Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Big Blocks built at the Tonawanda Factory

« on: February 25, 2023, 09:02:00 PM »

Thanks again Ed. As soon as I can I'll strip the paint off the pad and post the pic.
The car was delivered to Prout Chevrolet in Elyria, Ohio on 4/21/1969. If you Google Prout Chevrolet it comes back that they were very much into selling HP Camaros. It kind of gave me hope that they would be the type of dealer that would order a L78 Pace Car. One could only hope!
Your comments are appreciated....thanks.
Gary

2

General Discussion / Re: Big Blocks built at the Tonawanda Factory

« on: February 25, 2023, 07:26:19 PM »

Thanks Ed for the reply. What are you seeing that made you determine the block was restamped?
Was it the date stamp or the vin code?

3

General Discussion / Re: Big Blocks built at the Tonawanda Factory

« on: February 25, 2023, 05:52:06 PM »

I took a couple of pictures of the pad stampings. A little tough without removing the alternator.
Picture of trim tag for the Z11 also.
I can't get to the casting date on the block right now but when I bought the car in 1991 I checked the casting date and it was before the assembly date.
I had removed the valve covers to check the casting numbers of the heads and the date codes and they were good also. I remember the dates on the L & R head were not the same.
Kind of makes sense that left & right heads might not be cast at the same time....sort of a mix and match.
Thanks for your help....Gary

4

General Discussion / Big Blocks built at the Tonawanda Factory

« on: February 24, 2023, 10:22:50 PM »

I own a 1969 Pace car that has the L78 - 396/375HP motor. The date code on the engine pad is T0406JH. April 6th. This happens to be a Sunday! I have heard that the Tonawanda plant was so busy that it was operational nearly 24/7. Does anyone have confirmation that engines could have been built on a Sunday? I would appreciate whatever information you can give me...Thanks!