1969 Nova Engine Code

[Stefano]

Mayor,
You might be correct but I do not subscribe to that theory. Chevy/GM wouldn't have broken their rules, procedures and guide lines just to build a few aluminum head Novas, IMHO. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[Schonyenko2]

Stefano, I agree with you about the fact that GM had codes to cover pretty much everything. They have codes for L71s, 70 L89 chevelles,ZL1s,it would be very much out of character of GM to omit a code for an L89 nova.
I also agree that one should have surfaced by now if they exist. 311 is a lot of cars, and I seem to remember that some were supposed to have been built in 68 also. So that would add even more to the possible pool.
My thought on the use of the L78 code is just that. A thought. Illogical, and improbable. Even givin the L78 code use, no original owner, or documentable cars have been found.
So, 1: should we assume the number of cars claimed by GM is wrong? 2: Why is there no code listed specifically for novas if they were built? 3: Is this an unknown nova specific occurance?. 4: Were there any ever built, and if not why were they claimed by GM to have been? Schonye

[Kim_Howie]

The 70 camaro factory assembly manual shows 454 engines in the manual but we all that didn't happen. The first BB Nova in 68 was built around May with only 3 months run time it's hard to phathom Al heads on any of the 68's.

[copo-2]

I would also be interested to find anyone who can show proof of any factory built L-89 Novas. I have done a lot of research on the L-78's and have yet to find an L-89 that can be documented. I am not definitely saying there were none built, but like most of the rest on this board, the number 311 baffles my mind when a few have not surfaced? Another point I would like to make is the fact that Fred Gibb in 1968 had 50 of the COPO Novas built for the purpose of setting up an automatic class for NHRA dragstrips. What better way of weight reduction on these radio delete cars, and off the front end as well, would an L-89 set-up have? I know this is just a theory, but Fred would have been in a position to know of the available options? Another reason for my doubts of at least any number, remember the 50 car rule of NHRA. Check with them and see if they are allowed in stock class? Ray

[Keith Tedford]

Even the one Boss 429 Cougar was supposed to have been found according to a magazine article. There were about the same number of COPO Chevelles built as the supposed L89 Chevy IIs and look at how many of them have resurfaced. The engine codes would have been stamped in the Tonawanda engine plant. Stick shift cars came with the clutch installed and the automatics had the flex plate. This was enough to give the engines different codes. The L89 engines would also have had unique codes as well. Then again, GM did do some weird stuff so you have to be careful. I guess we'll just have to wait until some concrete documentation shows up. It would sure be frustrating knowing what you have and people not believing you. Been there.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I agree with all of you as well! 311 cars is lot of cars for 0 to have been documented, however, I personally do believe that some were produced - just not 311! I don't find it unusual that the L89 Nova application wasn't listed in the charts, the Deuce rear code isn't listed either - almost gave me a heart attack when I first bought my car

[Chevy454]

NHRA does indeed have a classification for the '69 L-89 Novas, for BOTH stock & superstock. But, if you know very much about NHRA then you know NOT to base your argument on anything they do or don't do!

And I can see both sides of the engine stamping argument. On one hand, things such as head gaskets and head bolt torques are different between the L-78 and L-89. But on the other hand, the Nova/Camaro did share rear-end codes, as Marlin stated. I would tend to think they would have used a different code, but what do I know?!

As for the *why* behind the L-89...

[John]

...on the 1968 to 1972 nova cowl tag....is there any designation for what SIZE motor came in the car?...is it the same as on the camaro...like if it had a 375hp motor compared to a 325hp motor...