Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

If you missed my last post, it was regarding doing up an L34 engine for my 69 Chevelle.

Well, thanks to the wonders of the internet, I am in discussions for a possible trade for my 454 vs. a 1969 L78.

Here is what I know so far

Block casting: 395527
Block Date: D 2 9
Deck: T0407JH
840 heads (C 27 9 & C 26 9)
163 intake

*original bore, forged slugs, dimpled rods, forged crank https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif

had new bearings and rings installed in 1990 and has been driven sparingly since.

Any thoughts? Any questions you think I ned to ask?

Man, just when I though I was going L34 / M20 it may look like L78/M22....the horror!

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

Are there any other goodies that go with this L78 motor?
Like a "499" distributor, or a dated water pump, starter motor, original chrome valve covers, dated exhaust manifolds, etc., etc.????

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

I'll be discussing all of the finer details today and let you know. I sure hope so though!

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

Chris,
Don't forget to ask about the 5 blade fan and the 4346 carb.

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

O.k. so here are some more of the details.....

Non original stuff:
- Cam
- Water pump
- Fan
- Carb
- Distributor
- manifolds
- Carb (does have a 3310 780 on it though)
- oil pan

Other notables:
- 163 intake has had plenum divider cut down. Date code is not verified.
- Heads are unported and stock.

Do you think this is a worthwhile trade for my 600hp 454?

His L78 has roughly 5k miles and does not burn any oil, never raced etc...

What I would do to it is:

- Add manifolds
- Crane blueprint L78 cam
- Use my valve covers, deep groove L78 pulleys.

thoughts / comments welcome...

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

I think you are gonna miss those 11.30's.

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

[ QUOTE ]
I think you are gonna miss those 11.30's.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. Just "dress up" your current motor to L78 specs

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

Well, since the body job, I am retiring it from racing on slicks and truth be told would really only consider running it on bias plys from here on in. Realistically though, I would doubt I do this more than once a year if even at all.

Thanks for the feedback.

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

It sounds like the L-78 is about a $5-6000 engine maybe a little more. Is your current 454 worth that?
James

Re: Have been offered an original 69 L78 motor....
 

[ QUOTE ]
It sounds like the L-78 is about a $5-6000 engine maybe a little more. Is your current 454 worth that?
James

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. I was looking to get 6k for it.