how can you tell a real ss camaro or chevelle from a clone. are there any numbers to determine this.

Yup,thousands of em!!:)

What year are you talking about?

how can you tell a real ss camaro or chevelle from a clone. are there any numbers to determine this.

It varies for different years... Don't know about Camaros, but for Chevelles...

For 1964-1968 models, the SS had a different VIN than Malibus, etc... For 1966-1968, the VIN would start with "138"... A V8 Malibu's VIN would start with "136", etc... 1964 and 1965, you could get a SuperSport with a 6-cylinder, but still have unique "SS" VINs...

For 1969-1972, the SS was built as an option on a Malibu (except for 1969, where you could also order the SS option on a 300 or 300 Deluxe, even a 2-door post bodystyle). Since it was an option, the VINs do not tell if it is an SS or a clone...

The exception is the 1972 SS454. In 1972, the VIN changed to include a letter designating the engine... In 1972, the only way to order the 454 was in the SS, and If the right character for the 454 is in the VIN (I think its "W" in the 5th position), then the car is also a true SS. In 1972, you could order a 402(396) in a non-SS car, so even if it has the original engine, it might not be an SS... You could also order a 350 in the SS (first year for a small block SS since 1965).