66 Chevelle 396/375 conv lesson needed

FESTIVAL78 · #1 06-14-2002, 01:25 PM

Hi guys. I need a quick lesson on 66 Chevelles (Camaro guy). It seems that a local has an X-drag car that I've been told is ss 396 w 375hp 4 sp convertible. It's very nostalgic with straight front axle, no inner fenders and faded drag car hand painted graphics, pinstriping. I want to see the car alone first and determine if it's legit before I approach the owner for negotiations. Who can tell me #'s and what to look for to make a quick determination if the car is legit? Thanks for any help. Tom. ( I'm disinterested in listening to the owners retoric until the last possible minute!)

Norm reynolds · #2 06-14-2002, 04:00 PM

here is a site with some info
http://cars.dozer.com/features/cheve...velle_z16.html
also check on this bb at copo usa under Z-16

FESTIVAL78 · #3 06-14-2002, 04:59 PM

Thanks for that. It looks like 375hp was not an option. I would like some insite on how I could "spot" identify the car as a factory bigblock. who knows what the engine suffix would be? Does this car have trim tag identifiers like my 67 Camaros? Also..Z16 1965 only?

Norm reynolds · #4 06-14-2002, 05:16 PM

The only thing I have is a 396 block for 1966 chevelle is a EG code 11.01 comp with a 4/speed and 3, 099 were made may be some one else has some more info
Norm

JoeC · #5 06-14-2002, 05:25 PM

I believe the vin will show if it is an SS. If it is an SS it has to be a big block unless built in Canada. Check Team Chevelle for more info. I don't know much on the 66.

**Stefano** · #6 06-14-2002, 05:51 PM

JoeC is correct the VIN 13867 will verify a Super Sport Convertible and an EG engine pad stamp would be correct for the 375hp 4 speed L78.

FESTIVAL78 · #7 06-14-2002, 06:18 PM

Thanks..So there was a 375hp available that year. If the motor isn't correct will the 13867 suffice as proof of L78 or is that universal for all available bigblocks? Any special signs? Axle codes. fuel lines, dash gauge differentials?How about trim tag option codes?

**Stefano** · #8 06-14-2002, 06:37 PM

The vin will tell you if it is a Super Sport or not. It doesn't verify the L78 option.

All the additional items that you mention can provide clues, but not verify it as an L78.

If it was a straight axle Rag top racer from day one or two, it is unlikely that any of the components would be original to the car. Including possibly the frame.

FESTIVAL78 · #9 06-14-2002, 06:54 PM

I agree. I saw this car two years ago at a gas station and checked it out quickly. This car is surely vintage and not cut up out back. it's paint is original and poor. It had a rollbar that was torched back out. The engine looked old with fenderwell headers. It has vintage drag stickers on the window from some track in upstate NY. I'm interested only because the other day I [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] drove by a side street and saw it outside with a small tarp covering just the soft top area. The car is going to fail where it is so I was thinking of approaching the owner. Printed out all the Team Chevelle tech and will swing buy on Monday for a mid-day snoop session. If anyone over the weekend can think of anything else to look for I'd appreciate it. Thanks again.

MYSTERYCHEVELLE · #10 06-14-2002, 07:09 PM

Looks like you got some good information...there's so much out there.... e-mail me if you need any additional help.

FYI....The L-78 in a 66 SS was not originally offered in the 66 Chevelle production year...just the base 325 hp engine and the Optional 360 Hp. Then later in the production year the 375 hp...L-78 was again offred and dealers received the inserts for their literature...( First offered in the very Rare, only 201 produced, 65 Chevelle Z-16's). The L-78 in a 66 SS rag top is a very rare bird for sure, given what we know alraedy, that only 3099 L-78's came off the line in the 66 Production Year...only 612 in 1967...

If the orig. engine is in the car, it will match the Vin on the door...also, the Trim Tag, if early...will help show it was not a real L-78, as again, not offerred early... The Knee- Knocker Tach, if still there, will be the 7,000 RPM version, like the 360 hp but with a slightly higher Redline.

No L-78 in 66 came with air either or as an automatic... Like I said, there are many ways to spot the fakes...

Nice topic

Later
Mike