1996 LT1 Supercharged Z/28 Chevy Camaro SS

The 1996 Chevy Camaro SS LT1 featured in this article is among the fourth generation of Camoros. The Chevy Camaro first came out in 1966 as a direct competitor to Ford's Mustang and it was and still is a popular car among performance enthusiasts. Beginning with the 1996 model year, more horsepower was added to the Camaro along with improved handling.

1996 Chevy Camaro Z/28

A Z/28 convertible and coupe were available for the 96 model year. SLP Engineering provides a 305-horse Z28 SS which is similar to our featured Camaro.

The 96 Camaro had the same 2+2 coupe body style as the original 1966 model. Some of the features of the 1996 Camaro included exhaust manifolds that had tri-layered stainless-steel exhaust gaskets which improve durability and reduce exhaust leaks.

The RS trim level returned for 96 and chrome-aluminum wheels were optional.The standard SS package included an air scoop with a forced air induction system. This raised horsepower to 305 and an optional Performance Exhaust System raised it to 310.

Performance numbers for the 96 Z/28 LT 1 Camaro include 0-60 at 5.2 seconds and the quarter mile at 13.9 seconds. The numbers for the super charged Camaro featured in this article are listed below under specifications.

Owner Reviews

Most owner reviews point out that the 96 Camaro provides a comfortable ride with outstanding performance. Very fast acceleration, excellent top end (140+), smooth handling along with superior braking. Great performance easy to maintain and very reliable are many of the descriptions.  The handling and cornering is exceptional as well. The car is fun to drive and the styling and performance is representative of a true American muscle car. Many claim the Camaro is a real head turner.

While the 1996 Chevy Camaro is a real sports car it might not be the ideal one for some first time owners. Camaro HP is not that of the typical sports car and potential buyers should understand the difference. Although if you're comfortable with the power Camaro delivers then you should find the car to be fantastic.

1996 Chevrolet Camaro LT 1 Specifications

There were three LT1 5.7 Liter 350 Cubic Inch V-8 engines available on the 1996 Chevy Camaro. These were improved from the prior year. One delivered 285 HP, one 305 HP, and the third 310 HP. There was one V-6 engine also available on the 1996 Camaro. This was a 3.8 liter 200 HP V-6.

The 1996 Camaro featured in this article has a 5.7 Liter Super Charged 350 delivering 588 HP. Times 0-60 are 3.2 seconds and the quarter mile at 11.2 seconds. Transmission is a 6 speed manual. Top speed is estimated at 199 MPH.

Transmission choice on the 1996 Camaro was excellent. A 5 speed manual..a six speed manual and a four speed automatic...all with overdrive. The 6 speed manual transmission has an excellent gear ratio.

Brakes are four wheel discs.

Dimensions for the 1996 Chevy Camaro included a 101.1 inch wheelbase, overall length of 193.2 inches, width of 74.1 inches, height of 52.0 inches. Curb weight was rated at 3,440 lbs. 

New car price for the 96 Chevrolet Camaro depended on model and engine with a range of about $19,000 to $23,000. The convertible received the highest price.

Check out the Muscle Car Journal articles on the links below... 

The Powerful 325 HP Morgan Aero 8

The 1969 Ford Torino GT


1996 Chevrolet Camaro Values 

Chevrolet Camaros have always been popular performance cars. Many of these models have the same or better performance than Ford Mustangs. Some might say Corvette performance at a much lower price. Camaros have had excellent performance numbers on the race and drag tracks. Many of course have been highly modified.

Today's asking prices will have a lot to do with originality and of course mileage and condition. There are so many aftermarket parts and accessories available for these Camaros that originality means a lot. By the same token, those in the market for a pure performance vehicle will look primarily at modified super charged models.


As of this date, prices for the 1996 Chevy Camaro likely will range from $8,000 to $12,000 for a running vehicle. Some will be below that range with excessive high mileage. Your Z/28's will generally be priced above base models but a lot will still depend on mileage and condition. Various pricing guides show that the Z28 models in immaculate condition may sell in the $15,000 + range.

