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

[hotrodchev]

Marlin,

Do you know of any documented '68 Chevy II Nova SS "327" cars that exist? Earlier this week, I located the second owner of my "assumed" 1968 "327" Nova SS. This person verified for me that the car was indeed a Super Sport with a "327" and was still number matching when he had owned it, but believes the car was factory equipped with the L30 (275-HP) 327 and not the L79 (325-HP) 327. Unfortunately, I'm still without a build sheet or any other original documentation at this time to help back up this claim. My car does however have a 12-bolt rearend, factory hanger brackets for a dual exhaust and "finned" front drum brakes. Although I'm aware that these features are favorable for an "SS", they still aren't reliable enough to prove the authenticity of the car. I don't know if this would be of any help to you, but I have attached a photo of the cowl tag from my car and the VIN reads 114278W291069. The 2nd owner believes that the 3rd owners are still in possession of the original motor and transmission, even though they had already denied having these components after I confronted them about it a year ago.

Please let me know your thoughts or if you know of any documented "SS 327" cars out there.

Thanks for your help.

Tim "Hotrodchev"

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Tim;
I'm no expert on the '68 Novas, but have done some research on the L79's that were available until the L78 became available. To my knowledge, the L30 engine was available on a non-SS's, and the L79 may have been as well - this was common on the '66 Novas as well. I have an orig. bill of sale for a '68 L30 Nova, I will dig it out to see if that particular car was also an SS. Your '68 didn't happen to come from Horlacher and Sherwood Chev. in South Montrose, PA did it?

[hotrodchev]

Marlin,

The information I was given by the 2nd owner was that the car had always been in California (but anything is possible). Apparently, he had acquired the car in 1993 from the son of the first owner who is now deceased. My only hope now is to track down the original owners son, but beyond that, it's looking pretty grim for locating any of the original documentation for this car.

P.S.- Please keep me up to date if you happen to run across that Bill of Sale for the '68 L30 Nova. That's the first encouraging news I've heard since I began this wild goose chase.

Thanks again,
Tim "HOTRODCHEV"

[68l30]

I do know a Camaro with the L-30/M-20 would have had a 12 bolt.I bet the Nova is the same.The L-30 / M-20 Camaro is almost a SS.The only thing missing is the ID and a few cubic inches.Look over at CRG for a article on this combo.It may be similar to what the Nova would have used.I doubt a L-30 SS ever saw the light of day in Nova trim.In my opinion,it is a better combo than the SS 350.I love the short stroke and the RPM potential.A wolf in sheeps clothing with the right gear and tranny...Old school all the way....

Steve (68L30)

[JoeC]

email me if you need a correct date coded 1968 L79 distribitor for Nova or Chevelle

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I'm looking at an original b.o.sale for a '68 Nova with an L30, 275hp Turbo-Fire V8. It's engine assy date is 'V0311EA', and was sold on 4-17-68. I've been looking for this car, it's nicely optioned with 733 black interior, T60 heavy duty battery, F40 special suspension, U63 am radio, and M11 Floor shift control. There is no mention of the optional M20/M21/M22, but the EA code denotes a 4speed and the trans code on this sheet is 'S8B07' - I think this is a Saginaw 4speed?

This is not an SS car, unusual with the F40 option but not impossible, the F40 was available on all models.

[68l30]

M-20 or whatever as long as it's a 4 sp.Should also have multi-leaf springs.Both the std.327 and the L-30 auto used a single leaf rear.All 4sp. got the multi-leaf.Look for the 4 sp radiator and rear end id #/dates.

Steve

[Rat_Pack]

Marlin, it would be a Saginaw transmission, and the numbers decode as one built in Feb 07, 68. The 4-spd Muncies were only installed in the SS models with the 350 or 396. 68L30 is correct about the springs, should be multileaf with any 4spd...............RatPack............

[1967Z28]

The "EA" code just denotes a manual transmission, not necessarily a four-speed. Without the M20 code on the window sticker, this was a three-speed car with a floor shift.

I have a friend looking for a legit '68 L79 Nova. If anybody knows of one for sale, let me know. Thanks.

-Jon

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

[hotrodchev]

Here's an article from High-Performance Stockers magazine December 1967 issue mentioning the availability of the L79 in the '68 Nova's. Also very interesting is the fact that it says the L79 is only available with stick shift.

Tim "Hotrodchev"

[hotrodchev]

Here's an article taken from Motorcade magazine October 1967 issue. The availablility of the L30 275HP 327 is mentioned in this article, but nothing about the L79.

Tim "Hotrodchev"

[hotrodchev]

Article from the 1968 High-Performance Cars annual magazine.

Tim "Hotrodchev"

[hotrodchev]

Portion of an article from Super Stock and Drag Illustrated May 1968 issue. Once again, mention of the availability of the L79 325HP 327 in the Chevy II.

Tim "Hotrodchev"

[hotrodchev]

Full road test articles on the L79 325HP 327 equipped Chevy II Nova's can also be found in these magazines-

Car Life Magazine May 1968 issue
Motor Trend Magazine April 1968 issue

Please let me know if I've missed any other articles! /ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif

Thanks,
Tim "Hotrodchev"

[JoeC]

So was the 327 325hp L79 was only available in a non-SS Nova and Chevelle in 1968? The distributor listing shows avaiable for 68 Chevelle and Nova.

