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Old May 27, 2012 | 12:25 AM
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Default cast valve covers

my 300 hp '64 came to me with aluminum covers. i know they aren't correct for my car. my question is what is the story re: the "flawed" ones with the line going thru the "o" in corvette? mine have "lester" and "3767493" on the undersides. were they original equipment on the engines that came with cast covers? if so, what engines and years? thanks for your help!
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Old May 27, 2012 | 07:20 AM
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The casting flaw in the molds developed in '66 -- they will fit your car but are not correct...
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Old May 27, 2012 | 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
The casting flaw in the molds developed in '66 -- they will fit your car but are not correct...
Also, that means the flawed cover was used only on the 66/67 Special High Performance (350 hp) engine

Harry
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Old May 27, 2012 | 08:14 AM
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The finned "Corvette" script valve covers, with the attaching holes placed straight across from each other, were used from some point in 59, through 1967. They came standard on all engines except the 230, 250 and 300 hp versions.

During the 66 model year, the mold was damaged, resulting in the now infamous "flaw". The 66-67 350 hp cars, were the only ones that ever used these covers.

Other than the flaw, there is no difference in the finned covers used from 59-67.
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Old May 27, 2012 | 09:27 AM
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your 300hp motor would have come with the painted steel covers, not the aluminum finned script covers
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Old May 27, 2012 | 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by arkusvt
mine have "lester" and "3767493" on the undersides. were they original equipment on the engines that came with cast covers?
For this part of your question and going from memory, yes, your covers are original Corvette covers, but not original to your car as has been pointed out.

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Old May 27, 2012 | 07:54 PM
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Personally (not being a numbers person myself), I could care less about what is and what is not correct for a particular engine rating. The finned alum valve covers look nice on ANY SB, Corvette or otherwise. If I owned a SB engine (and I have several), the stamped steel covers would be quickly removed and finned alum covers installed. They simply add a VERY NICE touch to any SB engine---------------------including the 383 in my 51 Chevy And the SB400 in my 70 Chevelle!

Sooooooooooooooooo, if you got some finned alum covers-------------PUT 'UM ON!!!







Or how about on a 420 boat engine.
Yep, Corvette finned alum valve covers go good with anything.


Tom Parsons
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Old May 27, 2012 | 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by DZAUTO
Personally (not being a numbers person myself), I could care less about what is and what is not correct for a particular engine rating. The finned alum valve covers look nice on ANY SB, Corvette or otherwise. If I owned a SB engine (and I have several), the stamped steel covers would be quickly removed and finned alum covers installed. They simply add a VERY NICE touch to any SB engine---------------------including the 383 in my 51 Chevy And the SB400 in my 70 Chevelle!

Sooooooooooooooooo, if you got some finned alum covers-------------PUT 'UM ON!!!
Tom Parsons
Tom, did you ever let us know what was wrong with the new 383 in the 51? Last time I heard you had to pull it out. Do you get out in the boat much anymore? Very cool.
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Old May 27, 2012 | 11:21 PM
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I have a 300HP and have both the original steel script valve covers and a set of mildly polished aluminum covers. I prefer the looks of and run the aluminum covers - note the casting flaw.

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Old May 27, 2012 | 11:59 PM
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I remember in the 70's after they were supposedly discontinued by GM, I found the correct part number in an old parts catalog. I asked at the dealer if the number was still good, and he came back and said there were 15 sets left at various warehouses and that was it. I bought all of them at 15$ a peice and sold most of them for 25$ each! I thought I was a great business man.

They started making them again with the restoration parts, but not that cheap anymore.
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