Classic Chevy Muscle Cars, Chevy II Nova SS 1962-1965

The Chevrolet division of General Motors in 1962 introduced an American compact car, the Chevrolet Nova or Chevy II with unibody construction.

The Chevy II was powered by a 153cid inline-four or a 193cid six-cylinder engine. These engine options were available in the two-door and four-door sedans, also included were the convertible and station wagon models. Chevrolet’s competitor, Chrysler developed the Slant Six in their Plymouth Valiant, a Chevy II competitor, when both cars were introduced in late 1959 as 1960 models.

Originally the Nova was not available with a V8 engine option, although the engine bay was proportioned for one. It did not take Chevrolet long to offer V8s as dealer-installed options (between 1962 & 1963). The combination of V8 power combined with the light weight of the Nova made it a popular choice of drag racers.

In 1963, the Chevy II Nova SS was introduced. Nova’s “officially” could not have V8 engines – the Super Sport standard engine was the 6-cylinder, but small-block V8 engine swaps were quite common. The Chevy II’s first factory installed V8 was introduced in 1964 as a 195hp 283cid. A 327cid V8 with up to 300 hp was available in 1965 models of the Chevy II.

The Nova was available in 1962 and 1963 in a convertible body style, with the two-door hardtop available from 1962 to 1965. The hardtop was dropped from the line when the 1964 models were first available, and they were brought back to the line later in the year.

The Chevy two-door hardtops were marketed as the Sport Coupe.

• Engines:

• 153cid in-line 4
  
• 194cid in-line 6
  
• 283cid V8
  
• 327cid V8
  

Transmissions:

• 4-speed manual
• 3-speed manual
• 2-speed Powerglide automatic

American Muscle cars

American Muscle Cars, Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 - Six Pack

Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Six-Pack

With the continuing scramble for placement in the muscle car category, Oldsmobile in 1966 released two new engine options.

The L69 and the rare W30 option of the 442 engine had three two-barrel Carter carburetors “(Six-Pack)” or “(Tri-Power)” with progressive linkage added to it giving the 442 more than adequate muscle. This addition gave it a horsepower rating of 360 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The standard engine now dubbed L78, was rated at 350 hp with 440 lb-ft of torque with a single four-barrel carburetor. The W30 engine option had an outside-air induction system connected to the front bumper that allowed cool air to the carburetor and a hotter cam rated the same as the L69 or slightly under the muscle rating of the L69. To allow for this addition of hoses the battery was relocated to the trunk. The battery relocation made it impossible for convertible models to be ordered with this option. With only 54 of the W30s built by the factory, an additional 97 were produced for dealer installation.

The L69 442 with a four-speed transmission was tested by Car Life and it received a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds, in the ¼ mile the 442 did 14.8 seconds at 97 mph.

Motor Trend also tested a similar car, it received 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds, and a ¼ mile time of 15.2 seconds at 96.6 mph.

Even with production slumping to 21,997, the 442 muscle car still only represented about 10 percent of the Cutlass sales for Oldsmobile. Pontiac’s GTO represented nearly one third of the Tempest sales for Pontiac.

American Muscle cars

Pontiac Muscle Cars, Oldsmobile 442

The Oldsmobile division of General Motors in 1964 created a muscle car. Oldsmobile 442, (it is thought that Oldsmobile created the first muscle car with the 442). It was marketed as an option package for the F-85 and Cutlass models beginning in 1964. The Olds 442 was a direct result of the competition between Pontiac and Oldsmobile, as the Pontiac Tempest GTO had proven to be more of a success than expected. Both muscle cars were basically a violation of GM policy that limited intermediate models to 330cid, the Olds 442 offering was a conservative model.

The Oldsmobile 442 package was given its name based on the combination of four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission and dual exhaust.

The Oldsmobile 442 was marketed with the “B09 Police Apprehender” option that used the 4bbl 330cid, with dual exhaust, a hotter cam and heavier valve hardware. This option raised the gross output rating to 310-hp at 5200 rpm raising the torque peak from 2800 rpm to 3600 rpm. In this option package was a stiffened frame, boxed rear suspension control arms (for better rear handling), a heavy duty driveshaft for the for the heavy duty clutch and four speed transmission and heavy duty brakes. Also included was a heavy-duty police-package suspension, with heavy duty wheels, heavier duty front and rear coil springs, heavy-duty shocks a larger front anti-roll bar front and rear. Although it wasn’t known for its speed or as a best seller, it was known for its balanced performance and exceptional handling.

An early version of the 442 was tested by Motor Trend finding that the 3,400-lb car could run 0-60- in 7.5 seconds and 15.5 seconds at 90 mph in the ¼ mile. A total of 2,999 Oldsmobile 442’s were sold, with approximately 10 four-door sedans as the B09 option.

