Should I Change my Valve Covers?

[Stallion]

There's nothing wrong with the ones I have on now, they don't leak or anything. In fact, they function quite well as they're supposed to. But they are the factory covers and they are factory blue. I was thinking that maybe I should buy a pair of chrome valve covers. What do you think of that? I can't imagine that it's a big project to just change the valve covers, right?

I guess I should be asking myself, what do I want to make her look like under the hood, you know? Because, if I go get some chrome valve covers, then I know it will be a long road to make everything under the hood all shiny and chromed. And that is a lot of money into that. This should be an "all or nothing" sort of thing, under the hood.

So what do you think about working like this under the hood? Have you done something like this? I was looking in the M.A.D. magazine and one (yes, one) chrome cap was about $36!! That's rediculous. Maybe I should spend my money on more useful products for the Vette?

What are your viewpoints on this subject?

Thanks!
TR

 

[BBB454]

I know where you're at, I'm at about the same point. I've had my eye on a set of chrome valve covers that have "454" stamped on them for awhile now, I just haven't made the decision to "do it".

I found them on the Noah Performance website and have never seen them anywhere else, or on any car for that matter. They have alot of reasonably priced chrome - check it out!

BTW, if you do replace them, I'm sure you know to keep the originals tucked away somewhere so you can put the car back to stock if you need to...

I am a chrome junkie, so I would say "go for it"!

Barb

 

[Bob Chadwick]

TR,

You might want to put that on a back burner for now. You have posted about a stereo and a coolant leak that may require removal of the intake.

I agree with what Barb said as I would like to get some chrome under my hood as well. However, you have only had the car for a couple of weeks. Concentrate on those things that need fixing and get to the others later. As they say "go forth and do no harm". In other words, if it ain't broke don't fix it cause only two things can happen. You can make it the same or you can break it.

If you do go ahead, I remember posts about covers with baffles and without. I think these cars require the baffles and those that were replaced without baffles leaked.

Someone else will post and clarify this I'm sure or do a search and I'm sure they'll come up.

Bob

 

[page62]

TR, the best advice anyone has ever given on a newly-purchased Vette is this:

For the first 6 months, do nothing! (Except necessary repairs of course.)

I was the same way when I got mine. First thing I did was buy a front end rebuild kit. But it didn't really need it!

You should take the time to learn more about your car and Corvette culture. Then you can develop a list of priorities and the budget to do it with.

BTW: There are some who think those chrome steel valve covers look cheesy...

 

[Stallion]

You guys are right, I will do the necessary fixin'-up first. Then on to the chrome!

Thanks!

TR

 

[Interceptor430]

TR,
Good decision. Leave it alone, leave it stock, only do necessary repairs.

Also, from my experiences - when something under the hood(or anywhere else) gets a fresh look, it makes the untouched areas around it look worse. Chrome makes other things look really bad.

 

[Stallion]

TR,
Good decision. Leave it alone, leave it stock, only do necessary repairs.

Also, from my experiences - when something under the hood(or anywhere else) gets a fresh look, it makes the untouched areas around it look worse. Chrome makes other things look really bad.

I see what you mean. That makes sense. Then once something goes chrome and/or clean, it all has to be. Maybe in the future I'll do this, but not now.

Thanks !

 

[Scott81]

Here's my take on chrome valve covers. They look great if your engine compartment is clean and you have other chrome parts in there as well. BUT, most chrome valve covers I have dealt with leak and never seem to seal right, the stamped lip where the gasket goes is never big enough to give a good seal. Get yourself a good aluminum set, or find a pair from an 80-81 and take the paint off them and polish them up.

BTW, if anyone else is looking I'll have a pair of aluminum Edelbrock Elite series covers, without script for sale soon.

 

[Jack]

Here's my take on chrome valve covers. They look great if your engine compartment is clean and you have other chrome parts in there as well. BUT, most chrome valve covers I have dealt with leak and never seem to seal right, the stamped lip where the gasket goes is never big enough to give a good seal. Get yourself a good aluminum set, or find a pair from an 80-81 and take the paint off them and polish them up.

I agree ... chrome ones usually stink ... especially the cheapo asian stampings (like NOAH sells) ... AND I agree w/ page62 ... fix & restore for now ... and DO get a manual ASAP.

