Chevrolet Chevelle 1969 -1972

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chevelle 69

For 1969, the SS 396 became an option package on all Chevelles. Therefore, it was possible to order the SS 396 package on everything from the Malibu sport coupe (the most popular) and convertible to the Chevelle 300-series hardtop and pillared coupe and the El Camino pick up. All Chevelles got new styling which included new tail lamps. The 396 returned in 325, 350, and 375bhp tune but still suffered from poor handling and four-speed linkage. Late in the 1969 model year, the 396 was bored out to 402 cubic engines, reportedly to meet new emission standards. The official name and power ratings were not changed and the Chevelle SS remained one of the most popular muscle cars of the era. Of particular interest to drag racers was the availablity of a number of limited edition Chevelles. Known as COPO Chevelles, these Chevelle's were specially ordered from the factory by certain dealers or well- connected customers with standard L72 427 V8s rated at 425bhp. An estimated 323 Chevelle COPO 427s were built, all of which were often devoid of badges or other indications of the power that resided underneath.



Production: 86,307

Engines: 396 V8 325bp@4800rpm, 410lb-ft@3200rpm. L34 396 V8 350bhp@5200rpm, 415lb-ft@3600. L78 396 V8 375bhp@5600rpm, 415lb-ft@3600rpm. COPO 427 V8 425bhp@5600rpm, 460lb-ft@4000rpm.

Performance: L78 396/375: 0-60 in 6.5 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.5 sec @ 100mph.

Performance: COPO 427/425: 0-60 in 5.1 sec, 1/4 mile in 13.3 sec @ 108mph.







chevelle 70

1970 saw the introduction of the most powerful Chevelle SS of all time. Responding to the lifting of GM's ban on engines larger than 400 cid in midsize cars, Chevrolet responded by dropping in a new 454 cubic engine into its Chevelle SS. The entry level 454 was known as the LS5 and packed 360bhp. The top engine choice was the LS6 version with 450bhp. The LS6 had a 800-cfm Holley four barrel on an aluminum manifold, 11.25:1 compression, solid lifters, four-bolt mains, forged steel crank and connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, and deep-groove accessory pullies. No production engine ever had a higher factory horsepower rating. The standard Chevelle SS 396 continued with its 402 cid engines, although the 325bhp was dropped and the 350bhp version was now standard. Optional on both the 396 and 454 was a new cowl-induction hood, which had a rear facing flapper near the base of the windshield to feed air into the engine. The styling was new with a "vee" front end, functional hood pins, and five-spoke Rallye wheels. This was truly the pinnacle of the Chevelle SS performance.



Production: 53,599

Engines: L34 402 V8 350bhp@5200rpm, 415lb-ft@3400. 402 V8 375bhp@5600rpm, 415lb-ft@3600rpm. LS5 454 V8 360bhp@5400rpm, 500lb-ft@3200rpm. LS6 454 V8 450bhp@5600rpm, 500lb-ft@3600rpm.

Performance: LS6 454/450: 0-60 in 6.1 sec, 1/4 mile in 13.7 sec @ 103mph.