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So, another stupid question: I bought a 327/300 '66. I LOVE the finned aluminium Corvette valve covers that did not come on my car from the factory. Since I am not interested in competition, what do people think of changing out the originals (if the bolt pattern works) with the aluminium ones? I would keep the painted ones, of course, but I just happen to like the look of the others.
Is this a totally bonehead move or considered OK as long as I know the difference and keep the factory ones cleaned up and stored away?
If you like the, change them. One tip, don't overtighten. They will crack, unlike steel. They will also be harder to keep clean, but no big deal. I like them also, and they are on my 350 hp. I recently bead blasted and painted them with Alumablast.
It was the very first mod I did to my '63 back in 1969 to address leaking valve cover gaskets. Picked them up at my favorite Chevrolet Dealer (he gave me a discount ) for $11 a piece. Probably should have bought a few sets...
Total Bonehead move. Not allowed. The VCPD (Valve Cover Police Department) will find you and they will punish you.
See, that's what I was afraid of. In the Buick world, if you put Stage 1 (chrome) valve covers on your non-Stage car, we pretty much shun you for life and put you in the stocks at any show you have the guts to attend...
It was the very first mod I did to my '63 back in 1969 to address leaking valve cover gaskets. Picked them up at my favorite Chevrolet Dealer (he gave me a discount ) for $11 a piece. Probably should have bought a few sets...
Good luck... GUSTO
Thanks--that was going to be my next question--where do you find them? I guess swap meets and so forth are a good place to start. Not the most important thing in the world, but thinking about what I want to do to the car, that was one of those things I was hoping would be kind of easy to do. What valve cover gaskets do 327 engines seem to like best, if any?
If you like the, change them. One tip, don't overtighten. They will crack, unlike steel. They will also be harder to keep clean, but no big deal. I like them also, and they are on my 350 hp. I recently bead blasted and painted them with Alumablast.
Thank-you. I will certainly be careful now that I know this. They look amazingly good on your car!
You can you can also buy the GM licensed PML version. Perfect for those with taller valve trains. I put the polished ones on my ‘61. They’re also nice as they will mill holes in the side for a pcv or breather by request. You can see my pcv valve in the picture below.
Paragon Corvette bought the tooling years ago from the original GM manufacture "Lester" for those valve covers. they are every where for sale, most of them are over the counter GM ones that was sold by the dealers well into the 80's and maybe 90's they are very common item. expect for the 63-early 66 ones without the casting flaw. as the original tooling got a "crack" or seem in the covers that run though the "O".
I am thinking it is a BONEHEAD move.
I am adding the L79 aluminum intake and the valve covers to R66 (300hp 327 base). But, I can't find decals that say 350hp clone. Of course if you add chrome big block valve covers, you instantly have a 66 with a rare 435 hp 427 - one of a kind. Might take a lot of work to make them fit.
Then again, I like the 69 aluminum covers used on Corvettes, Camaros, Novas, etc. Does that mean I can't show it as a C2 Corvette?
To be technically correct, since your car is a '66, you should be looking for a set of un-flawed covers. Any quality set of new reproduction valve covers or used originals is going to run close to $400. You may find a used set for less, but they will probably not be as nice.
This company sells both the flawed covers and un-flawed covers. The un-flawed are about double the cost, but are probably worth it. I spent hours on the last set of 'new' covers I bought with the flaw trying to remove it with little luck. I finally gave up and bought a set of PML's. Appearance wise they look nearly identical to original, but they are heavier (more substantial) and a bit taller. I like them a lot. https://www.moderngenauto.com/C2-Cor...iABEgI6YPD_BwE
This company sells the PML covers (you can also buy direct from PML). The PML's are offered in a variety of finishes, from raw aluminum to powder coated an even polished. They are not cheap, but are high quality. https://www.ebay.com/i/282903303547?...f46798fffc2143
Thanks--that was going to be my next question--where do you find them? I guess swap meets and so forth are a good place to start. Not the most important thing in the world, but thinking about what I want to do to the car, that was one of those things I was hoping would be kind of easy to do. What valve cover gaskets do 327 engines seem to like best, if any?
I am thinking it is a BONEHEAD move.
I am adding the L79 aluminum intake and the valve covers to R66 (300hp 327 base). But, I can't find decals that say 350hp clone. Of course if you add chrome big block valve covers, you instantly have a 66 with a rare 435 hp 427 - one of a kind. Might take a lot of work to make them fit.
Then again, I like the 69 aluminum covers used on Corvettes, Camaros, Novas, etc. Does that mean I can't show it as a C2 Corvette?
It's your car, do what pleases you.
Ron
I like your thinking. Go big!
The finned script valve covers can be dressed up to restore (clone) the "one of one" mythical and ultra rare factory 63-67 425hp small block with a stinger hood .
Valve Coves
) for $11 a piece. Probably should have bought a few sets... 
.