Correct intake manifold code

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

What is the correct intake manifold code for a 1968 L78 built in June of 1968?  This engine has the snowflake high rise manifold and I am not sure it is the original, though the previous owner says it is.  Thanks

[RJ_RS_SS_350]

Mark,
 the only intake I can find for a late '68 L78 in Colvin's CBTN is 3933163.  This is an aluminum manifold so it should almost always have the snowflake. What is strange is that, even though this is the only manifold listed that fits the application, Mr. Colvin notes that the 1968 applications are unverified.  You should check your intake for casting numbers and date code.

[Steve68]

Mark

Are you able to see any numbers on the bottom of the intake?  If so, what are they?

Steve

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

RJ and Steve.  Thanks for the help.  I just bought the car and most of it is original so I am trying to make sure I get as much as possible factory correct.  Yes Colvins does say that the 1968 application for the 163 code manifold is unverified, which throws some confusion into the mix.  The code on the manifold is correct for an early 1968, and Camaro Specialties who is doing some work on the car for me recommends changing it out for a 163 code manifold.  No reason to spend the labor if I don't have to.

Steve, we have not had the manifiold off so I do not know what the underside numbers are.  Wish I did as I think the date code will tell us more.

[Steve68]

Mark

I'm confused.  What intake manifold do you believe is on the car now?

Steve

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Steve:

The manifold on the car now is the #3885069.  In the CTBN book it is on page 164 and is listed as correct for the 1968 early 396/375.  The 3933163 manifold is listed as the 396/375 manifold for laet 1968 but there is a note stating that 1968 applications for this manifold are unverified.  This is what is confusing me.  The car was built in June of 68 and while I am doing some work to the car we have the opportunity to change the manifold out if need be.  I am just not sure which manifold is correct.  I guess the only way to tell is to pull it off and check the date code?

Mark

[bertfam]

Mark,

Alan has made a lot of changes to his books over the years so you can't take everything in your particular copy as face value. He used to have these changes listed on his WEB site, but for some reason it's no longer available. Hasn't been for several months now. I'm not sure why. Alan is a member of the CRG so perhaps he's in the process of changing hosts?

But anyway, the 163 manifold was used late in the 1968 model year starting I believe, sometime in March of 1968. (late in the 68 "Model" year, but early in the 68 "year"). My car has a 163 intake dated April 9th, 1968, but I've personally seen another 163 intake dated March 26th, 1968. The 069 manifold was discontinued at the same time the 163 was introduced, so there's some overlap that would have taken place for engines assembled in that time frame, but your June car would have come with the 163. But yes, do check the date code of your intake. I would be curious as to what it says.

Ed

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Thanks Ed.  That's great information and is consistent with what the guys at Camaro Specialties say.  I guess I will change it out and will let you know the date code on the 069 manifold.