[Keith Tedford]

A friend of mine had a '68 L79 Chevelle Malibu. It was considerably quicker than another friends L34 SS396 Chevelle. I believe you will find that all L79 cars were 4 speed. The option books were specific on this.

[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! /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif 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 /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif and /ubbthreads/images/icons/crazy.gif, but I'm to stubborn to give up until I find the answer! Even if it does drive me /ubbthreads/images/icons/mad.gif! 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! /ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif

[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! /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif
The 327 may have been the quickest of the bunch.

[copo9566aa]

Thanks Tim
For all this cool info. /ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif
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

[9566 BA]

Chuck Hanson sold it to a guy named Rick who lives in Atlanta . The frame to that chevelle was on display at the Year one Bristol Bash in Tennessee a couple weeks ago.

[68l30]

Never doubted they made it ,but very little is published about it in factory lit.I have looked through the Finger Tip facts all revisions,ExSellerate in 1968,68 Product Info Digest,68 Chev Price and Facts Book,The 68 "Hitchables",Chevrolet Q&A,68 Car Selector,and the 68 Chev all modle brochure.It ( L-79 Nova) is only listed in the 1968 Chev Price and Facts book.It was a $198.05 in Nov.1967.This was in Chevrolets 1st printing.They always mention the L-30 & L-48 but not L-78.In the Chevelle line the L-79 is mentioned in most.Availible with a HD 3 speed or 4 speed only,in bold N/A with SS(396 only).I would like to believe it was a very early option only.Why would you want a 327 to upscale your SS perf option?Remember the SS350 was new to the Nova line in 68,promote your 350 or 396 and dump the L-79.Bad decision but the only way to promote your SS Nova at the top.Again in the Chevelle no 350.Why not use the L-79 as your top small block,no toes to step on.Could the L-79 have preceeded the L-48 in the Nova line,till a transistion was made?Just some thoughts /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif ,I'm not to familiar with the Nova facts,only what I have in front of me.......


Steve

[Schonyenko2]

Check with Wayne Bushy at NNN. Believe he had one at one time. Appx 1100 built. EP or ML code 3-4 speed. I have a EP block, just need the car. Ken S.

[MikeA]

Maybe this Chevrolet document (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1872102257) will have some more information regarding engine availability in '68

[hotrodchev]

Thanks MikeA, I guess there's only one way to find out, so I've placed my bid!

Tim "Hotrodchev"

[hotrodchev]

Schonyenko2,

Maybe when all this is over, we'll have to chat about your EP block and my EP'less Chevy II SS! /ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

Tim "Hotrodchev"

[68l30]

Whoopps,I'll check The Service News when I get home!I'll scan thru the 68 TSB's as well.I don't believe there is anything specific in that issue about the driveline in the Nova.I'll check,and post specifics........

Steve

[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.... /ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif

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?

[Schonyenko2]

I think the 68's had the larger one, as you said because of the large journal crank. Should have had a decal on the valve covers 327 325hp. Ken S.

[Salvatore]

[Salvatore]

Hi, I am new to this registery. I love the interaction. The 66 and 67 balancers were the same as the 67 and 68 302's. They were big because of the H.P. The 1962 corvette 327/360 H.P. motor has a big balancer. The 68 L-79, was, if I am remembering correctly, the same as the 350-350 H.P. vette motor. Cast iron intake Q-jet and 11:1 compression. Jenkin's 1968 Nova was originally a 327-325H.P. car. Have fun, Sam

[1967Z28]

The L79 does look different externally than the L30. It has the chrome valve covers and open element air cleaner like the '68 Z28. Since there was no special fender ID and it was very popular to put aftermarket valve covers and aircleaners on cars back then, it would be easy to see why so many of these cars could pass unnoticed. I'm sure there are some of these cars still out there were the owner has no idea what he has.

-Jon

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

[Salvatore]

Probably so, Jon. I don't remember what the 1968 chevy 11 had as an air cleaner, but I thought that the 1966-67 nova's had a dual snorkel type aircleaner? (L79) Sam 1969R/S-Z/28

[Schonyenko2]

I think those early balancers were fined in the back, later ones weren't. Ihad a personal experience with one of those 68s. We were cruising main st. in a 64 dodge 383 high per 4sp and I got mouthy with a guy who had what we thought was a plain jane nova. To make a long story short, it wasn't even close. He left us at the line, and walked away. These cars were kinda like copos, and L89s. You never really knew they existed except for the rumors, storys, or you found out the hard way. Schonye

[copo9566aa]

Just for fun /ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif
Cool plain-jane match. 1968 Chevy II 327-325 HP L79 VS Pete 1970 COPO Nova 350-360 HP LT1(On the track) /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Norm reynolds]

Talk about a sleeper I had 1957 chrysler saratoga with a 354
polyhead with a torque flite. This car was BIG and heavy
Now I know that this will upset many people and I will hear no way this can happen But this heavy boat would blow away a Z 28 I can not tell you how many times I did it with this car It was a real sleeper One last thing In 1965 had a corvair spider with a trubo and a 4/ speed I use to have fun blowing off 327s
Back in the 60s I had all kind of toys - 59 el camino,57 fury, 409s 440s and the list gos on just wish I had them now
Norm

[Norm reynolds]

one of my toys

[Norm reynolds]

another one