L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova

[PxTx]

Not to thread jack, but have you ever driven a 1970 Vette with an LT-1 Mark?

My dad's 67 Nova has an LT-1 and my 65 has an L79 and the Nova feels so much stronger/faster. I think the Nova is only 200lbs lighter and we have the same rear gear. I run a 4 speed and he is now an auto.

As for the technical differences between a 66 and 67, it is a real shame my ego leans towards the aluminum intake and Holley to blind me on the actual performance differences.

[markjohnson]

Nope, but I'd sure like too! I know that LT-1's will really scoot along with their solid camshafts, 780 Holley, aluminum intake,etc. A good friend has one in a '69 Camaro (LT-1 from a wreck-when-new '70 Camaro) that runs 12.20's to this day without EVER being freshened up or apart. Just a set of headers, Muncie and 4.11 12-bolt. Granted, he is a pretty good driver and does the whole shifting thing without letting off the long pedal to the far right . . . .

[jasonL78]

I will speak for my 68 L79. Which has had port work done to both the heads and intake, built with 11:1 pistons 30 over and a fully balanced rotating assembly. It sure does have a different powerband than I have ever driven. I will be puting the aftermarket tach in the dash this winter so I can see what Rpm this actually does this; I am going to say around 4-5K once the car gets rolling the power just keeps coming on. Very hard to explain! Looking forward to some more test and tunning in the spring. Maybe even get it to the track. I could see why these are known sleepers back in the day!

[markjohnson]

Yeah, I think we've talked about it before here but it would be very cool to see a shoot-out between a '68 L-79 Nova and a '70 LT-1 Yenko Nova. I'd have to give the nod to the LT-1 of course but I think it'd be a lot closer of a race than many think.

[Plowman]

The 70 LT-1 has 23 more cu. in.,solid camshaft,big aluminum high rise intake, and Holley carb with 30 more cfm. How close are you talking,win/lose,or what.

[WILMASBOYL78]

There were a lot guys running L79 cars at Dover back in the day...some were pretty fast..at least it seemed that way. A few of local guys put solid cams in them...better aluminum intake, bigger Holley, headers and gears...then they were really just LT-1's minus the cubes.

Anxious to see how fast Jason's car is... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/[/img]

[jasonL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markjohnson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah, I think we've talked about it before here but it would be very cool to see a shoot-out between a '68 L-79 Nova and a '70 LT-1 Yenko Nova. I'd have to give the nod to the LT-1 of course but I think it'd be a lot closer of a race than many think. </div></div>


So are you talking stock to stock? Not many people know in 1968 you could have ordered 4:88 gears? So if one was to race a duece with a 68 L79 what would the rules have to be? Just wondering what the crowd would be expecting?

[Salvatore]

NHRA rules or just street racing rules?

[67 Nova Boy]

Factory fresh Sam [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dave
67 Nova Boy

[PxTx]

Stock for stock the LT-1 is top dog for motors. Now a 66/67 Nova with a 4.56 or so gear checked off may have a chance at out running a 1970 Deuce in the 1/4. Can't wait to see the Clary's do it!