Chevelle SS 454

Big-block Chevy ground pounder with a rock crusher drivetrain!

For most of the 1960s, general Motors favored the Corvette when it came to doling out high performance goodies. You only have to compare the Chevelle’s evolution with that of the Corvette to see how favoritism gave the Chevelle a raw deal. The initial big block SS 396 from 1965 was coded Z16, and it was a screamer. You got a boxed chassis, special suspension, luxury interior with buckets, console, tach, stereo and one mean 375 horsepower big block with Muncie four speed. It was a limited production deal designed for racing. That sounds great until you realize the engine had hydraulic lifters while Corvette’s version had a solid cam.

The 1966 version of the L78 396 was further diluted by removing the boxed frame, rear stabilizer bar, the big brakes and making those bucket seats, console and tachometer extra cost options. It made the top gun more affordable, but the compromises noticeably affected the performance of the car. No ‘66 Chevelle was available with tripower carbs even though Corvette, GTO and Olds 442 models were. Chevrolet was cautious when it came to engines since they produced the volume sellers. That always left the division prey to warranty claims.

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