Which would you buy? OM L78 or NOM Z28 - 1967

[Zedder]

Thinking about options for my next car and wanted to do a quick poll to see what others think of 2 potential options. This is hypothetical at this point - no specific cars in mind (although a number of potential cars). Car one: 1967 Camaro L78 with original drivetrain. Car two: 1967 Camaro Z28 with non-original drivetrain, but correct components. Let's assume that both cars are verified as real, same docs, same price/value, good colors on both. Which would you buy?

[YenkoYS-199Stinger]

I money would go to buying the 67 Z28

[Pat C]

I’ve had them both, to me the L78 was way more fun from stoplight to stoplight!

[Zedder]

Does anyone know if there is an "ignore the troll" function on here somewhere? :)

[Zedder]

Does anyone know if there is an "ignore the troll" function on here somewhere? :)

Like I said...

[Too Many Projects]

That is a tough decision. I've coveted a real '67 Z for many years, but a real L78 car seems to be more difficult to come by. I did vote for the L78 as the torque of a big block is quite addictive.

[Zedder]

I'm not sure why the two guys above feel the need to attack me in my posts for thoughts that I shared in a previous thread. I don't know either of them and have had no dealings with either of them.

I like coming to this site because the majority of members are really great people - always helpful and supportive. Steve and the mods do a great job of keeping it that way. To that end, I would appreciate it if the two members I'm referring to would stay out of my threads going forward.

Anyway, here is the post that they are referring to. As you can see, I was commenting on the challenges that I am finding with old car ownership as I get older and the thought that if I do buy another old car, I would lean towards considering a driver quality car vs. a show quality car so I would feel more comfortable driving it around Toronto to my mechanic's shop vs having the expense of towing it.

I'd really like to hear other member's sincere thoughts on the question that I asked above. If you don't like me, my thinking, or my choice in cars, I have no problem with that. However, I ask that you simply ignore me and I will gladly reciprocate. No one here wants to read the childish digs.

"I sold my 67 Camaro this month, but it had nothing to do with the current bubble as it doesn’t appear to impact cars in Canada as much and I didn’t make any money on it. I’m turning 60 in a few months and I’m finding that I just don’t tolerate the hassles of old car ownership like I used to. Also, finding competent mechanics close by is a real challenge. One of our members worked on my car for me and was great to work with, but his shop is about an hour away in crappy Toronto traffic and a tow there cost $340 one way. I actually spent more money on tows than repairs in the 18 months that I owned it! I might drive a ‘driver’ quality car there, but I am too anal about a restored car to take the chance. This will clearly be a consideration with my next purchase, if I do make another. There is a Corvette shop about 10 minutes from my place, so I may go in that direction."

[cook_dw]

Good God man.. Lighten up its not an attack. I joke in many other threads to bring humor to the table.. What happen to the humor around here? It's Friday and just trying to lighten the mood..



https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dluozjXh8XY/maxresdefault.jpg

[Lee Stewart]

Second choice. I'd want to drive it till the wheels fell off. I blow the engine - no problem. I can replace it. OEM drivetrain car - too valuable to thrash it.

[NorCam]

That post was sent as humor and it did not refer to any of your previous threads, so don't start letting it manifest into something other than the joke that it was. You really are a bit sensitive???

And now that you mention it yet again...if you're going to quibble about the costs of a mechanic or post how you have to endure deck truck charges in and around Toronto, maybe an L34 car would be a better match for you? Solid lifter cars do require constant maintenance including some home tuning skills, carburetor adjustments and they will require a periodic valve lash & lifter adjustments when tuning.

For you, that might mean sending out again on a deck truck because it needs a valve lash or because the float bowl gaskets are leaking fuel which they do.

Just saying...

[MosportGreen66]

Original motor L78!

[1967 4K]

L78 is the best choice. Of course I’m a little bias on the subject, LOL.
The last I spoke to Phil @ rare4k he only has 27 or so known born with engine cars in his registry.
People ask me how I deal with those aggravating solid lifters and who adjust them for me, I tell them I do and they won’t leave me alone asking me to work on their car!
Solids are not bad if you don’t beat your car hard which I don’t. I adjust mine cold per instruction from Sherman Gerlach. Use good poly locks and drive on.