BTW, chrome-plated stuff holds in heat worse than anything I know ... bare aluminum releases heat real well.

JACK:gap

 

[Stallion]

"and DO get a manual ASAP"

I don't know where to get them! I've been asking around, but I haven't gotten a straight answer where to order them from.

Thanks!

TR

 

[Bob Chadwick]

TR,

Ebay is a good place to look.

Here's the electrical manual, a must have in my opinion.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2403814667&category=34215

Here's a Corvette America Assembly Manual, though you can probably but these new for the same price being asked.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2404238445&category=34215

Here's a 79 Shop Manual, but if you go back constantly and search for 78 Corvette Shop Manual the 78 will show up someday as well.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2404001118&category=34215

Hope this helps.

Bob

 

[Stallion]

I have found a place to get the Assembly manual for $17. Now I'm just looking for that '78 Shop Manual. I'll keep looking at e-bay. Thanks!

TR

 

[Bob Chadwick]

For $10 bucks or so you might want to consider that electrical manual. These gremlins are no fun and the book makes it very easy to understand the wiring system. It actually explains how the circuits are supposed to work.

Bob

 

[BBB454]

I agree ... chrome ones usually stink ... especially the cheapo asian stampings (like NOAH sells) ...
JACK:gap

Thanks for this information! As I said, I've been thinking about buying the "454" covers, but now I won't bother...

Barb

 

[crebo]

I was also lookin at getting a set of stamped with a colored hi perf 396 logo on them.
Question is the aluminum that much better?
Crebo

 

[WayneLBurnham]

Yes, the cast aluminum is that much better

The are rigid because they are castings, not sheet metal.

Some claim the huge aluminum area helps dissipate heat form your oil. Yeah. Sure. OK. Uh-huh. Whatever.

The down side it they could break, although I've never seen it myself.

They even make some kind of ATAS synthetic ones, for the ultimate in "ounce shaving."

Be aware some report on big blocks clearance problems with brake boosters, assuming yours is so equipped.

PS: Scott! Yours are for a baby block I trust? Buuuuuddy!
What cha' thinkin' of for cost?

 

[page62]

TR, when you decide to do valve covers, you'll have to search around and find a set like the ones shown below. They're Edelbrock Classic Elite valve covers, but they're no longer made. I see them on ebay from time to time however. They look similar to L82 covers (which run a couple of hundred bucks).

We'll be selling these at the "garage sale" at our club's annual car show. The money goes to help a local children's "ranch."

Finally, here's how my engine compartment looked when I got my car. Somebody had spent more than a few bucks on chrome -- air cleaner lid, brake master cylinder lid, radiator cap, breather tube, dipstick -- you name it! If you still have your stock air cleaner, I recommend keeping it but put a chrome lid on it -- that'll look great!

 

[69autoXr]

Another alternative would be to use original LT-1 or L-82 valve covers. These are also cast aluminum, and they have the Crossed Flags emblem on them. The valve covers for the LT-1 were bare aluminum, while the L-82 used the same covers except they were painted black. Take a look at my profile picture of my engine, those are the L-82 covers. Another benefit is that these covers have oil drippers cast into them, to drip oil on the rockers for cooling and lubrication.:cool

 

[page62]

Only problem with L82/LT1 covers is they sell for $200+ a set. Ouch!

 

[L82Dan]

Stallion, a good source for finding what your looking for is the same place that you found this place. The internet! All those manuals you need are available from all the major aftermarket Corvette suppliers like MidAmerica, Ecklers, Corvette America, Corvette Central! Yeah, you could probably save a few bucks by getting a used one on Ebay, you could get the wrong one due to a misunderstanding with the seller. Then what? They are not going to take it back. An even better source is to find out when car shows and swap meets are scheduled in your area. They are a great source for new and used parts, books, manuals. Just about anything and everything! I just wish that there were more of them around my area. We have the annual Chevy/VetFest coming up next month in Chicago. Everything you could need for restoration or repair on just about any Corvette is available at these shows. They might not have everything there at the show, but they can ship it to you. It's quick and it's easy! And I agree with the ones that say to get your Corvette into the best shape possible first. Then start to tackle the appearance items.