Can somebody tell me if a 1980 L48 utilized valve cover retainers? I spoke with my local GM dealership and they could not reference a part number. I'm not sure if that meant they did not come factory with retainers or if that part number has been discontinued. If the L48 did come with retainers, where can I purchase reproductions from?
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Re: 1980 valve cover retainer
Scott-----
If by "retainers" you mean the reinforcements used under the valve cover retaining screws then, yes, 1980 L-48 did use reinforcements. However, the style reinforcement that GM has sold for years in SERVICE is not the style used in PRODUCTION for small blocks. It's the style that was used in PRODUCTION for big blocks but sold in SERVICE for both big blocks and small blocks. It's still available under GM #3877670, but it's not correct for small blocks.
No problem, though, as the style used in PRODUCTION for small blocks with stamped steel valve covers from 1966-1980 is easily available in reproduction. Dr. Rebuild has an 8 piece set of them under their number 3386099 and Paragon has a set of them under their number 1743K. Very modest cost from either.
There are also LOTS of these to be found in self-serve wrecking yards. Find any small block with stamped steel covers from 1966 or later and you've got what you need. However, for the modest cost of a reproduction set, it might not be worth your time if that's all you'd be looking for.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 1980 valve cover retainer
Joe - thank you for the quick reply. Your response contained the exact information that I was looking for.Comment
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