1965
1966
1967
1968Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many L79 convertibles were built?
A: There
is no known breakdown of L79 optioned
Chevelles, Chevy II, or Corvettes by body style or how many came with
optional gear ratios, etc. and will probably never be known unless I
can register and document all L79 cars sold, which isn't in the realm
of possibility for obvious reasons. See
How Many L79s Based On Body Style
Were Sold? for more insight on L79 numbers vs. body styles.
Q: Was the L79 available in 1966?
A: Not in Chevelles,
only the Chevy II/Nova and Corvette have the L79 option in 1966. Just
why not is speculation but general consensus is with the introduction
of the SS396 series Chevelle where the 396/325hp V8 was the base engine
in the series, Chevrolet did not want the L79 with its 350hp rating
(from 1965) to compete with the SS396. The L79 was again offered
in Chevelles in 1967 and 1968 but with a 325hp rating.
Q: Didn't all L79 cars have gauges and a tachometer?
A: Not in Chevelles or Chevy II/Novas. The Instrument Panel Gauges,
or Special Instrumentation, sold under RPO U14 was always an option
regardless of year although the 1965 Malibu SS did have gauges due to
the Malibu SS itself and not the L79 engine, but the tachometer was
still optional in 1965.
Q: Is my L79 real?
A: This can be tricky at best.
To some, 'real' means the car has the correct and original engine it
was born with and can be matched to some form of documentation. To some,
it means if the documentation says it was born with the L79 option,
it doesn't (relatively) matter that the engine has been replaced for
one reason or another; whether by a dealer under warranty or an over-avid
enthusiast 'back-in-the-day' due to out of warranty breakage. Consider
if the car has a warranty engine with CE code, a 327/250 L30 or 327/300
L74 motor dressed to appear as a L79 engine, but has documentation that
is original to the car as noted by the VIN sequence and other information
of the sheet matching the trim tag.
As far as the L79 Registry is concerned, correct and valid documentation is the primary objective in the registry, not current engine or condition of the Chevelle, Corvette, or ChevyII/Nova.
Q: Did the L79 come with air conditioning?
A:
Strictly speaking, no. The L79 did not come with power steering, power
brakes, tinted glass, radio, etc. either. All of those were options.
The L79 engine did not restrict the possibility of ordering air conditioning
since it is a hydraulic lifter camshaft engine.
Q: What air cleaner did the L79 use?
A: This
is dependent on the year and make.
1965 Chevelle |
1965 Corvette
1966 Chevy II/Nova |
1966 Corvette
1967 Chevelle |
1967 Chevy II/Nova |
1967 Corvette
1968 Chevelle |
1968 Chevy II/Nova |
1968 Corvette
Q: Who manages the VIN and owner information?
A: I have full control over this website and its contents. The data
are not shared with ANY outside organization. Data that verifies the
car to be an L79 optioned car is kept offline. If/when someone inquires
about a particular car I forward that inquiry to the registered owner
on file. It is up to that registered owner whether or not they contact
the person making the inquiry.
