I'm looking for a pair of later production stock Buick 350 valve covers (the ones with the slant/bevel). Paint quality & color are of no concern to me, but the fewer the dents the better. Thanks.
I have a couple pairs of Stock 350 valve covers. I really don't know what the slant bevels means but I can get some pictures of what I have.
The red set is in better shape. A few small dings. The other set the prior owner must have sandblasted them. They have some dents and rust pits.
I can have a look in my parts stash. I never noticed any different styles of 350 valve covers but I have at least 10 sets I can look at. I know for sure I have a set of 1977 and set of 1981 but I only use the aftermarket cast alum covers so I didn’t ever look at the stock ones to see any difference in late vs early.
I see you have a 78 Regal with a 350, do you have a clearance issue with the AC hitting the valve cover? I use these, they don’t leak like the stock ones
yes it was a Canadian Buick estate wagon, Buick 350. I pulled it out 20 years ago and put it in my 76.
The bevel I’m referring to can be seen on the top front edge (exhaust manifold side under the spark plug wires) in those pictures.
That would be great Sean! I’m pretty sure this style valve cover was being used by ‘77. You’re exactly right about the A/C box clearance issue. The Postons covers have always been my favorite aftermarket covers, but I’m aiming for totally stock appearing. And even though the late covers aren’t beveled where I need them to be (rearward, exhaust manifold side), I plan to do some fab work to match the rear portion to the front (beveled) portion.
Yes I have the VIN somewhere it was a 81 model. I recall because at the time I was trying to find out if I had one of the very last Buick 350s to ever leave the assembly line. From what I can tell there was a few 350s that made their way into vehicles in 1981. How many? Who knows, not many I’m sure.
yes I went through all that info 20 years ago and yes it was from a 1981 car the VIN proves it. I know there are no documents that show it was an option but it obviously slipped through the cracks. Funny fact for you! In 81 the engine was moved over 1” to either the passenger or drivers side I dont remember. But I used the 81 mounts because they looked less worn than the 76 engine mounts. When I bolted it in the engine was crooked and hard to bolt up until I realized the problem and switched the mounts back. Being my first engine swap at age 16 I was super frustrated. But once I got the nitrous hooked up and a Lincoln locker in the rear the car was a ton of fun. It got mouldy from sitting while I was in college so it went for scrap after I removed the engine and other parts. I lived in such a wet climate it was terrible for moisture. I currently live in a dry climate and my cars store way better.
