5/27/2023 0 Comments 1968 el camino ss 502The SS package was again only available on the Custom Pickup and included a special instrumentation panel with a black steering wheel and column and an “SS” hub emblem. All El Caminos got the new single headlight design from the Monte Carlo and could be optioned with hood stripes and the cowl induction hood. The LS6 454 was also killed, but the LS5 454 returned with 365bhp, an increase of 5bhp from 1970. ![]() The 375bhp version was no longer available. The 402 engine that was previously still known as a 396 was renamed the “Turbo Jet 400” and offered only 300bhp, down from 3500bhp. In response to GM’s edict that all engines ran on unleaded fuel and to meet ever restrictive emission standards, Chevrolet detuned all its engines which resulted in large drops in engine output. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino SSĬomments: The 1971 was not immune from the general collapse of muscle car performance. The 454 engines came only with the Turbo-Hydramatic or a close-ratio four speed manual transmission.Įngines: 350 V8 300 bhp. Interestingly, although the 396 engines now displaced 402 cubic inches, they were either called “396” or “Turbo-Jet.” But the key for performance buyers was the introduction of the new corporate 454 engines, the LS5 rated at 360 bhp and the mighty 450 bhp LS6. The SS option included special patern and custom vinyl seat trim, sport mirrors, striping, and badges, 15×7 Rally rims, fat RWL tires, SS emblems, black out grille, and a choice of three of the four high performance 402 cid V8 engines. The popular cowl induction hood was also optional on the SS. The wheel wells also sported bright trim. The Custom Pickup had bright trim, which ran from the front to rear bumper about a quarter of the way up the side. The El Camino was still available in either Base or Custom trims, but now the SS option was only available on the Custom trim. Production: El Camino: 41,791 (SS396: 5,190)Įngines: 396 V8 元4 396 V8 L78 396 V8 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SSĬomments: The 1970 El Camino received the same changes as the Chevelle including a new more blunted Vee front end and a new grille, which was black accented on the SS. The 350bhp version was still available and finally the 375bhp was available for the first time. The standard engine in the SS396 remained the 325 bhp 396 engine. All SS also featured standard six inch wheels with red line tires. The grille was accented in black and featured the 396 emblem. Simulated twin-domed hood scoops were included with louvered ports located at the rear edge of the hood. The front fenders also sported the new “396” emblem. The tailgate of the SS models had a narrow band of black which framed the SS396 emblem. The new El Camino featured a longer hood, “vee” rear side windows, a recessed rear window (like the Chevelle) and a rakish front end. The SS396 debuted as a new model of the El Camino and, just like in the Chevelle, came only with one of the 396 V8s. The factory 12-bolt got a makeover with posi traction and a set of 3.73:1 gears.Comments: The 1968 El Camino received the same changes as the Chevelle and was now based on the 116 inch wheelbase platform used by the Chevelle sedan and wagon. ![]() He used a McLeod twin-disc clutch to mate the pair. They supplied the shifter, hydraulic clutch system, and driveshaft to make the swap happen. The salvaged LQ9 didn’t come with a transmission so Michael got a T-56 six-speed manual from American Drivetrain. ![]() The Muncie four-speed he had probably would have held up, but the perfect mate to a modern engine is a modern transmission. Sanderson shorty headers and a 3-inch exhaust system with Flowmaster Super 44 mufflers complete the bolt-ons for this one. Michael chose March Performance’s billet front drive kit to clear this front-steer A-body. This allowed the Chevrolet valve covers to be exposed for a cleaner look. Santa Rosa Resto Rods customized an F-body oil pan to clear the steering and crossmember as well as a custom coil mount to keep the coils off of the valve covers. The engine’s internals were left stock, but the truck-style intake made way for an LS6 intake with a custom air intake tube crafted from a Spectre inlet. It may not produce huge horsepower numbers, but it would make the El Camino see a whole lot more miles. Michael found a 2003 LQ9 (6.0L iron block LS-series) to put in its place with Chris Alston engine mounts. Bigger isn’t always better, and this swap proved it. He had a 383 stroker that produced over 500 horsepower then took it out for a stock, smaller engine. Who takes a completely finished car and rips the motor out? This guy does.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |