![]() The base-level SS350 sold for just $290.70 more. In 1970, Nova’s base price was $2,254 (about 18 grand today). The Chevrolet Nova SS was a relative bargain for a muscle car. Performance was a 4.7 second 0-60 and a 13.2 quarter mile. The dealership installed a new 427 short block which they transformed into an L72 by cannibalizing the 396’s cylinder heads, carburetor, intake manifold and distributor, for an output of 450 HP. In 1969, Yenko Chevrolet of Canonsburg, PA, ordered 37 Nova Super Sports with 375 HP 396 CID V8s, which they converted to Yenko Nova S/C. 1969 the Nova SS was now equipped with standard front disc brakes, though Positraction and faster steering were both options. 1969 Chevrolet Novaįor 1969, the SS model’s four-barrel 350 CID V8 saw a five HP increase in output. Despite the power and weight of the big blocks, front disc brakes were optional on the 1968 Nova SS.ġ968 also saw the farewell of the beloved 327 small block, with Chevrolet offering an L79 option on the Nova with a 325 HP version that final year of the motor’s production. Either could be matched to a Muncie M21 or M22 manual or a three-speed Turbo-Hydromantic automatic. The L78, topped with a Holley four-barrel carburetor on an aluminum intake manifold, an 11:1 compression ratio, an aggressive solid lifter cam, and rectangle port cylinder heads, produced 375 HP. Both displaced 396 CID, with the 元4 rated at 350 HP. While four- and six-cylinder engines continued to be offered, in 1968, the Nova became a member of the muscle car ranks with an SS package that included a 295 HP 350 CID small block, F41 heavy-duty suspension and other performance and trim upgrades.Ĭhevrolet also offered two versions of its big block V8s on the SS. ![]() The most significant alterations were under the hood. The mechanical underpinnings remained the same, and styling upgrades were pretty much limited to trim items. For 1969, the Chevy II name would be gone.įor the period between 19, the Nova saw few changes. While the convertible was discontinued the following year, Chevrolet now offered a 195 HP 283 CID small block V8, later raised to 220 HP.Ĭhevrolet was also transitioning the name, with Chevy II Nova as the model’s official name in 1968, though mentioned only as Nova in sales literature. Unfortunately, the early SS models were initially limited to six-cylinder engines. So Chevrolet added the Z03 SS package for the model year available on Nova convertibles and Sport Coupe hardtops. However, it was the 1960s, and a plain jane compact car wasn’t swinging enough for the times. In 1962 the Chevy II came within 50,000 units of the well-established Ford Falcon (with the Corvair added, Chevrolet exceeded Ford’s compact car sales). Instead, the Nova name was appended to top-of-the-line 400 series models.Ĭhevy’s efforts had paid off. While Chevrolet brass kicked around the Nova name, the new Chevy compact car became the Chevy II, as it started with the letter C, like other models from the division. This construction provided enough flexibility in manufacturing that it became the basis of F-body Camaros and Firebirds. The suspension was by unequal length a-arms with coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the rear. The chassis was a unitized structure from the firewall back with a bolt-on front clip. Called the X body, it was of a semi-unibody design. Image Credit: 1962-1967 Chevrolet Chevy IIįor the Chevy II, GM developed an all-new platform. In just 18 months, Chevy designed, developed and manufactured an entirely new model, every bit as practical as the Ford compact. And with Ford launching the simple, utilitarian Falcon, Chevy needed a competitor. In 1960, the Chevrolet Motor Division was concerned that the groundbreaking Corvair would not catch on with compact car buyers as the division had first expected. ![]() 1968-1974 Chevy Nova the Everyman Muscle Car
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |