theCamaro.com Wiki:
RPO L89 396cid 375 hp Aluminum Head engine
Title: RPO L89 396cid 375 hp Aluminum Head engineSubject: RPO L89 Super Sport SS Camaro equipped with the L78 aluminum head engine
Created by: Mike Created on: June 24, 2011, 02:57 PM Last Change: July 9, 2011, 11:11 PM
Starting in 1968 Chevrolet offered an extra option for the l78 lineup which augmented the regular PRO L78 with a weight advantage. This option was of course the aluminum headed RPO L89 option.
Starting in 1968 this option could be had in conjunction with the L78 option for a whopping $368.94 in 1968 and an additional $394.50 for 1969. This was on top of the already expensive L78 option that was required to order it. The RPO L89 option did not offer any horsepower increase according to Chevrolet but did offer a lighter engine with better weight balance and handling capabilities.
The RPO L89 physical characteristics included casting number 3919842 closed chamber aluminum heads with intake valves sized at 2.19 and exhaust valves sized at 1.84 and a 1.68 combustion chamber. The intake side is the same as the regular production iron head L78s using the 3919840 head design but uses the larger exhaust valves as the 840s only used a 1.72 exhaust valve.
No matter how you cut it the RPO L89 Camaro SS 396 is one of the rarest Camaros ever built.
Total production:
| RPO | Year | Model | Description | Cost | Total |
| L89 | 1968 | Camaro | Super Sport, 396cid, 375hp 4bbl Turbo-Jet V-8 engine with special aluminum heads. Requires RPO L78 at an additional cost of $500.30 for a total of $868.95. | 368.45 | 272 |
| L89 | 1969 | Camaro | Super Sport, 396cid, 375hp 4bbl Turbo-Jet V-8 engine with special aluminum heads. Price includes RPO L78 mandatory option to receive L89. | 394.50 | 311 |
| Clickable Wiki: | |
| URL Link: |
