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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 865
ChatMaster - 750
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OP
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 865 |
I have noticed lately on Ebay valve covers advertised as 55-57 models, but they do not have off-set mounting holes. I have always thought that 1958 was the last year that the off-set holes were used. What is correct?
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Willwood Engineering
Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63 |
I read recently on the Tri 5 chat site that the offset bolt pattern ended mid year 1959 when the '58 engine inventory was finally depleted.
But can a guy really trust everything he reads on the Internet? (Wink wink)
1930 Roadster Delivery
1966 Chevy II 100 Series Station Wagon
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,142 Likes: 3
ChatMaster - 2,000
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ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,142 Likes: 3 |
Mid year 59, change in the cylinder head design I have the TSB somewhere, running out of 58 engines is pretty funny
John
1954 Belair Sport Coupe
1960 2 door Impala Hardtop 348/340HP 4spd
1962 2 door Impala Hardtop 409/409 4spd
1962 2 Door Biscayne Sedan 327/250 Auto
1977 Monza Mirage 305 4 Speed
1988 Celebrity Wagon
2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Diesel
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The small blocks had an oil consumption problem. At first it was blamed on the rings. Then they discovered the oil was not returning from the top of the heads fast enough at high engine speeds and splashing on the valve guides. In 1959 they installed seals on the valve guides to wipe the oil off the stems. This didn't work so in mid 1959 they redesigned the head so the oil would return to the sump faster....this was a big help. The new heads were often installed under warranty on 1958's and early 1959's if the owner complained about oil consumption. Also if you bought a new head for a 1957 to early 1959 after 1959 you got te redsigned head. Then they made a "valve cover kit" that consisted of a correct valve cover and a couple of different length head bolts that were required when the redesigned head was installed.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1 |
Way after 1959 .......
I purchased a NEW 1963 Impala Convert in 1963.
283 / 2bbl / P.G.
I can tell you the oil consumption was ENORMOUS.
Engine was pulled down, ring gaps not correctly aligned, was the diagnosis.
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
While a few 1963's used oil I would doubt that that was the problem but it sounded good to the customer.
We had some engines that just wouldn't stop using oil after all the usualthings were done. The final cure was to install a new short block. If it was under warranty you needed "permission" from GM.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1 |
It was under warranty, but it wasn't fixed .... then, with my final decision, the oil barge was gone.
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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