C2 327 Spark Plug Heat Shield

[Greg T.]

I have two types of heat shields in the parts boxes I got with my car. Note the differences in the tabs. Which is correct for C2s? Couldn't find anything in the archives.

[William C.]

Re: C2 327 Spark Plug Heat Shield

The lower one represents the ones I've pulled off original engines.

[Greg T.]

Re: C2 327 Spark Plug Heat Shield

Anyone know what the top heat shield was used for??

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 327 Spark Plug Heat Shield

I have two types of heat shields in the parts boxes I got with my car. Note the differences in the tabs. Which is correct for C2s? Couldn't find anything in the archives.

Greg-----


Keep in mind, there are 2 different shields (and, sometimes 3) used for all 63-79 small block applications. The left rear and right front are the same and the right rear and left front are the same.

However, in the case of the shields you have pictured, I think that they are functionally the same shield. The minor difference is likely attributable to a tooling change. Generally, the shields for any given position are interchangeable from 1963-79, so these things were being manufactured over a very long period. In fact, they're still available today.

[Wayne M.]

Re: C2 327 Spark Plug Heat Shield

The lower one represents the ones I've pulled off original engines.

Agree with Bill C.; I'm guessing, but the square tip is the earlier design. Poor pic below shows relation between headbolt and shield bracket (viewed between the valve cover and the exhaust manifold). Notice the point of the hex on the bolt is pointed directly at the flat of the bracket (limiting the positioning of the shield).

Now on one of the others (pic impossible as it's an air car), the headbolt happened to be turned so that the flat of the bracket fit against the flat of the bolt head (sort of like a french lock).

Now my wide-a** hypothesis is that the curved end was added later to accomodate ANY headbolt hex position, while still allowing full positioning of the heat shield.

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 327 Spark Plug Heat Shield

Greg,
My very original, March produced '65, has spark plug heat shields with the rounded tab. (The one shown in your upper, left picture).

Sorry to add to the confusion.

Regards,
Gene