Anyone know this L78 Pace Car

**TXSS** · #1 04-07-2010, 10:53 PM

Curious if any one knows or has any 1st hand info on this L78 Pace Car.

Pace Car

Ngtflyr · #2 04-07-2010, 11:00 PM

I'd have an expert look at that TT for starters.

**RPOLS3** · #3 04-07-2010, 11:24 PM

Why no smog, or even smog exhaust manifolds?

Jake

al8apex · #4 04-08-2010, 03:25 AM

I owned SEVERAL of these cars and compiled a database of serial numbers (~ 75) in the 70's, this one is not in the file

N609339 was a 396 4 speed as well, not sure of the hp of 339 though

they never really say the car is an ORIGINAL L78 ... and it is odd that it has an M-20 ... the real L78's had and M-21 or a M-22, so MAYBE the car IS a real big block, just not an L78 ...

deep groove pulleys appear to be missing as is the convertible underbody tie pan ... plus other issues such as wrong rear stripes ... I would do a onsite inspection of this one, a lot seems to be glossed over .. recovered headrests ... I'll stop now

**COPO** · #5 04-08-2010, 05:53 AM

L-78's certainly came with M-20 trans as well. I formally owned a documented '69 SS L-78 convertible that Charley Lillard previously owned as well. The trans was an M-20 and original to the car. The car also had a buildsheet confirming it was an M-20. I currently have a documented L-78 Pace car with the original M-20 as well. I think M-20's in L-78's are not that uncommon.

**drdave69** · #6 04-08-2010, 03:06 PM

They listed the engine code of JH which is a 375 hp code along with saying this cars VIN is stamped on it.

al8apex · #7 04-08-2010, 09:28 PM

and we all know that if the VIN is stamped on it it MUST be the original, right ? ...

rpoz11 · #8 04-09-2010, 06:01 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Curious if any one knows or has any 1st hand info on this L78 Pace Car.

Pace Car

[/ QUOTE ]

Interestingly, to me, is the fact that this car is built near the same time mine was built.

However, mine was built in Van Nuys.

The casting dates on the block in this L78 here are very close to mine.

I'd have to crawl back under my car to see the dates on my 12 Bolt to see how close those are to this one.

70CitrusZ · #9 04-09-2010, 08:19 PM

A lot of people feel that an M20 is somehow weaker or lesser of a trans than an M21.
They are the exact same trans with a different ratio, and can be substituted depending on final gear ratio and vehicles intended use regardless of horsepower rating.