I believe that the starter shield was a later addition. The 396 Camaro shield was initiated @ 5/13/69 with the Novas getting it about a month later on @ 6/3/69. I have never taken one off an early car and have never had a Camaro or Nova big block in the shop later that O7A and not one has had it. I would like the answer to this as well. Good question..BKH
