Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS 396
The Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS 396 represents the muscle car era at its most elemental: a massive big-block engine shoehorned into the smallest, lightest body available. While the Chevelle SS and Camaro grabbed headlines and magazine covers, the Nova SS 396 was the car that made experienced drag racers and street racers genuinely nervous. Its deceptive appearance and devastating acceleration made it the quintessential muscle car sleeper.
Chevrolet first offered the 396 cubic inch big-block in the Nova beginning in 1968, when the third-generation body style arrived with an engine bay large enough to accommodate the massive engine. The L34 version produced 350 horsepower, while the fire-breathing L78 cranked out 375 horsepower with solid lifters, a high-lift camshaft, and the legendary 780 CFM Holley carburetor. These were the same engines available in the bigger, heavier Chevelle SS and Impala SS.
What made the Nova SS 396 so special was the weight advantage. At approximately 3,300 pounds, the Nova was 300-500 pounds lighter than a comparably equipped Chevelle, and the shorter wheelbase made the car feel even more aggressive and responsive. The combination of big-block power and compact dimensions produced acceleration that could embarrass cars costing two and three times as much.
The L78 375-horsepower version was the ultimate street terror. With its solid lifter camshaft, the engine had a distinctive and menacing idle lope that announced its intentions to anyone within earshot. The 11.0:1 compression ratio demanded premium fuel, and the aggressive cam profile meant the engine was happiest above 3,000 RPM, but when the tachometer swept past 4,000 RPM the big-block's power delivery was relentless.
The SS package added visual distinction to the otherwise plain Nova body. Blackout grille treatment, SS badging, simulated hood air intakes, special wheel covers or optional rally wheels, and red stripe tires identified the SS from the outside. Inside, bucket seats, a floor console, full gauges, and a wood-grain steering wheel created a sporting environment.
The Nova SS 396 was also a favorite of drag racers. Its light weight and generous engine bay made it ideal for engine modifications, and the robust X-body platform could handle significantly more power than the factory engines produced. In Super Stock and Modified Production drag racing classes, Nova SS 396s were dominant competitors throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Yenko Novas deserve special mention. Don Yenko's Springfield, Illinois Chevrolet dealership offered the ultimate Nova SS, ordering them through the COPO (Central Office Production Order) system with the 427 cubic inch engine in place of the 396. Only a small number were produced, and genuine Yenko Novas are among the most valuable muscle cars in existence today.
Production of the Nova SS 396 was limited, particularly in L78 form, making these cars quite rare today. Many were driven hard, raced, and ultimately destroyed, further reducing the number of survivors. Authentic, well-documented examples command premium prices in the collector market.
Document the engine code carefully: the L78 375-hp version is significantly more valuable than the L34 350-hp engine. Verify through the cowl tag and engine stampings. Many Nova SS models have been cloned from base Nova cars, so provenance documentation is critical. Check subframe and floor pan for rust and repair quality. The X-body platform is susceptible to rust in the trunk floor and rear quarter panels. Authentic L78 cars should have the correct Holley carburetor, solid lifter heads, and heavy-duty components.
The 396 V8 was available in the Nova SS from 1968 through 1970, when the big-block option was discontinued in favor of the 350 and 402 engines. The L78 375-hp version was a rare option requiring the buyer to also select numerous heavy-duty components. Exact production figures for the L78 Nova are estimated at fewer than 1,000 units across all years.