Rebuilt L-78 396-375 hp 1969

[Rodbbc]

Rebuilt L-78 396-375 hp short block all standard was rebalalnced used only 2k miles or less, has sock 375 solid lifter cam, large balalncer 7/16 dimple rods, forged GM crank and 11-1 forged pistons, 854 block dated code 1-11-69 , CKO stamp. $3400 best. Nice rare all standard L-78.

[CamarosRus]

Your CKO engine appears to be a 1970 "402 L-78. I'm interested in buying, AFTER I can see CLEAR pictures of the DECK assy date stamping , AND the Vin # stamping that may be on lower left bellhousing flange....PLEASE Email me at [email protected] Chuck Sharin

[370454s]

If Chuck is not interested,I would be for my 70 Chevelle.
Thanks
Mike Bond

[Rodbbc]

Will see if i can get clear photos and e-mail them to you. Thanks

[lowmile]

Wouldn't a January of 1969 block be correct for a 1969 model car? Could the CKO be a restamp? Just a guess. m

[Mr70]

I would imagine it's really the letter "I" as in I-11-69.
Decodes as September 11th,1969.In this time frame,it's Originally a Manual trans. 1970 L78 Chevelle-Elco-Nova.

[CamarosRus]

When we can read or SEE the block/deck assy date codes and read/see the VIN # stampings this engines origin will become clear......VIN example below
Chuck S

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/Camaro%201970%20Resto%20Details/Vin2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/Camaro%201970%20Resto%20Details/Vin3.jpg

[Rodbbc]

Chuck has large plug over filetr #3969854, 1-11-9, pistons
3969974, stamp to924CKO 10w14157, let us know.

[Mr70]

That decodes as a Sept.24th 1969 Tonawanda assembled block.
4 bolt mains.
That VIN# looks like a 1970 Willow Run Plant for a Nova,but is missing a digit?
Where is the VIN# stamped?
On the pad behind the Alternator,or like Chucks Oil filter pad picture?

[JRSully]

That is the first time I have ever seen a 70 Model year Willow run Nova BB engine VIN stamp at the oil filter boss, every one I have seen has been on the front of the block, interesting.

[Nova Research Project]

CamarosRus;

I am curious. What is teh date code for your example CKO block shown above?

Thanks,
Greg

[WILMASBOYL78]

I'm with Sully. Never saw an L78 Nova VIN on the block near the oil filter.(and I have looked at few) And by the way Rod, I see you just joined and it seems like you set up shop. Is this a business or hobby program with all the items for sale??

wilma

[CamarosRus]

Everyone, The Longblock above that I show VIN stamping on was assembled T0912CKO.......BUT here's the deal on the VIN stamp.....What I report as a W really doesnt show.....The LETTER(??) didnt strike the block as the NUMBERS did.
After writing Mark Meekins I received back a letter on Jan 28, 1998. In part he wrote.........

" Without a letter code in the VIN there is NO way to tell what the original application was. The one problem usually encountered when the VIN is struck on the bellhousing boss is the loss of characters or what appears as partial digets.
....................
The proximity of month closest to the assembly date of the engine, T0912CKO could make this a Nova engine( Sept VIN)or a Chevelle engine(November and Decemeber VINs). Of course, it could have also been used in January built Chevelles, but these are slim as the LS6 was geared up for production in mid to late Decemeber(actual date is unknown).
The Chevelle VIN for March is out of the question. I know this doesnt clear up your mystery, but I hope it gives you some insights.

Sincerely, Mark Meekins "

His letter gives other info about what months that VIN could have been used on Chevelle and he says that only month it could have been in a Nova was Sept 1969.....

If you guys know better about my eng I APOLOGIZE for misstating the truth. If it matters I can scan and display entire Meekins letter
regards, Chuck Sharin

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Actually I think I ran across this guys add somewhere while searching the web and thought some of you might have needed what he had for sale. Being a lot of you guys are looking for special date coded HP engines and parts, so I invited him to go to this site and check it out to see if anyone was looking for what he had.It sounds a little rude to me to ask the guy if he just set up shop.That would make me feel not welcome,I feel bad for the guy now because I invited him to come here.Should I not invite anyone else or let you guys know if I run across something you might need.If so just tell me.I am not for sure this is the same guy that I ran across but it very well may be.Is this site just for members only now.

Bobby Dodson

[Mr70]

Chuck
I'm curious,what is the Casting Date of your engine block shown?

It is possible it could be a 1970 Chevelle/El Camino application,if not an actual "W".
Only Chevelle/El Camino plant possibilities:
B-Baltimore plant December 1969.
K-Kansas plant November 1969.
L-Van Nuys plant September/October 1969.I favor this plant,as I have seen more Van Nuys built cars,stamp the VIN# by the oil filter then the other two mentioned.

