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One topic that is well documented on the '79TATA 4spd's is that they received L78 W72 engines from the 1978 model year. These engines were held back by Pontiac specifically for the anniversary 4spd cars. No W72 engines were built in 1979.

My car was built in February 1979.

I have been documenting date codes, inspection marks etc. and have determined the engine was probably built in June of 1978. The carb date code is much later than the engine cast codes so I'm curious when the castings had stopped for the W72 motors. The engine was completed 8 months before the car was built substantiating the fact the motor was held specifically for the car.

Here are some interesting date codes on this engine:
Block K087 Nov. 08 '77
Dr. Head K237 Nov. 23 '77
Pass. Head L087 Dec 8 '77
Intake H037 Aug 3, 77
Water pump E248 May 24 '78
Carb 1538 153rd day of '78 or June 3, '78

In the head date code picture note the blue overspray on the valve cover and the 1stQ date on the spark plug wires.

The other pictures identify some great inspection decals and part no. decals. Note the marking on the original fuel line insulation and the original foam ring around the air cleaner.