both 327's and 69 is 3927184 cast iron for both 350's.

Hope this might help.

7T1vette

Unless you are aiming toward NCRS judging, you might just want to spend that same money for some LT-1 cast alum covers. Most folks who see your car with 'original' chrome covers won't know what they are looking at, anyway. And, the cast covers are (in general) better looking than the [plain] chrome covers.

But, I respect your willingness to keep the original scheme, if that's what you like.

tcsracing1

we are so deep into the restoration that we might as well do it by the book for the extra effort involved.
The car is stripped right down to the bird cage and we have sourced every replacement part to be correct 68 and date coded where possible.

At least 5 cars have been used to save this one car.
Everything we sourced was excelent and not too hard to find and not too expensive all things considered. Been very fortunate for we we have found to date in original parts and body.

7T1vette

Stay with the plan. Best to you!

vettefred

Have you tried Paragon Corvette? They have a lot of original stuff.

www.paragoncorvette.com



Fred