(Article and photos copyright Muscle Car Journal)

Modified 1961 Chevy Impala SS 409 Muscle Car

The 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 featured in this article is a modified powerhouse of a muscle car. It's a beauty and a legendary car. Here is a car that was made even more famous by the Beach Boy's song and represented Chevrolet's introduction of a full muscle car during the early 1960's.

1961Chevy Impala 409

1961 Chevy Impala

Chevy Impalas were popular among a wide range of buyers aside from those looking for performance. The 1960 Chevrolet was the best selling car in the U.S. and was so for ten years. This was Chevy's top of the line model.

During the entire 1961 model year production run, Chevrolet built just under 500,000 Impala models. Out of that number only 450 were built as SS models. Out of the 450 SS models only about 100 were built with 409's. Needless to say, the 1961 Impala SS 409 is a rare automobile.

The 1961 Impala has it's triple taillights and crossed racing flags.The new design which came on the scene with the 1960 Impala was so very much different from those latter 1950's automobiles with their big tail fins and excess chrome. This new Chevy Impala design had uncluttered lines.

To be sure, muscle cars come in many forms and usually with plenty of modifications. The 61 Impala SS 409 featured here is truly a muscle car and has many such modifications. These include...Dual Edelbrock AVS four barrel carburetors...Corvette Rally Wheels...Spin Tech mufflers...Crane Roller Rockers, performance shocks and sway bar and more.

409 engine

The 1961 Impala SS Specifications

There were two engines available if you were a Chevy Impala SS buyer in 1961. A 348 cubic inch four barrel V-8 which could deliver 305 HP and a tri-carburetor set up putting out a rated 350 HP. These comprised one engine offering. The other choice you would have had was a 409. Both of these engines had a very respectable record on the racing circuit. As the 409 later evolved it would eventually deliver a big 425 HP.

The Chevy 409 was essentially a 348 cubic inch engine with a bigger displacement. The engine had 409 ft-lbs of torque. The 409 had a wider cam shaft and forged aluminum pistons. Thicker cylinder sidewalls. This and a four barrel carburetor had this engine delivering 360 HP and reportedly could do the quarter mile in about 15 seconds. Zero to 60 was rated at 7.8 seconds although some have the car rated at about 6.8 seconds. All of this Impala SS powerful performance was in what really was considered a full size family car. One thing is apparent. From the beginning of the 1950's to the end of the decade, engine sizes just about doubled.

Gearbox for the SS 409 was a floor mounted four speed manual.

The 61 Impala SS 409 had a wheelbase of 119.0 inches, an overall length of 209.3 inches, width of 78.4 inches, a height of 55.5 inches and a weight of about 3,600 lbs.

Suspension for the car is heavy duty but still rides quite smooth with easy steering. 

The Chevrolet Impala SS 409 came out of the factory with "Positraction" limited-slip differential, a DeLuxe air conditioner, an AM radio, tinted glass, two-speed wipers with washers, and a deluxe steering wheel. 

New car price for the Impala SS 409 was about $3,900. As a side note, Chevrolet also built a station wagon named the Nomad which was available in both a six cylinder and eight cylinder version.

See our additional featured muscle cars on the links below...

A Red Hot 1953 Studebaker Street Rod 

The 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 

The 1967 Chevy Nova II SS 

One good book regarding the Chevy 409 is titled... How to Rebuild and Modify Chevy 348 / 409 Engines. 

The Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Collector Car

If you happen to own an original 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 you have a rare and very popular collector car, especially among performance enthusiasts. There were only about 100 of these originals produced so the numbers are on your side.

As of this writing, you'll likely see prices in the $50,000 to $70,000 plus range for any original Impala 409 available for sale. The convertible model when available will be priced on the high end because out of these very few 409's built, even less were convertibles.

(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online) 

A Powerful 1967 Chevy Nova II SS with a 454 / Photos and Specs

1967 Chevy Nova II SS

Right out of the 60's muscle car era is this fine looking 1967 Chevy Nova II SS with a 454 cubic inch engine. The 1967 model Nova is from the second generation which ran from 1966 through the 1967 model year.

