Could it be a real L-78? [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Could it be a real L-78?


jimhudgins4
Dec 15th, 07, 12:27 AM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Chevelle-SS-L78-396-375-Survivor-W-Build-sheet_W0QQitemZ170178025746QQihZ007QQcategoryZ6164 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Dave Birdwell
Dec 15th, 07, 1:10 AM
Yep. I like how he calls it a survivor and then goes on to tell how it has been repainted, rebuilt and detailed...
But it is real and a nice looking car.

oldtimebaseballfan
Dec 15th, 07, 11:38 AM
It appears to be legit but the build sheet shows assembly date of 11-04 and the rear end code is 11-04. He states it is the original rear.

DougA
Dec 15th, 07, 1:28 PM
Tim, he also says the rear is just like it came from the factory.With a 355 ratio?I thought only 331 and 410 in 70.

69396ss
Dec 15th, 07, 1:39 PM
The 3:55 rear was standard on the L:78. it discontinued with the L78 Option.

The Solid Lifter 70's were all AIR equipped, and his Manifolds appear to be drilled and plugged.

I'm also surprised that a matching numbers L78 does not only show a picture of the VIN stamp, but also dosent list the Engine Suffix or VIN.

The Cowl specifics are also not detailed for comparison to Suffix stamp etc.

It looks like it definately has potential but clearly not enough information given on the Ad to qualify it as a legitimate matching numbers L78.

Additional info needed.

Edit: I just realized the seller offers a 100% Money back guarentee that it is an original L78 with original born with Engine and rear.

How's that for standing behind you car's claims of authenticity?

I'd say based on remark, that it's a safe bet.

Interesting car for sure.

TonyZ
Dec 15th, 07, 1:42 PM
why can't I find that engine casting number (3969954) anywhere?

TonyZ
Dec 15th, 07, 1:47 PM
3969854 He must have typed it in wrong

TonyZ
Dec 15th, 07, 1:53 PM
It appears to be legit but the build sheet shows assembly date of 11-04 and the rear end code is 11-04. He states it is the original rear.

Appears to be the only anomoly at this time. If you read his ad he states

"I do however offer a 100% money back guarantee that the car is a REAL L78 396/375 car with the born L78 engine & rearend as previously stated."

That's a helluva lot more guarantee than you would usually see.

Don_Lightfoot
Dec 15th, 07, 2:19 PM
The 3:55 rear was standard on the L:78. it discontinued with the L78 Option.

John, maybe you can clarify that sentence. Sounds like you are contradicting yourself, at least the way I read it :confused: ;)

69396ss
Dec 15th, 07, 2:32 PM
:) "along with"

furball8994
Dec 15th, 07, 2:36 PM
I'm also surprised that a matching numbers L78 does not only show a picture of the VIN stamp, but also dosent list the Engine Suffix or VIN.



It looks like it definately has potential but clearly not enough information given on the Ad to qualify it as a legitimate matching numbers L78.

Additional info needed.

I did not get a picture of the engine pad in the auction, but is is 100% original & looks like it is suppose to & like I said it is guaranteed to be %100 original. I will be glad to email pictures of this to seriuos buyers

VIN # 136370A1108536, Engine pad - T1024CKO 10A108536, Casting # on back of block -3969954,casting # on heads-3964291 HI-PERF, Intake#3963569,carb3967477-GG LIST 4557,Distributor 1112000, waterneck on intake GM3958002, Exhaust manifold 3916178, Rear axle code CKF1104B .


I think this is my favorite picture. Look in the garage!!
http://i1.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/cb/f1/6119_3.JPG

69396ss
Dec 15th, 07, 2:41 PM
It's common for a man with 2 LS6's to be forced to park the L78 in the driveway :D

furball8994
Dec 15th, 07, 2:44 PM
It's common for a man with 2 LS6's to be forced to park the L78 in the driveway :D

I wish I had that problem. LOL

TonyZ
Dec 15th, 07, 3:46 PM
It's common for a man with 2 LS6's to be forced to park the L78 in the driveway :D

But in his ad he says the L78 is twice as rare as those 2 LS6's. That picture of the three of them is quite appealing though.

