Any documented 1968 Chevy II Nova SS "327" cars?

[hotrodchev]

Here's a few paragraph's taken from the "Muscle Car Color History - Nova SS" book written by Steve Statham.

From what I gather reading these articles, they were just as confused about what was available and what wasn't available as we are today! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif[/img] The way I interpret it, is that the L30 275HP 327 was the top of the line engine for non-SS models only. But, based on the information given in these articles and road tests, I cannot determine if the L79 325HP 327 was available in both Super Sport and non-SS models or in non-SS models only. I may be [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif[/img] and [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/crazy.gif[/img], but I'm to stubborn to give up until I find the answer! Even if it does drive me [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/mad.gif[/img]! Sooner or later someone out there is bound to come foward with a build sheet, bill-of-sale or even a complete original '68 L79 Nova. I only hope it happens in my lifetime! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

[hotrodchev]

Another L79 325HP 327 Chevy II road test in a heavily optioned non-SS car can be found in the May 1968 issue of Hot Rod magazine. Article mentions that the L79 was made available just before the big-block 396 option was announced.

Tim "HOTRODCHEV"

[JoeC]

nice L79 info thanks for posting.
Chevy had a real marketing dilemma. They had a 350 295hp, engine a 396 325hp engine, and a 327 325hp engine all around the same time. No wonder people are still confused over 30 years later! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
The 327 may have been the quickest of the bunch.

[Kim_Howie]

I have a friend who bought a new 68 chevelle 327-325 non ss car the car was bench seat 4-speed m-20 plain jane car. I dont think there was any 396-325 novas in 68 only 350 or 375 hp. The Hot Rod may of 68 issue page 76 talks about the 325-327 but also says there will be no! 375 automatic cars for s/s racing but we all know better. Kim Howie

[68l30]

I checked the Oct.67 Service News.They list the L-79 as Chevelle only in section 6 under engine avaiability.BUT,next page (22),the list RPO L-79 as Chevy II, Chevelle,Corvette in a topic of intake manifolds.The alum intake was replaced by the L-30 cast iron due to the carb change from Holley to Rochester.I also checked the 68 New Product Training Program Booklet(service pub)and found the same info,dated late 67.Nothing specific to a L-79 Nova.I like the cast iron intake.How would you tell a L-30 from a L-79 other than the id code and possibly cylinder head markings?Wow,what a can of worms.... [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Steve

[Schonyenko2]

I believe the L79 should have a bigger balancer. Schonye

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

S:
You mean the 8" balancer?

I thought the '66 L79's had a little balancer. Maybe the '68 L79's got the 8incher because that was the first year that the 327 became a large journal crank/block?

[copo9566aa]

Thanks Tim
For all this cool info. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]
In 1968 Chevy II brochure, no mention of the 327-325 L79.
Possibly the L79 is not aviable for general public.

[68l30]

I have the salesmans finger tip facts book and the updated inserts for the changes throughout the year as well as all the rest of the salesmans tools/lit to order from in 68.I do not believe a l-79 was listed.It doesn't even list the L-78 or even the base 396 if I remember correctly.I'll check when I get home from work.Most of the people in the "loop" back then new more about supercars than the dealerships did.I have copies of sales "how to" tips for selling supercars.Rule #1 they probably no more then you do about these cars.The sales staff were told to keep up with the outside publications such as SSDI or CC,HR ect to know what the buyers wanted.It seems like everyone was in the dark then,to many to chose from and they all "could be" built.

Steve

[1967Z28]

The '68 L79 Chevy II was definitely available. A friend of mine owned one about 25 years ago. If I had realized it was that rare back then I would have bought it. I even have an ad from the local newspaper back then advertising they had at least one on the lot. These cars were not built as Super Sports, they were just the plain-jane body although you could add the deluxe chrome trim outside.

The L79 was available with the three-speed manual or the four-speed. Chuck Hanson from the ACES Chevelle club bought a '68 L79 Chevelle that was backed by a three-speed and had the protect-o-plate to prove it. I'm not sure if he still has the car or not.

-Jon

1967 Z28 street car
1967 Z28 Trans-Am race car
1967 Z28 Registry