Best regards,

[MJV1953]

Original motor L78!

[TimG]

Original motor L78. Always go with the original motor car.

[60sStuff]

Original motor L78. Always go with the original motor car.

Born with, as much as you can, whenever you can.

[Jonesy]

Original engine L78 with RS would be my choice.

[luzl78]

Original drivetrain l78

[fortim]

Born with, as much as you can, whenever you can.

X2.

[carnut4life]

Born with drivetrain is a big deal to me so I'd go with the L78 too.

[ELEFUNTMAN]

I'm all for the Z, easy maintenance, better on fuel, better handling. Street car, not a drag car! Swap in the Porsche and get both, easier that way! :beers:

[Pro Stock John]

Interesting scenario.

L-78 with original powertrain gets my vote, but if that one went away I'd get the other one.

That comment in quotes, was that a friend's comments on why they sold their car?

Personally if I had a solid lifter car I'd want to do it myself, it's not hard.

[Zedder]

Interesting scenario.

L-78 with original powertrain gets my vote, but if that one went away I'd get the other one.

That comment in quotes, was that a friend's comments on why they sold their car?

Personally if I had a solid lifter car I'd want to do it myself, it's not hard.

Thanks John.

No, they were comments that I made in another thread that was about cashing out due to the current high prices. I sold my SS350 recently (although it is still in my garage due to a wire transfer screw-up) and have been thinking about what, if anything, I should buy next.

It's nice to see the L78 get some love as for years they really weren't on a lot of people's radars. I'm surprised at how many people chose that option, but totally get the OM vs non-OM thinking.

[danachevroletfor1967]

I wouldn't mind owning either of them. With that being said I would have to go with the L78 as the original motor would clinch it for me.

[Pro Stock John]

I had a NOM '69 Z/28 with a CE 350 LT1 shortblock and to be honest, I'd rather have more power so the L78 is more interesting.

Is there another factor here, fully restored vs needs restoring?

[olredalert]

----Zedder,,,You mentioned the Corvette shop near you. Any self respecting Corvette shop can adjust your valves if you choose not to do it yourself. With that said I also vote for the 375hp car!....Bill S

[Zedder]

Thanks Bill. Last year when I thought I had a carb issue with my SS350, I asked them if the would take a look and they said that they only work on Corvettes. I've used them before, so they agreed to look at the carb as long as I took it off the car and brought it into them! Under no circumstances would they take a non-Corvette in the shop.

Paul would have no problem adjusting my valves if necessary and that isn't something that would need done all that often with the amount that I would be driving it.

[GMC_Typhoon]

I've always heard there is no replacement for displacement.L78 all day.

[TerryD]

A couple of years ago I did go with a nom Z28 and would do the same again. I respect the original drivetrain opinions but for me it was about the legend and finding a car that I could improve while using it.
Good luck with your search if you decide to proceed!

[BlackL78M22Nova]

L78 for me! Don't need to row the gears at 7000rpm for the same thrill! Mark

[Pro Stock John]

@Zedder I'm curious, if you were looking at 2 L78 cars, one was the blue one that Napa was selling (all sorted, #'s matching except for trans, restored) vs the one you've talked about that would need cosmetic and maybe some mechanical / electrical restoration, which one would you buy? The one you have been talking about sounds like you'd have more in it and it would take 2-3 years to restore it? I'm just curious.

[Zedder]

@Zedder I'm curious, if you were looking at 2 L78 cars, one was the blue one that Napa was selling (all sorted, #'s matching except for trans, restored) vs the one you've talked about that would need cosmetic and maybe some mechanical / electrical restoration, which one would you buy? The one you have been talking about sounds like you'd have more in it and it would take 2-3 years to restore it? I'm just curious.

Tim's car is beautiful and if it was a 67, I'd consider buying it over the red one that I have discussed here. I'm just not into 68 Camaros.

