quote:

Originally posted by 67 Indy L34:

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I could not find the casting number 3855961 on the CRG website for L78 engines.

That Block was not used on the L78. It was only used on the L35 and L34 from 1966 to 1967. In 1966 the L34 was 360HP.

http://www.nastyz28.com/bbcmenu.php

That makes this engine even more interesting since it is a 2-bolt main block. I wonder why Chevrolet used a 2-bolt main block for a 375hp motor then, when they could of used a 3855962 4-bolt main casting number. It just seems strange to me.
Chevrolet had access to anything they needed to build these motors. Was it because it was a transition period and they were just using up what they had left?

The 3902406 and 3916323 were already coming out during that time. Very interesting!

Will be reworded and posted at a later time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: <L78conv>,

The odder this is the better
This rewriting the status quo is always fun

I agree completely.

I hope you don't mind me asking, but can we get a picture of the trim tag?

I agree that the 961 block was a surprise. I also thought it was mothballed in late 1966 production. I inverted the image and reversed the color of the date stamp. To me it's not a 6 but a 7 in the year placement? I'd like to see an attempt to clean it up a bit. Not a huge difference in the 406 and 961 block for L34 application. Trying to pin point WHY they used it in this situation could be hypothetical all day long since we are looking at something we did'nt know existed and have nothing to compare it with. I feel comfortable with the deck assembly stamp and partial VIN. I dont think we can do anything but look at this with an open mind and avoid jumping to any quick conclusions. Anyone know what block casting # they built #92's L34 with? Thank you Doug for sharing and giving us something new and exciting to contemplate I think L78conv's avatar fits well here!

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Doug..... Did you have any luck with finding a Broadcast sheet?

There wasn't a build sheet in the car when it came apart.

Page 49 of the old pacecar book has your cars vin listed top of page. I am sending you a copy today that is signed by John Hooper the author along with your medallion etc

Yes, I love my avatar, it is actually my business logo.

On to more important things. I think I am sticking with 1966 casting.

Hey! Just ask Doug for a better picture!

tag

Does anyone know which block that Chevrolet used in tha actual pace car that is at Dan Young Chevrolet? The car was an 03C car and it came with small block 350, 4P trim tag code. The small block was then removed and replace with a 396 that was blue printed by Chevrolet. The build order for the engine contained some parts from the L35 and L34. The car also had the TH400 trans.

I just emailed Charlie direct. Maybe he'll respond quickly for all us excited little boys

Scary minds think alike, I literally just did the same thing.

Picture to me looks clear enough, it is a casting blob that makes it look a bit off but if the new big man on the block would not mind trying to get a better picture I know I would appreciate it.

I would also like to say thank you to Doug as well for putting up with us crazy people and sharing these pics and info on such an intriguing piece.

I'll try to check later today. It was never a small block though. It was a L78.

Much appreciated...all

Casting is 3902406... casting date is A 4 7

build date is 01 06


This block has another cars vin so I'm not sure how it ties in with this car.

Thanks Charley!

Personally do not see any likely tie in with your car myself, just wanted to double check the information from yours for reference regarding the fact that this car has a 961 block in it from 66.

Thanks Charlie for appeasing us.

Guys I see A 18 7 and the screw holes...

I'm sure Doug will double check

That would of been too easy for our group anyways!

The Pace Car group of vehicles shouldn't match to begin with..... They are Engineering vehicles first and foremost!

What we have here is what I said before!.... It's a White Whale.... We all know they are out there but proving it to a closed up hobby is going to be something else!


I'm sad to report that one of the two GO TO ZONE managers that handled the 1967 Assignments and had put up with countless hours of my questions passed away two months back.
My prayers go out to Bill Gerrard and his Family.

I'm sorry to hear that. sad for his family and sad for this niche' hobby. One Last Race I suppose

Again the Title will prove it's point!

quote:

Originally posted by Tom McGinnity:
tag

Now I am really confused. The trim tag says it's a 396/325hp (4N)code, but it has 375hp stamped motor. I am really wondering about the authenticity of this block. I would have to see more documentation, in order, to believe it is the original block. it could have been replaced early on and the VIN number stamped back on the block.

Also, being an uncommon casting number for Camaro's and engine code makes me think it was replaced. Just my take on it. It is still a cool Pacer as far as being an (0-1) big block.

Tom,

The 961 casting with EQ code is for a 396 (350 HP) that was thought to only be on Chevelles and other passenger cars. Its a 2 bolt main like the 4N coded 325 HP version.

It seems very possible to me that some 350 HP 396's made their way into Camaro's since they were in other chevrolets and the Tonawanda engine plant might have been instructed to ship a few to Norwood especially on a Copo coded car like this one.... Perhaps it was a special order besides being a 0-1 fleet coded pacer???

Hey, Charles official pace car was a very early "detuned" 4P 375 hp L78, perhaps they decided to go the other direction on a few cars and pump up the 4N 325 hp engines to the already available 350 hp versions on a few of the 04A pacers...


The 4K coded L78 396 (375HP) was the 406 casting and was a 4 bolt main block.

I think they typically only used 4 bolt mains on the 375 HP 396's and 427's (high HP systems)...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: <RickDawn67>,

Hi Rick,
You very well could be right about this. I guess I am so used to seeing things so straight forward on these Camaro's that anything out of the ordinary just seems suspicious. It does make me think twice about it's originality, but some research goes along ways. In today's world, we have to be suspicious until we see all the facts and documentation. I find this Pacer's situation very interesting. It is cool enough when a person has all the right drive train on their Camaro, but a unique situation like Doug's and the right documention to back up the history can make his Pacer even more extraordinary and unique.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Tom D,