[z/27 camaro]

Gentlemen....[and i use that term loosely!! LOL]....i friend of mine just bought a 1970 L78, [aluminum head] 396 camaro.
it does not have the original motor.
it does say L78 0n the cowl tag.
is there such an animal in 1970?
how rare are they???
i know there were availible in 68 and 69 i think, but i never heard of them in 70??

any body got any info??

 

[JOE58]

From what I have read - there were a little over 600 made. Should not have AC. No documented Auto trans cars have been found but not sure if all were 4sp or not.

 

[70 RS/Z-28]

I have owned a couple of '70 L-78 Camaros. The one I still own is also a Rally Sport and is blue w/black, M-22,12-bolt 4.10 and is all #'s matching. My particular car is one of the very first or perhaps the first?? L-78 '70 Camaro. It was one of the first 5000 cars built at Norwood in 1970. All the ones I have owned and seen have had "L78" stamped on the cowl tag. This would pertain only to the Norwood built cars. They should also all have a 12 bolt rear, F-41 suspension which includes the rear sway bar w/mounts welded to the rear frame rails, and all the other SS goodies. Contrary to popular belief, some of these cars do not have the full gauges as they were optional on the SS cars.

It is believed all 600 were built as 4 speeds, however, someone on this board claimed to own an LA built L-78 w/factory turbo 400, but they have yet to produce any documentation.

I would bet there is a 99.99999999% chance the aluminum heads were added by a previous owner. What are the casting dates of the engine, heads, and the assembly stamp on the front pad?

I run a registry of these cars and would like to get the cowl tag, vin, and option info. You can email me the details if you don't want to post.

These are great cars and very under appreciated.

[This message has been edited by 70 RS/Z-28 (edited 05-24-2001).]

 

[z/27 camaro]

70 RS/Z28.......is not a L78 an aluminum head engine code??

it does not have the original motor in it. its gota SB.

 

[Jeff H]

That's L89 you're thinking of.

 

[Bob R]

I offered to fly (at my own expense)out to the West Coast to Document this alleged T400 L78 Car. I was going to be a Neutral 3rd Party. It has been several months now with no response so I have to chalk this up to another BS Story. Without some sort of verifcation from a 3rd Party, I have to say there were No 1970 L78's that were Automatic.

Bob R

------------------
1973 Z28 Original owner
1971 RS Z28 in Restoration

 

[z/27 camaro]

so.....is there any L89 396 1970 camaro's???
where would you find this ID on the car? or would you?

 

[70 RS/Z-28]

Z/27,

There are no documented 1970 L-89 Camaros in existence. 1969 was the last year for the L89 in the Camaro. There were a handful of '70 L-89 engines built by Tonawanda coded for Chevelles, but none to my knowledge have been docuemnted to have ever been installed. If your car has "L78" on the trim tag it is 1 of 600 built and would be a nice one to keep. IMO, they are still undervalued for their rarity. Still like to get the VIN, trim tag and other info from your car for my '70 L-78 registry.

Bob R, I'm not surprised about the purported L-78 automatic. The owner claimed to have an LA buildsheet. Things got awefully quiet once it got to "put up or shut up". Maybe I'll see you at the Atlanta Super Chevy next weekend.

[This message has been edited by 70 RS/Z-28 (edited 05-25-2001).]

 

[clill]

I have seen the L78 Auto car that you guys are talking about. When I saw it I didn't know there was so much discussion about it so I didn't pay much attention to it. I have talked to the Owner since then and asked about maybe seeing the Paperwork at some point. He is thinking about it. He does not use the Internet and does not know the extent that this car is being discussed. He is worried about someone trying to copy paperwork. He does not buy and sell cars. He just collects and Restores 70's. He has some nice cars and is a nice guy. I will approach him again the next time I see him. I don't know him well but he is a Respected member of our Camaro Club and if he says he has real paperwork to document the car I would tend to believe him. Hopefully at some point this can be solved.

 

[John68rs]

Well said Clill.

