I have a 74 camaro that came from the factory with a 400 SBC and a 400 turbo tranny. But my vin doesn't match because Chevrolet didn't put 400 SBC in 74s. I know its factory because its been in my family since it came off the showroom floor. Is this a factory mistake or a one off special edition

 

Sorry I can't tell you how a 400SBC could get into a '74 Camaro, especially if your family has owned it since it was new. Only possibility I could think of would be if the dealership did an engine swap prior to it's sale.
Chevy (to my knowledge) has never made this type of mistake, and since the VIN doesn't match, that would confirm they didn't make the mistake at the factory. With manufacturing records being so well kept, and numbers stamped on every engine before it left, I'd doubt they made a mistake like that. If it was stamped to match the car, and it was a 400 by accident, then I'd be inclined to believe they accidentally put a 400 in, but not if the engine numbers don't match.

 

in 74 they say they made 30 camaroes with 400 SBC for the state troopers high speed pursuit vehicle. I mean its got front and rear sway bars 4 wheel disc brakes cb radio mount 275 amp altenator factory coilovers. But Dot decided to go with dodge instead of Chevy because of price and interior space. I contacted gm and they are trying to find out more info on these cars. They say if it is a factory car the it is the most valuable camaro ever made. Even more than the 69 zl1.

 

Strange that if it's a COPO type car designed for police sales, that the VIN wouldn't match? All police, taxi, etc. special use cars fell under the COPO sales, and were usually documented, and well marked on various components.

 

I would love to see pics of the suspension setup on this car! Got pics of it?

 

I'm in the process of restoring it back to its former glory. Its in a cradle right now. I'm just waiting to hear back from gm to see if this really is a copo. If its not I'm going to do a chromoly tube frame independent rear suspension from a 2000 vette. Ls7 with TT and all the goodies. 14 inch bremboes on all four corners eibach coilovers and 285 on the front with 325 on the back. If it is a copo I'll just build the 400 and restore to factory specs on everything else

 

I'd guess it's the F41 package suspension, but a COPO could be almost anything, and might be even heavier than the F41.

 

This would mean it had a T/A rear? Coilovers? I doubt it. I have seen everything from Yenko Vegas to Trans Am station wagons but this is new to me. Unicorn bruh. Unicorn.

 

Yeah its a unicorn to gm to. All I know is what gramps said about it. I know it was bought new never modified and stored in a barn. It was supposedly GMs entry to dot for a high speed pursuit vehicle for state troopers. Everything about the car is weird. I mean it would run 180 from the show room. I drove it for 2 years before I decided to restore it. It blows the doors off these new camaros and mustangs. I have no idea if its copo or a one off design gm tryed to market. They don't know because they don't have any paperwork before 81.

 

Here's a thought. Have you looked for the build sheet yet? Since it's been in the family since it was new, there most likely will be a build sheet under one of the rear cushions. Will possibly also be one on top of the gas tank, and since it's low mileage, and clean, that sheet might have survived well too?
A located build sheet should confirm all of your questions on engine, trans, suspension, and whether it came out of Central Office Production Order.