COPO Car

[TODD]

So what do you think about this one?
IMG_1858 by TODD Fierstos, on Flickr

Todd

[bcmiller]

What background information can you provide on the engine? Block casting number and date?

[william]

Block deck has been decked. ML is the 1969 code for a 4-speed ZL-1.

[TODD]

A little background
It's a very nice shape car my friend is sending to paint was frost green and front valance shows original white stripes he wants to change colors to resale red
Car has 3/8 fuel line and appears to be an original big block with the 512 block shown.
I will dig into more detail but saw the block and am wondering is it an original 396/375hp or else, I'll post details and more pics next visit review has a BS post 12 bolt BS0321G2 rear. RS package march built didn't take a cowl pic and will post. WT stamped master and he says M22 got me curious as to what it is more to follow

[jaybee]

I am very suspicious of the deck that doesn't show rust pitting like the rest of the front of the block does.

[bcmiller]

As Bill already stated, the block has been decked.

That sure appears to be an iron block, but the ML code is for the aluminum block ZL1. So it is not a genuine original.

[TODD]

Guarantee its not a restamp that block was rebuilt in the 90's its been on the stand since then.
I think its a transplant from a Biscayne/Impala as the original was long gone then. I dont have my Chevrolet by the numbers book handy but I think Biscayne, anyone have Alan Colvin's book handy?. I'll post more pics yet but haven't reviewed the VIN at the filter and will post pics.
Its got aluminum big port winters foundry heads the builder put on there back in the 90's when such things were available. Im trying to fire what the car originally came with as I'm sure this a transplant. Its got 4 bolt mains and an aluminum intake which haven't had time to put down details on that either.
79824600876__B2F16387-85A6-4ACB-8692-2863871834A4 by TODD Fierstos, on Flickr
79824599507__0ACB79CE-5000-4C9D-AFF6-38E03CCEC186 by TODD Fierstos, on Flickr
IMG_1853 by TODD Fierstos, on Flickr

[TODD]

 No one here trying to pass off this car as anything more than a base Camaro re-engined to a big block.
Must admit when you first see it with a big block and the rear end and engine dates are lining up you think it might be a COPO but not to be all that is just coincidence.
I'm more interested as to what the car was originally. If its a 396 big block car or anything else he's at the point where maybe it needs to be repainted as original Frost green. Not many around especially an RS flat hood car. Could have been an SS so who knows. Fun is in the detective work to see what it might have been.
I'll post more so he's got an idea before it goes off to paint and decisions need be made. He's got all the original parts on the shelf and its a very nice rust free Cali car. Saw the 3/8's fuel line and e few other things that make you wonder.

[william]

WT is the code for a 1968 Camaro disc brake master.

The block is obviously decked and re-stamped with the ZL-1 ML code. Full-size 425/427s were coded LD, LS, MD.

[TODD]

Thats odd. Not sure anyone was restamping stuff in the 90's but who knows?

Maybe its just a 6 cyl  car that should be hot rodded/color changed then.

[boomer632]

So there's a few guys 'cores" as sometimes referred to on here that know their stuff. William being one of them. Many of us take their opinion as true unless you can find direct evidence otherwise. Restamps were probably at their pinnacle in the 90's as it took quite some time for interested persons to spin up to spot re-stamps. Food for thought..

[TODD]

No issue here respect Williams opinion!
Don't ask if you don't want to know right?
 

[MO]

The 90's were prolific times for people faking cars.

[bcmiller]

Blocks were being restamped in the 80s, and earlier.

A COPO would not have a 3.31 BS coded axle. 1969 COPO 427 Camaros received BE coded axles.