Copo Automatics

[Keith Tedford]

When I bought our Chevelle, the first thing I did was remove the AIR manifolds and pump. There must have been a slight misalignment issue because I started rolling belts at higher rpms. I put just the pump back on and had no more problems. There was no noticeable power gain any way. The addition of headers made a seat of the pants improvement. I'd put my money on ALL COPO, L78 and L88 cars having the AIR pump in '69. Just a personal opinion.

[Jim Mattison]

Guys, hopefully I can put the issue of smog vs. no smog (including Canadian cars)to rest!

The validation and emission certification on the COPO 427 Camaros and Chevelles, both the aluminum and iron blocks were "grandfathered" in off the Corvette. The Corvette engines had smog pumps (both automatic and 4-spd), therefore so did the COPO cars (including the Canadian vehicles).

Jim Mattison

[olredalert]

Thanks Jim,

------That probably puts that question to rest on COPOs,but how about these lower horsepower big-block cars?Do you have the bottom line on them as well?Inquiring minds want to know!........Bill S

[sYc]

Jim; Thanks, this has been debated numerous times on this site, glad to get a definite answer. Makes sense since they are the same.

Now, to another question. The COPO cars (427) came with a 396/375 HP emission sticker. Why was this? It had been runored that they were "snuck" through, to save the hassle of going through the whole certification thing for just a small number of engines/cars. But, since the engines were the same, and were grandfathered in, why not have a 427/425 sticker?

And, by the way, hope the search for the Chevy records is going well. We all are anxiuosly waiting. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[Jim Mattison]

The 427 Camaros and Chevelles, from a scheduling (and internal paperwork) standpoint started out as L78 cars. The parts and pieces to build these cars as 427's was a lengthy process of adds and deducts to the L78 option.

I can only guess that the emission label was accidentally overlooked.

Jim Mattison

[sYc]

Jim; Thanks, makes sense. Another myth put to rest.

[mike32]

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, I HAVE A CANADIAN BUILT 69 IMPALA CUSTOM SS427(L-36). THIS CAR IS ROUGH BUT #'S MATCHING AND 98% ORIGINAL / UNMODIFIED, IT HAS NO INDICATION OF EVER HAVING ANY SMOG EQUIPMENT INSTALLED.

MIKE

[Keith Tedford]

The hydraulic cammed big blocks outside of California wouldn't have the smog pump in '69. The only decals under the hood of our COPO Chevelle was the little Tonawanda piece on the passenger valve cover. There was no positraction decal in the trunk either. These decals may have been hit and miss like the steering wheel emblems. Not being RPO, the guys on the line probably slipped up by times. They can just about build RPO stuff with their eyes closed.