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Old 01-23-2015, 11:19 AM
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Default How to find out if I have an L78?

So, I'm certain the Camaro (Thread for the car is in Member's rides) is a real SS396, but how do I tell if it's an actual L78? I don't have the POP, and any numbers on the engine block are gone. Are there any codes on the car that can be seen without tearing the car apart?
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My cars, passed down by my grandfather:

'68 Camaro SS (454/TH400, possible L78/M22) LeMans Blue, black deluxe interior, black vinyl top. 3.73- mostly Day 2.
'89 Mustang GT- 3.55, subframe connectors, muffler delete, and a couple other minor mods. Exactly as he wanted it, so how it shall stay

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1995 Ford F-150 XL
2004 Dodge Ram Hemi GTX- #192 of 433


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  #2  
Old 01-23-2015, 11:52 AM
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WILMASBOYL78 WILMASBOYL78 is offline
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Default Re: How to find out if I have an L78?

This will be tough if the deck stamp has been milled down [assuming it is the factory motor]. The L78 would have a 3/8" fuel line and deep grove pulleys...beyond that you could check the casting date on the block and see if it lines up...check to see if it is a 4 bolt [look for the big plug near oil filter] check the heads to see if they are rectangular port versions and what date codes they have. The fact that it was originally a 4 spd car is one plus...the 68 L78 never came with an auto trans. Is the rear original?? if so, what gear ratio is stamped on the tube...the L78 would most likely have a 3.55 or steeper factory gear.

There are lots of Camaro gurus on this site who may have other ideas...
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Old 01-23-2015, 12:23 PM
Day2_69Z Day2_69Z is offline
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Default Re: How to find out if I have an L78?

factory tach will have a high redline and at least a 3 core radiator , look for the radiator tag. The original distributor will have unique stamp for an L78 item.

EDELBROCK C427 Intakes are Square Ports.
pulling the covers will give you the casting #'s and dates also.

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Old 01-23-2015, 03:14 PM
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Default Re: How to find out if I have an L78?

Thanks guys. Will have to take a look.
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My cars, passed down by my grandfather:

'68 Camaro SS (454/TH400, possible L78/M22) LeMans Blue, black deluxe interior, black vinyl top. 3.73- mostly Day 2.
'89 Mustang GT- 3.55, subframe connectors, muffler delete, and a couple other minor mods. Exactly as he wanted it, so how it shall stay

Also:
1995 Ford F-150 XL
2004 Dodge Ram Hemi GTX- #192 of 433


Ain't no fun in viewing your car as an 'investment'. Get out there and beat on it!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-24-2015, 05:18 AM
Kurt S Kurt S is offline
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Default Re: How to find out if I have an L78?

Is the original trans still around??
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Old 01-24-2015, 06:22 AM
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Default Re: How to find out if I have an L78?

Nah, it's long gone.
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My cars, passed down by my grandfather:

'68 Camaro SS (454/TH400, possible L78/M22) LeMans Blue, black deluxe interior, black vinyl top. 3.73- mostly Day 2.
'89 Mustang GT- 3.55, subframe connectors, muffler delete, and a couple other minor mods. Exactly as he wanted it, so how it shall stay

Also:
1995 Ford F-150 XL
2004 Dodge Ram Hemi GTX- #192 of 433


Ain't no fun in viewing your car as an 'investment'. Get out there and beat on it!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-29-2015, 05:20 PM
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Default Re: How to find out if I have an L78?

I'm pretty certain it has deep groove pulleys
__________________
My cars, passed down by my grandfather:

'68 Camaro SS (454/TH400, possible L78/M22) LeMans Blue, black deluxe interior, black vinyl top. 3.73- mostly Day 2.
'89 Mustang GT- 3.55, subframe connectors, muffler delete, and a couple other minor mods. Exactly as he wanted it, so how it shall stay

Also:
1995 Ford F-150 XL
2004 Dodge Ram Hemi GTX- #192 of 433


Ain't no fun in viewing your car as an 'investment'. Get out there and beat on it!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-29-2015, 05:25 PM
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Default Re: How to find out if I have an L78?

[img]https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pic...998723577_21132
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My cars, passed down by my grandfather:

'68 Camaro SS (454/TH400, possible L78/M22) LeMans Blue, black deluxe interior, black vinyl top. 3.73- mostly Day 2.
'89 Mustang GT- 3.55, subframe connectors, muffler delete, and a couple other minor mods. Exactly as he wanted it, so how it shall stay

Also:
1995 Ford F-150 XL
2004 Dodge Ram Hemi GTX- #192 of 433


Ain't no fun in viewing your car as an 'investment'. Get out there and beat on it!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-01-2015, 03:35 PM
Stefano Stefano is offline
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Default Re: How to find out if I have an L78?

See if the front springs still have tags........ just another potential clue.
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