As for the Red one that I have posted about, it is being painted right now. I think I can buy it and get most of the issues addressed for $65K - $70K total. The challenge will be actually getting a chance to buy it as the seller has drifted back and forth on that for 17 years now :) As of my discussion with him yesterday, he was planning on selling it to me if I want it when the paint is done. No telling how good the paint will be though...likely driver quality at best. Also no telling if he will change his mind again. I'm not sweating it until the paint is done and we talk.

[firstgenaddict]

Another vote for the addictive power of the L78...

The advantage I see with the Z28 is the stuff of my dreams... because it is not a numbers car... an absolutely wicked 302/first gen Z28 (12:1, long rods, short compression height pistons with narrow pin bosses, ridiculous solid roller)

[mprice]

Buy what makes you happy and don't worry about the keyboard jockeys unless you are just buying it to flip who cares what we think.

[ZiggyL78]

I would never even think about owning a Hot Rod without Hagerty Road Side Assistance. Unlimited tows. Ramp truck every time and drivers that know they are picking up something special, probably worth a lot of money and the owner is going to be a total ass hole LOL ;).
It took about 5 years before they realized I was getting more then my moneys worth. A number of times I would have my car picked up at home and dropped off at some shop and have it picked up at that shop and delivered back to my house. They finally called me and said they won't pick up any of my cars at a shop. lol
CAA won't pick up any cars that do not have plates, does not have valid plates, has any flat
tires or missing a hood or look like it hasn't ran in a long time.

Another thing. If you want someone to work on your car again, give them a tip.. I always throw a shop $20-$50 if it is a job over $300. It gives you VIP card and instantly puts you in the front of the line.

[DW31S]

Tough call as each car will have its own distinct personality. Investment wise, I think the numbers 375 will trump the home-brewed Z if both are in the same condition. I’ve waited out sellers before and honestly, looking back, the thrill of getting the car bought meant more to me than the car itself and I didn’t keep them long. I’ve had three spinal fusions and I’m getting a few years under my belt and what used to take me three hours now takes three weeks, but I still hang in there; idle hands are not a good thing. I beat the livin’ snot out of my stuff and it requires constant maintenance both under the hood and under the car, but I’m not even considering giving it up.
If you can really get the 375 car with a nice driver quality respray, that might make more sense as you can have some fun and not lose sleep if you get a chip or nick here and there. I can’t see where either of the models you’re considering would have more upkeep than the other. Holley’s are simple to rebuild and adjusting valves isn’t much harder.

[ryanchevelle]

I think the majority of members on this site are into originality so your poll is going to lean that way regardless. If you flipped it to a born with Z drivetrain vs a NOM L78 car I imagine the response would be the opposite. I voted for L78 as well.

[67since67]

No wrong answers here, I'd love to have either, better yet both, in my garage!! :3gears:
Bill W

[Chuck_Burg]

I prefer the big blocks... even though the L78 doesn't really have the huge torque of many modified bigger inch/oval port big blocks, it's got enough and it likes to rev! The L78 is kind of like a small block in that regard. The problem is not wanting to drive it too hard because it's the original engine, that being said if you break it you can fix it. Usually spun bearings happen before thrown rods!!!

[dykstra]

L78

[1stGenFan]

Mark,

I have a 1967 SS/RS L78 and a 1969 Z28, however, will gladly sell the L78 when a real 1967 Z28 happens across my path.

The significant history of the 1967 Z28, designed by Chevrolet to be a factory-built racecar, cannot be left out of this debate. The L78 was a Corvette engine, built initially in 1965. The Z28 motor was the only engine specifically built for the Camaro.

My vote is for the (nom) 1967 Z28.

Ken Boje

[Zedder]

Thanks guys…I appreciate all of your thoughts!

Hey Ken, it’s been a while…hope you are well!

[Vortecpro]

I know where a 2 owner numbers matching survivor 67 L-78 Camaro has sit for years, now I don't know where any 1967 Z/28s sit, but if I did that would be my choice...............

[Vortecpro]

I prefer the big blocks... even though the L78 doesn't really have the huge torque of many modified bigger inch/oval port big blocks, it's got enough and it likes to rev! The L78 is kind of like a small block in that regard. The problem is not wanting to drive it too hard because it's the original engine, that being said if you break it you can fix it. Usually spun bearings happen before thrown rods!!!


