1973 Explorer Engine Valve Cover Question

[TX SS]

Question about 1973 Explorer model valve covers. Met a fellow Bronco owner today who is looking for parts for a 1973 Explorer and he pointed out that the valve covers have Ford oval on them instead of Powered by Ford. I had never seen or noticed this but the below picture from a 1973 Explorer has the Ford oval. Anybody know why the difference or how long this version of the valve cover was used? My pretty original 1973 non explorer and my other 1973 both have Powered by Ford version. Thanks.

 

[sykanr0ng]

Valve covers before 1973 were Power by Ford.

Original Ford valve covers said Power by Ford, aftermarket say Powered by Ford.

 

[TX SS]

You are right on Power rather than Powered. Typing error on my part.

 

[Lawndart]

Why worry too much? A lot under that hood is not original.

Edit - my '73 Explorer had the oval valve covers.

 

[TX SS]

Why worry too much? A lot under that hood is not original.

Edit - my '73 Explorer had the oval valve covers.

Thanks for looking at yours. Agree lots not original there, just a picture I pulled off the net. Not worried about them, just curious about the difference.

 

[JGbronc]

I'm pretty sure the valve cover change was during the '73 model year as well as transfer case shifters. So some earlier '73s had Power By Ford and eventually all got the oval logo. It's not an Explorer specific thing.

 

[broncodriver99]

My '73 has the Ford oval covers as well.

 

[ford man]

I'm pretty sure the valve cover change was during the '73 model year as well as transfer case shifters. So some earlier '73s had Power By Ford and eventually all got the oval logo. It's not an Explorer specific thing.

This is true when I built my 73 I learn a lot about 73 year changes earlier one had the power by ford and later had the oval there were some differences in the fuel line routing too.Mine had power by ford valve covers and j shift but like was said before some earlier ones were t shift.

 

[TX SS]

Thanks for all the replies. My two 73s are 11/72 and 12/72 builds. Knew of some of other 72/73 differences but not this one. Great knowledge here as always.