I need some info on the L78 396 especially about the so called 450 horse heads and whether to go back to the solid lift cam. Any and all info on the L78 please.

An L-78 motor was rated 375hp in the A/F/X cars and 425hp in the 'Vette's and Big Cars b/c of their better exhaust manifolds AND it is a true, about 410hp motor.

As for 450hp heads, are you talking about the 375hp/396, L-89 option, aluminum heads? B/c they came stock with big rect. port cast-iron heads anyway...

pdq67

All forged 11 to 1 CR. rotating assembly, 242 duration at .050", about .500" net lift solid cam, Holley and high-rise intake system, big valve rect. port cast-iron heads sorta deal is all...

I think with the 70l78 name hes talking about the #291 LS-6 (454/450HP)heads which were the same head used on the 402/375 motor. Motor is a 4bolt block #854 for 70, crossdrilled steel crank, 3/8 dimple rods, forged 11-1 pistons closed chamber SQ port 2.19/1.88 valve heads #291 for 70, aluminum intake low rise for 70, 780cfm holley carb, open element air cleaner. If your by chance looking for an original #854 375HP 402 4bolt block have a nice std bore one "CKO" code. U can email me at supersport6667@hotmail.com

He said a 396 motor or am I missing something here???

pdq67

pdq

even though the engine technically was a 402 the cars still had 396 emblems on them.