Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

[Steve W.]

Looking for the correct GM parts (and numbers) for the Valve components for a 68 L89 Engine. What's the best resource? (the Assembly Manual doesn't list these part numbers). Thanks, Steve

[Dick W.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

I seriously doubt that any of the parts are available from GM today. Aftermarket has many suppliers of valve components. VS 1581 Sealed Power is the spring, Clevite 2165145 is the # for keepers, 2164103 is the Clevite # for retainer, Sealed Power 1905 for intake valves, and VS 1861 for exhaust valves.

You have to realize that GM did not make valves, pistons, rings, springs, etc, they were all sourced from Federal Mogul, TRW, etc back in the day. They probably make fewer parts in house today.

[Patrick B.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

I seriously doubt that any of the parts are available from GM today. Aftermarket has many suppliers of valve components. VS 1581 Sealed Power is the spring, Clevite 2165145 is the # for keepers, 2164103 is the Clevite # for retainer, Sealed Power 1905 for intake valves, and VS 1861 for exhaust valves.

You have to realize that GM did not make valves, pistons, rings, springs, etc, they were all sourced from Federal Mogul, TRW, etc back in the day. They probably make fewer parts in house today.

Dick, a 68 L-89 uses 1.84" (not 1.72 or 1.88) exhaust valves. Does any company make or stock them? I haven't been able to find a source.

[Steve W.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

knowing the GM part numbers would be helpful because there are still NOS parts floating around (which I would prefer to use when possible). Yes, Clevite, TRW etc when NOS can't be found. thanks, Steve

[Mark H.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

Takes a while to download (101Mb) but worth it. Here is a free, complete 1953-82 GM Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog with everything you are asking for. Mark http://www.wedophones.com/Manuals/Ch...es 104 Meg.pdf

[Michael H.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

Looking for the correct GM parts (and numbers) for the Valve components for a 68 L89 Engine. What's the best resource? (the Assembly Manual doesn't list these part numbers). Thanks, Steve

Steve,

If I remember correctly, everything would be the same as a 435 HP with cast iron heads with the exception of the exhaust valves. I don't remember the head diameter but I think I still have some here and if I can find them, I'll measure the head diameter.

[Joe L.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

Looking for the correct GM parts (and numbers) for the Valve components for a 68 L89 Engine. What's the best resource? (the Assembly Manual doesn't list these part numbers). Thanks, Steve

Steve------

The following represents the last available GM parts for the application and not necessarily the original part numbers:


VALVE, intake------------------GM #3864808-----discontinued

VALVE, exhaust-----------------GM #3879619-----discontinued

SPRING, valve-------------------GM #3970627-----discontinued

CAP, valve spring----------------GM #3859909-----discontinued (GM #3964264 will also work)

KEY, valve spring-----------------GM #3947880-----available

ARM, rocker----------------------GM #6258611-----discontinued (GM #3959182 will work and remains available)

ROD, valve push, intake-----------GM #3946067-----discontinued

ROD, valve push, exhaust---------GM #3946069------discontinued

GUIDE, pushrod-------------------GM #3860038------available

LIFTER---------------------------GM #5232720-------discontinued

[Dick W.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

Dick, a 68 L-89 uses 1.84" (not 1.72 or 1.88) exhaust valves. Does any company make or stock them? I haven't been able to find a source.

Patrick if that is the case, I would open the seats up to use the 1.880 valve. Not a big deal, just a couple hours of machine work. Or machine the 1.880 valves down

[Michael H.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

Dick, a 68 L-89 uses 1.84" (not 1.72 or 1.88) exhaust valves. Does any company make or stock them? I haven't been able to find a source.

Patrick,

You are correct. 67 through 1st design 69 aluminum heads use 1.84 exhaust valves.

[Joe R.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

Steve,

You don't need to look or find ANY NOS GM parts as the valve train for the L-89 engine was trash in 68 and just older trash now. The 3X2 engines dropped valves faster than Chevrolet could warranty them. That is why there are no real 435HP or L89's out there that are real. That is valve train real.
Find you a good source or engine rebuilder to make recommendations for your L-89.
All of the components are available thru the aftermarket such as Dick, Joe and Patrick have mentioned. AND the available valve train parts are much improved over the 60's stuff that GM sold over the counter.

JR

[Steve W.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

thanks for all the replies, Best Regards, Steve

[Steve W.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

the lifter 5232720 is a hydraulic lifter, I'm pretty sure the L89 uses Solid Lifters?

[Joe R.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

Joe,

What you say is true, but GM solved the problem with the 3970627 valve springs in maybe 69 or 70. My 66 L72 had problems with broken springs, but was promptly fixed and never dropped a valve.

Joe

[Michael H.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

Joe,

What you say is true, but GM solved the problem with the 3970627 valve springs in maybe 69 or 70. My 66 L72 had problems with broken springs, but was promptly fixed and never dropped a valve.

Joe

I agree. I replaced all of the original springs in my 425 HP car almost 30 years ago with the 3970627's and have had zero problems.

[Dick W.]

Re: Whats a good resource for correct part numbers for a 68 Engine?

the lifter 5232720 is a hydraulic lifter, I'm pretty sure the L89 uses Solid Lifters?

Sealed Power AT 992 is mechanical