C-2, 1965 396

[D S.]

In 1965 Corvette and Impala introduced the 396/425 engine. Did the engines get flash chromed valve covers for them back then or only the painted orange steel ones? When were the BB flash chromed ones introduced? I see so many variations of "correct" that it is dizzying. Very pronounced brake booster indentation on some, smaller indentations on others, none on others. For example I have one pair that has a slight slope with a slight notch on the driver's side and another pair that has the same slope, no notch. Both pairs have the factory 'dimples' on the tops. I have no idea what specific applications these are for.

Thanks,
Scott

[William C.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

Pass car were painted, same with Corvette. Flash chrome showed up '68 on some engines. One 65 Pass car I saw when new had the words "Ford Eater" painted on the drivers side cover and then painted over. Try that at a concours event!

[mike mccagh]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

clup: you must be slipping. the 67 L89's had chromed covers. mike

[William C.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

Sorry, haven't seen too many of those critters in original condition lately, even fewer in '67!

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

Scott-----

As Mike mentioned, 1967 L-89 was the very first use of chrome valve covers on a CORVETTE big block. As a matter of fact, even though there were only 16 PRODUCTION versions of this engine ever installed in a Corvette, there were actually TWO different right side valve covers used and once available in SERVICE. The left side cover was the same for all 1967 L-89 and was very similar to those used later. Why were there 2 different right side covers? Well, that's because there was a bracket on the right side valve cover for the mixture control valve used on cars equipped with K-19. There probably weren't more than 4 or 5 of these L-89 + K-19 cars made for 1967, but if you needed a the special right side valve cover used only for those, you could get it. Years ago I bought one of these for the collection [not for sale].

While 1967 L-89 was the first use of chrome valve covers on a CORVETTE big block, it was not the first use of chrome valve covers on a PRODUCTION big block engine. That honor goes to the 1965 Chevelle with L-78. For several years thereafter Chevelles and some other Chevrolet models with high performance and special high performance big blocks were originally built with chrome valve covers.

For the 68-70 period, all Corvette big blocks received the chrome valve covers.

There were once-upon-a-time an absolute PLETHORA of big block valve covers. The BASIC design was the same but they differed with respect to chrome or painted, drippers or no drippers, end design for left side cover (PB clearance), spark plug wire bracket/tower type and location, oil filler type, various indentions, etc., etc. etc.

[D S.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

Thanks to Bill, Mike, and Joe. At one time I was into glitz and less into correct, now the reverse. I was once a 'sinner' but changed my ways since joining NCRS. Well...I still fudge a little.

Very interesting and informative. Besides the '70 LS-5 I own (which has the dimpled flash chrome valve covers) I also own a '66 Impala SS396. I believe they came with factory painted valve covers but could they also been equipped with chrome ones? The valve covers now on the Impala are show chrome and I want to know if the dimpled flash chrome valve covers would be correct for it. Guess it would be my call.

Thanks,
Scott

[William C.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

A friend out here had a 427-390 hp Caprice untill he passed away a few years ago, had painted covers, as did all the 427 Biscaynes I used to race against. Chrome was Chevelle only I believe in '66

[Loren L.]

I have what I believe is a teribly original

1966 El Camino (undocumented LA auto show car) 396 with chrome covers, PG, Dash clock, knee knocker tach, PS, PB, Remote outside mirror, A/C, etc. The amazing thing is in the difference of the quality of the chrome on the covers - one you could think about just bolting it on a freshly restored motor - the other could have come from the Titanic after 80 years under the surface.

[William C.]

Re: I have what I believe is a teribly original

That would be typical GM "Flash" plating of that period... That truck must be a real handful if you get on it hard.

[Michael H.]

Re: I have what I believe is a teribly original

Loren,

A 65 Corvette 396 that I had received the same "Show Job" treatment at Flint and the chrome on the valve covers was quite a bit better than the usual chrome cover used on other big block applications. The air cleaner lid was also chrome but better than the normal production plating.

[Verle R.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

Joe,

From time to time you make reference to NOS parts you have in your collection (not for sale).

I'm sure a lot of us would like to tour your collection if you ever decided to display it....even if it is not for sale. :-)

Verle

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

Verle-----

Believe me, it's not "displayable". Everything is packed away in tote boxes by group number. Larger pieces are stored in other areas. At the present time I've just about utilized every square inch of space available to me----to the point where it's now difficult for me to get to many of the parts if I want to refer to them (it just happened to me about 10 minutes ago, as a matter of fact). Presently, there are over 10,000 individual parts in the collection representing well over 5,000 part numbers.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

Scott-----

I don't think that the 66 Impala SS-396 would have been originally fitted with chrome valve covers. For 1966 Impalas, the 396 was available in only the 325 hp version and I don't think that those got the chrome valve covers. As a matter of fact, I don't think that the 1966 Impala SS 427 with L-36 or L-72 engine used chrome valve covers, but it's possible that they did. The 1967 Impala SS 427 with L-72 used chrome valve covers (except California-delivered ones).

As Bill mentioned, for the most part, the chrome big block valve covers were a Chevelle "thing". However, they were used on some others, especially Camaros.

[Curtis L.]

Re: C-2, 1965 396

Joe Lucia I love to read your posts, I have learned much from you and for this I thank you. May I someday be blessed to meet you.