I purchased a 1971 442 4 speed car at the 2019 Olds Nationals. The judges deducted points for wrong valve covers. It has non-notched valve covers with power brakes but no a.c.. Should the engine have notched valve covers or at least the one for the driver side? I was told by the previous owner the non-notched covers were on the engine when he purchased the car in 1986.

 

It should have both.

 

Both notched valve covers?

 

yes, notched valve covers are a pair - correct for all 1971 a-bodies with the 455 engine

 

ALL 1968-1972 A-body big block motors got TWO notched covers, no matter what accessories were installed. 1967 A-body big block motors got a single notched cover on the driver's side only.