C2 66 BB valve covers

[Bill Farmer]

I need valve covers for my 66bb. I see that Paragon has them for $310 and Cranes Corvettes has them for $360. Crane claims that theirs are the best and all the others are "dog crap." Does anyone have any experience with either? Which are the best? Thanks Bill#44207

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: C2 66 BB valve covers

Bill,

------Buy the Cranes. David can be a pain but hes right. His are the best. I do know that Tracy performance keeps several of the variations in stock. You may be able to do better with him. Ph.# 800-UCTRACY....Other vendors handle Cranes as well but I cant tell you who. I know Dennis once told me he made a large purchase at a good discount. I guess that still doesnt mean hell give you a better price but its worth a try..........Bill S

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 66 BB valve covers

Bill-----

I believe that the "high line" big block valve covers that Paragon carries are the Crane reproductions. For "high line", correct-in-every-detail valve covers, I think that Crane is the only manufacturing source. So, I don't see how Paragon's covers could be anything else.

One thing to keep in mind, though: David Crane's opinion of the foreign-sourced covers (which represent the only other big block covers on the market that I'm aware of) is largely influenced by the fact that they're WAY less expensive than his and represent a formidable competitor. If you don't care about exact, original configuration in terms of spark plug brackets, the foreign reproductions are GREAT. They're manufactured on excellent tooling and the thickness of the material is the same as original. Under no circumstances could these foreign covers be considered "dog crap" from a quality perspective based upon an OBJECTIVE assessment.

[Bill Farmer]

Re: C2 66 BB valve covers

You are right Joe. Paragon sells Cranes valve covers. Paragon had them listed at $310, Crane wanted $370. I told him their price so he matched it. As far as exact replicas, I am not going to be judged any time soon but I do not want to duplicate work. I imagine you are right about his assessment of foreign products. Thanks Bill