Fred Gibb COPO

[JoeC]

I have read that the 1968 COPO Nova TH400 cars were the first COPOs built for racing but I have also read that the 1966 Yenko Stinger Corvairs and the 1963 Z11 cars with Alu front clip were built using the COPO process. Anyone have more info on this?

[bowtie3168]

Joe,
I just saw Dave Strickler's "Old Reliable" , and Dick Milner's "Allen Green Chevrolet" Z-11 Impalas at "The York US 30 Reunion" a few months ago. The cars were 2dr Hardtop Impalas with aluminum components that follow:hood,fenders,battery tray,radiator support,bumpers,bumper brackets,gravel shields,water pump, and intake manifold. The intake manifold was a two (2) piece unit! The cars had radio and heater delete. The gentleman who owns these two cars also owns a third Z-11. I will call him to get more info. Hope this helps.
Andrew

[JoeC]

Andrew - If you get the chance, ask him if he has any GM paperwork showing COPO numbers or special assembly instructions for the Z11.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

JoeC;
I will call the owner today to inquire as to any GM paperwork that he has on the Z11 cars, and if any COPO orders were used in their construction.

This owners collection is simply awesome!! I have been there, and didn't want to leave. He also has the highest optioned '70 Yenko Nova found, it is an ex-demo car in Gobi Beige. This collection has Hemi/Wedge Mopars, lightweights, vettes, Fords, Chevy's - Amazing!!!
Marlin

[REDZ]

I have one of the 1963 Z-11 Impalas. It was originally raced in the Detroit area by three guys who worked in the GM Tech Center and was sponsored by Floyd Forin Chevrolet. It is currently on display at Floyd Garrett's Muscle car Museum in Sevierville, TN.

It's my understanding that even though these cars were built at the factory as "ready-to- run" drag cars , they were handled as RPO (Regular Production Order) cars rather than under a COPO process.

Micky Hale restored this car for me several years ago. I'm sure he can answer a lot of questions about these cars. How about it Mick?

[Edited by REDZ (10-31-2000 at 04:08 PM).]

[Edited by REDZ (11-01-2000 at 09:21 AM).]

[Edited by REDZ (11-01-2000 at 09:24 AM).]

[JoeC]

It is not proof positive that cars were built but there is a Chevy Engineering service letter dated 5/10/69 for the CAMARO 402 engines. It states that effective Aug. 1, 1969 all 402 engines will be identified with the "C" preceding the existing suffix code. Then it lists the codes including RPO L78 w/M40 as "CJL".

[CamarosRus]

To Ray and all interested partys, Last Year I was contacted by NHRA's J.Skelly via a referal from BKH. Someone had been entering NHRA Super Stock racing with a 70' L-78 Camaro / Turbo 400 claiming it to be factory original. In spite of the codes listed in miscbooks NHRA had never seen or heard of an actual 70 L78 Turbo 400. I conducted some "limited" research, investigated the assy manual......and have concluded that no such car was ever built. Now....this "Yenko" board has more hands on experts than ANYWHERE. Does anyone have PROOF positive via paperwork or ?? that any of the 600 1970 L-78 Camaros (of which I'm still searching to buy one) came with auto from Factory.
Thanks for your interest and hope to meet you in Chicago. chuck sharin/Seattle

[Kurt S]

The L78/M40 combo was available in 68 and 69. Can't imagine why it wouldn't be available in 70 too.

Kurt S