Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

[Craig S.]

I am finally getting around to working on my 66 L72, and was wondering if anyone has heard of a good source for reproduction valve covers that judge well. I know there are imports out there but have heard bad things about them.........and I see Cranes Corvettes touts their USA made from GM type dies as dead on, with a price of $335+ for a set. Are they the only repop game in town, and has anyone seen their product? Years ago, there was another outfit around that did them called Noah Performance, but they seem to be closed. Thx for any pointers from anyone........Craig

[Joe L.]

Re: Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

I am finally getting around to working on my 66 L72, and was wondering if anyone has heard of a good source for reproduction valve covers that judge well. I know there are imports out there but have heard bad things about them.........and I see Cranes Corvettes touts their USA made from GM type dies as dead on, with a price of $335+ for a set. Are they the only repop game in town, and has anyone seen their product? Years ago, there was another outfit around that did them called Noah Performance, but they seem to be closed. Thx for any pointers from anyone........Craig

Craig------


The Crane reproductions are probably the best available. I don't know of any other source for true reproduction big block valve covers. Noah sold the Asian imports. While Noah may be gone, the imports are still available. Personally, I don't think they're all that bad but they don't really qualify as reproductions.

[Craig S.]

Re: Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

Thx Joe...........much appreciated! Craig

[Keith B.]

Re: Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

Make sure that the cover doesn't have an extra edge. The judges call it out right away. The cranes have/had the extra edge.

[Dick W.]

Re: Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

I am finally getting around to working on my 66 L72, and was wondering if anyone has heard of a good source for reproduction valve covers that judge well. I know there are imports out there but have heard bad things about them.........and I see Cranes Corvettes touts their USA made from GM type dies as dead on, with a price of $335+ for a set. Are they the only repop game in town, and has anyone seen their product? Years ago, there was another outfit around that did them called Noah Performance, but they seem to be closed. Thx for any pointers from anyone........Craig

Check the archives about dealing with Crane. Pickup your parts at a swap meet, or from another dealer. Do not pay in advance.

[Monte M.]

Re: Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

The Crane's covers are similar. I know the 70-72 ones better, but when you actually put them side by side, there are quite a few differences.
They do say that they "Pass Flight Judging" We just had a big conversation over the meaning of these words.
For the previously mentioned covers, they would pass flight judging, but with deductions.

The reality is the covers are so few points. Even if they were just similar, it would just be a minimal deduction anyway.

Typically, the easiest way to tell is the corners where the gasket goes. The re-pops have ripples there. On the later covers, the oil filler hole is different, the wire looms are made from a different gauge metal. The looms are not stamped with a "B". The looms are in the general location they should be, and a number of other small differences.

I know I am not speaking directly about your specific year, but if there are that many differences on those years, there is a pretty good chance the other years are different as well.

Again, but after you break down how many actual points there are for originality on valve covers, there is only a point or two of fluctuation anyway.

Best of luck,

[Craig S.]

Re: Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

Thx Monte!......Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

Thx Keith!....Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: Midyear Big Block Valve Covers - any good reproduction suppliers?

Hi Dick...........I have dealt with David before, which is why I was wondering about alternatives .......Craig