I like the BBC Chevy myself, but you can have a lot of fun with 67-68 302 Camaro with a 5.38 gear and a clutchless 4 speed as well.

[Rallyegreen68SS]

Tough call for sure! I’d personally lean toward the L78, but either one would be a dream car.

[Steve Shauger]

The cars have such different road manners. I would pull towards the L78 because of the drivability due to torque. A Z28 without its unique engine is not something that I look to own. Both great cars

[Stefano]

Similar Car to Similar car and the Zed without its original engine. I’d be running towards the L78.

[1stGenFan]

Thanks guys…I appreciate all of your thoughts!

Hey Ken, it’s been a while…hope you are well!

Still having fun with 1st Gen Camaros. Fortunate to have a '67 L78, and '69 Z28. Both projects, but real cars. Helped a friend with a '69 COPO, but it's sold now, so I can have fun with my own. Not getting any younger, so choice of what to have is important.

Have fun deciding on which way to go, you won't be disappointed with either.

[EZ Nova]

I voted for the L78. But I guess it would also need to be a discussion on price? Original survivor L78 could be a lot more then an original but not numbers # Z28?

So would the Z be around 50K and the L78 100K, that too comes into the thought process? And as Mark pointed out, one could play more with the Z because of that non numbers car to begin with. BUT it's still a '67 Z28.

[Chuck_Burg]

I like the BBC Chevy myself, but you can have a lot of fun with 67-68 302 Camaro with a 5.38 gear and a clutchless 4 speed as well.

Oh man, I bet you're right!! That sounds like a great time. I enjoyed watching your videos on 781/049 cylinder heads, looks like you got that figured out!

[JRSully]

I have an original L78 Nova and the engine was rebuilt to dead stock specs except for roller tip rockers/headers/crane ignition. IMO, winding an 11:1 L78 to 6500 on 100+ octane race fuel is an absolute hoot. I have a NOS 70 854 CE block ready to go if it grenades, no regrets if it does...

[Zedder]

I voted for the L78. But I guess it would also need to be a discussion on price? Original survivor L78 could be a lot more then an original but not numbers # Z28?

So would the Z be around 50K and the L78 100K, that too comes into the thought process? And as Mark pointed out, one could play more with the Z because of that non numbers car to begin with. BUT it's still a '67 Z28.

Nom Z is $65k - $80k in my opinion for a nice but not concourse car. Similar OM L78 is about the same range.

[Chevelle SS 396 L78]

I'm a little late to this thread, but being the original owner of a 1967 Chevelle L78, and having a friend who bought a new 1967 Camaro Z28 in 1967 I feel somewhat obliged from first hand knowledge which would be best.


First, it's really an apples to oranges comparison. The Z gets overall driveability and balance, plus a 1967 Z28 is VERY rare (in original form)...likely $100,000 plus easily. Not so sure on a replacement engine, but if done right still good value.


For brute out of the hole speed and torque, the L78 wins hands down...easily actually, especially with a 4-speed and 4.10 posi rear end (like what I had in the Chevelle).


Both engines are really good, but I admit to really REALLY Loving the L78! I am building one right now, actually (1967).


The other thing that would matter to me is I just prefer the suspension on the Chevelle over the Camaro, as I'm not a fan of leaf springs. But, that's just a personal preference. The leaf springs obviously work just fine on the Camaro, and they can be beefed up.



But, overall BOTH cars would be awesome...just do it in the right colors. I like the dark silver (grey) with black stripes for the Camaro with black interior. My Chevelle was Deepwater Blue Metallic with black interior (bench seat) & Hurst shifter on the floor with T-Handle. It doesn't get any better than that!


Thinking back when my friend & I both worked for General Motors and parked next to each other brings back good memories of the cars in the parking lot back then!



Good luck!

[purple panther]

OM L-78 all day long

[Zedder]

Thanks again guys. Seems to be about a 75% preference for the OM L78. Personally, I like both. It really boils down to colors, options and if the Z has any interesting history. Eventually, I’d like to own both one day.