69 SS Weights:Malibu vs. 300 Sedan vs. 300 Hardtop

[mockingbird812]

I am interested in official or anecdotal "apples to apples" weight comparison among these three models. Particularly interested in L78 4 speed , but a like comparison of similar drivetrain (i.e. all with L35s and TH400s) is fine too. Ideally, I want to learn what the differences in weights and total weight for each of these models.

Whatever info you have, please note significant (weight-wise) options, i.e. engine, transmission, bench vs. bucket seats, etc..

Thanks!

[Chevy454]

FWIW: here's what NHRA listed as minimum weights back in the day...[all weights are for 396/375hp w/4-speed]

<u>300 Deluxe</u>
Coupe, 2dr: 3157.5
Coupe, 2dr: (Sport): 3198.75

<u>Malibu</u>
Coupe, 2dr: (Sport): 3221.25

Those weights are supposed to be from the manufacturers, but are typically light, but I'd say they're all *relative*...so, 75 difference from lightest to heaviest.

[There was a '69 Chevelle 300D that ran in Pure Stock a couple years ago...350/300hp/automatic...that car only weighed low 3400s with the owner in the car, and he was probably in the 200 lb. neighborhood. Car went 12.8s or 12.9s @ 106+, iirc...]

So, whatcha buildin'....

[mockingbird812]

Rob - good source (NHRA drag rules) and I agree they are probably at least "relatively" correct. I am a bit surprised that the difference is only (altho that is a lot of weight in drag racing terms) 75lbs from 300 DX post sedan to malibu sport coupe. I am not "buildin'" anything. Doing some research and chasing an unsubstantiated notion of the COPO possibly being applied to the 300 DXs. The sedan would be the ultimate platform for the COPO (lighter weight, stiffer body). Interesting that you should chime in first as I am interested in the memo from GM you mentioned earlier about COPO only be available for the Malibu line and not the 300. As you know, in life, there are always exceptions to the rule. Any chance you can post or pm me a copy of the memo mentioned above? Thanks!

Interested in any other weight inputs. Anyone actually weigh their personal rides?

[Chevy454]

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Any chance you can post or pm me a copy of the memo mentioned above?

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It was in Cunneen's "COPO Connection" book...I'll see if I can find our copy.

[Keith Tedford]

I don't know how accurate farm feed truck weigh scales are, but our COPO Chevelle, with few options, other than the drive train stuff, weighed 3700# with half a tank of gas. Our 300 Deluxe SS396 hardtop is similarly optioned and would probably weigh the same. Weight wise, there isn't much between them that would add weight. Options can add a lot of weight in a hurry though. In the old GM parts catalogues, there is a calculator chart with the weights of various options. This was used to choose the right springs to maintain the proper ride height. It might be of help in calculating your car weight.
Does anyone know how NHRA calculates the car weights. These numbers sound like a stripped down six cylinder car.

[Chevy454]

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Does anyone know how NHRA calculates the car weights. These numbers sound like a stripped down six cylinder car.

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The manufacturers submitted the shipping weight...NHRA then divided that weight by the advertised HP to arrive at there wt/hp factor...so you can reverse figure to find out the original submitted weight.

[Rixls6]

Here's a copy from a page in an old Chevelle book that the NCOA put out. I believe the page is exactly what Cheverolet printed and sent out when you contact the Hobbie line or whatever it's called.

[mockingbird812]

Thanks Rick/Keith.

[wheelhop]

I was always told that the 300 deluxe post sedan models were around 300 lbs less than the coupe.

[Postsedan]

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I was always told that the 300 deluxe post sedan models were around 300 lbs less than the coupe.

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Yes, that`s the difference of you sitting in or out of my front bench seat

Dan.