I have found a real Z11 camaro and I need help with what engine originally came in this car. It currently has a 427. The owner claims it had a 396 originally but I am not sure how to figure this out. I know it should be an L78 but is this code on the body somewhere?
Thanks, Bryan
I'm looking at my Trim Tag identification reference for 1969 and I see that an X22 code (Style Trim w/SS-396) should be referenced. There is an * there that states "Norwood Late Style Only, VIN 544001 to end of production.
Maybe some can help verify this.
Is this x22 code found on the cowl tag or somewhere else?
Thanks, Bryan
Yes, I referenced this from the book "Original Camaro 1967-1969" by Jason Scott". It shows a picture of how the trim tag (cowl tag should look). Located upper firewall next to the windshield wiper motor. I would be careful since a tag can be easily made. The book states there were only 4,889 L78 375hp 396ci made. There is a Camaro Pace Car club that I occasionally run across, I'm sure they could help.
Regardless of engine all Z11s built at Norwood [N in the VIN] have Z11 body tags.
Three 396 engines were available: L34 350 hp, L35 325 hp, L78 375 hp. The L78 could have also been ordered with L89 aluminum heads.
If the car does not have a/c check the location of the heater core tubes. On a big-block the tubes are in the center of the heater box cover next to the engine. The factory punched two holes in the cover and placed a collar with rubber gasket over the tubes. If the car was a small-block the tubes are next to the cover, nearly behind the engine.
Another indicator is the fuel line. If there are 2, the car was built with a QJ carb and could not be an L78.
Things being how they are today this is all academic. A bb Z11 needs original paperwork to be taken seriously.
So is there any way to tell which 396 it was, L34, L35, L78?
L34 and L35 had two fuel lines, L78 had one.