Quote:
Originally Posted by Featherburner
You can dig all you like but, I doubt you'll find that info anywhere.  |
Well I did some digging. Everything I have ever read, remembered or have heard recounted by others goes along the lines of the 396 car being ordered with the COPO option which was the end around to get the 427/435hp motor installed, direct from the factory. All of the data in Chevrolet by the Numbers (which I think is generally accepted to be a reliable source for casting numbers and configurations) supports this both with:
Engine Code Suffix ID's
Corvette MS (details unknown)
Chevelle MP 4spd
MQ Auto
Camaro MN 4spd
MO Auto
ML 4spd (ZL-1)
MM Auto (ZL-1)
and
Casting numbers for blocks
#3946052 Aluminum for ZL-1
#3963512 Iron block used for Chevelle and Camaro
and
Crankshaft info indicates all were 3.76 in stroke. There is no info on compression height, so I can't use that as a clue.
So that is my starting point. No mention anywhere of a special crankshaft/short block.
After some quick searching on the web.....
http://www.holisticpage.com/camaro/camaros/copo.htm
http://www.camaros.org/copo.shtml
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...s/1271746.html
http://www.coyoteclassic.com/BS69COPO.htm
http://www.corvettes-musclecars.com/Supercars/69ZL1/
So Johnjzjz, without disrespecting you or discounting what you experienced 30 years ago, I still feel very comfortable saying that COPO cars were 427 cubic inche engines swapped in at the factory. That is not to say you did not stumble across a non-original example or possibly some sort of factory "mule", but to make the blanket statement that COPO cars were not 427's would be erroneous in my opinion.
I would love for someone to prove this generally held fact wrong so this way maybe I could pick up an "incorrect" COPO car for a song and dance......
Respectfully
Chris Ciatteo