Mopar Muscle Car, 1966 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi

When Pontiac introduced the GTO into the American Muscle Car era in 1964, GM was quick to establish itself in the Muscle Car market. Buick followed with the Gran Sport, and Oldsmobile with the 442. Dodge had cars that could compete on the street and strip, they did not have a performance “image” Muscle Car of their own. Even with Coronet’s performance engines and styling image it was considered “conservative” by most standards.

In 1966 the Dodge Charger was born. The introduction of Dodge’s Mopar muscle car contribution coincided with the new street version of the 426 Hemi, giving Charger a performance image as well as a performance engine.

Three engines were available in 1966; the 318cid – 2bbl, 383cid – 4bbl, and the street model of 426 Hemi – 4bbl.

The Charger’s “electric shaver grille” using fully rotating headlights gave the grille a one piece look even when they were open.

Dodge introduced the Charger to NASCAR in 1966 with hope that the fastback would be a winner on the high bank tracks. The Charger proved to have extensive rear end lift in the corners making it slippery on the faster tracks, causing an airplane wing effect. Dodge installed a small lip spoiler on the trunk improving traction. The 1966 Charger became the first US production car to come with a spoiler.

The Dodge Charger; driven by David Pearson, prepared by Cotton-Owen won the NASCAR Grand National Championship in 1966

Muscle Cars, 2004 Pontiac GTO

I recently posted a piece in regards to Pontiac GTO Muscle Cars and while I was doing some research on the introduction of Pontiac’s GTO back into the market in 2004 I came across some interesting words posted in one of the leading car magazines in the country.

The article starts out; One look at the CD player and you know the brand new 2004 Pontiac GTO isn’t GMs business as usual There, in the center of the dash, where you'd expect to find a member of the Delco family settled into its customary reserved seat, your eyes fall on the word "Blaupunkt." It's as startling as finding a Lowenbrau in your McDonald's Happy Meal.

For more info on this article and Motor Trends articles go to:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0312_2004_pontiac_gto

Muscle Cars, 1971 Chevelle SS, LS-5 454-4bbl

Chevrolet Muscle Cars 1971 Chevelle SS 454

In 1971, the anticipation of the upcoming low-lead and unleaded gasoline’s, the tightening of emission requirements, and the use of catalytic converters to be used on 1975 and later models led to GMs re-design of the Muscle Car engines. To facilitate the use of lower octane fuels, all engines featured low compression ratios, 9 to 1 and lower. The high performance engines of 1970 and earlier had compression ratios of 10.25/11.25 to 1. This move reduced horsepower ratings of big block engines to 300 hp for the 402 V8, although the LS-5 454 option had an increase in horsepower to 365. The insurance wrath of 1970 played a key role in the declining sales of the Muscle Car. The base form of the Chevelle SS changed specifically from a performance package to a trim package.

The 1971 Chevelle SS, (different from the 1964-65 model of Chevelle SS, 396 engine) had a 350 V8 engine with a 2-bbl carburetor rated at 245 gross (165 net) hp, with the optional 4-bbl 350 V8 the horsepower was slightly increased to 275 gross (200 net). The big blocks, now an extra cost option, included the 402 V8, 300 gross (270 net) hp and the LS-5 454 V8 at 365 gross (285 net) hp. With this extra cost option Chevelle SS managed to hold its Muscle Car classification.

The base Chevelle coupe in mid 1971 thru 1972 was offered as the “Heavy Chevy” model with special striping and appearance features.. The “Heavy Chevy” came with any available engine from the 307 2-bbl to the 402 4-bbl. The 454 V8 big block was only an option to the Chevelle SS package. It was not an option with “Heavy Chevy” version.

Ford Muscle Cars, 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350

The Shelby Mustang is a series of Ford Mustang’s contribution to the Muscle Car era specially modified by Carroll Shelby in the 1960’s. This program; factory sponsored would eventually be moved in house.

The non-white body colors were introduced in 1966 (colors included black, green, blue, red, along with original white from the 1965 models) The 1966 Shelby Mustang also had different trim and the “Le Mans” stripes were an available option. A special feature, special quarter-panel windows and rear air scoops on each side along with an optional automatic transmission, and a fold down rear seat became standard. The 1965 Mustang engine blocks that were painted black were now being painted blue for 1966 and later cars that had the 289cid. There was 252 “carryovers” of the GT-350’s for 1966. The 1965 Ford Mustang serial numbers were under their Shelby serial numbers and the bodies were the 1965 Ford Mustang bodies.

Shelby and the Hertz Corporation struck a deal to produce a special line of GT-350’s for rentals. The “GT-350H” models are very rare and are highly sought after by Muscle Car collectors, with some selling for more than $120,000. Only 1,000 of this model of Shelby Mustang’s were produced; 800 in raven Black and 50 each in Candy Apple Red, Ivy Green, Wimbledon White and Sapphire Blue. The Hertz models had gold “Le Mans” stripes and stripes along the rocker panel.

