Engine Photos Section Links

* Photos presented are not to show what is correct or what is incorrect so I won't even attempt to describe what is "wrong" with any of the photo examples.

396cid / 325hp RPO L35

The 396/325 was the base engine for the SS 396 series. This engine was also an option in the El Camino only and 1,865 El Caminos were ordered with the L35 engine. The two optional 396 engines, the 360hp L34 and 375hp L78 could also be ordered as optional engines in the SS 396 series as well as the El Camino.

The RPO K19 Air Injection Reactor system and RPO K24 Closed Engine Positive Ventilation system were separate options although RPO K19 was mandated on Chevelles destined for California dealers (except the L78 engine) whether the Chevelle was actually built in California (the Fremont plant) or was built outside of California and destined for a California dealer. RPO K19 automatically got RPO K24 but RPO K24 could be ordered separately by the customer in the rest of the country.

RPO K19 Air Injection Reactor system and/or RPO K24 Closed Engine Positive Ventilation System

File Photo

File Photo
Notice the oil breather cap is replaced with a short hose running from the passenger side valve cover to the base of the air cleaner. Crankcase vapors that would normally have escaped into the air from the breather cap are now directed back into the airflow in the carburetor.

File Photo