1969 Z11 found need help

[nocamaros]

 I have found a real Z11 camaro and I need help with what engine originally came in this car. It currently has a 427. The owner claims it had a 396 originally but I am not sure how to figure this out. I know it should be an L78 but is this code on the body somewhere?

Thanks, Bryan

[danh3508]

I'm looking at my Trim Tag identification reference for 1969 and I see that an X22 code (Style Trim w/SS-396) should be referenced. There is an * there that states “Norwood Late Style Only, VIN 544001 to end of production.

 Maybe some can help verify this.

[nocamaros]

Is this x22 code found on the cowl tag or somewhere else?

Thanks, Bryan

[danh3508]

Yes, I referenced this from the book “Original Camaro 1967-1969” by Jason Scott". It shows a picture of how the trim tag (cowl tag should look). Located upper firewall next to the windshield wiper motor. I would be careful since a tag can be easily made. The book states there were only 4,889 L78 375hp 396ci made. There is a Camaro Pace Car club that I occasionally run across, I’m sure they could help.

[william]

Regardless of engine all Z11s built at Norwood [N in the VIN] have Z11 body tags.

Three 396 engines were available: L34 350 hp, L35 325 hp, L78 375 hp. The L78 could have also been ordered with L89 aluminum heads.

If the car does not have a/c check the location of the heater core tubes. On a big-block the tubes are in the center of the heater box cover next to the engine. The factory punched two holes in the cover and placed a collar with rubber gasket over the tubes. If the car was a small-block the tubes are next to the cover, nearly behind the engine.

Another indicator is the fuel line. If there are 2, the car was built with a QJ carb and could not be an L78.

Things being how they are today this is all academic. A bb Z11 needs original paperwork to be taken seriously.

[nocamaros]

So is there any way to tell which 396 it was, L34, L35, L78?

[JohnZ]

L34 and L35 had two fuel lines, L78 had one.