Engine - V8, 396 Cu. In. Special Hi. Perf.

Years 1963–79, 2027 Models 6 Factory citations 10

Also described as 396ci 375 hp V8396ci 375 hp Turbo-Jet V8396ci 425hp V8 (Turbo-Jet Mark IV)396 CID V8 375hpV8 engine - 396 Special Hi-performanceEngine, 6.6L V8

Also documented for GMC Pontiac

Documented applications

Camaro

1967–1969 Factory-verified

SS; top RPO big block

GM Heritage factory kit — 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, p.189.
GM Heritage factory kit — 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, p.44.
1970 Factory-verified

SS only

GM Heritage factory kit — 1970 Chevrolet Camaro, p.8.

Chevelle / El Camino

1966–1970 Factory-verified

GM Heritage factory kit — 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, p.14.
GM Heritage factory kit — 1970 Chevrolet El Camino, p.4.

Corvette (C1 / C2)

1965 Factory-verified

$292.70; 2,157 built; first Corvette big-block, mid-year intro; kit rates it 396ci/425hp (Holley R3124A #3868826)

GM Heritage factory kit — 1965 Chevrolet Corvette, p.14.

Impala / Full-Size

1963–70s (varies) Confirmed

Nova / Chevy II

1968–1970 Factory-verified

GM Heritage factory kit — 1968 Chevrolet Nova Coupe, p.81.
GM Heritage factory kit — 1970 Chevrolet Nova, p.63.

Silverado 1500 — Fifth generation (2027)

2027 Factory-verified

481 hp at 5800 rpm, 501 lb-ft at 4000 rpm; requires 4WD

GM factory document — 2027 chevrolet next generation silverado 1500 retail and fleet fleet order guide rpo codes, p.1.
GM factory document — 2027 chevrolet next generation silverado 1500 retail and fleet fleet order guide, p.70.

This page aggregates every documented appearance of L78 in the Chevrolet reference. Confidence and citations are shown per application — the same code can be better documented in one year than another.