TonyZ
Dec 15th, 07, 4:03 PM
Yep. I like how he calls it a survivor and then goes on to tell how it has been repainted, rebuilt and detailed...
But it is real and a nice looking car.

Y'know Dave we see that often. True survivor status is a hard mark to meet, and I think the term has become more generic. The car in question is a restoration. The original parts that are not on the car are included in the auction. The work was done in 1984, including paint and door panels according to the seller.

Don_Lightfoot
Dec 15th, 07, 4:43 PM
:) "along with"

Thanks for the clarification pal ;)

69396ss
Dec 15th, 07, 5:42 PM
Thanks for the clarification pal ;)

It's been a tough crowd as of late. :D

Don_Lightfoot
Dec 15th, 07, 6:55 PM
It's been a tough crowd as of late. :D

:D :D :D :D

Hey, I've been corrected on similar stuff several times. What we mean as the writer when we type it out, is not always the same as somebody who reads it.

DougA
Dec 15th, 07, 8:55 PM
The 3:55 rear was standard on the L:78. it discontinued with the L78 Option.

The Solid Lifter 70's were all AIR equipped, and his Manifolds appear to be drilled and plugged.

I'm also surprised that a matching numbers L78 does not only show a picture of the VIN stamp, but also dosent list the Engine Suffix or VIN.

The Cowl specifics are also not detailed for comparison to Suffix stamp etc.

It looks like it definately has potential but clearly not enough information given on the Ad to qualify it as a legitimate matching numbers L78.

Additional info needed
Edit: I just realized the seller offers a 100% Money back guarentee that it is an original L78 with original born with Engine and rear.

How's that for standing behind you car's claims of authenticity?

I'd say based on remark, that it's a safe bet.

Interesting car for sure.

Wow,did not know that about the L-78 rear ratio.I love this website,I learn something new every day.If I could just remember it all.....

69396ss
Dec 15th, 07, 9:35 PM
Wow,did not know that about the L-78 rear ratio.I love this website,I learn something new every day.If I could just remember it all.....

The more I learn the more I realize how little I actually know. :thumbsup:

Dave Birdwell
Dec 15th, 07, 10:16 PM
It's common for a man with 2 LS6's to be forced to park the L78 in the driveway :D

:D :D :D Dats funny!

After driving both cars, I wouldn't even let the L78 in my addition, much less in my driveway. :noway:
I'll take the L78's cash and build me an LS6 clone that I can whip the dogcrap out of and not have to worry about breaking the motor. :thumbsup:

I took out the last LS6 I did (it was MINE :D ) and ripped off 155 feet of 4.10 posi Wide Ovals, All without turning the engine above 5000 rpm. So much torque it is amazing.

Canucit@msn.com
Dec 15th, 07, 10:51 PM
I didnt know that those carbs came with the 70 chevelle
but what do I know I own a 67 Ha

Wheelhop
Dec 15th, 07, 10:58 PM
The L78 in a 1970 Chevelle is twice as rare as an LS6.

69396ss
Dec 15th, 07, 11:01 PM
I didnt know that those carbs came with the 70 chevelle
but what do I know I own a 67 Ha



What? Holleys?

jimhudgins4
Dec 16th, 07, 9:49 AM
The current bid is at $40,100.00 with 7 days remaining in the auction and the car does not have original tranmission!

The comments have been very interesting about this car.

Has anyone been able to track the VIN number for this Atlanta car to see if it falls in line with the date?

skyman51
Dec 16th, 07, 9:57 AM
With my rotten eyesight, I can;t tell from the pics. Can anyone see and verify the head casting maek behind the PS pump,verifying it has 291 heads?

69396ss
Dec 16th, 07, 10:36 AM
Yes, the casting mark is correct for the 291 Head.

69396ss
Dec 16th, 07, 10:50 AM
Has anyone been able to track the VIN number for this Atlanta car to see if it falls in line with the date?


