1965 original L78s ?

[Patrick B.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

Patrick
My 396 with block casting date B-20-5 and engine stamp T0324IF has the VIN on the right and engine stamp on the left so they had it changed at least by then. My VIN is 34 after Clem's. Stan

Stanley,
I have 2 early blocks that were decked, but I looked at them today and some of the stampings are still ledgible. The B-4-5 block had a Tonawanda code of T0305IX (X stamped separately) on the right hand side of the pad and a sloppy Chevelle Vin like in Alan Colvin's picture. The other block was a B-20-5 and only the first three number of a Corvette VIN , 511 were ledgible, but they were on the right side of the pad like yours so the Tonawanda stamp must have been on the left.

The change of the Tonawanda stamp from the right side to the left side of the pad must have occurred between March 19 (Colvin's picture) and March 24 (your engine). I would say that any engines March 19 or earlier with the Tonawanda stamp on the left didn't get that way at the factory. I sure wish the rest of the numbers on my B-20-5 block had been readable.

[John L.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

Contes Corvettes in Vineland NJ currently has two maroon 65/396 for sale. One is a coupe, the other is a convertible. Additionally, I was aware of two original cars in Medford Lakes NJ. They were both sitting in this man's garage all covered up. He told me they were going to pay for his childrens college education.

[Daniel K.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

This is my L78. Previous owners were Rick Race and Dr. Dobbins. This car is featured in the 63-67 Fact Book.

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

I beleive I have one. Not a car that is even close to being flight judged, but the original 396 engine is (at least block, heads + intake) in the coupe that left the factory.

Is there an estimate or good guesstimate as to how many are still around?

here is a original owner car in south carolinia. S117184.

[Chris H.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

Here's my old L78 vert. Leather, windows. VIN 19524. Originally from the Binghampton NY area.

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

Here's my old L78 vert. Leather, windows. VIN 19524. Originally from the Binghampton NY area.

when i pick up my 396 at the factory we also pickup another 396 the same color combo as yours.

[Guest]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

I got 18150 glen green coupe. purchased from Hicks in DC

[Jaime G.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

I own VIN 21228. Original drivetrain car. Red convertible with C&C, Blk leather, windows, Blk Soft top only, side exhaust,Gold line tires,original KH Knock offs,
M-21, 3:70 rear. Duntov, 3 BG awards. Owned by Roby Price in the 80's. Dealer car, hence the loaded options delivered to Ron Tonkin Chevrolet in Portland Oregon.
Complete owner history.Car is wickedly fast but a true pleasure to drive. Cant imagine that I would swap out the motor. These cars were meant to be driven
hard and fast. We only get one cycle on earth, so why not enjoy it. Drive On!

[Reggie M.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

I have quite a few listed as well. Would you care to share info? Reggie 678-488-5461

[Garth T.]

[Larry E.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

FWIW: Since we are discussing the 65 Vette; here is an old picture of one being tested. Larry

The Corvette Engineering team was doing some real-world air flow testing and evaluation at GM's Milford Proving Grounds when they took this snapshot of a '65 coupe at 100 mph. The tuffs of yarn allowed the engineers to observe how air was flowing over body's surface.

[Garth T.]

Re: 1965 original L78s ?

FWIW: Since we are discussing the 65 Vette; here is an old picture of one being tested. Larry

The Corvette Engineering team was doing some real-world air flow testing and evaluation at GM's Milford Proving Grounds when they took this snapshot of a '65 coupe at 100 mph. The tuffs of yarn allowed the engineers to observe how air was flowing over body's surface.

Very Cool Larry! I realize that this thread is years old but hopefully others can help revive this L78 discussion just like you have. Thx!