L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

To keep from wearing out kwhizz and his inbox, I figured I'd post this out here:

in terms of hard parts, what were the differences between the '66 and the '67 L79 engines in the Novas? [the more specific the better!]

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

Engines were the same internaly. However the 67 was rated at 325 HP and had an open air cleaner instead of the dual snorkel.

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

Didn't the 66's have the 490 aluminum intake like the Corvettes and the 67's have a cast iron unlike the Corvettes until 68?

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

Rob,

To add to what 69L78Nova replied, yes, the 66 was rated at 350 HP and the 67 was rated at 325.
Both engines internally were the same, IE, they both shared the #151 cam and both were 11-1 compression.
Other differences:
66 L79 came with the 490 aluminum intake. 67 had a cast iron intake.
66 came with a 3245 Holley carb. 67 had a Quadrajet.
66 had the chrome opposing snorkle air cleaner. 67 had an open element with chrome lid.
66 came with a 12 bolt rear. I have been told the 67 came with a 10 bolt but I am not sure if this is the case.
The optional 4 speed in a 66 was a Muncie. I have been told the 4 speed in a 67 was a Saginaw, but again I am not sure if this is the case.
For some strange reason the handful of 67 L-79's that were built were built late in the model year (June 67). I Have never heard a good explanation of why they were not offered in the beggining of the 67 model year, but became available late in the model year. Supposedly only 6 or 7 were built.
Hope this helps.
Dave

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

All 1967 Novas equipped with 275 or more HP got the 12 bolt rear end.

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

Thanks so far!

Other than the heat/weight issues, was the cast iron+quadrajet setup negligibly "worse" than the aluminum+holley setup? I would think the open element air cleaner would be better than the closed, chrome version...?

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chevy454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks so far!

Other than the heat/weight issues, was the cast iron+quadrajet setup negligibly &quot;worse&quot; than the aluminum+holley setup? I would think the open element air cleaner would be better than the closed, chrome version...? </div></div>

I would speculate that the Q-jet / Iron Intake / Open Element might actually have a slight edge. More carb CFM, Higher Air Cleaner CFM, and I would <span style="font-style: italic">suspect</span> that the Iron intake isn't far behind the aluminum intake in terms of flow capacity. Those &quot;square corner&quot; winters intakes weren't very good, compared to the 302/LT1 manifold or any modern aluminum intake.

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

I've driven a stock '68 L-79 Corvette and that felt VERY strong with its original Q-Jet and cast iron intake. Truth be told, I think the Q-Jet has a higher CFM rating than the factory Holleys that came on the earlier L-79's.

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

QJet was 750 cfm, the Holley was 585.

Re: L79 engine differences: 66-67 Nova
 

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.