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Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 4/20/2016, 7:41 pm

I found a L-78 396 425 HP engine. Just curious if anyone can tell me about it and if the Pad stamp number matches any records.
As far as I can tell having the owner relay information over the phone the pad says N14714 T0628IE. Block dated E265(we think)Heads are 3856208's with C145 dating for both. Several months ago (on a different L-78 engine)the experts here helped me figure out that I had one of the earliest L-78 IE motors. Couldn't find a match for the car. I since found a decent 65 Biscayne 6 cyl and began collecting parts to build a tribute car. Its tough finding the correct date code items for an early engine. I will be posting an update on it at some point.
Thanks again for your help.

Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Warren L. <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=tar6569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 4/24/2016, 9:13 am, in reply to "Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396"
VIP Member and Board Expert

I didn't have this vin in my database. Can you get a picture of the engine pad? One of the digits in the serial number was missing in your post. E 26 5 casting date makes sense and I've seen some 5N146xxx L78 blocks with the same assembly date.

Warren

Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/6/2016, 5:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396"

Warren,
Its been a long time but I finally made the trip to pick up the L 78 I attached the pad stamp and the date casting marks.
It appears to have standard bore. Dial calipers measure at 4.09X Please let me know what you think.

Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Warren L. <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=tar6569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/16/2016, 7:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396"
VIP Member and Board Expert

I think the vin is N14714_ and the last digit didn't get stamped. There is a faint 4 but N144714 would be too early for this block.

Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/16/2016, 10:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396"

Warren,
Thanks for your reply.
I agree with the possibility the last number was not stamped. I also entertained the possibility that the faint 4 could also be a very faint double stamped 2 (missing the top 1/3 of the character and raised higher than the rest)but I really had to use my imagination for that.
So I guess this engine is another orphan with a unique stamp. In your opinion what is the best use of this motor?
Thanks,
Mark

Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Warren L. <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=tar6569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 7:01 am, in reply to "Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396"
VIP Member and Board Expert

Use it whatever way you wish. Of course it would be nice to see in a 65 Impala but not many original L78's out there

A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 12:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Pad stamp ID request for 1965 L-78 396"

I have 2 of these L 78's now. I bought this 1965 6 cyl Biscayne that I plan to build to as close to a factory L 78 as possible.

I just found out a week ago that there is an original L 78 Biscayne exactly like I wanted to build 15 min from me. The owner was kind enough to allow me to look it over. It was restored by a vocational school in the mid nineties. How cool is that. I would love to buy this car but it may be more than my budget will allow. Its great to be able to see it and crawl around for reference.

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Warren L. <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=tar6569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 1:14 pm, in reply to "A real 1965 L-78 396"
VIP Member and Board Expert

Can you see if you can get pics of the vin tag and engine pad numbers? I didn't have this one in my list and would like to add it.

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Ron Hoeft <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=hefty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/18/2016, 8:45 am, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

Warren,
I saw this car at Super Chevy ,Indy back in 1992,
if you can put your hands on a Super Chevy magazine dated June,1992 there is an article on this car.
They gave a hand out (13 pages) at the show and I still have it. When I saw this car I started my quest to buy a real one and it took until last year to find one.
History:
Car was sold new at Ernie Grissom Chev, Mt.Clemens,Mi and delivered to Mr. Gerald Miller on July 9,1965 It was raced from 1966-1968. It was parked in 1969 until 1991 when the school restored it for Mr.King and Mr.Bigham as a project.
In the hand out is a copy of the window sticker,purchase agreement (dated July 3)copy of the mortgage contract between Mr,Miller and GMAC,and several work orders from Automotive Engineering,Oak Park MI. In one of those work orders he had the engine blueprinted at the cost of $750.00 back in 1967.It was sleeved and bored according to the work order. Total cost came to $1,738.93 which was a ton of money back then.
(may of had the numbers deck?) put a 4:88 gear in it along with hurst shifter,cam.and a host of other items.

Hope this helps,Ron.H

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/19/2016, 12:51 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

Ron,
That's a great story. Its a small world.
What are the chances you can scan and post or email the 13 pg handout? I would love to see it and also show the current owner.
Thanks,
Mark

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Ron Hoeft <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=hefty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 12/23/2016, 2:13 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

Im an now able to provided info on this car.

Ron.H

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Ron Hoeft <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=hefty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 12/23/2016, 2:52 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

I have had this since 1992 on the 1965 L78. I am not responsible for the correctness of this information, I only have provided what was given to me at Super Chevy Show when this car was on display. This car is scheduled to go through the auction at Kissimmee, Saturday January 14th, LOT S131. I hope you all enjoy this interesting information.

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 1/3/2017, 4:04 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

That is really cool information. I just found out that this and several other cars from Don Fezell's collection will be auctioned off at Mecum's Kissimmee 2017 event Jan 6-15 https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0117-269784/1965-chevrolet-biscayne/
I am curious what it will bring.
Thank you for posting the information.

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Sean <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=wojoman21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 3/2/2018, 4:49 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

I know this is an old post, so for anyone interested.....

The max bid at Mecum last year was $60k (reserve not met).

This car is now in northeastern Ohio - https://www.1performancecenter.com/vehicles/274/1965-chevrolet-biscayne

Pretty cool and worth checking out the pics.

Sean

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Ron Hoeft <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=hefty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 1/3/2017, 7:28 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

Probably should have started a new thread when I posted it. It kind of got buried.
I agree its going to be interesting to see what it does. Its the real deal

Your welcome,Ron

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Tony <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=Tony' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 3/10/2018, 10:42 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

Wow, that is really a neat car, and the original owner lived just a couple miles from me.

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Ron Hoeft <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=hefty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/19/2016, 2:39 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

I knew some one would ask me to do that

Im still in the 60s when it comes to new technology so your going to have to give me a few days to ask for help,I dont have the equipment to take photos and post them.
Ill do my best to hurry it along but I have to take care of some family issues that are out of town the next two days.

Ron.H

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/19/2016, 4:01 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

Ron,
Before you go through the hassle let me see what all documentation the owner has. He said he would allow me to take a look next time he is around.
I'll let you know.
Thanks

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Ron Hoeft <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=hefty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/24/2016, 5:55 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

I'm still going to get those pages posted ,its just that my friend who can do this for me must be out of town because I haven't seen him yet to ask.
Looking over this hand out one more time I found the Phone #s of both owners who had it restored back in the 90,s. Does your friend have any of this stuff?
If you would email me Ill give you both King and Bighams numbers. I had them wrote down on the back of the hand out and for got all about it.

Ron.H

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Ron Hoeft <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=hefty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/19/2016, 7:14 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

I will be happy to do it its just that I wont be able for a few days.

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Warren L. <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=tar6569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/18/2016, 6:51 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"
VIP Member and Board Expert

Thanks

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 2:26 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

Warren,
Here is the vin tag.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

The engine pad stamping is painted and I couldn't get a good shot. I will see what I can do.
Thanks,
Mark

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Warren L. <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=tar6569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 5:44 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"
VIP Member and Board Expert

Thanks. Is it supposed to be the original block?

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 9:16 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

Warren,
Yes it is supposed to be the original engine. I will try to get a better look at the pad stamp.
Thanks

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by donnyb <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=DonnyB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 1:10 pm, in reply to "A real 1965 L-78 396"
VIP Member and Board Expert

Is this the car that was built by the vocational school in the Detroit area about 20-25 years ago? If so, I saw it at the Autorama right after they did it. Still looks pretty good if these are recent photos.

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by Rob Wetak <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=rjwetak' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 7:01 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

As a former tech college automotive instructor, I must say it looks like they did a damn fine job on this one! The students always flock toward a project like this, but being students, the quality isn't always there. Kudos to the students and their instructor!!

Re: A real 1965 L-78 396

Posted by 1965L78NUT <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/impalass427/info/user=1965L78NUT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 10/17/2016, 2:40 pm, in reply to "Re: A real 1965 L-78 396"

I am pretty sure it was in the Detroit area. These pics are last week. there is a small bubble in the paint in the lower left corner of one of the door panels. Other than that it looks pretty good for a vocational school project.

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Anyone want to make a guess of what it would bring?

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