What year did Nova have a 396?
The Chevrolet Nova, a compact car produced by Chevrolet, has a storied history in the muscle car era. Among its many iterations, one of the most iconic features was the availability of the powerful 396 cubic-inch V8 engine. This article explores the specific year when the Nova was equipped with this legendary engine, marking its place in muscle car history.
The Year the Nova Got the 396
The Chevrolet Nova first offered the 396 cubic-inch V8 engine in the year 1966. This was part of the second-generation Nova lineup, which had undergone a redesign to accommodate more powerful engines and appeal to muscle car enthusiasts. The 396 engine was introduced as part of the Nova SS (Super Sport) package, making it a serious contender in the muscle car market.
Why the 396 Was Significant
The introduction of the 396 engine in the Nova was a game-changer for several reasons:
- Performance: The 396 engine delivered impressive horsepower, with some versions producing up to 375 horsepower, giving the lightweight Nova exceptional speed and acceleration.
- Muscle Car Appeal: By equipping the Nova with a big-block engine, Chevrolet positioned it as a competitor to other muscle cars of the era, such as the Ford Mustang and Dodge Dart.
- Compact Power: The Nova's relatively small size combined with the powerful 396 engine made it a unique offering in the muscle car market, providing a thrilling driving experience.
The 1966 Nova SS with the 396 engine remains a sought-after classic car today, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts for its blend of power and style.
Conclusion
The year 1966 marked a pivotal moment for the Chevrolet Nova, as it became available with the 396 cubic-inch V8 engine. This addition solidified its status as a true muscle car and left a lasting legacy in automotive history. Whether you're a classic car enthusiast or simply curious about automotive milestones, the 1966 Nova SS with the 396 engine is a prime example of American muscle at its finest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year did Chevrolet come out with the 396 engine?
1965
396 and 402. The 396 cu in (6.5 L) V8 was introduced in the 1965 Corvette as the L78 option and in the Z-16 Chevelle as the L37 option.
What year is the most desirable Nova?
1968-1974 Chevrolet Nova Today
The 1968-1974 Chevrolet Nova has become a highly-desirable car among collectors and muscle car enthusiasts. For example, Hagerty estimates the value of a 1972 Nova SS350 in Good condition at around $25,000.
What year is the rarest Nova?
The 1978 Chevy Nova 9C1 Coupe may be the rarest Nova ever produced. Almost all other Police Novas were built as four-doors.
What year did Chevy Nova have a 396 engine?
1970
Out of 254,242 Novas sold for 1970, 19,558 were the SS 350 or SS 396 version. Approximately 177 Central Office Production Order (COPO) Novas were ordered, with 175 converted by Yenko Chevrolet.
How much horsepower does a 1970 Nova SS 396 have?
375 horsepower
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.
How many 1970 Nova SS 396 were made?
This puts us with a working number of 19,558 total Super Sports sold in 1970, most of which were standard 350/300-hp cars. The total amount of 396s built is believed to be 5,567, with 1,802 L34s and 3,765 L78s — but those numbers vary slightly from source to source.
Did the Nova ever come with a 427?
A very special car indeed. This special Nova is powered by one of GM's limited edition, all aluminum 427 ZL1 crate engines. With only a limited number produced, this engine is almost as rare as the original ZL1s! Backed by a Doug Nash 4-speed transmission, and 12 bolt 3.73 rear, this Nova means serious business.
How much power can a 8.1 Vortec handle?
And then you know how much power you're trying to make. I have an 8.1 in my motorhome.
What is the best Nova model?
We think the best Novas are the two-doors made between 1968 and 1971. That generation of Nova was arguably the best-looking compact on the market, and the SS version offered big V-8 engines that had real bite.
Why did the 396 become a 402?
Beginning in 1970, all of the 396 badge engines were actually 402 inches as Chevy decided not to mess with the wildly popular "396" moniker that was now as popular as the 409 that The Beach Boys made famous.
