how can you tell a real 1966 nova ss 327 l79 from a clone?

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Accepted Answer

Great question! The 1966 Nova SS 327/L79 is one of the most cloned muscle cars out there because it's relatively easy to turn a base Chevy II 100 into a "tribute" machine. Here's how to separate the real-deal L79 cars from the fakes:

## **1. Start with the VIN (Most Important!)**

The **first three digits** are your best friend:

| Code | What It Means | Authentic SS? |
|------|-------------|---------------|
| **118** | Super Sport V8 | ✅ YES - Real SS |
| **116** | Nova V8 (non-SS) | ❌ No |
| **114** | Chevy II V8 (non-SS) | ❌ No |
| **113** | Chevy II 6-cylinder | ❌ No |

**This car (118376N170504) has the "118" prefix** - that's your first green light! The "6" confirms 1966, "N" is Norwood assembly, and "37" means 2-door Sport Coupe.

## **2. Engine Stamp Pad Verification (Critical)**

Real L79 327/350hp engines have a **VIN derivative stamped on the block** plus a **date/suffix code**. For 1966 L79 Novas, you're looking for codes that should match something like:
- Suffix codes around **"ZG"** or **"HF"** (varies by assembly plant)
- Date code format: month/day (like F0315 = March 15)
- Partial VIN that matches the car's VIN

⚠️ **Red flags**: 
- No stamp pad photo in the listing is a concern
- "Restored" engines often have restamped pads
- Pad should be on the passenger side deck surface

## **3. Mandatory L79 Equipment**

These were ALL standard with the L79 package—no exceptions:

| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---------|---------------|
| **Muncie 4-speed** | The L79 was *only* available with manual trans |
| **12-bolt rear axle** | Required for that torque (3.31 gears standard) |
| **Front disc brakes** | Included with L79 |
| **Dual exhaust** | Part of the L79 package |
| **Holley 4-barrel** | Special high-rise intake, 650 cfm carb |

## **4. "Double Hump" Heads**

Real L79s got the famous **"camel hump" or "fuelie" heads** with 2.02" intake/1.60" exhaust valves and proper casting numbers. These are physically different from standard 327 heads.

## **5. The Numbers Game**

Only **5,481 L79 Novas** were built in 1966—compare that to over 13,000 standard 327 SS models. If a seller claims "numbers matching" but the price and story seem too good to be true... dig deeper!

## **About This Specific Car**

The listing vehicle (VIN **118376N170504**) starts with the correct "118" code, so it began life as a true Super Sport. However, as noted in the FAQ, **the engine stamp pad photos aren't shown**—that's something you'd want to verify before buying any L79 claimed as original. The listing mentions a Holley 4-barrel and Muncie 4-speed, which aligns with correct L79 specs.

## **Bottom Line for Shopping**

1. **Start with VIN** (must be "118" for '66)
2. **Verify engine stamps** (passenger side pad)
3. **Check for 12-bolt and proper trans**
4. **Get documentation** (old registration, Protect-O-Plate, build sheet if possible)

Want me to pull some comps on other authentic 1966 Nova SS L79s currently on the market? You can also browse similar cars at our [Chevy II/Nova SS market page](https://classic.com/m/chevrolet/chevy-ii-nova/2nd-gen/ss/) for current pricing trends!

Lot 4885-PHX: 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova SS 327/ L79

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Lot 4885-PHX: 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova SS 327/ L79

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