What transmission came in a 69 Nova?
The 1969 Nova could be equipped with several transmissions, including a 3-speed manual, a 4-speed manual, a Powerglide 2-speed automatic, or Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed automatic.
Which option appeared depended on the engine, trim, and order sheet. Base six-cylinder models often paired with manual options or Powerglide, while V8-equipped cars offered more gear-choice flexibility, including the 4-speed manual and TH350 automatic.
Manual transmissions
To understand the manual options, note that GM offered two common configurations for the Nova in 1969, covering both economy and performance-focused builds.
- 3-speed manual (on-the-tree or floor-shift, depending on trim)
- 4-speed manual (Muncie M20 or M21), typically paired with V8 engines
Manual transmissions gave drivers direct control and were favored by enthusiasts, especially when paired with the Nova’s small-block V8 options or the base inline-six.
3-speed manual
This transmission was commonly available on base models and could be equipped as a column-shift or floor-shift unit, depending on the car’s configuration and era options.
4-speed manual
The 4-speed manual used a Muncie gearbox (M20 or M21) and was a popular choice with V8-powered Nova models, offering sharper acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.
Automatic transmissions
Automatics provided a hands-off driving experience and were widely offered on a broad range of Nova configurations, especially with V8 options.
- Powerglide 2-speed automatic
- Turbo-Hydramatic 350 (TH350) 3-speed automatic
These automatic choices covered both entry-level and performance-oriented builds, with TH350 serving as the more versatile and smoother option for most V8-powered Nova models.
Powerglide 2-speed
The Powerglide was GM’s two-speed automatic widely used in the era. It was lightweight and simple but offered only two gear ranges, making it less suited to performance driving.
Turbo-Hydramatic 350 (TH350)
The TH350 was GM’s popular three-speed automatic, known for robust performance and smoother shifts. It was a common match for many 1969 Nova V8 configurations.
Summary
In 1969, the Chevrolet Nova offered a range of transmissions to fit different buyers: manual options included a 3-speed and a 4-speed (Muncie), while automatic options included the Powerglide 2-speed and the Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed. The exact pairing depended on the engine and trim level, with enthusiasts often favoring the 4-speed manual or TH350 automatic for a blend of performance and practicality. For a specific car, the exact transmission can be confirmed through the build sheet or original documentation.
What is the specs of the 1969 Nova SS 396 4 speed?
🛠 Specs Summary (Stock 1969 Nova SS 396) Feature Specification Engine 396 cu in V8 (L78) Horsepower Up to 375 hp Torque 415 lb-ft 0–60 mph ~6.0 sec (stock) Quarter mile ~13.7 sec (stock) Transmission 4-speed manual / 3-speed automatic Rear Axle 12-bolt with optional 3.73 or 4.10 gears Curb Weight ~3,200 lbs.
How to tell if a 69 Nova is a true SS?
And the VIN. Matches. Then you look at the engine. Application code the L48 engine was only available in the SS. And that's the only small block you could get in an SS those years.
What motor came in a 69 Nova?
The 1969 Super Sport Novas were also the first to have front disc brakes as a standard option. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 with a four-barrel carburetor was also a standard option for the SS and was revised with a 5 hp increase to 300 hp.
How much is a 69 Nova worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,150 for a 1969 Chevrolet Nova in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1969 Chevrolet Nova at auction over the last three years was $803,000.
