1967 was a funny year

442w30 · #1 09-09-2011, 12:10 AM

No L72 big car. L78 Chevelle SS396 sales WAY down from before AND after. And no L79 327 for the Chevelle and, practically, the Nova.

Why such anomalies? What was going on at Chevrolet at year?

**mockingbird812** · #2 09-09-2011, 12:55 AM

Good question. It would appear that HQ was driving this performance trough as compared to other divisions and companies.

442w30 · #3 09-09-2011, 01:07 AM

Actually, a correction: No L79 for the '66 Chevelle, but it came back for '67. Still confusing!

**Tracker1** · #4 09-09-2011, 01:19 AM

The new clean air act of 1966 caused quite a bit of engineering head-scratching for manufacturers - new EPA certifications, new technology under-hood to deal with the first real smog rules etc. - some engine/car combos got the "to hell with it" treatment.

And the engineers and designers were also busy putting finishing touches on all-new Corvette, Nova, big-car and Chevelle for 1968. Busy, busy. And buyer demand would be a bit off due to the look ahead to '68

'67 was the holdover year where things fell through the cracks because of these distractions

**Fast67VelleN2O** · #5 09-09-2011, 02:24 AM

1967 L78 Chevelle was released later in the model year. After March maybe? Not 100% sure on the month but it was late.

442w30 · #6 09-09-2011, 04:46 AM

But Chevrolet was not unique in having to deal with new regulations, etc. Meanwhile, Pontiac and Oldsmobile both improved their top dogs.

As for the late introduction of the L78, that could be true, but why would it need to be delayed when it was available the previous year? I know it was delayed for the Camaro, but that's a special circumstance.

old5.0 · #7 09-09-2011, 09:19 AM

I've always wondered; is "no L79 66 Chevelles" cast in stone?

**Tracker1** · #8 09-09-2011, 04:09 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 442w30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Meanwhile, Pontiac and Oldsmobile both improved their top dogs.

</div></div>

How do you see that? A change from tri-power to 4bbl Quadrajet for both manufacturers is hardly an improvement - more of a lateral move due to silly GM internal politics surrounding the 'Vette. Horsepower pretty much stayed the same at 360 HP ratings for both in '67, and the 389 to 400HO changeover at Pontiac I don't consider a vast improvement. But that is a matter of opinion of course.

69RSZ · #9 09-10-2011, 01:48 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 442w30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No L72 big car. L78 Chevelle SS396 sales WAY down from before AND after. And no L79 327 for the Chevelle and, practically, the Nova.

Why such anomalies? What was going on at Chevrolet at year? </div></div>

Why does everyone forget that chevrolet was getting into SCCA trans am raceing and designed the one of the most noteable small blocks of all time,THE 302!!Chevrolet wanted to kick fords butt and that lil 302 did it not only on the road course but also on the drag strip and you all know who has the record in D stock its a 67 z/28.

here is a race version 67 z/28

so chevy was busy and some lucky buyers about 590 of them in 1967 went to their chevy dealer a bought a 67 z/28,the first 12 were race cars and went to race teams.

**MosportGreen66** · #10 09-10-2011, 02:00 AM

They put 3 carbs on the Corvette.... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]