Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nukledragger</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think the car was a Harrell tuned 396 car and not a 427 transplant..</div></div>

So, what specifically made the non converted 396 Harrell Novas any different from the other L78's?(other than the heavy duty auto trans)
Thanks </div></div>

When you speak of the 1968 Gibb COPO Novas, you would be speaking of the 50 factory built cars, all with the same options except exterior colors(Matador Red, Tripoli Turquoise, Grecian Green, or Fathom Blue). These cars also had Black interiors, except the Fathom Blue cars had Bright Blue interiors. As they came to Gibb before modifications, the L-78 engine specs were the same as all other 396-375 motors. As far as the experimental Turbo-400 automaatic transmission, the Harrell cars retained the factory transmission on all that I am aware? These transmissions had very tight converters.

What the difference was is the fact that beside the 427 transplants, DHPC super tuned and added aftermarket products on these 396 versions that were sold through authorized Cheverolet dealers from the midwest to the Pacific Coast. Harrell modified these cars by reworking the distributors, tuning and changes made to the carburator, adding headers if the customer, plus many other options the buyer was willing to pay for? Those options included gauges, tachs, slicks, wheels, A&amp;A fiberglass hoods, even addition of extra carburation if you were willing to pay for it? Harrell &amp; Gibb were actually business associates with these Nova's, Gibb furnished the cars and Harrell did the modifying at his shop in K.C. What might be of interest to some, is the fact these cars still retained their 90 day factory warranty and could be financed by GMAC for the full price, including the added aftermarket products purchased. The short 90 day warranty reflects the fact that all 50 COPO Nova's were actually built and labeled for racing.

Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

That is great info Ray! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

Ray did all the 68 Dick Harrell 427 Have Stinger Hoods

Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

This is probably of interest to those who have not seen it:

November 1968 Popular Hot Rod

Provides some details of the different types of tuning available at DHPC.

Greg

Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: copo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Harrell modified these cars by reworking the distributors, tuning and changes made to the carburator, adding headers if the customer, plus many other options the buyer was willing to pay for? Those options included gauges, tachs, slicks, wheels, A&amp;A fiberglass hoods, even addition of extra carburation if you were willing to pay for it? </div></div>

Thank you for all the details. So, were all internal engine pieces such as camshaft, pistons, compression, etc left as delivered from the factory?

Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

Thank you for all the details. So, were all internal engine pieces such as camshaft, pistons, compression, etc left as delivered from the factory?[/quote] Knuckledragger

Unless specified differently, it would be my belief the 396 version that authorized Chevrolet dealers sold, were modified mostly by visible aftermarket parts, except for the carb &amp; distributor? However, when we think about the fuscia race car, for example, that would fall into the catagory of what the customer might wish by paying extra, who knows for sure? Things of this nature, without work orders or some other form of documentation, would only be a guess? I'm pretty sure most had a basic tune and options as can be seen on pg 17 that Greg posted in the PHR article of Nov. 1968. This article does mention the 427 powered street/strip version, with optional engine extras available. Again look on pg. 17 at the 427 version test car and note the camshaft specs.

Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

Great info. Thanks!!

Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

I also think that a S/W electric-fuel pump in the trunk. Paul

Re: 1968 COPO nova
 

So does the new owner want to share how the car will be brought back to Race or Original status??? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]