------------------
1968 RS, 355/4spd/12 blt w/3.55's.www.camarogenerations.com

 

[YenkoYS100]

I have 1 of the 600 '70 L78 Camaro blocks.

I also have the dist. I had the complete engine but sold the other parts years ago. <kick kick>
-------------
Rick
p.s. Clill> Wanna race trucks ? LOL
http://imagehost.auctionwatch.com/preview/ri/rickauto/Litesurf.JPG



[This message has been edited by YenkoYS100 (edited 05-25-2001).]

 

[terminatorL89]

Hello mr. CLill I am looking for 70 camaro big block car ,project's are preferred but not nessasary,May I ask you if the camaro club members user
name or contact.The you are talking about with the 70 L78 auto 400 turbo car? CLill is that car for sale you mention the 70 L78 car.project car,Or I also
am looking for
70 Z 28 cars too.If you or any member's have one or have leads to one
i strongly appreicate your help.To find one.My Regards go out people on this great site.

 

[Z15CAM]

terminatorL89

It’s nice to come across a post regarding the 70 Camaro and see the car gaining popularity in lieu of the 1st Gen shadow. Enthusiasts are out there; I’m one myself and have owned a 70 z28 since 76. My 70 z28 came with a transplanted 396 L78 from what I can only guess came out of a 66 Vette. That motor had a Factory Oil Canister and Grooved rear cam journal.

As the motor was not the original 350LT1, I replaced 396 with a Modified 454 LS3 out of a 73 Laguna El Camino. Click on the link below to read specs.

I’ve driven both 1st Gen and my own 70 z and can testify that the 70 has it all over a 1st Gen in regards to Ride and Handling. The 70 z28 and SS Camaro are RARE today as they were only built for ½ a year and many parts are specific to the 70 and almost impossible to replace. I refer to: 12 Bolt Rear End, Front Sub Frame, Seats, Interior Trim, Head Liner Emblems ... etc. These cars were stuffed with probably the BEST Hi-Perf Parts available from GM.

Let’s see more of them Round Tail Lights on the Road and Good Luck.

 

[GM_Restoration_Parts]

I have from what I am told one of the L78 tachometers. I listed it on EBAY...anyone have any ideas as to what it is worth? Did all L78 cars come with tachometers?

Here it is on EBAY:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MESE:IT&viewitem=&item=270159404612&rd=1

 

[RPOZ28]

Here is a 70 L78 Camaro with a TH400 in it. Does anyone know what the ZQ9 performance axle ratio is? Ed

 

[Z15CAM]

RPOZ28

I believe the "ZQ9" Code refers to a 4.10:1 Gear Ratio. My 70Z had that code and came with a 12 Bolt Posi with the 4.10:1 Ratio; however, since yours is a BB the "ZQ9" may refer to say 3.73:1 Ratio.

I presently run a 3.08:1 as most my driving is Hwy.

 

[biafore]

has there ever been a tag stated L78 z27 in 1970 on the cowl. this car has 12 bolt this car was built in norwood. this car has the f41 RPO.

 

[Z15CAM]

Go to this site for 70 Cowl Tag Info: http://www.nastyz28.com/camaro/camaro70.php

 

[70ChevyGuy]

Hey Gents...new to the site.

I am beginning my search for a documented no questions 70 L78. I realize they are hard to come by so any leads would be appreciated.

G'day!

 

[L7869]

"I’ve driven both 1st Gen and my own 70 z and can testify that the 70 has it all over a 1st Gen in regards to Ride and Handling. The 70 z28 and SS Camaro are RARE today as they were only built for ½ a year and many parts are specific to the 70 and almost impossible to replace. I refer to: 12 Bolt Rear End, Front Sub Frame, Seats, Interior Trim, Head Liner Emblems ... etc. These cars were stuffed with probably the BEST Hi-Perf Parts available from GM.

Let’s see more of them Round Tail Lights on the Road and Good Luck. "
__________________
well said and you are completly correct. I also own a 70 Z and it is hands down a better car then any 1st gen ever was.