1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Comments: 1971 saw the collapse of muscle car performance. In response to GM’s edict that all engines ran on unleaded fuel and to meet ever restrictive emission standards, Chevrolet detuned all its engines and introduced two new entry level engines. The standard engine was now a 350 V8 two barrel that put out a meager 245bhp through a single exhaust! Also available was a 350 V8 four barrel that put out 270bhp. The 402 engine that was previously still known as a 396 was renamed the “Turbo Jet 400″ and offered only 300bhp, down from 3500bhp. The 375bhp version was no longer available. The LS6 454 was also killed, but the LS5 454 returned with 365bhp, an increase of 5bhp from 1970. All Chevelles got the new single headlight design from the Monte Carlo and could be optioned with hood stripes and the cowl induction hood. Interestingly, only the LS5 carried external engine ID; they carried “SS 454″ badges. All others only said “SS.” That was a pretty revealing sign of the times.

Production: 19,992 (SS 454 option)
Engines: L65 350 V8 245bhp@4800rpm, 250lb-ft@2800rpm.
L48 350 V8 270bhp@5600rpm, 360lb-ft@3200rpm.
LS3 402 V8 300bhp@4800rpm, 400lb-ft@3200.
LS5 454 V8 365bhp@4800rpm, 465lb-ft@3200rpm.
Performance:
LS6 454/365: 0-60 in 6.0 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.35 sec @ 97mph.

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1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Comments: 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.
LS4 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.

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1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Comments: 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.

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1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Comments: 1968 saw a major redesign of the Chevelle SS. The wheelbase was shortened by three inches and gained new styling. The hood was stretched out and the deck was shortened. The recessed rear window was converted into a fastback look and the rear side windows were given a “V” look. The front end gained a rakish design with bold sweep back lines that extended from bumper to bumper. The 396 returned in 325bhp and 350bhp tune and were joined once again by the 375bhp L78. Axle ratios ranged from 2.73:1 to dealer installed 4.88:1 drag cogs. The SS396’s suspension was still a sore spot, and customers also complained about the shifting of the Muncie four-speed.

Production: 57,600 (or 62,785)
Engines: 396 V8 325bp@4800rpm, 410lb-ft@3200rpm.
L34 396 V8 350bhp@5200rpm, 415lb-ft@3600.
L78 396 V8 375bhp@5600rpm, 415lb-ft@3600rpm
Performance: L78 396/375: 0-60 in 6.5 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.5 sec @ 100mph.

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