1970 L78 vs LS5 Valve Covers

Dempsey · #1 06-24-2024, 02:50 AM

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

**WILMASBOYL78** · #2 06-24-2024, 01:38 PM

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.

Dempsey · #3 06-24-2024, 03:50 PM

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.

Dempsey · #4 06-24-2024, 03:51 PM

Pic attached... Name: 15.jpg
Views: 209
Size: 91.4 KB

**WILMASBOYL78** · #5 06-24-2024, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dempsey

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.

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...

**Mr70** · #6 06-24-2024, 07:14 PM

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.

Dempsey · #7 06-24-2024, 10:16 PM

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!!

**69L78** · #8 06-25-2024, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WILMASBOYL78

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.

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.