1967 Chevelle Engine ID Codes - Engine Pad

[ 1964 ] | [ 1965 ] | [ 1966 ] | [ 1967 ] | [ 1968 ] | [ 1969 ] | [ 1970 ] | [ 1971 ] | [ 1972 ]

A total of 89,717 6-cyl engines were installed; 47,939 230cid and 41,778 250cid engines.
A total of 314,246 8-cyl engines were installed; 200,222 283cid, 47,488 327cid, and 66,536 396cid engines.

According to accepted production numbers, the 396 engine installation breaks down as follows:
2-door coupe/convertible L35 325hp base engine - 45,218*
2-door coupe/convertible L34 350hp high performance engine - 17,176
2-door coupe/convertible L78 375hp special high performance engine - 612 **

* Note the above figures DO NOT mention the El Camino. While the El Camino was NOT available as an SS396, the L35, L34, and L78 engines were available in the El Camino. GM reports that 66,538 396cid engines were installed. With the number of SS396 series/models known at 63,006, the remaining 3,530 396 engines were installed in the 134/13680 El Camino. It is known there were 2,565 orders placed for the L35 396-325hp engine that would have been installed as an option in the El Camino, thereby leaving 965 350hp and/or 375hp 396 engines installed.

** Sources indicate there were 630 L78 engines built at the Tonawanda Engine Plant Of these, 596 were coded EG for non smog (K19) use, 34 coded EX for California use, and 18 slated for service replacement. The option was removed at the beginning of the year and did not reappear until approximately April of 1967.

Camshaft Specifications

1967 saw the first year the 396 V8 camshaft abandoned the grooved rear journal and matching bearing in the engine block in favor of a smooth journal like the 283/327 V8. Any camshaft from a 1965 or 1966 396 engine can be used in a 1967 or later block but not the other way around. This groove is clearly visible in this photo on the camshaft on the left.

Photo courtesy Bruce Testor

Note the oil groove in rear cam journal of this 396 V8 camshaft on the left. Both 1965 and 1966 396 V8 engines require this groove along with corresponding rear cam bearing. Most aftermarket camshaft manufacturers DO NOT list the 65/66 396 V8 in their catalogs due to this groove. However, any later camshaft will work if grooved and most aftermarket cam suppliers will either groove the cam for a nominal fee or send you the specifications so you can have your local machine shop perform the operation.

Want more in-depth information on 1966/1967 Chevelles? Try my 1966/1967 Chevelle Reference CD.