1970 NOVA SS L 78 SUFFIX

novabad · #1 08-30-2006, 05:56 AM

Does anyone know the correct engine suffix code for a 1970 NOVA SS L78 4 speed 396 375hp?

**JRSully** · #2 08-30-2006, 06:07 AM

CKO, CKQ for L89 aluminum head option and boy did you hit the mutha load if it's that.!

novabad · #3 08-30-2006, 07:00 PM

I MAY BE WRONG SO ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED WITH THIS MATTER.FROM WHAT I HAVE READ AND BEEN TOLD THE L 89 OPTION
WAS NOT OFFERED ON THE 70 NOVA. I HAVE SEEN 4 DIFFERENT SUFFIXES LISTED SO ANY INFO WOULD BE HELPFUL.THESE ARE THE ONES LISTED AS 1970 CHEVY 11 396 375 SHP WITH 4 SPEED TRANY.CKO,CKQ,CKT,CKU.

**Mr70** · #4 08-30-2006, 07:08 PM

That's right,no L-89 on the 70 Nova.
These are the L-78 Suffixes:
CKO-Manual Trans.
CTY-Auto Trans.
CKQ is a Manual w/HD clutch.
CKP,CKT & CKU were used on the 1970 Chevelle L-89 applications.
The 1970 Chevelle is the only car that could have received Al. heads.
I believe 18 did.

**JRSully** · #5 08-30-2006, 11:09 PM

No written and/or other concrete proof via Chev or GM has ever been produced that stated that the L89 was not available, it is just that no one has ever produced or brought forth a legit, orig L89 Nova, that is the popular belief

**Mr70** · #6 08-31-2006, 05:56 AM

I agree with that Sully to some extent.
1970 Tonawanda Records show 18 CKT(Manual) Al. Head engines built & 10 CKP(Auto.) Al. Head engines built for "A" body applications.
(This includes CKU suffix as well)
Chevrolet reports 18 1970 L-78 w/L-89 Al. Head Super Sport Chevelles & Elcaminos built did receive this option within the first 90 days of production,while the extra 10 engines were set aside for service useage,before being abruptly cancelled altogether.
I have found four 1970 L-78 w/L-89 Al. Heads Chevelles still existing to date.
Tonawanda records show only the Chevrolet "A" bodies were nominated for the L-78/L-89 option.No other mention of anyother Body styles.
Chevrolet Dealer ordering guides dated August 1969 show the L-78/L-89 option available for the Chevelle/Elco Super Sports only,and not for anyother car models.
A revised ordering guide dated November 1969 tells the salesman that RPO L-78 & L-89 is now cancelled and will cease taking orders for them.
There are a few dealer zone letters and product bulletins all repeating this same message.
Now I know this is just paper,but this and the fact that I have yet to see or hear about any Nova or anyother 1970 car model (Non Chevelle),to date with factory installed Aluminum Heads,makes me it hard for me to believe otherwise.
Ken Tibor included..

**WILMASBOYL78** · #7 08-31-2006, 06:14 AM

What exactly are you trying to find out?? The L-78 engine codes are pretty straight forward..are you building a car? buying a car? ......?????

wilma

**kwhizz** · #8 08-31-2006, 06:22 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I agree with that Sully to some extent.
1970 Tonawanda Records show 18 CKT(Manual) Al. Head engines built & 10 CKP(Auto.) Al. Head engines built for "A" body applications.(This includes CKU suffix as well)
Chevrolet reports 18 1970 L-78 w/L-89 Al. Head Super Sport Chevelles & Elcaminos built did receive this option within the first 90 days of production,while the extra 10 engines were set aside for service useage,before being abruptly cancelled altogether.I have found four 1970 L-78 w/L-89 Al. Heads Chevelles still existing to date.
Tonawanda records show only the Chevrolet "A" bodies were nominated for the L-78/L-89 option.No other mention of anyother Body styles.
Chevrolet Dealer ordering guides dated August 1969 show the L-78/L-89 option available for the Chevelle/Elco Super Sports only,and not for anyother car models.
A revised ordering guide dated November 1969 tells the salesman that RPO L-78 & L-89 is now cancelled and to cease taking customer orders for them.
There are a few dealer zone letters and product bulletins all repeating this same message.
Now I know this is just paper,but this and the fact that I have yet to see or hear about any Nova or anyother 1970 car model (Non Chevelle),to date with factory installed Aluminum Heads,makes me it hard for me to believe otherwise.
Ken Tibor included..

[/ QUOTE ]

"Sticks and Stones"...............

Ken

**WILMASBOYL78** · #9 08-31-2006, 06:34 AM

Rick, what you don't understand is those aluminun heads were a Wisconsin only option....something about the altitude or winter temps...I'm really not sure. Wisconsin dealers could special order aluminum heads on Novas provided there was enough 'cheese" available to cover the extra cost. Not positive but i think that is when the term "cheese heads" started!

wilma..still doing research with the State of Wisconsin

**kwhizz** · #10 08-31-2006, 03:41 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Rick, what you don't understand is those aluminun heads were a Wisconsin only option....something about the altitude or winter temps...I'm really not sure. Wisconsin dealers could special order aluminum heads on Novas provided there was enough 'cheese" available to cover the extra cost. Not positive but i think that is when the term "cheese heads" started!

wilma..still doing research with the State of Wisconsin

[/ QUOTE ]

Like you Guy's from New Yawk would "Know" anything about Cheese.......

Ken