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Old 06-22-2026, 05:45 PM
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unruhjonny unruhjonny is offline
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steve25 View Post
Chrome cover came on ALL 64 to 79 4 bbl or Tripower motors with the exception being the 73/74 SD 455.
Sorry, but I believe you are wrong.

I cannot say for the pre-1967 motors, but for 1967-1970 they came on the GTO 'L78' 400/4bbl (shared with the Firebird 400), and all the 'Ram Air' engines;
All these engines came with a chrome dress up kit, which combined the valve covers and air cleaner lid.

After 1970, the chrome valve covers were no longer factory installed, and were only available over the counter as an accessory item.

Then with the mid-1977 W72 engine option, chrome valve covers came back;
They didn't have the same type of high polished chrome used on the earlier units;
The W72 valve covers had integrated oil drippers, and a (?)pebble finish chrome plating.

To clarify;
Between 1971 & 1976, NO engines left the factory with chrome valve covers.
For 1977 & 1978 the non-W72 engines also did not have chrome valve covers.

Some dealers would prep vehicles with accessories to help make additional sales, so some people may argue till their blue in the face that their (fill in the black) came with chrome valve covers, but they didn't get shipped out that way.

__________________
1970 Formula 400
Carousel Red paint on Black standard interior
A no-engine, no-transmission, no-wheel option car.
Quite likely one of few '70 Muncie three speed Formula 400's left.


1991 Grand Am: 14.4 @ 93.7mph (DA corrected) (retired DD, stock appearing)
2009 Cobalt SS: 13.9 @ 103mph (current DD; makes something north of 300hp & 350ft/lbs)