C-3 BB valve covers I cant tell what year I have??

[John P.]

I have a set of used valve covers and I need to figure out if they are correct for my car how do you tell?
My car is a 69 427/435 I really have no idea how to tell if these are correct...
I can send pictures if anyone would be able to help out by visual means, the LH side has the built in Tonawanda sticker and the other side has a 427 turbo jet 390 hp with cross corvette flags sticker, both have small pieces of metal spot welded for spark plug wire holders..and have the dripper rails on the inside.
There is some orange paint along the bottom edges and the fill cap has the S rivet, these are showing there age but they still look real good, RH side doesn't have the dent like I thought it should ??

thanks
johnny

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 BB valve covers I cant tell what year I ha

Johnny----

There are a pletora of Chevrolet big block valve cover configurations. Some have subtle differences and some are not-so-subtle.

ALL 1968-70 Corvette big block valve covers were chrome plated. As far as I know, none of these had the a/c compressor "dent" on the right side valve cover. The only decal or label originally placed on any Corvette big block valve cover was the Tonawanda decal on the right side forward. No "crossed-flags" or "engine hp" decals were EVER used on original Corvette big block valve covers for any 65-74.

The 69 Corvette valve covers have the spark plug wire stands spot welded to the top rear of both valve covers. They also have the small L-shaped brackets spot-welded on the top of the covers, although there are subtle differences in the placement of these. All 1968-70 Corvette big block valve covers had dripper rails on the inside with spot welds showing through on the outside.

The left side valve cover used on all 1969 Corvette big blocks had an angled rear "slope" to clear the power brake booster. This valve cover was used for all 1969 big blocks, whether or not the car was equipped with power brakes. The angle of the slope was about 60 degrees and was more-or-less evenly sloped for the entire width of the cover. No 1969 used the "squashed corner" left rear valve cover, although early 68s and prior did.

[John P.]

Re: C-3 BB valve covers I cant tell what year I ha

Well I believe the 390 hp Sticker is aftermarket, but on that LH side cover the rear part of the cover slopes at an angle unlike the front that is straight down, its not a dent but a 70 degree angle down to the sealing edge Is that what you are talking about with the angle?

I think I may have made a good deal and bought some good 69 valve covers for next to nothing!

johnny

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 BB valve covers I cant tell what year I ha

johnny-----

Yes, the slope of the rear of the left side valve cover is unlike the front of the cover and unlike the front or rear of the right side cover. I mentioned that it had ABOUT a 60 degree slope. I suppose that could also be described as ABOUT a 70 degree slope.

[John P.]

Re: C-3 BB valve covers I cant tell what year I ha

Thanks Joe,
I missed that you mentioned a 60 degree slop, thats what it looks like so I guess I have the right covers

thanks man!

johnny