I did not see the trim tag or build date to cross reference the VIN sequence.

skyman51
Dec 16th, 07, 11:04 AM
From what I have seen so far and the intelligent description the seller has posted, I would say if anyone is truly interested in this car that they call the seller and discuss it further. Ebay is nothing more then exposure and very few quality cars make reserve. I have a figure in mind of what a real L78 is worth,which I will keep to myself,but I doubt it will make that on ebay.:beers:

69396ss
Dec 16th, 07, 11:14 AM
I did see something on this car that I couldn't explain.

I thought that with standard interior, the belts were black as well as the standard plastic Buckles.

With the Deluxe Belt option, the Webbing was interior color and the Buckles were brushed Stainless.

In this vehicle, the webbing is interior color, and the plastic Buckles are interior color.

HAs anyone seen this before or is this a fabrication?

Dave Birdwell
Dec 16th, 07, 8:10 PM
The L78 in a 1970 Chevelle is twice as rare as an LS6.

But only half as quick or fun to drive :D :yes:
The current bid is at $40,100.00 with 7 days remaining in the auction and the car does not have original tranmission!

The comments have been very interesting about this car.

Has anyone been able to track the VIN number for this Atlanta car to see if it falls in line with the date?

Yes, the build date is on the build sheet, and with the VIN being on the sheet, it has to line up. :thumbsup:

I did see something on this car that I couldn't explain.

I thought that with standard interior, the belts were black as well as the standard plastic Buckles.

With the Deluxe Belt option, the Webbing was interior color and the Buckles were brushed Stainless.

In this vehicle, the webbing is interior color, and the plastic Buckles are interior color.

HAs anyone seen this before or is this a fabrication?

John, the car has the standard belts in it, and I believe that they are correct. Some interior colors got black, I think.

69396ss
Dec 16th, 07, 8:47 PM
Strange, I know that with red interiors, the Standard belts are Black with Black Buckles.

So different colors received different standard belt configuration?

69396ss
Dec 16th, 07, 8:57 PM
Looks like green received Green as shown, biege recieved Black, I know Red received Black.

Interesting. Never noticed that Standard belts varied from Black with certain interior Colors.


I apologize for the digression.

TonyZ
Dec 17th, 07, 10:43 AM
I did not see the trim tag or build date to cross reference the VIN sequence.

PM me for the trim tag sequence numbers. I have a picture of the trim tag, VIN plate, and both stamps on the engine.

69396ss
Dec 17th, 07, 12:29 PM
VIN 108536 Cowl Date 11A

Last Car in Atlanta October is 107576.

Lines up perfectly for 11A Assembly date.


I doubt there's much to doubt, on this one.

Neal Wright
Dec 17th, 07, 1:04 PM
But in his ad he says the L78 is twice as rare as those 2 LS6's. That picture of the three of them is quite appealing though.

See, the picture proves it ... there are twice as many LS6's as L78's for 1970. Simple math:-)

Actually, I did already know the L78 was more rare. One of those instances though, where it's value won't be higher than an LS6.
Neal

Astro Vent
Dec 17th, 07, 1:47 PM
is the l78 rarer than the ls5 though?

dreis454
Dec 17th, 07, 1:53 PM
is the l78 rarer than the ls5 though?

yes,by far:yes:

69396ss
Dec 17th, 07, 1:58 PM
But so was the LS5.

(2) examples of Rarity not equating to Value.

Dave Birdwell
Dec 17th, 07, 4:25 PM
L78=2214
LS5=4298
LS6=4475
All figures are close approximations, your figures may vary. :)

rubadub
Dec 23rd, 07, 8:23 PM
Well about a half hour on it.

Rob

Sean70SS
Dec 23rd, 07, 11:23 PM
Interesting bid history looks like same old EBAY crap. Car was at 41k and stagnet then a bidder comes and nails up several times. Just ask what you want and sell it. Not that my 2 cents matter but it sure does get old.

Sean