The Chevrolet Nova had been known as an economical and compact car. With that being said, put the right engine in this vehicle and you had yourself a true muscle car. The rise to muscle car fame by the Nova II was not something deliberately planned but the car nevertheless did achieve that status. 

The 67 Chevy Nova II SS was a relatively light car with a lot of power. For 1967 the top of the line engine for the Nova Super Sport was a 327 cubic inch V-8 delivering 275 HP. There were a total of five generations of the Chevy Nova running from 1963 through 1979 and then from 1985 through the 1988 model year.

Engine options were plenty, five in all. You also had the choice of three transmissions. Engines included a 194 cu inch inline six, 230 cu inch inline six, 250 cubic inch inline six, 283 cu inch V-8 and a 327 cubic inch V8.

The original Chevy II's were of unibody construction. The first Nova offered either a four or six cylinder inline engine.

Birth of the Chevy Nova II

A bit of Chevy Nova history to start with. The Chevy Nova II was designed to compete directly with Ford's compact Falcon model and with Chrysler's Valiant. It just so happened that back in 1962 the compact car wars were heating up in Detroit. It's true that Chevrolet already had the compact Corvair in place but the rear mounted engine technology was not enough to compete against rear wheel drive compacts. Therefore, the Chevy Nova, not a spinoff design from any other GM model, was born. The first Chevy Nova came off the assembly line in 1961 at GM's Willow Run, Michigan plant located just west of Detroit. The first Chevy Nova was a 1962 model. Later in Nova's production run the car would be built at three other plants outside of Michigan.

These first Nova's had engines specifically built for these models.

Chevy Nova II 1967 Styling

The 67 Nova received a new grille but other than that there were relatively little changes from the 66 model. Interior changes from year to year were pretty much just pattern differences. The 67 Chevy Nova II possessed crisp clean lines as did the 66. It should be noted that the 1966 Nova did receive a complete redesign from 1965 including a new dashboard.


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67 Nova SS dashboard

The Super Sport had restyled bucket seats, door to door carpeting and all vinyl interiors.

Some safety changes/additions were seen for 1967. The Nova II was given an energy absorbing steering column along with a safety steering wheel. Also padded armrests and sunvisors along with knobs on the instrument panel being recessed. 

The 454 Small Block V-8 

The 1967 Chevy Nova II SS featured in this article has a 454 cubic inch small block V-8. Horsepower for this engine runs between 575 and 600. The bore is 4.250 inch and that's extremely large for a small block. This bore and stroke (4.000) combination is the same as the first 454 Chevy big-block.

1967 Chevy Nova II Super Sport Specifications 

As mentioned above there was a total of five engines available for the Nova with the 327 cubic inch being the top of the line for the Super Sport. This was also true for the 66 model. In 1967 the powerful L-79 engine option was dropped from the Nova SS so as not to take away sales from the new Camaro. Our featured Nova SS in this article has a 454 cubic inch V-8.


The three transmissions available included a three and four speed manual and a two speed Powerglide automatic.

Brakes were four wheel drum with disc brakes becoming an option in 67.

The 67 Chevy Nova had dimensions including a 110.0 inch wheelbase, a 183.0 inch overall length, a 71.3 inch width and a 55.1 inch height. The car's curb weight came in at 2,690 lbs.

For the 1967 model year there was a total Chevy Nova production of 106,400 vehicles. Out of that number 10,065 were Super Sport models. Most of these, about 80 percent, were fitted with small block engines.

See more of our articles on the links below... 

The 1969 Ford Torino GT Muscle Car

The First Supercar / The Lamborghini Countach 

The Turbo T-Bucket with a Blown 355

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This 67 Nova SS's 454

The 1967 Chevy Nova II SS Collector Car

Both the 1966 and 1967 Chevy Nova II's are very popular collector cars.

