Starter L78

[L78racer]

My Car is a 1968 LOS L78 Camaro 02C. I am looking for info on starter motors. The AMA spec calls out 1107365. But I have not yet seen one dated early 68. Most are 1965, 66, 67. I have a late 67 1108365 that came with the car. Is it possible there was a running change on these? Thanks, Paul

[bertfam]

They're out there Paul. Just keep looking. The 1107365 was used from the mid 60's to the early 70's, so you should be able to do an ebay search and find one close to your cars build date. What's the date on the one that came with the car? (Looks like 7L15?) It "could" be original, but I kind of doubt it. Starters were usually dated within a few days to a few weeks of the cars build date.

Ed

[L78racer]

It is dated 7L15.
Ok thanks Ed. I will keep looking. I'll hang on to this one in case I need parts for the next one.

[KurtS]

1108365 is an L6 starter, not original.

[L78racer]

Thank you. The search continues.

[L78racer]

would a 8B9 be a good match for my LOS 02C L78? Thanks, Paul

[bertfam]

Paul, the starter was installed at Norwood (or LA), and it has to be dated after your engine build, but before your car's build. If your engine suffix date code is before February 9th, then that's perfect.

Ed

[ko-lek-tor]

Paul, the starter was installed at Norwood (or LA), and it has to be dated after your engine build, but before your car's build. If your engine suffix date code is before February 9th, then that's perfect.

Ed

I am hesitant to have dissent with Ed, I usually find his remarks spot on. But I disagree, or want to know the reasoning, on component date(s) having to be after the engine build. Car build, yes, but engine build? Those engines and subsequent subassemblies, IE: starters, came into marriage at the assembly plant. Why could it not be possible that a starter or any other component put on at the car assembly plant was dated before or after the engine build? Now, if it was part of the engine as it left Tonawanda or Flint, then yes, it could not be after the assembly date of that particular engine. Am I right?

[bertfam]

Yes, by all means starters, alternators, etc... could be dated before the engine build. After all, they're assembled and shipped to the assembly plants in large batches. In general though, components are usually dated either shortly before, or shortly after the engine assembly date. Of course, this also depends on the application. Very common items, like low HP V8 starters or base 37 amp alternators, which are used on a lot more cars than the uncommon items, are usually dated closer to the car build date because there was more of a demand for these.

And yes, it's more important that it be dated prior to the car's assembly.

Ed

[L78racer]

Thank you.
Paul