Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

[Keith B.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

OK fair... got me on the engine code. It is L37. I don't recall when the Z16 came out. The majority of the press sheets for it were specific to showcasing the new 396 but most were not dated. Similarly, I don't know nor really care when the Impala w/ 396 came out either. I was trying to make a point that passenger cars pre-66 were the first to receive chrome valve covers.



Correct.

Dan

I think the 396 option was released in March of 65 for Chevelle(Z16), Corvette and Impala

[William F.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

That's right, march '65. Remember seeing it on cover of Hot Rod magazine while in study hall, thinking about cars, not homework

[William F.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

Right , Joe.

[Eric T.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?


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[Gary C.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

On page 278 of Noland’s Corvette & Technical Guide Vol 2 revised edition, there is a picture of a supposedly prototype L78, with Vin possibly 100046.
With chrome Air Cleaner and valve covers which is not correct for the 1965 L78.

[Owen L.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

I was always surprised GM didn't have "Corvette" script aluminum valve covers for big blocks like they did for small blocks.

Script would be easy - design wise - but designing the fins to accommodate the power brake booster on a thicker aluminum cover would be visually weird, especially given that the fins rise above the base cover surface 3/16" or so and would require even more severe "denting" than the steel covers.

[Michael L.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

Mark-----

1968 was not the first year for Chrome valve covers on a big block. As far as Corvettes go, 1967 L-89 was the first use of chrome valve covers.

However, the first application for chrome valve covers on a big block was 1966. 1966 Chevelle SS 396 with the L-34 engine option (i.e. 360 HP) were, as far as I know, the first to get chrome valve covers.

All original big block valve covers were a crummy flash chrome---bad enough that painted valve covers might have been a better choice.

By the way, in my opinion, original style big block valve covers were the best looking valve covers ever designed for ANY engine, GM or otherwise. The possible exception was the Ford Boss 429 valve covers.

Joe-

Couldn't agree more! See attached from my 69 FB Mustang.

Mike

IMG_4616.jpg

[E S.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

Pretty sure that is a 65 Chevelle!

[Jaime G.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

Damn Duke, my "truck engine" didn't even have the chrome air cleaner lid. What would the horsepower gain be if I added both? Maybe I should go with an anemic small block instead.

I currently own 3 BB cars and my 65 is by far the best looking engine without any chrome at all.

[Mark D.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?

I believe you will be hard pressed to get a plater to do the "flash chrome" that we prefer…

Richard Fortier will do it

[Michael G.]

Re: Why did the big block initially have plain painted valve covers?