Should I Change my Valve Covers?

Stallion · 02-18-03, 01:02 PM

There's nothing wrong with the ones I have on now, they don't leak or anything. In fact, they function quite well as they're supposed to. But they are the factory covers and they are factory blue. I was thinking that maybe I should buy a pair of chrome valve covers. What do you think of that? I can't imagine that it's a big project to just change the valve covers, right?

I guess I should be asking myself, what do I want to make her look like under the hood, you know? Because, if I go get some chrome valve covers, then I know it will be a long road to make everything under the hood all shiny and chromed. And that is a lot of money into that. This should be an "all or nothing" sort of thing, under the hood.

So what do you think about working like this under the hood? Have you done something like this? I was looking in the M.A.D. magazine and one (yes, one) chrome cap was about $36!! That's rediculous. Maybe I should spend my money on more useful products for the Vette?

What are your viewpoints on this subject?

Thanks!

TR

02-18-03, 01:18 PM

I know where you're at, I'm at about the same point. I've had my eye on a set of chrome valve covers that have "454" stamped on them for awhile now, I just haven't made the decision to "do it".

I found them on the Noah Performance website and have never seen them anywhere else, or on any car for that matter. They have alot of reasonably priced chrome - check it out!

BTW, if you do replace them, I'm sure you know to keep the originals tucked away somewhere so you can put the car back to stock if you need to...

I am a chrome junkie, so I would say "go for it"!

Barb

Bob Chadwick · 02-18-03, 01:34 PM

TR,

You might want to put that on a back burner for now. You have posted about a stereo and a coolant leak that may require removal of the intake.

I agree with what Barb said as I would like to get some chrome under my hood as well. However, you have only had the car for a couple of weeks. Concentrate on those things that need fixing and get to the others later. As they say "go forth and do no harm". In other words, if it ain't broke don't fix it cause only two things can happen. You can make it the same or you can break it.

If you do go ahead, I remember posts about covers with baffles and without. I think these cars require the baffles and those that were replaced without baffles leaked.

Someone else will post and clarify this I'm sure or do a search and I'm sure they'll come up.

Bob

page62 · 02-18-03, 02:04 PM

TR, the best advice anyone has ever given on a newly-purchased Vette is this:

For the first 6 months, do nothing! (Except necessary repairs of course.)

I was the same way when I got mine. First thing I did was buy a front end rebuild kit. But it didn't really need it!

You should take the time to learn more about your car and Corvette culture. Then you can develop a list of priorities and the budget to do it with.

BTW: There are some who think those chrome steel valve covers look cheesy...

Stallion · 02-18-03, 02:42 PM

You guys are right, I will do the necessary fixin'-up first. Then on to the chrome!

Thanks!

TR

Interceptor430 · 02-18-03, 03:01 PM

TR,
Good decision. Leave it alone, leave it stock, only do necessary repairs.

Also, from my experiences - when something under the hood(or anywhere else) gets a fresh look, it makes the untouched areas around it look worse. Chrome makes other things look really bad.

Stallion · 02-18-03, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Interceptor430
TR,
Good decision. Leave it alone, leave it stock, only do necessary repairs.

Also, from my experiences - when something under the hood(or anywhere else) gets a fresh look, it makes the untouched areas around it look worse. Chrome makes other things look really bad.

I see what you mean. That makes sense. Then once something goes chrome and/or clean, it all has to be.

Maybe in the future I'll do this, but not now.

Thanks !

Scott81 · 02-18-03, 05:04 PM

Here's my take on chrome valve covers. They look great if your engine compartment is clean and you have other chrome parts in there as well. BUT, most chrome valve covers I have dealt with leak and never seem to seal right, the stamped lip where the gasket goes is never big enough to give a good seal. Get yourself a good aluminum set, or find a pair from an 80-81 and take the paint off them and polish them up.

BTW, if anyone else is looking I'll have a pair of aluminum Edelbrock Elite series covers, without script for sale soon.

Jack · 02-18-03, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Scott81
Here's my take on chrome valve covers. They look great if your engine compartment is clean and you have other chrome parts in there as well. BUT, most chrome valve covers I have dealt with leak and never seem to seal right, the stamped lip where the gasket goes is never big enough to give a good seal. Get yourself a good aluminum set, or find a pair from an 80-81 and take the paint off them and polish them up.

I agree ... chrome ones usually stink ... especially the cheapo asian stampings (like NOAH sells) ... AND I agree w/ page62 ... fix & restore for now ... and DO get a manual ASAP.

BTW, chrome-plated stuff holds in heat worse than anything I know ... bare aluminum releases heat real well.

JACK

Stallion · 02-18-03, 09:44 PM

"and DO get a manual ASAP"

I don't know where to get them! I've been asking around, but I haven't gotten a straight answer where to order them from.

Thanks!

TR

Bob Chadwick · 02-19-03, 06:34 AM

TR,

Ebay is a good place to look.

Here's the electrical manual, a must have in my opinion.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=34215

Here's a Corvette America Assembly Manual, though you can probably but these new for the same price being asked.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=34215

Here's a 79 Shop Manual, but if you go back constantly and search for 78 Corvette Shop Manual the 78 will show up someday as well.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=34215

Hope this helps.

Bob

Stallion · 02-19-03, 09:38 AM

I have found a place to get the Assembly manual for $17. Now I'm just looking for that '78 Shop Manual. I'll keep looking at e-bay. Thanks!

TR

Bob Chadwick · 02-19-03, 10:07 AM

For $10 bucks or so you might want to consider that electrical manual. These gremlins are no fun and the book makes it very easy to understand the wiring system. It actually explains how the circuits are supposed to work.

Bob