66/67 Chevelle COPO?

[66cayne]

is there any evidence of 66 or 67 COPO Chevelles being produced with the 427 engine? Also, was it possible to order a Malibu with a 396 engine or did that automatically require it to be a Super Sport model?

[1967Z28]

I had a friend back in the '70s with a '66 El Camino that came with a 396. It looked factory to me and was not an SS. I think in the Chevelle/Malibu body it had to be an SS396 model to get the 396 engine in that timeframe.

[WILMASBOYL78]

The 396 was available in the El Camino...here are some links to look at.

https://fuelcurve.com/restored-1966-...o-396-powered/

https://www.chevellestuff.net/1966/66ss.htm

https://www.lenconnect.com/story/lif...vy/7135699002/

[69hurstSC]

I know someone who worked Bowling Green in the '60s and claimed to have been able to get a 427 put into a new Chevelle. The car still exists but that gentleman passed. I believe his son has the car though still. I should probably reach out.

[olredalert]

Originally Posted by 1967Z28

I had a friend back in the '70s with a '66 El Camino that came with a 396. It looked factory to me and was not an SS. I think in the Chevelle/Malibu body it had to be an SS396 model to get the 396 engine in that timeframe.

----So many 66 and 67 big block El Caminos have been changed with SS stuff that people may not know that neither year El Camino big blocks were ever SS's. Did a couple myself. A guy could order any 396 including 375 at least in 67. They still did not have an SS option. Not sure about 66....Bill S

[67since67]

No documented '66 or '67 factory 427 Chevelles. Dealer swaps, yes, many.
Member here Jeff H has researched this extensively.

In '66 and '67, all 396 cars were 138 VIN Super Sport models, with exception:

1. 136 VIN El Camino. 396 (L35, L34, and L78) was an engine option, same as a 327. In '68 the SS396 El Camino became a trim level.

2. Very rare Oshawa built Canadian 136 VIN "Malibu SS" (or Beaumont SD) where L34 396 was an engine option, and stamped L34 on the TT. No L35 or L78 Malibu SS, or Beaumont SD.

By November of '66 ('67 model year) US Canadian trade situations changed and the Canadian market got the SS396.

[67since67]

Originally Posted by olredalert

----So many 66 and 67 big block El Caminos have been changed with SS stuff that people may not know that neither year El Camino big blocks were ever SS's. Did a couple myself. A guy could order any 396 including 375 at least in 67. They still did not have an SS option. Not sure about 66....Bill S

'66 same as '67 Bill, there was a very nice Marina blue '66 from CA in the veterans tribute at MCACN 2023.

Over time there were so many junk yard SS hoods put on El Camino's that many thought they were factory.

[Formula455SD]

I have seen several 396 '66/'67 Elcaminos.. Was a 396 offered in a wagon?

[67since67]

Originally Posted by Formula455SD

I have seen several 396 '66/'67 Elcaminos.. Was a 396 offered in a wagon?

No, which has always puzzled me. The two V8 wagon optional engines were L30 and L79 327.

Attached is the board from my Concours. Note the unique pieces borrowed from the SS396, including the 138 VIN.

To my logic, the Concours wagon should have had the 396 engine standard, or at least optional. An L35 396 mated with the M40 400 Turbo would make more wagon sense than the L79 327??