Block colours.....

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Oct 10, 2007 | 04:23 AM

kristian denmark

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2007

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Block colours.....

Somebody out there, who can explain this to a newbie?
I am still on the trail finding my first C3 1972. Studying pix of interesting cars around the markedplaces, engine blocks often show different colours/surfaces.
They may be totally red, some do have valve head covers (is this the right word?.......) with the Chevrolett-logo, some do have neutral ones.
What do these different types/colours mean?
Is it depending on engine type/size, or is it 'showing' that this engine has been restaured, or............???

Thanks for helping. Kristian

Oct 10, 2007 | 12:09 PM

blunblk68

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,150

Likes: 14

From: LaMoille Illinois

I am sure someone can chime in about original factory colors.
But alot of engines have been repainted or changed over 30 plus years i prefer black or fire engine red over the standard orange,blue or blk of gm.

Some oranges may appear lighter than others due to age of paint and years of fadeing

here is the 327 i just put in my 68 . i just like the clean look of blk and it dosent show oil spills etc...

Oct 10, 2007 | 12:13 PM

blunblk68

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,150

Likes: 14

From: LaMoille Illinois

as far as valve covers gm has many different types aluminum/stamped steel and there are tons of aftermarket ones out there like the aluminum ones in the pics in my previous post!

Oct 10, 2007 | 01:45 PM

MakoVette

Racer

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 261

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From: hidden valley lake Ca

Heres Black............ sorry pics a little big :o

ENGINE BREAK IN link

Oct 11, 2007 | 02:35 AM

I'm Batman

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 23,831

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

Orange from the V8 introduction through early 77. Blue from 77 through at least the end of 82 production.

Oct 11, 2007 | 06:07 AM

kristian denmark

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 25

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Thanks to all....

Thanks for your help!

Conclusion seems to be, that actual colours do not give me any hint.
I'll continue my search.

Kristian

Oct 11, 2007 | 10:52 AM

early shark

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 2,672

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From: Nevada City California

Kristian,

The proper terminology for the "valve covers" is actually rocker arm covers.

Oct 11, 2007 | 11:03 AM

71rdster

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1,562

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From: Spring Texas

All original or correctly restored 72 Vettes, big block or small block, should have Chevy Orange blocks. With the exception of LT1/ZR1 small blocks, all original 72 Vettes should have stamped steel valve covers painted the same color as the block. LT1/ZR1 cars should have finned aluminum valve covers with Corvette Crossed Flag logos on them.