[Keith Tedford]

I have a photo copy of a 1987 letter in which Fran Preve states that there were 93 MP 3964268 automatic and 265 MQ 3964269 4 speed engine assemblies built in 1969. The CE engines that I have seen just have CExxxxxxx stamped on them. This would lead me to believe that there were probably 358 COPO Chevelles built and an additional number of CE replacement engine assemblies added to the total number of engines built. The 323 number that is commonly used is based on 358 total built with 10% going to warehousing for warranty and over the counter sales. In this case it would mean that the warehouse engines would be stamped MP or MQ as well. Our warranty replacement motor in our '69 L78 Chevelle doesn't have the JD code stamped on it. I would think that this would hold true for COPO cars as well. Could be all wrong though as this is only an assumption.