Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

I know nothing about camaro so I need some help here. I got a lead today on what I am pretty sure is a original 69 camaro COPO engine but what to know what I should look for just to be sure.
Bit of history as told to me. The car was purchased in PA and came to canada when the owner moved here to take a job in the coal mines in the early 70's.Motor was removed about 73 or 74 and was replaced with a oval port 396 so it could be more street worthy. Motor has been sitting ever since. It is 100% complete right to the carb and starter.Bellhousing still bolted on the back.Guy swares it came out of as original yellow 69 camaro copo.It is a 512 block casting date is the first week of january 69, the MN is stamped on the pad and it has a 4346 holley on it. It is 10 hours away and I don't want to make the trip unless it is the real deal.I am also probally 20 years in the past with pricing on these but we are some where in the 7-8,000 range.
let me know please what you guys think and what else I can check for.Oh yes i also asked for the vin by the filter but he said he cannot see anything so far.

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

That's a pretty early casting date for a non-yenko copo car.

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

Hi Marlin:
I'm sorry but I don't know what you mean. Like I said I am not up on camaro at all.How do I make sure this is a copo engine and if so I assume it is worth 7500-8000 since it is not blown.He never said anything about the car being a yenko just that it was a factory COPO that he bought used when working in the coal mines in the pittsburg PA area.
Thanks for the help Joe

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

There is nothing wrong with a Jan cast 512 Copo engine being used for many months later in assembled engines. June assembled engines have had Jan. cast blocks. A jan. cast block could have been used in many Copo cars, Yenkos included. Have the seller check for a vin in the block to help verify a real Copo motor.
Mark

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

I was only speculating that the casting date of the engine seemed early considering that the car was not a Yenko, however, it actually could have been a Yenko that the stripes were removed.

The first batch of COPO Camaros (qty of 50) went to Yenko, and were X66 bodies with 01B build dates. The non-Yenko COPO Camaros were probably not built until the 03B batch, but could have been a little bit earlier. So, that casting date would seem a little bit early for a non-Yenko COPO application - not impossible, but worth verifying.

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

My 3B built Yenko has a Dec casting date motor.

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

You guys have seen more COPO engines that I have, the few I've seen were closer to the build date of the car. So, the window appears to be large - especially on the early cars, so the spread wouldn't be a concern.

I would agree with Mark, try to get the vin from the block - especially before such a long trip!!

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

I would think that an original COPO 427 would be worth closed to $15,000 especially if it has the original VIN stamp. A non COPO 512 casting 427 engine would sell for $7-8,000.
James

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

i have a 02d berger double copo on my body # list body # 206xxx. i also have a body # within 3 cars i have no date for that # though.

Re: Help with Possible 69 Camaro COPO engine
 

[ QUOTE ]
I would think that an original COPO 427 would be worth closed to $15,000 especially if it has the original VIN stamp. A non COPO 512 casting 427 engine would sell for $7-8,000.
James

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks James. Looks like a trip should be planned. I got what he read as the vin last night 615XXX .If it is a original stamp it is worth a trip since someone out there may need this engine if your car is a original 69 copo yellow 4spd.
Joe