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

[Chris_69_SS]

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

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!

[wheelhop]

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.????

[Chris_69_SS]

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

[1969L78Nova]

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

[Chris_69_SS]

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...

[Charley Lillard]

I think you are gonna miss those 11.30's.

[Fast67VelleN2O]

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

[/ QUOTE ]

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

[Chris_69_SS]

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.

[427.060]

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

[Chris_69_SS]

[ 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.