Classic Chevelle Parts

 

The classic Chevrolet Chevelle was introduced in response to the popular Pontiac GTO and Oldsmobile 4-4-2 in 1964 as a midsize muscle car. The Malibu was Chevelle's first independent sub-model but later become a model of its own. Meanwhile, the Chevelle SS was the high performance version of the Chevelle. It was powered by a 327 V8 and later the SS was released with sport powerful 396 V8 engine and eventually the most powerful engine in the history of muscle car building, the LS6 454 in 1970. The Chevelle, together with the Pontiac GTO was regarded as the most popular cars during this era with its road power and race track reputation.

 

The following production year, Chevelle was powered by 283 V8 195bp, 283 V8 220bhp, 327 V8 250bhp, and 327 V8 300bhp engines. Its competition, the Pontiac GTO was way ahead of the Chevelle with its 389 cubic inched body. The Chevelle remained as 327 V8. By 1965, the Chevrolet got serious with the Chevelle. They replaced the current engine with 350bhp tune (L79). The Chevelle SS for 1965 was the limited edition 396, known as the Z-16 package. All had convertible-type frames, fortified suspension system, front and rear anti-roll bars, and faster power-assisted steering. A Muncie 4-speed with axle ratios as high as 4.56:1 were available instead of the standard 3.31:1 gears. The Chevelle made the Chevy revived their presence in the muscle car competition.

 

By 1966, the Chevelle was in 400 cubic inch engines. Chevrolet also made the 396 engine standard in the Chevelle SS but it was lowered to 325bhp 50bhp lower than the standard engine a year before. Also available was the L34 396 engine which featured a taller cam, a stronger block, and larger four barrel. The limited edition Z-16 with its 375bhp 396 engine was still available. After a year, Chevelle have some modifications: Road manners and drivability were improved with more aggressive tires, newly available front disk brakes, and new 14 inch wheels. In 1968, the Chevelle received some major redesign. The wheelbase was shortened by three inches and gained new styling. It had a stretched out hood, rear window was converted into a fastback look and the rear side windows were given a "V" look.

 

The Chevelle was produced up to 1973 with its last model reached its lowest point. Engines were available in L65 350 V8 145bhp@4000, 255lb-ft@2400rpm; L48 350 V8 175bhp at 4000rpm, 270lb-ft at 2400rpm; 454 V8 245bhp@4000rpm, 375lb-ft at 3200rpm.