1969/1970 L78 nova questions????

[todd micheal]

New member, long time reader, I have bought a 1969 l78 nova built on 02D.I have found broad cast sheet, not 100% but can make out most of codes. I am in need of a block and not sure about the time span on date codes A friend has a 290# block stamped with the correct sufix for my car quit sure it is a CE block ,Block is a 1971 block 4 bolt main.I know a 854 would be correct But orginal is long gone.CE is the next best thing. But when it comes to heads and other parts are janurary 1970 parts too soon? Ex heads, exhaust, dis.and water pump. I am tring to restore to keep and be as correct as possible. This is my second car I am the owner of a forest green duece 4 speed car #117. Any help would be great Will try to respond as soon as possible. Thanks for any and all comments. Todd

[kwhizz]

Todd...........Welcome to the "Best" Muscle Car Info site on the net.........I'm sure all your questions will be answered by the more qualified Experts that frequent here......Again........Welcome

Ken

[todd micheal]

Ken, Thanks for the welcome, Love this site had some time decided to become a member.

[Stefano]

The "854" Block which is actually a 402 ci would be correct for the 1970 model year only. I have never seen a '69 Nova with one. The correct casting for your '69 would be a "272" 396 ci casting.

[Schonyenko2]

Todd, I think all the 69 novas had 840 heads, and 163 intakes whereas the 70 was a "new" 396/402 with small plug heads, and the low rise aluminum intake.
I can't remember any cases of carryover as this was a 402 in 70 although it was still called a 396.
How about some deuce pictures? And we'd sure like to hear about it.

[todd micheal]

Stefano, Thanks for writting back. My car was built in 1970 febuary 4th week But it is a 1969 body style. Shouldnt that be a 854 casting block Because of the build date.The car came with a 272 block with no vin on pad but correct suffix for car dated march 21st 1969.Last owner had no info on the block, but checked out at the machine shop.I though it would be to late for the car the 272 block???? Would a 290 casting block be correct?? dated 1971. Please any help would be appreciated. Thanks again.

[todd micheal]

Schon, I wish i knew how to post pics. Marlin know all about that car he helped me in the resto.Its forest green 4 speed, ps steering, sport mirror , dixco gauge package,with paper work ,orginal drive train Thanks for the help.

[Stefano]

If your car has a 1969 Vin which corresponds to a correct 1969 trim tag then the 02D would represent the 4th week of February 1969.

Production for the 1969 Model would have run from approx August of 1968 to approx the end July of 1969.

"290" Blocks are also 402s were to have been phased in/ used late in the production run.

I have a 1970 L78 with an "854" block cast F 8 70.

[427king]

That car would most certainly be a 854 block. I find it hard to believe that while there were 291 heads cast in early June of 1969,that they would never have been used on cars built in the same model year and 4 months later.I know of several original 69 camaros that had one 291 and one 840 from the factory.So the possibility there were cars with 291s on both sides is more than probable in my opinion.And since 840 production ended in the first days of June 69,they could have run out of them by the end of that strike year,with some 69 camaro L78s being made in Oct 69 or 4 months later . I believe the reason 291s were made in June 69, and then not again until september 69 tells me they made those to make up for the lack of 840s to get them thru production. In non strike years June dated heads would last until the end of that years production,but 69 lasted alot longer and i believe GM casted the June 69 heads to cover than extended production.

[todd micheal]

stefano My vin is 114279w430890 The trim tag states (02d) as build code?? That should equal (1970 feb. 4th week) correct..But car is with out a doubt a 1969 model, Thats a no brainer. Please let me know if i am missing something .