Rick

Rick it would be very unlikely (read..have yet to see a car I thought was righteous) that the Baltimore plant stamped the VIN by the oil filter for a 1970 Chevelle application. The timeline of the Tonawanda stamping indicates it would most likely be a Van Nuys or Leeds car. The later L78's that I've documented seem to have 1 or 2 weeks in between the Tonawanda stamping and the VIN stamping.

Repectfully,

Greggory Carlson

[Jonesy]

The stamping looks more like an "N" than a "W".

[Rodbbc]

Is stamped only on the front pad.

[Rodbbc]

Mike let me know if your interested in the L-78 contact me at [email protected], can ship this also.

[Rodbbc]

This L-78 has only the stamping on the front pad, none over the filter area, dated is I-11-9 block castings of #854 if interested contact [email protected] can ship. Thanks

[Rodbbc]

Hobby of 30 plus years had over 150 cars

[CamarosRus]

My CKO 854 Longblock was cast H-30-9(Aug 30th 1969) assembled Sept 12, 1969 with 291 Heads dated from June 11th and June 18th 1969.
Chuck

[WILMASBOYL78]

[ QUOTE ]
Actually I think I ran across this guys add somewhere while searching the web and thought some of you might have needed what he had for sale. Being a lot of you guys are looking for special date coded HP engines and parts, so I invited him to go to this site and check it out to see if anyone was looking for what he had.It sounds a little rude to me to ask the guy if he just set up shop.That would make me feel not welcome,I feel bad for the guy now because I invited him to come here.Should I not invite anyone else or let you guys know if I run across something you might need.If so just tell me.I am not for sure this is the same guy that I ran across but it very well may be.Is this site just for members only now.

Bobby Dodson

[/ QUOTE ]

Our hobby has changed dramatically in the last few years and I feel the right to question all newcomers who show up with a laundry list of items for sale. This isn't disrespect, it is simply common sense and good business. Many of the members here actively look for hi-performance parts and accessories every day to finish their "dream " projects. We have every right to question and analyze sources and information that are displayed on this site. The "real" cars and the "real" parts will always be sold by the "real" people, everytime!

wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[Belair62]

Bobby..I think it was an innocent question....RodBBC came out of nowhwere and posted a bunch of stuff...so people were just wondering what happened.Glad you invited him...he'll settle in.He's pretty close to me.Someday we may just hook up.

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

No problem,Just struck me as being a little negative.I can understand concerns about new people.I actually only ran across an add for the 396/375 and have noticed that a lot of members are always looking for those type of cars and parts.So I e mailed that person and told them to come to this site to see if anyone was interested.I was not aware of all the other stuff he had for sale.I would be curious to of someone new that posted a lot of items for sale

Thanks Belaire

Bobby Dodson

[Rodbbc]

Bobby, I planning on moving out of state in several months that's why I'm posting engine and parts I have no current use for. I have collected a large stock of parts over 30 years. Have owned several Yenko's, COPO's, Nickey's, Z's, Pace Cars, LS6's and the list goes on, also worked for GM for years. As a new comer here, this is not too cool by getting the third degree from persons posting here. Don't know what the big deal is here, after all I have 10 typed pages of parts 4 sale going to the swaps soon. Just trying to help fellow restorers and racers with what I have. Rodbbc

[CamarosRus]

Rod H. I applaud you for givng us the courtesy of your FULL name in your profile. I find it odd that I cant Email you, but you can Email this site. I am one of the AMATUER Camaro enthusiasts on this web site. I have a few Chevy engine part needs and for that matter looking for a (REAL) 69 L-78
project or turn key to buy. Will you please Email me at [email protected] so I may learn what you have available for sale......Chuck Sharin Seattle, WA
I will be at Barrett Jackson Friday & Saturday

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Actually Rod I was defending you!I had posted that I thought it was rude to ask you if you were opening up shop here by another member.I had ran across an add somewhere just like yours and had e mailed that person to tell them about this site.These guys are always looking for specialty high performance original parts.I can understand these guys being a little cautious about someone new that post numerous for sale adds.As Belaire told me that it was nothing negative just being cautious.There are many scams going on out there these days and many are concerned.By no means am I saying you are one of the scammers at all.But I understand where you are coming from.These guys on this site are authorities when it comes to classic original parts and they like to dot every i and cross every t.I still feel certain this site is one of the very best that I have visited.These guys are not giving you the third degree just wanting to make sure they are getting the parts they need.I still think that some on this site need the item or items you have.I am not sure if you are the fellow that I invited to the site but it doesen't matter, I am sure these guys will welcome you as a good standing member once they get to know you a little bit.Just give them a chance.Please understand that they are just being cautious,just as you would be if you were in there shoes. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Thanks

Bobby Dodson

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Well said Bobby!

[Rodbbc]

Ok, I understand no problem. Thanks

[Nova Research Project]

CamarosRus ;

I can rule out this as a Nova VIN.

Greg