383 Valve Covers

It looks like I need a new valve cover for my 1971 Roadrunner 383. I have the original factory covers.

Does anyone know what other years/engines used the same valve cover? I've never had to replace a factory valve cover and have no idea which ones to look for. Thanks.

they had minor differences every model year, sometimes during the model year

for '71 there are "early" & "late" versions, match what you have - if they are originals

what side do you need?

I have what's probably early, but I'll have to take a look. The car was built in 1970 and came with the older center console with the seat belt holder (instead of the ashtray). I just need the passenger side one.

Here's a pic of the valve cover, passenger side. It looks like the later 1971 style.

Did you have one for sale? Thanks.

pull of the oil fil cap narrow-lip "early" or wide-lip "late"

I'll see what I have - what's wrong with yours?

Ok, will do.

Mine was leaking oil and I found a bunch of splits/cracks in the metal along the sides near the bolt holes. I'm seeing if a replacement can be found instead of trying to weld that thin metal.

It was tightened down to much and caused the split holes. It looks like a 1970 Valve cover to me, but to be 100% you must take off oil cap like Dan said.
Bob

Buy a NEW set from AMD...

Ask me how I know. Don't do that if you want them to fit. Holes are wrong, crease on top in stamping, oil cap is not clocked correct and does not fit tight.
Bob

Here's a closeup of the oil hole. 1971?

FYI - Here's a shot of the inner side, showing the wire harness tabs.

Since I got another PM about it, the car is a mostly unrestored 110,000 mile car.

That looks like a 1970 to early 71. Late 71 has a larger raised circle.
Bob

& if you notice the AMD RH valve cover doesn't have the same "divot" on the front of the passenger side

I do not have a RH valve cover that matches yours

here is the '71 big lip RH valve cover

yours appears to be the same one I should have on my mid-July '70 built Challenger R/T (LATE '70 & EARLY '71)

did yours have studs or bolts on the outside corners & what's the SPD & plant of your RR - do you also have the Engine Assembly Date (EAD) off the pad by the distributor?

Dan,
I think what AMD did was make a 70 only and a late 71 only
The late 70 early 71 may have changed and they maybe did not make that one.
See my picture of the stamping crease.
Bob

Will the later 1971 valve cover fit and be functional? At this point I just want to get the car back together!

Yes, just looks a little different. Most at a local show will not notice.

The AMD covers are $179 at Summit but now they charge tax in a bunch of states!
Ron

The outside corners have studs and the car was built in St. Louis. What does SPD stand for? I'd have to look up the EAD.

SPD Scheduled Production date

SPD is B24. December 24th?

Nov. 24th

Ah, got it. Oct, 10=A.

It was tough to see the codes under the distributor, but I was able to make out G383 and I think below it was 7 9. Not 100% sure.

Thanks for all the help, I learned a lot. I'm going to put the original cover back on and park it, then wait for swap meet season.