What engines are in a Chevy Nova?
The Chevy Nova, a classic American compact car, has been known for its reliable and powerful engines over the years. From its introduction in 1962 to its discontinuation in 1979, the Nova offered a range of engine options to suit the needs of different drivers. In this article, we'll explore the various engines that have been available in the Chevy Nova.
The Early Years: 1962-1967
When the Chevy Nova first hit the market in 1962, it was powered by a range of inline six-cylinder engines. The base model came equipped with a 194 cubic inch (3.2-liter) six-cylinder engine that produced around 120 horsepower. Buyers could also opt for a larger 230 cubic inch (3.8-liter) six-cylinder engine, which offered a bit more power at around 140 horsepower.
In 1964, Chevrolet introduced a V8 engine option for the Nova, which quickly became a popular choice among performance-minded drivers. The available V8 engines included a 283 cubic inch (4.6-liter) unit producing 195 horsepower, as well as a 327 cubic inch (5.4-liter) engine that generated up to 300 horsepower.
The Muscle Car Era: 1968-1972
As the muscle car craze swept the nation in the late 1960s, Chevrolet responded by offering more powerful engine options for the Nova. In 1968, the lineup included a 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V8 engine that produced up to 295 horsepower, as well as a 396 cubic inch (6.5-liter) big-block V8 that could generate a whopping 375 horsepower.p>
The 1970 model year saw the introduction of the legendary 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) LT-1 V8 engine, which was capable of producing 370 horsepower. This engine, paired with the Nova's lightweight chassis, made the car a formidable performer on the street and the racetrack.
The Final Years: 1973-1979
As emissions regulations and fuel economy concerns became more prominent in the 1970s, the engine options for the Chevy Nova began to evolve. The big-block V8 engines were phased out, and the lineup focused on more efficient small-block V8s.
In the final years of production, the Nova was available with a range of V8 engines, including a 305 cubic inch (5.0-liter) unit producing up to 145 horsepower, as well as a 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V8 that generated 165 horsepower.p>
Throughout its production run, the Chevy Nova was known for its reliable and powerful engines, which contributed to its enduring popularity among enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
What engines were available in a 1968 Chevy Nova?
Engine Options:
L26 – Turbo-Thrift 230 | 230ci | 140hp L6. L22 – Turbo-Thrift 250 | 250ci | 155hp L6. L14 – Turbo-Fire 307 | 307ci | 200hp V8. L30 – Turbo-Fire 327 | 327ci | 275hp V8.
What engine came in the Chevy Nova?
The Chevy Nova was offered with a wide range of engine options, from economical inline-four and six-cylinder engines to high-performance V8s, including the 327, 350, 396, and even larger 427s installed by dealers like Yenko. The engine lineup changed significantly throughout the Nova's production run, with early models featuring smaller engines and later models offering more powerful options for the performance-oriented Super Sport versions.
Engine options by type
- Inline-Four: Early models offered a 153 cubic-inch (2.5L) engine.
- Inline-Six: A variety of six-cylinder engines were available, including the 194, 230, and 250 cubic-inch options.
- V8:
- Small-Block: The Nova was available with several small-block V8s, such as the 307, 327, and 350 cubic-inch engines.
- Big-Block: Performance versions, particularly the SS models, were offered with big-block V8s like the 396 (also known as the 402) and the even more powerful 427, which was often installed by dealers after purchase.
Key model year variations
- 1964: A 283 cubic-inch V8 (195-220 hp) was introduced as the first V8 option.
- 1965: The V8 lineup expanded to include 327 cubic-inch options (250 and 300 hp).
- 1968: The Nova SS became a performance-focused package, available with a 350 ci V8 (295 hp) or a 396 ci big-block V8 (350 or 375 hp).
- 1970: The 396 cubic-inch big-block was a popular option, with horsepower ratings up to 375 hp.
- 1971: Emissions regulations led to a significant drop in horsepower. The 230 ci six-cylinder was dropped, and the base V8 became the 307 ci engine, producing 200 hp. The largest available V8 was a 350 ci engine with 270 hp in SS models.
Notable engine examples
- 153ci "Super-Thrift" L4: A base four-cylinder engine offering good fuel economy in early models.
- 327ci L79 V8: A high-output engine with 350 hp, available in 1966 and later models.
- 396ci L78 V8: A powerful big-block engine with 375 hp, a popular option in performance-oriented models.
- 427ci V8: While not factory-installed, dealers like Don Yenko would swap in 427 ci engines into 396-equipped Novas to create high-performance, limited-edition vehicles.
What engines were available in a 1969 Nova?
Engine Options The 1969 Nova offered a range of engine options to cater to different preferences: Base Engine: A 194 cubic-inch inline-six was standard. V8 Options: A variety of V8 engines were available, including the 283, 307, 327, and the high-performance 396 cubic-inch engine in the SS models.
What engines were available in a 1970 Nova?
Engine Options:
L14 – Turbo-Fire 307 | 307ci | 200hp V8. L65 – Turbo-Fire 350 | 350ci | 250hp V8. L48 – Turbo-Fire 350 | 350ci | 300hp V8. L34 – Turbo-Jet 396 | 402ci | 350hp V8.
