One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

[Monte M.]

I am interested to see if any of you know the application of the big block valve covers with the bead indented between the bolt holes. (See picture)

The cover in the picture looks similar to a 72-74 Corvette cover, but it is not. There is a number of small differences.I have just started looking into these covers so I am just starting to gather information. Truth is, there is a flash chromed set on a big block sitting in my garage. Also, all or the sets I have seen (5) were of the 1971 and after design.

I would appreciate anything you might know about these covers.

I have done extensive research and on big block valve covers. Mostly the many difference between original big block valve covers and the reproduction big block valve covers. Enough to be submitting information to the JG panel regarding the many differences between them.

I just say this so you know I do have a little background with big block valve covers. But, these ones I am not clear about.
IMG_0079[1].jpg1972 LS-5 Original V C.jpg

[Tom L.]

Re: One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

Interseting that you made the left cover a point of interst. Aside fom the two flat spots on the top inside edges and ribs in the gasket areas it seems to be very similar to the 72-74 covers since it has the drippers. Hope this goes somewhere. Have fun!!

[Patrick B.]

Re: One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

IMG_0790.jpgIMG_0795.jpgHere are pictrures of GM service parts LS-6 valve covers I bought in the early 80's. They have the indentations of the valve cover in your photo. I may have the boxes they came in somewhere, and I will look for a part number.

[Monte M.]

Re: One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

Lynn,
As you can see not much is known about them. We are learning as we go.

There is so many different valve covers out there that there are bound to be quite a few that are similar. One of the wire looms is in a different location on that cover as well.

I would rather use this original that is close than one of the reproduction with the wrinkles on the corners. Plus, on the re-pops, I have seen the wire looms all over the place. I guess it depends on who was putting them together that day and if they really gave a damn.

I just thought I would ask yo see if anybody had an idea why they were different. I think I know, but I am going to look into it a little more before saying.

I have actually seen a set of these on a 73 big block car. He found them at a swap meet and put them on this car. He massaged those two small indentations at the top and relocated the one wire loom. If it was not for the bead between the bolts I never would have noticed they were different.

My guess is if the reproductions are passing judging, these should pass no problem.

[Ronald L.]

Re: One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

Monte - you'd need to get some pics of original cars mid 70's to into the 80's and see what you can find.

Long about 1980 or so there was an interest to solve 'some' of the leaking issues with what was a relatively new technology - pumpable sealants that replaced cork gaskets. The ridges might have been put in then.

[Loren L.]

Re: One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

Marine, ie, water, operations?

[Monte M.]

Re: One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

Patrick,
Yours are the same as the set on the other big bock in my garage. Mine were purchased in 1978, so we are in the same era there.

[Monte M.]

Re: One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

Loren,
I have seen them on a couple of my friends boat motors. It seems just that they were big blocks because other big blocks that were in cars of the same era had them as well.

Basically, they seem to be on all later big blocks. Even the ones that went in boats.

[Ronald L.]

Re: One More Big Block Valve Cover Question.

Monte, you really need to post some pics of the 'good' covers you've been researching. starting with Wayne's 65 or Matt's 66, just for fun.