283 Chevy small block valve covers

[Lilredwagon]

Hello, I'm rebuilding my engine and I need new valve covers. I want a set with a PVC/valve. Mine have offset bolt holes which seem to make my part shopping a bit more challenging. My local parts guy said my small block probably came out of something 1957 or older. He can get me a set but they are over $300 and in light of the fact that I had some water in my engine I'd prefer to not put that much out in case I actually have a cracked block instead of a cracked head. Does anyone have any suggestions for parts sources. Summit and JC Whitney were both no goes.
Thanks in advance,
Beth

 

[jdcaples]

I would get the block and head confirmed good before buying valve covers or anything else.

-Jon

 

[Lilredwagon]

Thanks Jon,
I only had a small amount of water and it was clean without any anti freeze in it so I'm pretty sure I got a bit in through the valve pan vent. The outside part was missing so I had a hole that led directly into my engine. I plugged it and figured out that my engine came from a 56 Bel Air. I found a pair of vented valve covers on close out for 30 bucks online so for that price I'm willing to take the chance. Thanks again for your time.

 

[jdcaples]

You're welcome.

Before we're done, I just wanted to say that I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures of your '60 CJ5 one day

-Jon

 

[Lilredwagon]

 

[Lilredwagon]

 

[Lilredwagon]

 

[Lilredwagon]

Hi Jon,
I have another question. I thought my engine came out of a Bel Air but I've been trying to look up my vin # and casting number and I think I was wrong. My vin # is FI03IFG. I think the F stands for Flint, the I is for Sept. The 03 is the third day of the month. Then I run into trouble. I can't find any suffix codes for the IFG. FG for a 283 2 barrel is a 57 corvette. Do you think that's it? The unknown I is driving me crazy. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

 

[jdcaples]

Hi Jon,
I have another question. I thought my engine came out of a Bel Air but I've been trying to look up my vin # and casting number and I think I was wrong. My vin # is FI03IFG. I think the F stands for Flint, the I is for Sept. The 03 is the third day of the month. Then I run into trouble. I can't find any suffix codes for the IFG. FG for a 283 2 barrel is a 57 corvette. Do you think that's it? The unknown I is driving me crazy. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

I spent a fair amount of time trying to chase this down last night and throughout the day. I can see why you're frustrated. It's a bit of history lost to us, I think.

Aside from the unknown bothering you, what problem would knowing the answer solve for you?


BTW, I think it's a 1, not an uppercase "i." I can't remember which website I saw where I found that.


After much searching, I started to get brain fuzz. I never finished perusing this site: Chevy Small Block V8 Casting Numbers - Mortec

Maybe there's something in there for you.

-Jon

 

[Lilredwagon]

Thanks Jon, hopefully on Wednesday my parts will fit and then it won't matter. It is intriguing though. I have a cousin who lives in Flint and even he can't come up with somebody who knows what my engine numbers mean lol.

 

[HackFabrication]

From what a quick internet search determined: F1031FG

1957 283 cubic inch engine

F - Flint assembly plant
10 - October
31 - 31st day of month
FG - Corvette with powerglide and dual 4bbl carbs

1941 - 1957 Chevrolet Engine Identification

 

[jdcaples]

My search skills must have taken a hit over the last year or so.

Nice work, HackFabrication!

-Jon

 

[Lilredwagon]

Hack just has mad skills! Thanks for the new site and confirming my information. My Jeep was really a new build from old parts but I never would have guessed that my engine was so old. If it could talk I bet it would have some interesting stories to tell. Thanks again guys for spending time looking up my numbers.

 

[yleefox]

I know this thread is a month old however I thought I would add this bit to it. If indeed, that is a 57 corvette engine (and I'm pretty sure it is) it could be worth quite a bit of money to a corvette restorer.

Good luck with your jeep

 

[HackFabrication]

If indeed, that is a 57 corvette engine (and I'm pretty sure it is) it could be worth quite a bit of money to a corvette restorer.

I was thinking the same thing. Sell it, get a newer crate engine.