Is my 1968 Camaro an L34 or L35 motor

[z281967cam]

Just purchased a 1968 RS/SS big block car missing the engine. It has a 5500 redline tach so I know it wasn't an L78. Just wondering if there are any tell tail signs I should look for.
Thanks
Mark

[bertfam]

Without documentation or the original engine, it's almost impossible. The only differences between the L35 and L34 was the M21 close ratio 4 speed transmission was available on the L34 but not on the L35. If you have an M21, you had an L34. If you have any other transmission, it could have been either.

You can't go by the tachometer either. There were variations in usage in 68 so a 5.5k doesn't always mean a L34 or L35. More info HERE (read note 5).

What's the VIN?

Ed

[uscrichter]

I believe the chambered exhaust was mandatory on all '68 L34 coupes , maybe another clue as to if it was equipped with the L34 VS. L35

[bertfam]

I believe the chambered exhaust was mandatory on all '68 L34 coupes , maybe another clue as to if it was equipped with the L34 VS. L35

Chambered exhaust was 1969. The OP has a 1968.

Ed

[z281967cam]

The vin is  124378L333858 . I do have the original trans with the car, how do I determine what M series trans it is. It does have the partial vin stamped in the case.
Thanks
mark

[bertfam]

Not always exact, since the transmission may have been rebuilt as something it didn't leave the factory as, you can count the rings in the input shaft if it's out of the car. No rings - M22. One ring - M21. Two rings - M20.

If it's not out of the car, it's probably not worth the effort to pull it. Just check the next time you have the transmission out.

Ed

[x66 714]

Since it's an LA car you might get lucky & find a build sheet on top of the gas tank. All I found was the tape....Joe

[Kelley W King]

just a thought, wouldn,t the distributer part numbers be different?

[uscrichter]

Yes, the distributor and carb are specific to that engine, but you would need the engine with the original components.

[z281967cam]

The Transmission is out, I bought the car as a basket case, it still retains the original transmission  and Muncie shifter, which by the way has 2 rings, so I guess i have a 325 hp 396 RS/SS , Now the quest is to locate a buildable engine and bring this car back to life.

[bertfam]

...so I guess i have a 325 hp 396 RS/SS...

No, you have the M20 transmission, which was available on both the L35 AND the L34 so that's of no help.

If you still have the original distributor, that would help. Or the original carburetor. Post those numbers if you have them.

Ed

[169INDY]

Is the Fuel Line intact, Y/N

If Yes take a photo of it in detail at the front of the frame where it ruminates and is supported.

[bcmiller]

Fuel line same for L34 and L35.

What is the axle code? Check the front edge of the passenger side axle axle tube for the stamped information.

Mark I would like to add the information on your car to the CRG database if possible.

[z281967cam]

I'll get the axle code later today and post it. Also while I'm back there will pull the fuel tank and hopefuly find the build sheet. I found a small tag that was hog ringed to the bottom of rear seat but had no real info

[bcmiller]

Sounds good. Thank you!