As of this writing, you may find the restored 1967 Chevy Nova SS valued in the $30,000 to $50,000 price range. Originality of course will skew the price tag to the high side. Some good looking modified models have been seen in the $20,000 plus range.

(Article and photos copyright 2015 Muscle Car Journal)

1968 Chevy Chevelle SS / A Turbo Charged 489

489 Turbo

Chevrolet's intermediate Super Sport came out in 1964 with the new Chevelle line. The 1964 Chevelle Super Sport was a special series of six-cylinder and V-8 convertibles and hardtop coupes. At that time General  Motors policy prohibited engines over 400 cubic inches being put in anything smaller than a standard size model. This of course did not apply to the Chevy Corvette.

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-sized automobile built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in three generations from 1964 through to the 1977 model years.



The 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle came out with a significantly new body style. The automobile had a fastback look to it but not so much that the good looks were compromised. The new look proved profitable. More than 400,000 Chevelle models were built for the 1968 production run. Out of these about 60,000 were SS models. The best seller in the Chevelle line was the Malibu.

1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Available Engines

 The 68 Chevelle models had a variety engines available. These included a new 230 cubic inch six cylinder and the new 307 cubic inch V-8. There was another more powerful engine that had been taken away for a year but came back in 68 as an option. This was the Chevy 396 cubic inch V-8 that delivered 375 horsepower. This particular 396 SS model fit a good niche in as much as it was very reasonably priced (about $2,900) and offered excellent performance.These features made the Chevelle one of the most popular models on both the street and the track.

Another returning engine in 1968 was the L78. This was the most powerful engine option  and there were a total of 471 Chevelles built with the L 78 option. Just short of  all L78 engines went into 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle models.

Turbo charged 68 Chevy Chevelle

1968 Chevy Chevelle SS Specifications

In addition to the engine options mentioned above, wheelbases for the 68 Chevelles are interesting. When the first Chevelle went into production they were built with a 115.0 inch wheelbase. Starting in 1968, the wheelbase was increased for all Chevelle Sedan models. All other body styles were built with a 112.0 inch wheelbase.

Chevelle four-door models had same dimensions except with a wheelbase of 116.0 inches. The vehicles weight depending on options could range from 2,350 to 3350 lbs.

Transmissions available in 1968 were a three and four speed manual gearbox along with a TH-400 (turbo Hydra-Matic) and Powerglide.

See these vehicles on additional Muscle Car Journal articles on the links below.....

The 1970 Pontiac GTO Muscle Car

The 1968 Oldsmobile 442 / A Popular 60's Muscle Car

Ford Muscle Car / 1969 Torino GT

The Chevrolet Chevelle SS Muscle Car

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a car often turned into a high performance vehicle by specialty shops. It's interesting to note that the 1968 Chevy Chevelle was at the forefront of the Chevelle muscle car era.  This was solidified with the re-introduction of the 396.The Chevelle SS was the high performance version of the Chevelle line.

Some will say that the Chevy Chevelle SS and the Pontiac GTO remain one of the most popular cars of the late 60's muscle car era.

Dashboard of this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

For those either owning a Chevy Chevelle SS or are interested in them, check out the website of the Heart of Dixie SS Chevelle Club...http://www.chevelle-ss.com/ 

A grpuip of Alabama Chevelle enthusiasts  formed this club to share their appreciation of these great cars. The club mission as stated on their website is to provide a means of sharing information on parts, cars, and technical data. They also promote the appreciation of 1964 – 1972 Chevelles, Malibus, El Caminos, and Nomads.



Some excellent books regarding the Chevrolet Chevelle models include.....Chevelle, 1964-1972 (Muscle Car Color History) by Mike Mueller.....Chevelle SS A Muscle Car Source Book, Second Edition by Jeffrey Steffes.