1966 Production was 1373 fastbacks, 2 prototypes, 4 drag strip cars, and 252 carry-over’s of the 1965 bodies.

GT-350H models – 1000 Hertz fastbacks including (2) prototypes were produced.

Carroll Shelby had (4) special order convertibles made personally, the rumor is 6 were made, only 4 VIN #s have been discovered.

Mopar Muscle, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, 440 "Six-Pack", 426 Hemi

Mopar

In 1970 the Plymouth Barracuda “(Cuda)” was given a new look. The 1970 model Muscle Car was built on Chryslers existing B- platform, the E-body. The fastback style from earlier years was now history. The new line of Muscle Car now consisted of 2-dr coupe and convertible models. Plymouth Barracuda now became close twin to Dodge’s Challenger, it having s slightly longer wheelbase than the Barracuda. Both were high performance models, aggressively styled, they were marketed a “Cuda”. The E-body engine compartment compared to the old A-body was larger to facilitate the Chrysler 426 Hemi.

Two six-cylinders became available – a 198 in version of the slant-six and the 225. Six other V8’s were available; the 318, 383, 440-4bbl, 440-six-pack and the 426 Hemi. Additionally there was a 340cid “six-pack” added to the engines in the Trans-Am Series “Cudas”. The 440 Six-pack and 426 Hemi-equipped cars had upgraded suspension components along with structural reinforcements to transfer the power to the ground.

The straight-line performance of the 440 Six-pack and 426 Hemi became their own legend with ¼-mile times of 13.7 seconds @ 103 mph and 13.4 seconds @ 108 mph. Even with these fast times it came at the price of the passenger compartment being uncomfortably cramped with limited luggage capacity. With the larger heaver 440 six-pack and 426 hemi, also came the complaints of poor handling and braking capability.

1967 Plymouth GTX 440, 426 Hemi

In 1967, Plymouth Division introduced what they labeled as a “gentleman’s” Muscle car, the Plymouth Belvedere GTX. It had great styling and performance different from the normal Belvedere, with its special grille, as well as mock hood scoops, chrome fuel cap and optional twin racing stripes. The GTX muscle car had superb handling thanks to standard six-leaf springs, heavy duty shocks, torsion bars and larger ball joints, the power steering though was believed to be too soft for the performance of the GTX Muscle car version. Plymouth did offer an optional disc brake that had no more advantage than the drum brakes. The interior was luxurious with embossed vinyl bucket seats.

To give the Plymouth GTX plenty of muscle to back up the performance image, Plymouth put in a 440cid V8, called “Super Commando 440” rated at 375 hp standard. This engine was tuned for more high performance RPM with a larger camshaft, valve train, a dual point distributor and a free-flowing exhaust and intake system. Mopars three-speed TorqueFlite automatic was standard, optional was a four speed manual transmission A Chrysler 426 Hemi rated at 425 hp was made optional in the Belvedere GTX for an additional $546, though only 720 GTX’s were sold with this engine. If you wanted more performance than a Hemi powered GTX, Plymouth offered what the labeled the R023 version (Belvederes were RH23 and GTX’s were RS23) of the Hemi GTX, called the “Super Stock” version. The R023 GTX was a stripped down model not marketed by Plymouth, only serious racers would even considered ordering it. Plymouth only built 55 of the R023 GTX’s, making them extremely rare.

Production: 2D Coupe – 11,249, 2D Hardtop – 686

Engines: 426 Hemi V8 425 hp @5000rpm, 490ft-lb torque @4000rpm

440 V8 375 hp @4600rpm, 480lb-ft torque @3200rpm

Performance:” 440 V8: 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, ¼ mile in 15.2 seconds @ 97 mph

426 Hemi: 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds @105 mph

Mopar, Plymouth Road Runner 1968-1970 440"Six Pack"

The 1969 Road Runner had the same basic look as 1968, but had slightly different options cosmetically (rear tail lights, optional bucket seats and restyled Road Runner decals).The convertible option was added for the 1969 Road Runner, with fewer than 2,000 ragtop models produced, nine of them with 426 Hemi option.

The “Air Grabber” option was added to the 1969 Road Runner; consisting of an air duct assembly that was bolted under the hood, connected to twin rectangular scoops. With the hood closed, the assembly fit over a special air cleaner to force into the engine directly into the air cleaner. The hood scoops were opened and closed with lever under the dash.

The 383 engine remained the standard muscle in the Road Runner, the 440cid “Six Pack” was added mid year, giving the Road Runner “Super Stock” qualifications. The “Six Pack” Road Runner was identified by the flat black fiberglass lift-off hood and the functional hood scoop. The 440 “Six Pack” produced 390 hp and 490 ft-lb torque at 3200 rpm, similar to the Hemi, except at a lower engine speed The 440 “Six Pack” was almost as fast as the 426 Hemi. With both of these options and the economical 383, the extremely fast Hemi propelled Plymouth and Dodge to the top of the dragstrip class.