[Indy Z11]

I have gutted the engine compartment on my 69 pace car for a good detailing. The valve covers I have on my 350 are not original but are finned aluminum covers from a Z28. I plan to replace them with a set of stock steel covers. Does anyone have a pic of what the correct steel covers are for a 69 pace car? Can these still be purchased new anywhere? Did all stock steel covers use hold downs under each bolt?

[68RSZEE]

I thought the pace car came with the aluminum valve covers? I'd like to buy some if you want to sell your old ones.
Roger

[Bruce68]

I think Roger is correct. The 350/300 in the Pace car used the same covers as the Z28. I'm restoring a Pace car now with the original engine and it has them. They are not the polished ones but are more "natural" looking.

[Indy Z11]

I have been told by several people that 69 pace cars never came with aluminum valve covers. If they did then I will definitely keep them. I'm just trying to make everything correct. Can someone verify this? (Click my link below to see the covers I am referring to.) And yes, I know they are on the wrong sides. Hey, I didn't do it, honest!!

[DjD]

It's my understanding the small block '69 pace car got steel painted valve covers like any other SS.

[Jonesy]

They did get the steel valve covers. Many sets of the finned z28 covers were sold over the counter as an engine dress up.

[KevinW]

Larry, here is a pic of my SS 350 engine. Fuel filter is not correct though, cause this motor is temporarily transplanted in my 327 car. But you can see the valve covers.

[69ss350]

Ahh yes...I remember way back in 1969, looking around at Camaros at a local Chevy dealer....

I remember that all the small-block - non-Z cars had nothing but stamped steel covers.

No matter if it was a Chevelle, Impala, Nova...whatever it had the stamped steel covers...

Only the Z28's (and most-likely the Vette's...I never looked at them---something I could never afford in the first place), had the dull aluminum finned covers.

A lot of folks back them were scampering-up the finned covers over-the-counter or at junk yards.

Also, MacNeish's book eludes to this fact also...

I must admit though that my ss350 has the finned covers...

I have the original stamped steel ones but the darn motor looks so good with the finned ones, I just can't get myself to replace them......

Plus....the judges like'em too......

[stingr69]

L-46 350/350 Corvette and Z/28 only for 1969. [img]smile.gif[/img]

-Mark.

[sandiegoz28]

According to MacNiesh's book, '69 SS350 Camaros could be ordered with finned aluminum valve covers if the customer ordered the special engine decor package.

For reference, see page 81, The Definitive 1969 Camaro Z/28-SS396 Fact book.

[stingr69]

Sandiego,

My new revised 2nd edition version of that book says on page 81 "1969 SS350 Camaros were never available with the finned aluminum Z/28 style valve covers. The SS350 engine was equipped with standard steel covers painted Chevrolet orange."

Jerry must have changed the book at some time along the way.

-Mark.

[sandiegoz28]

Looks like I just got a great excuse to go buy the newer edition!

[Indy Z11]

Looks to be very definitive that my aluminum valve covers are not original. So can anyone suggest a good place to buy a new set of steel ones? Does anyone have a good set of used ones they want to sell? If so, send me an email.

[JohnZ]

Originally posted by Indy Z11:
Did all stock steel covers use hold downs under each bolt?

Yup - there was a little trapezoid-shaped steel separate reinforcement used under each bolt head to spread the load. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[HO69]

Whats the name of the book you guys are referring to?