(Article and photos copyright Muscle Car Journal)

1937 Chevy Master Deluxe Coupe Street Rod

 

37 Chevy Coupe with 350 Chevy engine

Chevy in the Late 1930's

For the model years 1937-1939 Chevrolet made a lot of improvements both in styling and with their engines. Advertising at the time touted the 1937 Chevy as "The complete car, completely new". Designing of this Master Deluxe model is credited to Jules Agramonte who is also credited for the 1934 popular and stunning LaSalle.styling. Jules Agramonte designed the Chevy Coupes, working for and under Harley Earl.
The late 30's Chevy designs looked so good that their pickup trucks were also well known for their good styling. 

In 1937 the Chevrolet Master replaced the Standard Six and the Master Deluxe was a luxurious version of the Master model.

The late 1930's were good years for Chevrolet. For 1937 Chevy came out with a Master Deluxe Coupe that weighed 2,840 lbs with the hardtop and 2,770 lbs with the convertible. The wheelbase for the 37 coupe was 112.0 inches.

Classic 37 Chevy Street Rod

The differences between 1937 and 1938 Chevys are in the grille and hood designs. The 1937 grille features vertical bars which look great with the narrow body design.

An important note for restorers, many car models can look remarkably similar from one year to the next, so to be certain that you have the correct year when restoring one of these you need to identify the vehicle and it's parts. Car models, in particular Chevys from the late 30's although similar in first appearances usually do have subtle changes.

A New Automobile at a Low Price

The country was still feeling the effects of the Great depression so prices were relatively inexpensive in the mid 30's, especially compared to what the automakers were asking a decade earlier. The 1937 Chevy Master Deluxe Coupe convertible sold new for about $620. The hardtop coup around $680. As with most vintage cars, the convertibles are deemed more popular with collectors.

Flowing lines of the late 30's Chevys

Our Featured Car / The 1937 Chevy Master Deluxe Coupe Street Rod

1937 Chevys came into street rodding via the dragstrip. The Chevy Coupes in particular were very popular gassers.


The automobile featured in this article has an all steel body and has had a frame off restoration.

The engine is a Chevrolet 350 cubic V-8 with aluminum heads and the ZZ4 Chevy Performance Package. Horsepower is 355. Chevrolet engines are the standard engines for just about all street rods.and Chevy rods in particular.

Transmission is a Turbo 350 and the car is equipped with Ford 9 inch Positraction. Positraction  will only let a wheel to spin a little before the power is applied to the other wheel. This works very well in low traction areas like conditions such as mud or ice.

See additional Muscle Car Journal articles on the links below...

1937 Buick Coupe 455 Street Rod

1924 Dodge Brothers Hemi

From our AutoMuseumOnline site see Serial Number Locations on Vintage Vehicles

Good reference material regarding 1930's era Chevrolet hot rods and street rods include..... How to Build Chevy Hot Rods by Richard Johnson.....Hot Rods, Roadsters, Coupes, Customs by author Dain Gingerelli.....Art of the Hot Rod by Ken Gross.

Fine custom paint job

1937 Chevy Coupe Street Rod Prices

First of all, most of the 37 Chevy Coupe street rods you come across today have been modified, customized and have creative paint jobs. These cars have been and remain popular and as such command healthy asking prices.

As of this writing you'll find many of these vehicles with price tags in the $30,000 range, mostly in the high $30,000 range and into the low and mid $40,000 range. We have seen a beautifully restored 37 Chevy Coupe with a modified 355 engine with power brakes, power seats, tilt steering and a lot more with an asking price of  $45,000.

(Article and photos copyright Muscle Car Journal)

A 1968 Chevy Nova Muscle Car

The Chevy Nova became a muscle car for those enthusiasts on a budget. The 1968 Chevrolet Nova featured in this article is a light weight automobile that was actually built alongside the Chevy Camaro.

The 1968 Chevy Nova came with a factory standard 350 V8 with 295 horsepower and with an optional Chevrolet 396 V8 big block. Lots of power in a relatively small, lightweight car.

