1968 - 327 Valve Covers

[Glen Ritz]

What was the OEM valve cover for the 1968 327/350SHP? Aluminum finned or polished? Was there an ID number anywhere on the covers, and if so, what was the number for that year? Thanks much, Glen

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 - 327 Valve Covers

Glen the original valve covers for the 68 327/350 are chrome plated steel. This was a one year only for the Corvette 327 engine. Before this the only V-8 Corvette to have chrome valve covers was the 55 Corvette.
The 68 Chrome 327/350 HP valve covers had no oil filler hole or cap. The only holes in the valve covers were for the PCV valve and gourment and for the fresh air coming from the air cleaner.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 - 327 Valve Covers

Glen and Jim------

....and the 300 hp 327 base engine used stamped steel valve covers which were painted engine color. Otherwise, they were of the same configuration as the 350 hp 327 chrome valve covers. These valve covers were a one-year-only configuration as far as Corvettes go and, basically, a 68-only configuration as far as all other Chevrolet car lines go. However, the painted, stamped steel variety were used on just about all other 1968 Chevrolet small block V-8 engines. There was no identifying part number or other ID on the stamped steel valve covers.

[Geno B.]

Re: 1968 - 327 Valve Covers

correct for 350/350 is the orange valve cover that was chromed. no alluminum was used in 68. they were either orange 327/300 or chrome 327/350.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 - 327 Valve Covers

My original owner 68 327/350's valve covers are still in place, I just try to keep them clean and not use any chrome polish on them to wear away the finish. Any other perferred method to make them last?