70 Nova Big Block Question

[kwhizz]

I bought an original 70 Nova Big Block L34 car....Turbo 400.....column shift....bench seat.....12 bolt 3:55 Posi.....Power Steering......Power Disc Brakes .....black walls......steel rims.....small caps......the car came out of the L.A. area and is as perfect as they get
The car has a CE Engine in it.....TCS system and evaporative cannister........
My question is.....all the info I've read shows that there should be a 1/4" return fuel line with this engine combo........I have only a single 3/8" line......Could it have been a 375 H.P. car......I know there were more 375HP cars built than the L34 cars.........I have access to a date correct 396-375 engine..........what do you guys think....would it have more value as a L34 or a 375......it doesn't have the correct engine anyway......just want some opinions
Thanks
Ken

[JRSully]

Sounds like it could be an L78 originally, of course the L78's got the single fuel line (although some L34's have apparently come through with a single fuel line). Most L78's received the 3:55 as a base gear vs. the 3:31 for the L34 cars, and and I beleive the TCS set up may be L78 only, I don't know for sure if the L34's got that. Godd luck and post some pics when you can. Sully

[Mr70]

All 1970 Cars were built with TCS-Transmission Controlled Spark.
As far as it's value,I would think the L78 engine you drop in it would enhance that,unless you have the Factory replacement L34 CE block in it,with a buildsheet or the like to support the cars authenticity.
Can you relay ALL the Numbers & letters stamped on the engine pad?
As far as what it was originally built as,can you relay the Transmission Suffix code & date & Serial number on the passenger side Al. tag?
Also what is the rearend suffix & date?
Is there a factory tach,if so what is the redline on it?

[kwhizz]

The CE engine and heads have 68 date codes (confusing)....where would I find the Trans code???? I'll check the rear end stuff tomorrow......Thanks in Advance

Ken

[Mr70]

*The Engine-Look on the machined pad behind the alternator.Relay exactly what it says.It should show something like,T0522 CE123456
*The Transmission-Look on the passenger side of the case.There is a small aluminum tag,about 1&1/2" X 3" rivited on.Relay all the numbers & letters.Looks like C 70 W ink stamped on.Then in upper right corner is numbers depressed deep into it.Also look bottom right for more numbers.Realy EVERYTHING you see on it.
*The Rearend-Look on the Passsenger side axle tube.There should be a series of letters & numbers stamped into it.Either facing up towards the floor,or facing the front on car.Looks like CRV 05 22 E.

[kwhizz]

Got it.......Engine pad TO 123CE...........Trans Tag .....Upper line 72J 3C.....lower line 72CJ-10425.....
Rear axle Tube CBT 1107 G1 with an E below....Hope this helps.......the engine casting # ends in 323
Thanks
Ken

[Mr70]

Hi Ken
TO123=Tonawanda January 23rd.Chevrolet engine.Is there anything at all stamped after your CE code?
#323 is a 1968 block as you stated,but it is a 2 bolt or 4 bolt?

That transmission is specifically a 1972 Truck 10-30 series.

Rearend is a 1970 Nova 3:55 Posi gear as you stated.Built Novemebr 7th at Detroit Gear & axle,1st shift Eaton Posi.


Hard to say if this was originally an 1970 L78 Nova from the factory.The rearend sounds like it could've been possible.Have you tried past owners to inquire what it was when they had it?
If your #323 block is a 4 bolt,you might as well keep it,as it is already a 375HP block.

[kwhizz]

Nothing after the CE......With the single fuel line and the CBT rear......the scale tips toward the H.P. side.....this is gonna be fun........
Ken

[Mr70]

How does the date code of that rearend correlate to your cars build date?
Do you believe that rearend housing is genuine to this car?

[kwhizz]

Trim Tag info as follows
ST 70 11427WRN026142
TR 740 58 58 PNT
09B M


Ken