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Jul 27, 2005 | 10:44 PM

Fork501

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Racer

Joined: Jul 2005

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From: Weston Fl

Laugh if you must.

I know that I'm probably going to be laughed at for this, but just remember that I was a former Ford guy. I don't know too much about Chevy engines. I want to buy some new valve covers for my '88 L98 Corvette. There are Small-Block and Big-Block Chevy parts. I am guessing that mine is Big-Block, but I'd rather check with you guys before I make that decision. Which would it be? *Kinda hangs head in shame*

~Derek

Jul 27, 2005 | 10:47 PM

Pete K

Race Director

Joined: Feb 2004

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You have a small block. post 86 1/2 cars had centerbolt vavle covers. Older had perimeter valve covers. Check yours to confirm before ordering them.

Jul 27, 2005 | 10:53 PM

65Z01

Team Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: SE NY

Cruise-In II Veteran

Hey, no problem as I used to be a Mustang guy...years ago.

Your '88 indeed has a SBC L98 with center-bolt valve covers.

When considering new valve covers pay attention to the front of the new covers as they must clear the A/C compressor on the right side and the AIR pump on the left side and there's always the brake booster cable clearance at the left rear.

Jul 28, 2005 | 03:09 AM

CentralCoaster

Team Owner

Joined: May 2002

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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed

Dummy's guide to identifying big blocks, small blocks...

Small block has a symmetrical valve configuration, so the headers look like this
O--OO--O

Big block is similar here to an LS1 or SBF setup. O-O-O-O

59-86 SBC valvecovers will either be the perimeter 4-bolt pattern, equally spaced top an bottom, 87up has 4 center bolts.

BBC valve covers have 4 bolts on bottom, 3 on top.

Oh, and big blocks are really ****ing big.

Jul 28, 2005 | 03:36 AM

cv67

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2004

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From: altered state

St. Jude Donor '05

Nicest ones I've seen are from Lingenfelter. Sure someone will post a pic. Couple guys have them here. Welcome

Jul 28, 2005 | 06:14 AM

flatlne

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2005

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Hey if you are looking for a set of center bolt ones I think I have a few diff sets

Jul 28, 2005 | 07:50 AM

conv90

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 2,238

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From: Milan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fork501

when I started to deal with these USA cars I had an "heart attack" when i read that a 5,700cc cr was a "small" block

-Beppe

Jul 28, 2005 | 08:53 AM

theguardian

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 72

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From: Scranton Pa

Holy Moley!!!!

Anyone care to guess!!! what a set of Lingenfelter CenterBolts cost for an L98???

Answer: Most likely about $350.00 with S/H.

ProForm at Jegs are $130.00

Billet Specialties = $150.00

and on and on. Milodon and a number of other mfgs also make them.

Save $200.00 and invest it in a good set of CC Roller Rockers (you'll need more than just the money you save, but it's all in what you're looking for)... IMO