[copo-2]

In answer to the question of there being previous 396-427 powered cars being available with the turbo-400, the answer is yes. However, all previous versions available until the Fred Gibb COPO Novas with the L-78, were hydraulic lifter motors? As Greg stated, there were a few 396-350 68 Novas built, coded MR. The 50 COPO Novas were the first L-78 BB cars to receive the Turbo-400, which was redesigned to withstand the higher rpm capibilities and torque of the solid lifter engines. On October 25, 1968, the CX coded Turbo-400 became available as a RPO option for all solid lifter BB Chevy powered cars including the L-78, L-72, L-88, & Zl-1's. The 68 Novas were built for a special purpose for Fred Gibb Chevrolet, to fill a void for Chevrolet. Fred Gibb made a statement concerning the 50 Novas as their benchmark being the first Chevrolets built with a high performance, solid lifter engine. The special purpose for the 50 L-78 Novas with the Turbo-400, was to set up an automatic class for NHRA competition against Ford & Chrysler.