Valve covers for 1967 Corvette

[Colorado Corvette owner]

I have a 1967 Corvette roadster, 327/300, that appears to be 100% original with the following peculiarity: It has the aluminum valve covers typically found on the 327/350. I think that the covers may be original but all the sources I have seen indicate that the base engine came with orange steel valve covers. The reason I think that the aluminums may be original are: (1) there is crayon "HE" on the front of the engine, which may have been used at the factory to indicate that the engine was a 300 HP even though it had the aluminum covers; and (2) everything else seems original. Can anyone tell me (1) did some 300 HP came with aluminum covers from the manufacturer? (2) did dealers install aluminum covers as an option?

I'm restoring the car to NCRS standards and don't want to replace the existing aluminum covers if they are indeed original. Thank you.

[Duke W.]

Re: Valve covers for 1967 Corvette

There's always a chance, albeit small, that Flint erred and installed the aluminum valve covers on your base engine, but I suspect you'll have a tough time proving it.

Back then the aluminum valve covers were inexpensive and easy to install so it was a popular "upgrade" in the sixties. Chances are they were installed when the car was relatively new.

Duke

[Peter L.]

Re: Valve covers for 1967 Corvette

CO Corvette Owner - I agree with Duke. BTW, are you the original owner; if not it's hard to tell what went on but everybody liked the Al valve covers. So unless, your engine can speak go with the '67 300 hp valve covers Also, the HE crayon was usually on the head rather than on the valve cover. My suggestion is to find a nice set of stell valve covers and rock and roll. BTW, I have a base motor '67 and the script steel covers look very nice. Good luck, Pete

[Jack Layton #896]

Re: Valve covers for 1967 Corvette

Do the covers have the casting flaw through the "O" ? If not then two things come to mind. #1 They are NOT original but #2 they will bring a pretty dollar on the open market. Like $150 to $225 for covers without the flaw.

[Robert C.]

Re: Valve covers for 1967 Corvette

I appraised a 64 base car yesterday. The owner bought it 23 years ago. A real "bowtie" car. Only one thing, it had the incorrect alum. valve covers!!!