Valve Cover Score
 

A buddy is downsizing and threw these scripted covers my way. One has a dent that I can fix, other two in good shape.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Those appear to be for a pre-emissions 283. Are the bolt holes straight across from each other or staggered? If I remember correctly from my Corvette life, the staggered hole covers were used until sometime in 1959.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

I read a long time ago the change was mid 61, who knows...

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

I have a NCRS 1958-1962 Judging Manual that says specifically, but I won't have access to it for a couple weeks. I'll try to remember to post back here when I can check.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Blues are staggered, other's holes are inline.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Nice score. 1959 was last year for staggered I believe.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

It's been so long since I read what year, and the source could of been wrong, and in a magazine how often does that happen?:metal:

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Asked my buddy. Evidently from a 57 vette.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

everything is from a 57 vette

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Apparently the factory built 100 times more 1957 Corvette parts than needed for actual production. :lol:

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Well perhaps I mis-spoke. My buddy had the block and intake with the valve covers. Both date coded for 57. The block was bad but a guy bought the intake, apparently for a corvette that he was restoring. The covers certainly could have been original to another model.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

The staggered hole covers would definitely have been correct for a 57 Vette or other 283s of the years we've discussed... maybe even the earlier 265s. The non-staggered are correct for later 283s without emissions. Too bad they aren't like the 7 fin covers pictured below on my 58 or the earlier 9 fin staggered hole aluminum covers. The 9 fins are worth big bucks.

That said, you made a good score. The staggered hole steel covers especially also bring a pretty good dollar.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

I bought a set of those finned valve covers new from the dealer in 1962, 11 dollars each.

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

I would take em at your advertised price!

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Factor in inflation. Figure what a Vette cost in '62 and what a new one costs. Subtract the old from the new. Take the balance to figure what percentage the price has gone up since '62. Now that you have a percentage, figure that percent added to $11 x 2. But... you can walk into the dealer and get valve covers for your new Vette today and you have to pay a middle man for the early ones, so either double that scientific number or toss it out the window and pay whatever the seller says they want! :lol:

The script valve covers are of value to restorers, or they make great wall hangers

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Now to find that set of staggered heads to match the covers:smoke:

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

One of the coolest uses I've seen is on a truck over on the square body forums. Also one of the nicest build I've seen.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...386569&page=28

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

Yeah,I have a friend that has a set of those 283 specific "Corvette" cast valve covers, 283 for sure(staggered) I thought those were only on the "Fuely" engines? Never seen a stamped steel valve cover with staggered bolt holes.
Fuel injected 1957 Chevy Bel Air perhaps?
Ben
:metal:

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

The finned aluminum Corvette script valve covers (at least from 56-62) were on all optional Vette engines. The stamped steel Chevrolet script covers were on base engines only. Not sure of what was used on the other cars, but they would not have had the Corvette script aluminum covers.

Here's a pic of a staggered hole steel cover I have. Great for adjusting the valves!

Re: Valve Cover Score
 

That's a cool idea for adjusting "Hydraulic" lifters, at least you wouldn't have the oil mess, not to mention fire hazard!! Thanks for the tip!
Ben
:metal: