68 L78 Camaro - Need advice on which way to go

[1cool13L78]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/confused.gif

I have an original L78 1968 Camaro... that was being parted out... I am missing the engine...

<span style="font-weight: bold">Which would be best? 1) GO with a close VIN dated MQ block or 2) Go with a close dated CE block? or 3) other... </span>

Thanks

[SuperNovaSS]

Other?

[JChlupsa]

without the engine how do you know it was an ORG L78 esp if it ws being parted out

[69SSRSL89]

Hey if you are looking for a complete L78 engine you might want to check this link out. I spotted it the other day on craigslist and just saw your thread and thought that you might want to check it out. I know nothing about this engine, but could possible go and look at it if you need someone to check it out. Hopefully this helps you out.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/pts/1816018653.html

[TimG]

Don't do a CE block, that would be harder to find that a never stamped or MQ block. A CE block doesn't mean anything, I'd rather have no stamp at all on a pad.

[68SSCamaro]

What you put in it depends on what your plans are for it. If you want to show it as a restored car you need to find out what the judging rules are. I have heard CE blocks are not acceptable in some judging so you would be better off to get a MQ block.

Martin

[1cool13L78]

I had known the car before hand and actually saw the OEM engine before it was sold/parted out... plus these cars have so many little things to Id them... has the 6k tach, etc... etc... It is the real deal L78... only reason I saved it...

[1cool13L78]

By other i figured something wild or something not thought of,...

[1cool13L78]

i was thinking of restoring the car back to OEM specs.. it'll never be original (unless i find the guy who has the engine)...sort of thinking a nice factory resto as much as possible without going to nuts...

as it sits for the last 18 years is not doing either of us any good... time to do it or sell it.. I have all the engine components, Holley, Alt, pulleys, muncie 12bolt, etc... nose is gone, radiator and support gone, pas door and deck lid gone, rear springs gone, console gone... I got a pas door and deck lid, car is solid, needs quarters because the flares were cut off and ruined the lips, ... still wondering if I should keep it or sell it... Camaro is a PS, PDisc, guage package 4:10 car... is NN coded color Maroon, black std interior with black tail pan, 06C build date ...
any suggestions welcome... thankx everyone <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[firstgenaddict]

If the 1/4's are solid could you put wheel lips in it?
If it were mine I would put it back together as a 427 shortblock transplant, using the stock L78 top end.

[dasleck]

I am in the same boat I got a 1968 L78 with out an engine and I found a standard bore ce block for $1300.00 a new crank and now looking for heads. I was told by several restoration shops that the ce block was the way to go. My camaro date is 03A and the block I found is July'68 I am looking for the other parts for the engine to have a February date code. The rest of my car is there: 4:10 dated 2/22/68 m21, 6 grand tach big block heater core.
good luck I do not know witch engine is better or would be worth more I would buy one that has not been bored out to 60 yet or not been sleeved. this to me is more important.