What's yer opinion on 427 Novas?

[ANDY M]

What about that dusk blue Camaro that got raffled off a few years ago?
It was touted as the "Only one on the planet" '68 Yenko with factory docs that the L-72 was installed at the factory.
As for the Novas, whatever Marlin says.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Well.... in speaking to some prior owners of that 'One and only on the Planet' giveaway car (Fathom Blue to be exact), the car had been missing it's original engine block for many years. So, it's hard to back up the claim of it being a COPO 427 car. This car was YS-8008, 4speed, FB w/ black interior, #413665 sold new from Jay Kline in Minn. MN and had the 'hubs' option, ( we think that's code for the Pontiac wheels).

The Ermine White '68 Yenko Camaro has a peculiar plate riveted in the door jam that says 'SPECIAL DRAG CAR' or something along those lines. I think the jury is still out on this one, as the owner has some convincing paperwork that a COPO 427 car could have snuck out the door as an 'export' model. However, I don't think anything has been confirmed - yet. This car has a red interior, is a 4speed, is stock number YS-8023 and was sold new at Branine Chev. in Mulvane, KS.

In regards to a specific engine stamping, I think you are referring to the 'MV' code. There are several examples of MV coded blocks, both that were recovered from transplanted cars and from those that were not transplanted, where the bore is a 396 bore - not a 427. Although earlier publications eluded to the MV code as a COPO 427 application in the Camaro, the actual blocks do not back that up claim.

[PeteLeathersac]

When L72's were factory installed in a chassis where it wasn't an RPO (such as A & F body cars...B body L72's were RPO), didn't they always get the heat-treated rear axle parts?. Why would it be necessay on some but not others?. If the L72 was factory installed and available through the Copo process in a Nova, wouldn't you expect the rear axle would've come with it?.
And whata'bout the unique cooling system parts...necessary on the Camaro but not the Nova?.

On the '68 MV suffix 396's, didn't they come w/ a different carb than the other L78's?.


~ Pete

[bav70ss]

Marlin, have you ever received any info on the Bristol Motors transplants in Three Hills, Alberta? Bristol Motors ended up with the ZL1 Camaro that was sent to Canada. I have a friend with a Three Hills 69 Nova. He has papers showing the cost of a 427 transplant and other options. His L78 still has the dealer installed Doug Thorley headers. In 1970, Bristol Motors was transplanting LS6's. I spoke to a fellow in Calgary whose paperwork showed the LS6 but the Nova had a CE block after the LS6 was ventilated.
John.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Interesting information John, however, I have very little knowledge of Canadian dealers. Would love to see the papers for the Nova 427 transplant!!

[mc25t190]

It was the most wicked car i ever owned, without a doubt. If Don Yenko stated the car was "LETHAL", he might have agreed. To this day i don't know if anyone could mastermind a more potent combination, built by the dealer themselves and only 37 example's sold to the public.