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1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers #2162056
09/26/16 02:48 PM
09/26/16 02:48 PM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,391
cheshire, ct
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davesmopars Offline OP
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davesmopars  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2004
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cheshire, ct
A little help needed
Can some buddy post correct valve covers for a 71 Cuda 340 4 barrel and auto if that makes a different
December 1970 is the build dated

thanks


Keeper of the 440 M code Cuda registry
mcodecuda@yahoo.com
Re: 1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers [Re: davesmopars] #2162461
09/26/16 11:56 PM
09/26/16 11:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
Mr Wizzard
ScottSmith_Harms  Offline
Mr Wizzard

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Spokane Washington
1970-1971 340 valve covers are all the same (factory originals that originally came painted orange). That said there were two versions, a very subtle difference, one with the spark plug wire separator loom stands that is placed about 1/2" closer to the end of the cover than the other version. Some will say that the version that was closer to the end is a TA/AAR specific style, but I've confirmed by examining multiple survivor examples that it was not, the use of these was random during 1970 & 1971 model year.
The engine color change from orange to blue during 1971 production model year took place when the engine plant change was made from Windsor Ontario Canada to the Mound Road plant in Michigan. This took place sometime around April 1971. So, with your car being built in December 1970, yours was most definitely orange when new. For others interested, further examination of thier original blocks can confirm the engine plant it was made at simply by checking the assembly information stamping on the front of the block just below the drivers side cylinder head.

Bottom line, these are original 1971 340 covers, yours should look the same. The second pic shows both versions of the spark plug loom stand discussed above.

340 valve covers 1970 1971 (2).JPG71 2 versions VC.jpg
Re: 1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers [Re: davesmopars] #2162535
09/27/16 02:30 AM
09/27/16 02:30 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
Mr Wizzard
ScottSmith_Harms  Offline
Mr Wizzard

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Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
GM = 1971 Mound Road Michigan Engine Plant
GW = 1971 Windsor Ontario Engine Plant

340 Block ID (5).jpg340 Block Assembly Information.jpg
Re: 1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers [Re: davesmopars] #2162716
09/27/16 12:16 PM
09/27/16 12:16 PM
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Posts: 3,391
cheshire, ct
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davesmopars Offline OP
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davesmopars  Offline OP
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cheshire, ct
Scott,
Awesome thanks


Keeper of the 440 M code Cuda registry
mcodecuda@yahoo.com
Re: 1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers [Re: davesmopars] #2163013
09/27/16 06:33 PM
09/27/16 06:33 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,267
Connecticut
1972CudaV21 Offline
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1972CudaV21  Offline
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Connecticut
So, either stand location is correct?


China is the enemy.
Re: 1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers [Re: davesmopars] #2163049
09/27/16 07:08 PM
09/27/16 07:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
Mr Wizzard
ScottSmith_Harms  Offline
Mr Wizzard

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
Yes, but the one further from the end is most common

Re: 1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers [Re: davesmopars] #2163280
09/28/16 12:05 AM
09/28/16 12:05 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,267
Connecticut
1972CudaV21 Offline
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1972CudaV21  Offline
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Connecticut
Good to know - thanks!


China is the enemy.
Re: 1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers [Re: davesmopars] #2163523
09/28/16 11:00 AM
09/28/16 11:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
Mr Wizzard
ScottSmith_Harms  Offline
Mr Wizzard

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Spokane Washington
The big change was when they changed engine plants they also changed some of the parts, the Mound Road plant went away from the valve cover using the large wire protector on the passenger side cover and instead wen with the 3 small bendable wire retention tabs. I've seen a couple exceptions that were probably due to a small amount of inventory crossover, but for the most part, a blue engine should have the 3 small tabs. Also, the intake manifold casting, while having the same casting number ending in 100, was a new casting and is shaped differently in many areas. Coils were also different, Windsor coils had "Made in Canada" cast into the snout, Mound Road had "Made In USA" on them. There were more differences as well concerning parts and paint coverage details.

Here are some typical "blue engine" valve covers. They remained the same for 1972.

71 72 340 Valve Cover 1.jpg71 72 340 Valve Cover A.jpg
Re: 1971 Cuda 340 correct valve covers [Re: davesmopars] #2163525
09/28/16 11:01 AM
09/28/16 11:01 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
Mr Wizzard
ScottSmith_Harms  Offline
Mr Wizzard

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
1971 intakes

Intake Side By Side 340 71.jpg






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