help decipher my 69 Nova

[WILMASBOYL78]

Sounds like you have an interesting car there...the subject of a big block Nova equipped with factory a/c has been discussed here before. It is generally accepted that none were produced, sort of like the L89 option in a Nova.

Of course, many folks claim that GM did some one-off things for certain people, adding to the urban lore of these cars.

Without documentation it is hard to prove...but an expert inspection of the a/c install and other items might shed some light. If the car was converted, there will likely be evidence. The swapped trans also adds a little mystery to this car. The TH400 was standard behind the big blocks, and they were pretty much indestructible, so why bother to down grade to a TH350 ??

The cowl tag date of the car and the axle assembly date are very close, almost too close. The BL code doesn't make sense for a big block car...most L34 cars had a 3.31 or 3.55 axle.

Lastly, the engine stamp info makes no sense...a JM stamp on a 1969 '272' block, equates to a 396/375hp with aluminum heads with a TH400 installed in a Camaro. The correct code for an L34 Nova with TH400 is JI...so this adds another layer of doubt to the process.

So, my guess regarding this car is this: it was likely a factory small block car with a/c...that would help explain the TH350 and 3.07 axle. The big block was added at some point, perhaps during the restoration, and things were trimmed out to make it look like a factory 396 car. As for the deck stamp...without photos it is hard to confirm if it is authentic. If it is a real L89 block with low horse parts on top, it may be worth a lot to the right person.

Hope this helps...wilma