How much HP does a Chevy Nova have?
The horsepower of a Chevy Nova varies widely by year and engine: roughly 90 hp for early base six-cylinders up to 250–350+ hp for late-model V8s and performance packages, with many configurations falling in between. There isn’t a single number that applies to every Nova.
Overview: what drives the horsepower numbers
Horsepower on the Chevy Nova depended on a mix of era, engine displacement, carburetion, cam profile, exhaust setup, and whether the rating was a factory gross figure or a net figure used later. To understand a specific Nova’s power, it helps to know the exact year, engine code, and whether the car is stock or modified.
HP by generation and engine family
The following list describes broad, stock horsepower ranges seen on Nova models across the years. Values reflect typical factory ratings and may vary by trim, carburation, and transmission, as well as whether the measurement was gross (older years) or net (later years).
- 1962–1965: Inline-six era — base six-cylinders commonly produced around 90–120 hp, with larger I6 options pushing into the low to mid teens of horsepower (roughly 120–150 hp) depending on displacement (e.g., 153–194 cu in). V8 options from this period could reach the 195–300 hp range, depending on configuration.
- 1966–1969: Classic small-block era — inline-six outputs remained modest (roughly 140–160 hp), while V8 options expanded in power with 283/327/350 cubic inches delivering broader ranges (roughly 195–300+ hp, depending on the exact engine and tune).
- 1970–1974: Emissions and economy influences — horsepower for V8s generally declined from peak late-60s figures due to regulations, with common stock outputs in the 170–250 hp range for many 350/383-type setups; some configurations offered higher output, especially in performance-oriented variants.
In summary, the Nova’s horsepower across these years stretched from about 90 hp in early base six-cylinders to roughly 250–350+ hp in V8-equipped, higher-performance configurations, with regional and model-year variations.
Notable performance variants
Several Nova models and packages were designed to push horsepower higher than the standard lineup. Here are the key points to know about those variants and what they usually delivered in stock form:
- Nova SS (late-1960s) — Aimed at enthusiasts, the SS package offered higher-output small-block V8s and performance-oriented equipment. Stock horsepower for these configurations generally fell in the upper 200s to around 300 hp range, depending on year and specific V8 choice.
- V8 upgrades and options — Across the production years, customers could equip larger small-blocks (283/327/350 cu in and equivalents) with different cam profiles, carburetors, and exhaust, pushing factory horsepower upward within the ranges noted above.
- Aftermarket and hot-rodded examples — Many Nova owners modified engines, induction, and exhaust, easily pushing horsepower beyond the stock figures, sometimes well into 400–500+ hp territory for street and drag applications.
These variants illustrate how the Nova could range from mild daily-driver performance to notably spirited acceleration, especially when equipped with higher-output V8s and performance packages.
Horsepower ratings and measurement standards
Be aware that horsepower numbers in the 1960s were often quoted using gross ratings (power at the crank with the engine ready to run, listeners of the era) and later switched to net ratings (power with all accessories installed). This change can make direct horsepower comparisons tricky across generations. When researching a specific Nova, check the engine code, year, and whether the listing uses gross or net horsepower.
Summary
Ultimately, a Chevy Nova’s horsepower is not a single figure. It ranges from about 90 hp for early base six-cylinders to roughly 250–350+ hp in V8-equipped and performance-oriented configurations, with more powerful or heavily modified cars capable of even higher output. To know the precise horsepower of a particular Nova, you’ll need the exact year, engine size, and configuration of that specific vehicle.
For readers considering restoration or purchase, identify the engine family (straight-six vs. small-block V8), the year, and whether the car retains stock specifications or has aftermarket modifications. This will give you a clear, apples-to-apples sense of the horsepower you’re dealing with.
Was the Chevy Nova fast?
Awarded the title of the fastest Unlimited Class street car in America by Hot Rod magazine two years in a row, Larry Larson's '66 Nova can reach 209.1 mph in 6.95 seconds.
Is the Chevy Nova a V8?
One of the smallest muscle cars ever fielded by Detroit, the Nova SS now included a 295 hp (220 kW) 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 engine along with a heavy-duty suspension and other performance hardware, priced at US$312.
How much HP does a Nova have?
The Nova SS 350, equipped with the small-block 350 V8, produced around 300 horsepower, making it a powerful but affordable option for muscle car lovers.
How much HP does a 1970 Nova have?
375 horsepower
1970 Chevrolet Nova SS
This car is a Nova SS and the package included 375 horsepower – 396 CID big block V8, dual exhausts, power front brakes, simulated hood air intake, simulated fender louvers, black out grille 14x7 inch wheels and E70 – 14 white-stripe tires.