68 Chevy II / Nova

The Third Generation Chevy Nova

The 1968 Chevrolet Nova represented the first of the third generation Nova's.By this time the Nova was much changed from what was first offered in 1962 as an economical compact. In 1968 the Chevy Nova was formally named the Chevy II Nova. That changed however lasted only one year and the name would be dropped in 1969.The Nova SS, a separate series, continued to be marketed as late as 1976 although because of new federal regulations was not the powerful machine seen during the late 1960's. The new 1971/72  federal regulations affected all of the late 60's muscle cars.

The new third generation Chevy Nova design added length to the wheelbase at 111.0 inches. Also, for 1968 the Chevy Nova had a body that was wider, lower and sleeker than the second generation models. The car had the long hood short deck look which you could compare to both the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Camaro.

In 1968 there also was the  Chevy Nova 400 series. These cars were different from the Nova SS models in the fact that they were available in two and four door versions.. The Nova 400's came with a base inline six cylinder engine, as well.

The Nova and the Camaro

It's interesting to note that while the Chevy Nova was becoming an American muscle car, Chevrolet already had that market segment covered with their powerful Camaro's.

 The Camaro was a direct result of Ford creating their Mustang. The first Chevy Camaro's had just about the exact same dimensions as the Ford Mustang. One could say that with the exception of the design (although it had a long hood and short deck) the first Camaro dimensions matched the Mustang.

In a way the Chevrolet Division of General Motors had two cars for the power buff although at different price points. As far as Pony Cars were concerned, the Chevy Nova SS was not considered among them. These Nova's fit somewhere between Pony Cars and Muscle Cars. It was perplexing that 1968 Nova SS sales were down from the previous year. One would think that with the new, more sleek design plus the increased engine power options sales would have increased. Whatever the reason, sales did increase a year later in 1969 and continued to do so thru 1973.

The Blown 572. Don't try to put a hood on this one.

The Blown 572 Chevy Engine

The muscle car featured here has a Blown 572 Chevy engine.

This Chevy big block 572 cubic inch engine means serious business delivering some 900 horsepower. It seems there is more brute force from the engine as the cubic inch numbers go up. Of course for those wanting even a bigger engine with more brute force there is always the 588 cubic inch big block that puts out something like 1206 horsepower.

Most muscle cars don't have blowers, but some more serious pro-street muscle cars do. Blowers are really  another word for "supercharger". What the blower does is force more air into the engine to increase both horsepower and torque.

The larger blowers stick out of the hood (such as the one featured here) but the smaller ones typically fit well underneath. The blowers/superchargers are aftermarket devices. When you add a blower to the engine, serious modifications to the engine itself are necessary although there are milder blower kits that can work directly with stock engines.

Blowers are certainly nothing new but they have changed from the early days when they were much larger as seen on old GMC diesel engines. Today's blowers are also much more efficient. When a conversation turns to Chevy Blown Big Block engines the matter of money is sure to come up. Chances are very good you're talking about a $25,000 and more engine. With that in mind it's wise to find yourself a capable and recommended engine builder.

You may enjoy our AutoMuseumOnline article on the link below...

1968 Oldsmobile 442 Muscle Car

Also, on Muscle Car Journal...Where Did All the 60's Muscle Cars Go?  and  Big Oly / A Baja 1000 Legend 

400 Transmission 3 speed shifter

The 400 Transmission

The Chevy Nova muscle car shown here has a 400 transmission to match the 572 cubic inch engine. This is a racing transmission. Some of these are built as three speeds ( like the one shown here) and some have been built as two speed transmissions. These high performance transmissions are built to get the engine's vast horsepower to the ground where it counts for dragsters.

1968 Chevy Nova Specifications 

As mentioned above, the 1968 Chevy II / Nova offered both a stock 350 and 396 cubic inch engine. The 350 delivered 295 horsepower and the latter 325 horsepower. 

Wheelbase was 111.0 inches and the overall length 189.4 inches.

New car price in 1968 was about $2,600 for the stock 350 cubic inch model. Weight came in at 2,995 lbs.

Excellent reference material includes.... Nova SS : Nova and Chevy II 1962-1979 by Steve Statham and A Complete Guide to Street Supercharging by Pat Ganahl.

(Article and photos copyright Muscle Car Journal)