I have the original P-O-P for my 70 El Camino SS 396 along with the build sheet and window sticker that originally came with the car. My question is from decoding the protectoplate, how can you prove that a car is a true SS car???

In 1970, the engine number on the POP should decode as a L34, L78, LS5, or LS6 if it is a SS. If the engine code is a small block or a LS3 big block then it is not a SS.

To word it a different way: the LS5, LS6, L34 & L78 were only available in SS models.

My motor is a 402 (396) / 350 HP 4 bbl motor. I cant remember if it is the L34 or L78 code though.

The 350hp 402 is the L34; the L78 is 375hp.

Ok thanks Dale. I always get the two of them reversed. The L78 was the one that was not available with A/C because of the higher RPM's if I remember right. Our car is a factory installed A/C system.

Thanks for clearing up my question everyone. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Originally posted by Resq302:
The L78 was the one that was not available with A/C because of the higher RPM's if I remember right.Correct.