Pictured is the original redesigned Turbo automatic transmission developed for the Gibb Nova’s. DH got some of the cars for modifications of which the paperwork & transmission is applied. The special engine code for the original 396 factory engine is still in the document.

E3 Engine code for COPO Chevy II
 

I still remember Kim Howie telling me about the E3 engine code. He thought it was alpha numerical for Experimental 3 speed automatic transmission.

I would suspect that engine suffix “E3” would be related to Tonawanda installing a flexplate with 6 holes for that 6-lug converter hence, “Don’t forget the Extra 3 holes!”

Good point Mark! I don't ever remember that being brought up in the many discussions, before? You are correct about the flywheel being modified to connect the modified converter for the automatic transmission.

The special engine code and transmission code have had numerous discussions ever since it was discovered the Gibb Novas were built and made possible by the COPO process? Not much to learn in Chevrolet manuals?

From factory stocks base price, for an additional $822, the Dick Harrell 427-450 hp version with the additional options listed on this page could be bought? Additional options not listed on this page were standard on the 427 model, that being a Sun tachometer, specially prepared rear suspension, and A & A fiberglass hood.

Concerning the post of the above article, a couple of noticeable misprints need correction? First is the 427 is referred as L-79, but should be L-72? Next question would be on the size and brand of tires? While it is understood that DHPC would add aftermarket options the customer was willing to pay for, the base Gibb Nova is listed for stock as having F-70 X 14 tires?

An original spare tire, never used, is pictured that came with the 1968 427 Nova. A Firestone redline wide oval. Size; E-70 X 14!

The original spare above was to indicate a misprint of what was original with the Gibb Nova’s? In that picture, you may notice a difference in the location & size of the “Wide Oval” from the available replacements?

Just to share this information is one thing I have been unable to confirm? When converting the car back as originally bought, these foil stickers were still attached. Every effort to remove them carefully, the one that was different from the others was really stuck, causing it to tear. It showed a Dick Harrell serial number? In talking with Dave L & other employees, none of them had an answer?