1965-1967 big block rocker covers

[D S.]

Did 1965-1967 Corvette 396-427 rocker covers have factory drippers? If not when were drippers introduced on Corvettes and/or the Chevrolet line of cars?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Did 1965-1967 Corvette 396-427 rocker covers have factory drippers? If not when were drippers introduced on Corvettes and/or the Chevrolet line of cars?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

Scott------


All 1965-67 had drippers.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Joe,

Was it the repro shops that started the non drippers?

[D S.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Were the 396-427 Corvette valve covers the same configuration as the passenger cars?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Joe,

Was it the repro shops that started the non drippers?

Ron-----


Some passenger cars (e.g. 325 hp 396) used valve covers without drippers. Some of these may have "found their way" onto Corvettes.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Were the 396-427 Corvette valve covers the same configuration as the passenger cars?

Scott------


As I've mentioned on many previous occasions, there was an absolute PLETHORA of big block valve cover configurations when every feature and detail is considered although the basic configuration of the valve covers was all the same.

Not all of the configurations was ever available in SERVICE. For SERVICE, there was some consolidation from the "get-go" and more consolidation as time went on.

Some of the passenger car configurations may have been the same as some Corvettes.

[Ray K.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Scott

When the 1966 Chevelle was introduced with the 360 / 375 HP 396 engine they came with a valve cover described as " chrome " in the P&A catalog, or at least Chevrolet's version of chrome. I needed a pair of valve covers for the engine I was building so I purchased a pair in early 1967 or so. They were chrome and they had drippers as well. The right side cover is nearly identical to the R H cover as on a L78 396; the left side cover does not have the power brake relief as the L78 engine does. I believe that the 325 HP engines as used in other applications did not have the drippers in the valve covers.

Ray

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Did 1965-1967 Corvette 396-427 rocker covers have factory drippers? If not when were drippers introduced on Corvettes and/or the Chevrolet line of cars ? ......

Scott, others -- Let me toss this into the discussion. I quote from Sept/Oct issue of Chevrolet Service News, wherein they describe the upcoming features of the 1966 model lineup.

Section (Engines) / (Valve Train Components) [quote] "All passenger Turbo-Jet engines incorporate a new chain driven camshaft, hydraulic lifters, valve spring and damper assembly, screw-in type valve rocker arm ball studs, new valve stem cap and seal assembly, valve spring shims and new push rod assemblies, incorporating push rod tubes with swaged full radius balls.

The 425 hp 427 cu. in. Turbo-Jet engine will be as described above but with new camshaft cam contour and mechanical lifters. The valve rocker cover will be the same except for oil deflectors incorporated into the cover." [end quote].

Now I take their words as meaning that all 1966 hydraulic lifter big blocks and 396 solid lifter motors did not have drippers (I'm assuming that this is what they mean by "oil deflectors").

And what does this imply for the 1965 big blocks ? All I can say is that the originals on my late 396 Corvette have drippers.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

The 425 hp 427 cu. in. Turbo-Jet engine will be as described above but with new camshaft cam contour and mechanical lifters. The valve rocker cover will be the same except for oil deflectors incorporated into the cover." [end quote].

Now I take their words as meaning that all 1966 hydraulic lifter big blocks and 396 solid lifter motors did not have drippers (I'm assuming that this is what they mean by "oil deflectors").

And what does this imply for the 1965 big blocks ? All I can say is that the originals on my late 396 Corvette have drippers.

Wayne,

I vaguely remember reading that somewhere decades ago. I've heard that very early 396 engines did not have the drippers but later 65's did ?? I don't remember but it's possible that it was true.
I don't remember if my early 396 had the drippers.

[Carl B.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

409's had drippers if it makes any diffrerence

[Joe R.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Wayne,

I vaguely remember reading that somewhere decades ago. I've heard that very early 396 engines did not have the drippers but later 65's did ?? I don't remember but it's possible that it was true.
I don't remember if my early 396 had the drippers.

Michael,

I have been under the same impression as you. I pulled down my copy of "State of the Art" and checked out the engine rebuild on 14,971. The valve covers are smooth and I'm sure Dave didn't sand them smooth. Looks like no drippers on that 396.

JR

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

409's had drippers if it makes any diffrerence

Interesting --- so GM was using this oiling principle since maybe 1962 (?).

[D S.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Would the power brake booster indent on the driver's side rocker cover seen on mid-year Corvettes used on other 1965-1967 big block Chevrolets? I have seen two different types of power brake booster indents.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Both my 66 390 HP had them. And in the case of the current car, the PO's "if it wasn't broke it don't fix it" prevailed and saved most every original component from the typical replace - exchange mentality.

[D S.]

Re: 1965-1967 big block rocker covers

Both my 66 390 HP had them. And in the case of the current car, the PO's "if it wasn't broke it don't fix it" prevailed and saved most every original component from the typical replace - exchange mentality.

That's my thinking, too. Regardless of year or application I would rather have the drippers whether mechanical or hydraulic lifters. Is there any difference between the 396 and the 454 with respect to the lifters?