1970 L78 vs LS5 Valve Covers
 

Hi Guys,

I have a set of excellent original valve covers, which I want to positively identify. The story when I got them was that they were taken off a '70 Chevelle as a "Day-2" mod when almost new, and put away.
(Haven't cleaned them up - don't want to damage the sticker further).

The story checks out for condition, however on the factory code sticker on the passenger side rear, I can only make out what looks to be -RQ or -KQ. According to the BBC Suffix code info I can find, this could only be either CRQ or CKQ. (Looks like CKQ to me).
"CKQ" - '70 396/375 Chevelle or Nova.
"CRQ" - '70 LS-5 454.

Can anyone tell from the pics which ones they are? I believe that's the original breather elbow and hose.

Thanks - Len

BB Valve Covers...
 

I would lean towards the CKQ from a Chevelle by what is visible...

Only question is the breather hose...the 1970 models used a low profile intake manifold, and the hose was shaped to allow for the lowered air filter base.

The CKQ indicated a HD clutch with the L78 application...a rare item from my experience. Also, I have never seen the valve cover sticker on a BB Nova.

Also, pretty sure the Nova valve cover [drivers side] had a small indent for the booster.

Thanks - I think it's a K. And maybe the covers on the LS5 were the exact same part anyway? I found a pic of an L78 restoration which shows a short straight breather hose on a cowl car - whether that was correct or not.

Pic attached...Attachment 263415

Breather Hose...
 

That photo tells the story...the spacer on top of the carb raises the level of the air cleaner so that a straight hose is correct. There was no cowl hood on the Nova...your valve covers are a Chevelle item and definitely one with a cowl hood.

Covers for LS5-6 were the same as far as I know...

Notice the TCS clip and slightly indented Drivers side rear,those valve covers came on on all 1970 Super Sport Chevelles & Elcaminos equipped with an L-34,LS-5,L-78 or LS-6 engine.
A ZL-2 Cowl induction hood had nothing to do with these.

Thanks - I suspected the covers themselves might be the same part or part number for all of them, as you say. However it looks like this particular set was "born on" an L-78 with Cowl, due to the yellow decal and the straight hose. That's what I was trying to figure out - appreciate the help on that!!

Tom, When are you going to send me photo's of your original Nova BB drivers side valve covers so I can verify them or you could post a photo here of the drivers side & the location of the top rear plug wire stand.