I just picked up a ZI code L 79 nova engine (block, crank, pistons,rods,balancer heads)
I have only seen one on ebay and it seemed like it was just priced way out of line. But what is one really worth? I bought it so I could offer it to someone who could use it, because the guy who had it had no clue what it was. As soon as I saw the recessed oil filter pad I was curious as to what it was and when he said it was a 327 I had to run the numbers to see just what it was. I sure didn't think it would be a L79 engine! but it was. So what is it worth out there on the open market?

Is it a 66 or 67 block?

i would say 66 great find

block was cast february of 1966 and stamped feb as well

It should bring between $1000 and $2000 to the right person who needs it.
People who have complete engines are trying to get $6000. That's a bit much in my opinion.
I have seen people go to great lengths to clone an L-79.

It should bring between $1000 and $2000 to the right person who needs it.
People who have complete engines are trying to get $6000. That's a bit much in my opinion.
I have seen people go to great lengths to clone an L-79.


i would agree with this to someone who is trying to bring back there car to all original and needed a 66 model L79 would probably pay $1000-2000 for it and i also have seen people go through great lenghts to clone L79 327

should I go to the trouble of having it all cleaned and replace the cam bearings and freeze plugs? The rotating assembly is new and is all balanced. the heads look like they have good springs on them but may need seals, maybe I should go through them too?

is there any kind of service or web site designed to reunite engines/transmissions with their original car/owners and vice versa?

In 66 the VIN was not stamped on the blocks. That started around 68. So prior to VIN stamping the date codes are used to get a "correct" engine back into the car.

Do you still have the l79 motor for sale, i just bought a 66 ss & need a motor, thanks bill

well mine has the vin stamped on the block so I would have to say the statement that they were not stamped on the block isnot 100% accurate!

Chris

yup,1000.00-2000.00 is a good deal!!

Hi Performance units have their vin stamped on them. My 67 275 hp does not.

Tom what is the build date of your motor/car? The vin stamping may have started in the later part of the 67 model year, but i know the 68's all had it.

mine is an early car sept or oct I would have to look.

I would like to point out that all stamps were put on at the factory by hand with a set of individual dies. If you have ever had a block decked it removes the stamping and your machinist is more than capable of stamping any combination of letters and numbers you want back onto the block.

There is no way I know of the verify the numbers stamped on the block are factory original or not. From everything I have read, the stamping of the partial VIN was mandated by federal law (to fight organized crime in auto theft), but the GM factory did not start stamping VINs before Jan 1, 1968 (as required by law).

Big Dave

Pm sent i'm interested in buying the motor the way it is unmolested thanks bob

While it is true that the VIN stamping became a more uniform process in 1968...there were many pre-68 vehicle engine blocks that were stamped with the partial VIN.. Corvette engines began in 1960...some of the full size in 1962...I personally owned a 1967 Chevelle SS 396 that had the partial VIN. To confirm originality of engine stampings requires professional knowledge and experience...but it can be done. There are many people in the hobby with original cars to use for comparison....the Team sites are a good resource for this. I have reviewed many VIN stampings on BB Novas...comparing them to cars in our collection.

In my opinion the most under rated source of information confirming originality is owner history. it may be difficult and in some cases impossible to track down the original owner of your car....but it is worth the effort to try. Hope this helps...as for value of the motor...ask for a lot and the market will sort it out for you;)

wilma