Chrome Plenum Cover
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 232
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From: Manalapan NJ
Chrome Plenum Cover
Hey guys, I know this is an extremly long shot, but I wanted to see if anyone knows where I can get a chrome plenum cover. I know they don't make them anymore. I checked with RPI Designs, Ecklers, Mid America, etc... and I'm not having anyluck. I had one a long time ago but it started to turn "brownish" from the heat of my engine. I found out after the fact that some of the covers were done by a different factory and weren't as good as the originals, hence the browning. Alot of corvette places stopped carrying them because of that. I find it hard tk believe that no one males these anymore. If someone knows where I can get them, please let me know. Thanks!
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Post up a Wanted to Buy thread in the C5 Parts for Sale Section. Never know, someone may have one they want to sell.
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From: NW Chicago Burbs
The issue as you mentioned is, unless it was a garage queen, they all became discolored, peeled, and ended up looking like crap. You would think by now, they would have come up with a better process to make these things again. Obviously, there is a big pent up demand as you frequently see WTB for them in the Parts area.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: LaGrange Park, IL IL
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It would be easier to paint/powdercoat the manifold itself than find a chrome cover that will last. Plus the overall result would be MUCH more impressive.
And before you say powdercoat can't be done because of the manifold material, do some searches...it has been done with great success.
And before you say powdercoat can't be done because of the manifold material, do some searches...it has been done with great success.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NW Chicago Burbs
If you can powdercoat the intake manifold in chrome, why can't you do the intake cover?
I can see a few places offering the covers unpainted, and would lend themselves well for this processing if someone could actually do the chrome. If they could get the quality up to the level of PVD, that would be worthwhile.
I can see a few places offering the covers unpainted, and would lend themselves well for this processing if someone could actually do the chrome. If they could get the quality up to the level of PVD, that would be worthwhile.
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The issue as you mentioned is, unless it was a garage queen, they all became discolored, peeled, and ended up looking like crap. You would think by now, they would have come up with a better process to make these things again. Obviously, there is a big pent up demand as you frequently see WTB for them in the Parts area.
Can't argue with physics. Heat will turn shiny steel anywhere from straw color to peacock blue. The range you have on the intake lands in the bronze area.... simple as that.
Another option is to get one of the many aluminum intake manifolds (aluminum wont turn colors) on the market and have it either polished or chromed.
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NW Chicago Burbs
The ABS covers might have been flimsy, but I'm under the impression the fiberglass ones are not. I've searched this to death over the last couple of years. I read about one C6 guy who had his chrome guy do his unpainted cover, and it's lasting very well, but I think the cost was staggering at $500+, and I hope that included the base cover. I'm trying to reach out to him to confirm if it was ABS or fiberglass. Again, I'm hoping that technology over the last 8 or so years has improved and wonder if PVD which is much more forgiving might be a viable option.
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was it this type? It was made by Design Specialities in Bowling Green, KY. I had one for sale and I do believe I sold it, but I can double check for you and let you know.
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Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Vienna, VA
Resurrecting an old post. Has anyone come across a supplier? I have searched quite a bit for the cover that has the curved shapes, but no joy. I would love to get one of these, and I have to believe I am not the only one!
Last edited by viennajoe; Jun 30, 2025 at 08:58 AM. Reason: additional info