1969 nova info needed

[JRAY2K]

I recently found a 1969 nova for sale. The owner says its an SS with a 427, but doing some searching online has come back with yenkos being the only ones with 427s. Is there any kind of distinguishing number to look for or anything that will tell for sure what it is? Thanks

[G.A.S.]

Here is the infro. I found.
There were no major changes for 1969 for the Chevy Nova SS. The standard SS package with the 350 cid V8 cost just an extra $280 above a base Nova coupe and included a special suspension, red stripe F70x14s, and power front disc brakes. To replace the 350 with the L78 396 V8 375 bhp engine cost an extra $500, but even with the $184 close-ratio four speed transmission, $43 limited slip differential, and excellent $84 fast-ratio power steering, the total cost was still under $3,500. In 1969, a total of 5,262 Nova SS were built with the 375 bhp 396 while another 1,947 were built with the 350 bhp 396 engine. Total SS production for totaled 17,654 units.

The biggest news for 1969 was the very limited Yenko Nova 427. Unlike COPO Camaros and Chevelle's, the Yenko Nova 427 engines were not factory installed. Instead, Yenko ordered Super Sport Novas equipped with the 396 V8 with 375 bhp and promptly dropped in the Chevy 427 with 425 bhp at the dealership. As with the Yenko Camaros and Chevelles, Yenko rated the 427s at a realistic 450 bhp. Yenko Nova 427s were available with either the close-ratio Muncie four speed with Hurst linkage or a Turbo Hydra-matic with Hurst Dual-Gate shifter, mated to a heavy-duty 4.10:1 Posi axle. The Novas had 14x7-inch wheels, as opposed to the 15x7s on the Yenko Camaros and Chevelles but were available with the usual Yenko supplied headers, Atlas mags, and tachometer. On the exterior, they were dressed up with Yenko stripping, 427/Yenko badges, and "sYc" headrests. Built in both 1968 and 1969, they were extremely rare with only 37 built in 1969, well short of the numbers of Yenko Camaros and Chevelles. But with less weight than either -- even less than a 427 Corvette -- the L72 Yenko Nova was probably the fastest automobile Don Yenko ever offered.

Production: Nova SS: 17,654 Nova SS w/ 396/350: 1,947 Nova SS w/ 396/375: 5,262
Engines: 350 V8 295 bhp. 396 V8 375 bhp @ 5600 rpm, 415 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm. (Yenko) 427 V8 425 bhp @ 5600 rpm, 460 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
Performance: 396/375: 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds @ 101 mph. (Yenko) 427/425: 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. 1/4 mile in 13.2 seconds @ 103 mph.

[NOVA71]

You say "the owner says its an SS with a 427". I am thinking that it might be a Nova SS (either 350 or 396) that either the seller or someone else installed a 427 in. So, yes it could be a Nova SS 427, just not an original Nova SS427.

It is very unlikely that it is original. Although the factory did install some 427 in Novas. Yenko is probably the most well know. He originally installed them at his dealership, but found out later that he could order them already installed straight from the factory. These cars are known as COPO (central office production order) cars and are extremely rare. From the info I have on them, it looks like the numbers aren't certain for COPO cars, but approx, 201 went to Yenko and it is believed that 300 more went to a few other dealerships like Berger, Gibb, Dana, Nicky, Rosen and Motion Chevrolet. These numbers would include Camaros and Chevelles as well as Novas I believe.

It's highly unlikely that this is an original Nova SS427, but even a non original one is a sweet ride. Especially if the asking price is right.

[G.A.S.]

Get the #'s off the block.
and if you dont mind, what is the asking price?

[NOVA71]

Get the vin # of the car as well. The 427 in it could be one from 69. The vin of the car should give you some info on whether it is a SS or not, and it should give you info on the proper engine it came with from the factory.

An easy indicator of an SS would be factory disc brakes on the front and multileaf springs in the back. If it has drum brakes on the front or monoleaf springs out back it's not an SS.

Although if it has discs and multileaf springs, you will still have to check the vin numbers to tell for sure. I installed all SS equipment on mine and it is easy enough to make a fake SS. To look at my car, you would never know it's not a real SS, but if you check the vin#, you will find out that it used to be your run of the mill old 2 door 6 cylinder car.

[JRAY2K]

Thanks for all the great info. The asking price isnt for sure because its going to be auctioned off on saturday.