So what's the deal on L79s?

[bugsy]

L79 one step below the L78. lol

[markjohnson]

I've always been under the assumption that something happened at General Motors in 1967 that limited the big-horse stuff on everything except Corvettes. The late year re-introduction of the L78 in Chevelles & Camaros, the extremely rare '67 L79 Nova, and let's not forget the big-car L72's. There were lots of L72 full-size cars in 1966 and 1968 but the '67 L72's are practically non-existent. There's probably a VERY interesting Chevrolet-issued memo floating around somewhere to explain this.

[Lee Stewart]

Originally Posted by markjohnson

I've always been under the assumption that something happened at General Motors in 1967 that limited the big-horse stuff on everything except Corvettes. The late year re-introduction of the L78 in Chevelles & Camaros, the extremely rare '67 L79 Nova, and let's not forget the big-car L72's. There were lots of L72 full-size cars in 1966 and 1968 but the '67 L72's are practically non-existent. There's probably a VERY interesting Chevrolet-issued memo floating around somewhere to explain this.

That memo probably coincided with the one that stated that only the Corvette would have multiple carbs for the 1967 model year as an RPO. Though the only affected cars were the GTO and the 442.

I was always under the impression that the introduction of the L78 to the Camaro SS was timed with it being chosen as the Pace Car for the Indy 500. Am I wrong?

[Schonyenko2]

L79s were still available in Chevelles, and Novas in 68 at 325 HP. Both ran very well. Would blow the doors off most SS Chevelles up to the L78s and give them a good run depending on rear end ratios.
The early Chevy lls were the prodigy of Bill Thomas who started dropping 375 hp Corvette 327s transplants in. The "Deuce" legend started with those cars and continued with the factory L79s in 66. They were one of the most feared street cars prior to the big dog LS6 Chevelles.
Yenko redefined the Chevyll L79 with the LT/1 350 70 Deuces. Neither one was much afraid of any semi stock car on the street.

[442w30]

Wasn't the '68 engine slightly different? Like no aluminum intake anymore?

[WILMASBOYL78]

Originally Posted by 442w30

Wasn't the '68 engine slightly different? Like no aluminum intake anymore?

You are correct the 68 version used a cast iron intake...interestingly enough it was still rated 350hp in the Corvette, but 325hp in the Nova and Chevelle.

The L79 is one of those engines that has an almost mythical quality...it was a real runner. As others have mentioned, many a big block Chevelle was surprised by this little power house

-wilma

[jasonL78]

My old 68 L79 nova I restored ran very well. Was by far the fastest small block I have ever driven.

[67 Nova Boy]

It has been a myth to this day why they only made 6 or 7 {67} Chevyll L79

Here is a factory order sheet for 66 and 67 Chevyll

66 Chevyll with L79 on order sheet

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tbn8T16K8eKw8q477

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFPkLoUXeNGXnNuM7

67 Chevyll without L79

https://photos.app.goo.gl/87cUB7aeDFXcydYW6

Here is Jacks 67 Chevyll L79...very rare car. One of 6

[Schonyenko2]

Originally Posted by 442w30

Wasn't the '68 engine slightly different? Like no aluminum intake anymore?

Correct. Also had the larger journal crank shaft which helped them live longer at higher RPMs.

[markjohnson]

Yep, I had one of '68 L79 Novas and despite their 11:1 compression and famous #151 camshaft, it had a cast iron intake and Q-Jet perched on top of it (with its original 14x3 open element air cleaner). It was a one-owner car (non-SS) with factory buckets, Muncie 4-gear, 3.55 12-bolt, and a set of Goodyear Blue Streak slicks in the trunk!