Topic: Valve Covers
in Forum: C4 Engines
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I have a 1990 convertible, L98, that appears to have magnesium valve covers (and other covers as well)which have been seriously discolored. I started looking on the Internet for replacement (OEM original) valve covers. It seems that no matter where I search, all I can locate is new, direct, original replacement for the Right valve cover. I have been totally unsuccessful in locating both the right and the left.
I am now considering having the valve covers, distributor cover, etc, powder coated instead of replacing them.
Can anyone explain to me why my search has only turned up right (passenger) side valve covers?? Any suggestions on the powder coating of the existing (discolored) magnesium covers)?
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto
1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
it runs like that and can't really explain why only one side is more available than the other. one guess on my part as i own a 90 too, is that the left side is more visible than the right.
by any chance have you tried cleaning them with any type of cleaner? i bought spray paint from ecklers but only did the plenum and intake runners. didn't want to take off valve covers at the time. the paint did make the top of intake look a lot better but after a bit with some of the work i did on the engine, i scraped the paint a couple times and will have to redo it.
by any chance have you tried cleaning them with any type of cleaner? i bought spray paint from ecklers but only did the plenum and intake runners. didn't want to take off valve covers at the time. the paint did make the top of intake look a lot better but after a bit with some of the work i did on the engine, i scraped the paint a couple times and will have to redo it.
the dynamic duo
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2247
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
Believe it or not, that has been an issue from WAAAAY back. Seems it's always been easy to get the pass side VC, but the ds was always impossible on just about ANY GM engine. I can offer no explanation for this other than the DS vcovers must be going to the same place that all my socks go to...
You can buy exact match paint to paint the magnesium valve covers, if you want to clean them very well, and paint them.
You can buy exact match paint to paint the magnesium valve covers, if you want to clean them very well, and paint them.
Joel Adams 
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Hi,
I am also detailing an L-98. I was told that the magnesium valve covers should be the same color as the plenum. A cast silver. Is this true? Mine are discolored and now look like a tan or gold color. I just need to know so that I can paint them the correct color.
Where would you get the exact color for the magnesium valve covors?
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto
1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
as far as i know they are the same color. go to ecklers site, enter year of your vette and do a seach for paint. they have just about all you will need.
the dynamic duo
c3vr life member #97
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I've only seen one C4 with decent looking Valve covers and
it was literally owned by a little old lady who didn't take her 85model over 70
mph for 100k miles. It was pretty amazing, the rest of the car is suffering sun
damage in the usual places and some of the other wear and tear, but the best
looking covers I’ve seen to date. Be careful with painting, you'll get a heat buildup
in the worst place possible, they scorch for a reason. Keeping a C4 original has
more merits down the shorter road than a lot people realize right now. This month's Corvette magazine disagrees with me, only time will tell who wins!
Thom Williams
Yes, I did try a bio-degradable "Orange" soap. Quite frankly, it was after using that soap that I noticed that the only prior owner had painted the valve covers with a paint that really does not match the plenum or distributor cover. I also visited a paint shop that specialized in powder coating. I got great quote for doing both valve covers, however, they could only get "close" to the original magnesium look. Even though that would be less expensive than replacing the valve covers, the verdict is still out in my mind. I guess I am a purist and would like to keep the car as original as possible.
I like the idea of painting the valve covers to match. However, I am concerned about issues such as spotting, blemishes, heat spots, etc. For this reason I did some research on "Powder Coating" which can take a great deal of heat and scratching. The problem at this point is finding a paint shop that can match the Magnesium coating color as well as the canned spray paint supplied by Ecklers.
Not to seem too stupid, but are you guys talking about that ugly arse Brownish, tan looking color I have on my valve covers. I HATE that color and think it ruins the engine compartment. I intend to have them powder coated Black or Chevrolet Orange the first chance I get. I am also toying with the idea of either Silver powder coating or chroming the intake (plenium and runners). then running a set of bright yellow Accell performance plug wires along the side of the valve covers.
Trooper 2010-09-12 15:06:33
Allan Brenneis Nashville Tn. 1990 Polo Green Coupe Saddle Interior Chrome ZR-1 Rims http://www.c4vetteregistry.com/member_uploads/14501_14600/14572/image2014329104347r.jpg
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto
1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
they sure are talking about them all. they are supposed to be the color or the intake runners and plenum. orange may look the same as what you have.
the dynamic duo
c3vr life member #97
in Forum: C4 Engines
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