'72 valve covers (pics)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
'72 valve covers (pics)
I want to replace the valve covers on my '72 with original or reproductions. The PO installed these chrome covers with Chevrolet imbossed on them. They look ok but a little cheesy. They also have those T-handle bolts on them that never seem to stay tight.
So, what do original valve covers for a '72 with a 350 look like. I saw some in a Corvette America catalog that go for around $280 (+ shipping)/pair.
I'd also like to replace the air cleaner assembly to original some day too.
So, what do original valve covers for a '72 with a 350 look like. I saw some in a Corvette America catalog that go for around $280 (+ shipping)/pair.
I'd also like to replace the air cleaner assembly to original some day too.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,226
Likes: 4,313
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi m,
Unless your 350 engine is an LT-! it originally had painted steel valve covers of a very simple design.
The number of clips varied year to year, but the covers were the same.
Many people replace the steel valve cover with the ribbed aluminium valve cover from the LT-! which is much better looking.
This picture shows the closed dual snorkle style of air-cleaner your base engne had too.
Regards,
Alan
Unless your 350 engine is an LT-! it originally had painted steel valve covers of a very simple design.
The number of clips varied year to year, but the covers were the same.
Many people replace the steel valve cover with the ribbed aluminium valve cover from the LT-! which is much better looking.
This picture shows the closed dual snorkle style of air-cleaner your base engne had too.
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
Alternator, fuel line and yellow wires are going to look out of place.
Time to completely rebuild the whole car from top to bottom and have it sit in the garage for 10 years doing it, or just leave it alone and drive it?
Time to completely rebuild the whole car from top to bottom and have it sit in the garage for 10 years doing it, or just leave it alone and drive it?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
Hi m,
Unless your 350 engine is an LT-! it originally had painted steel valve covers of a very simple design.
The number of clips varied year to year, but the covers were the same.
Many people replace the steel valve cover with the ribbed aluminium valve cover from the LT-! which is much better looking.
This picture shows the closed dual snorkle style of air-cleaner your base engne had too.
Regards,
Alan
Unless your 350 engine is an LT-! it originally had painted steel valve covers of a very simple design.
The number of clips varied year to year, but the covers were the same.
Many people replace the steel valve cover with the ribbed aluminium valve cover from the LT-! which is much better looking.
This picture shows the closed dual snorkle style of air-cleaner your base engne had too.
Regards,
Alan
That picture gives me something to shoot for.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
Nope, neither! Gonna do a little at at time until I get it the way I want. Gonna drive it in the mean time too. Pretty much why I bought it. I luv to tinker and once a project is completed I seem to loose interest.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
You can find stamped steel covers for relatively little money and paint them same as engine; you can buy same covers that are chromed (but plain) for less money than the 'correct' steel covers at most local auto parts stores; you can spend big buck$ for the LT-1 covers or buy a pair of used covers at a Corvette swap meet...they are always around; some of the modern cast alum covers (painted or bare) look nice, but they are expensive too.
Have fun making your decision!
Have fun making your decision!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: San Jose CA
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CORVE...item19c6efa287
Don't buy those plain valve covers. Go for these NOS LT-1 type. Nice price.
Don't buy those plain valve covers. Go for these NOS LT-1 type. Nice price.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
What about these from Wilcox? Good price and they look good too:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...Path=1988_2053
http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...Path=1988_2053
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,226
Likes: 4,313
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi m,
That does look like a very nice price!
They would certainly look good on your engine.
You could then think about the stock appearing 14" open air cleaner which would give you the 69-70 look.
Regards,
Alan
Here's a picture of my 71 with the open air cleaner and the 69-70 distributor shield; but with painted valve covers. It really is my favorite look. I reposted the stock 71 appearance so you can compare them.
That does look like a very nice price!
They would certainly look good on your engine.
You could then think about the stock appearing 14" open air cleaner which would give you the 69-70 look.
Regards,
Alan
Here's a picture of my 71 with the open air cleaner and the 69-70 distributor shield; but with painted valve covers. It really is my favorite look. I reposted the stock 71 appearance so you can compare them.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 223
From: Sherman CT
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
St. Jude Donor '24-'25-'26
, rest assured, when all was said and done they were installed correctly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 119
From: Springfield Missouri
Those finned valve covers are taller too, so you may have to put longer belts on to clear the alt. and a/c. i bought stainless screws to mount them, uses a phillip head screw driver to tighten them down.
