[sYc]

Stefano; As you say, for debate purposes only, which I feel is very similar to the Douglass debate. Corporate GM did not approve the use of ZL-1. Nor did the Camaro Brand Team (officially). The reason I say officially is because a couple of members of the Camaro Brand Team did lend their support, but not in their official capacities. So I guess I would have to say no, they were not built with GM's approval, either expressed or implied. As with most corporations, GM is always facing liability issues, thus are reluctant to "officially" get involved with projects generated outside of their corporate walls. This has been going on for years. I have heard numerous horror stories from original owners of Yenkos, even 1969s, about the problems of getting dealers and Chevrolet to warranty their cars. I can understand in '67 and '68, but the COPO Yenkos faced the same problems. It took 6 months for the owner of my Yenko Camaro to get a dropped valve fixed at the dealer who sold it to him, Francis Chevrolet in St. Louis. Frank Radake faced the same problem trying to get his Yenko Chevelle fixed under warranty, also at Francis. And, this in spite of all the influence Don had with Chevrolet.