More L-89 Nova Info

[kwhizz]

"The Tonawanda engine plant kept VERY accurate records on engines built during each model year. These "Summeries of Engines Built" list EVERY engine we built by assembly number and description. This number crossed over to a suffix code so from them I could determine how many of each SUFFIX CODE we built. Sometimes, as in the case of the L-89 engines built, I had further records. In these cases it was "engine canceled, not replaced" and then a date.

In the case of the L-89 engines in 1970, in October 1969 the L-89 396 option was canceled, not replaced. As far as the LS6/L89 NONE WERE BUILT. Period. In model year 1970 NO aluminum head LS6 engines were built. In 1971 there were 200 LS6 engines built and put into Corvettes, ALL were aluminum head (due to the lowered compression ratio).

I've spent many years researching big block production (ALL big blocks). I'm always open to new information, DOCUMENTED AND IRRIFUTABLE. But if anyone wants to contradict me they'd better have better records than I do!.

Sorry if this sounds "hard", but it's late and I'm tired. If you need anything more feel free to Email me.
Fran Preve"


Just quoting what I was told by Fran. As many know, he was a plant manager for many years at the Tonawanda plant and had aquired all the records for a period of time including the late 60's and early 70's. To my knowledge his widow now maintains these records. R.I.P. Fran


This info was in the Clements L-89 Chevelle thread and shines a little more light on the Production Dates for the L-89 option........Seems the Engine combo was dropped in October 69............The Black 1 of 1 car was built in the third week of March...........Another piece of the Puzzle.....Doesn't seem possible .......... .

Ken

[ron67]

Ken, You are the MAN!



Ron

[GreenLS6]

Which heads where used on those 70 l89 chevelles (396 engines) the books say 074's but I've never found the piston. did 842's carry over till the cancelation in late (OCT).69 ???

[Steve Shauger]

Yes

[92646]

Ken with this information is it possible that a 1968 or 1969 L89 Nova could have been built?

[old5.0]

69 seems most likely of the three, doesn't it?

[Kim_Howie]

If the L-89 was offered back then Fred Gibb would have had them on the 68 nova.

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

Hey Ken,
I was thinking the same thing about the late Oct.69 cancellation.The 1 of 1 Nova engine pad had a late Feb. build date stamped on it,Feb.22 or 26 if i remember.So that explains why there were 18 Chevelles built with the L89 heads,early production before going to the 454 block by Dec.1 of 69.I guess if you wanted the L89 heads bad enough you could still have the dealer install them from over the counter.

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
Hey Ken,
I was thinking the same thing about the late Oct.69 cancellation.The 1 of 1 Nova engine pad had a late Feb. build date stamped on it,Feb.22 or 26 if i remember.So that explains why there were 18 Chevelles built with the L89 heads,early production before going to the 454 block by Dec.1 of 69.I guess if you wanted the L89 heads bad enough you could still have the dealer install them from over the counter.

[/ QUOTE ]


In the case of the L-89 engines in 1970, in October 1969 the L-89 396 option was canceled, not replaced. "Fran Preve" (Plant Manager of Tonawanda)


So.........The Feb date stamp would be suspect according to the Tonawanda info as the L-89's were cancelled in Oct....Hummmm!!...........



I guess if you wanted the L89 heads bad enough you could still have the dealer install them from over the counter.

I Agree........But.......#842's probably would have been a better choice .....unless they didn't know any better............Seems to be some Major Issues here....

Ken

[70 Forest Green Zee]

[ QUOTE ]
Hey Ken,
I was thinking the same thing about the late Oct.69 cancellation.The 1 of 1 Nova engine pad had a late Feb. build date stamped on it,Feb.22 or 26 if i remember.So that explains why there were 18 Chevelles built with the L89 heads,early production before going to the 454 block by Dec.1 of 69.I guess if you wanted the L89 heads bad enough you could still have the dealer install them from over the counter.

[/ QUOTE ]

Or buy them from 427 King here on this site!