Chevrolet Nova · 1968–1970

Nova SS 396

The big-block Nova SS of 1968 to 1970: the 350-hp L34 and the 375-hp L78, a few hundred in 1968 and a few thousand a year after.

The story

Exactly when the 1968 SS 396 became available is not known; road tests came out in August 1968.1one source

1970 was the last year; in 1971 the SS had only the 350.2one source

How to spot a Nova SS 396

396 numerals

Small 396 numerals in the front side-marker bezels in 1968.1one source

A 402 in 1970

The 1970 «396» displaced 402 cubic inches.2one source

Production by year

How many Nova SS 396s were built each model year.

1968
901
1969
7,209
1970
5,567
As a table, with notes
YearBuiltNote
19689011one source667 L78 and 234 L34 (our sum), by the reprinted book chapter. One source.
19697,2091one source5,262 L78 (311 with L89 aluminum heads) and 1,947 L34 (our sum), by the chapter. One source.
19705,5671one source1,802 L34 and 3,765 L78 (our sum), by the chapter. One source.

Engines

Chevrolet's regular production option number from GM's own lists; «Std.» is a standard engine. In 1972 the code is the VIN's engine letter.

YearsCodeEngineRated
1968L34 · L78396 cu in V8350 or 375 hp3one source
1969Z26/L34 · Z26/L78396 cu in V8350 or 375 hp4one source
1970Z26/L34 · Z26/L78396 (402) cu in V8350 or 375 hp15

Sources

  1. «New Novas, Old Themes 1968–1976» (Chapter Ten of a book on Chevrolet Super Sports), reprinted in GM's Nova kits Book chapter reprinted by GM Heritage · read 2026-10-12
  2. Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova Wikipedia · read 2026-10-12
  3. 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II – Vehicle Information Kit General Motors (GM Heritage Archive) · read 2026-10-12
  4. 1969 Chevrolet Chevy Nova – Vehicle Information Kit General Motors (GM Heritage Archive) · read 2026-10-12
  5. 1970 Chevrolet Chevy Nova – Vehicle Information Kit General Motors (GM Heritage Archive) · read 2026-10-12

Year by year

The Nova SS 396 in each model year.

1968Chevrolet NovaThe new Chevy II Nova: a longer 111-inch wheelbase, a coupe and a sedan only, and an SS with the 350 or, late in the year, the 396.183,552 built (disputed)1969Chevrolet NovaThe Chevy II name went, the Nova kept the 1968 body, and the SS got 300 hp and front disc brakes as standard.251,849 built (disputed)1970Chevrolet NovaA new grille, wider side-marker and taillight lenses, combined tail and backup lights, and the last year of the 396 in the SS.307,280 built (disputed)