The 1970 model year was the last for a 396 cubic inch V8 in a factory Chevrolet Nova. Going forward, the Super Sport was still a strong performer, but a 4-barrel 350 was as far as you could go. There were two horsepower versions of the 396, 350, and 375 (L34 and L78, respectively). The seller’s car was one of 3,765 to come with the latter. But as part of an expensive rotisserie restoration, a 468 full-roller engine has taken over duties. Located in Loudon, Tennessee, this could be one of the nicest Super Sports remaining from 1970. It’s available here on eBay where the current bid is $31,323 (reserve unmet).
One could argue that this Nova SS is better than it was when new. We’re told that $140,000 was expended over time getting the car into the shape you see it here. The heavy lifting was done in 2001. and then the Chevy went into climate-controlled storage for the next 22 years. With 85,000 miles on the odometer, most of that was covered as an original L78 396. But less than 500 miles ago, things really changed.
A new 468 CI 4-bolt engine was installed that may produce up to 550 hp. Yet, the seller says the vehicle is well-mannered and shouldn’t be scary to its next owner/driver. Joining the 468 is a Tremec TKK 5-speed transmission with a hydraulic clutch. The 12-bolt rear end is original but appears to have been dressed up, as has the rest of the Nova’s undercarriage. The list of new parts or modifications is quite extensive, helping explain the hefty restoration price tag.
The seller says all of the body panels are original, and the blue paint and ivory interior look spotless and inviting. We’re told the car was never hit or in an accident. Built in February of 1970, this Nova appears to be quite desirable, even though it isn’t numbers-matching. With the sizeable investment that’s been put into this Chevy, you would assume the reserve would be an uphill climb to reach.
Good writeup Russ, I have never noticed a double strip of chrome along the lower panels of one of these, but after some investigation, found a handful in some online pictures. It would be nice to know what became of the 396 that was recently replaced. If not ruined, would rather have that parked under the hood of this beauty, along with original transmission. I bet this thing is a blast to launch with this setup!
Heavy Chevy wow 🏁
Gorgeous Nova! It appears, this car was originally black, with a black bench interior, but this color combo is really nice. While the original 396 (402) would be preferable, the 468 is a beast of an engine, especially with the hydraulic roller setup. The TKX 5-spd is a game changer. I’ve driven a car with one and it’s a night and day difference, from the M21 that was original to this car. These cars are rare, even more so with the original sheet metal.
That 468 probably started life as a 454 with a bore, cam and roller bits added. A 396 is good if you don’t race them hard, being a 2-bolt bottom end.
An L-78 came with 4 bolt mains, 7/16” rod bolts, forged pistons, solid lifter cam, square port heads, aluminum intake and a Holley carb. It was basically the equivalent of a of a 396 cubic inch L-72.
Steve R
Being a factory L78 is meaningless now that the original 396 is not inhabiting the engine bay, but still, with the current 468 and Tremec, I am sure it is quite fun to thrash about town in. I am not crazy about painting the floors and engine compartment the body color but it does seem a lot of time and effort went into this Nova.
While not the best of Chevy big blocks, I would have preferred the original 396 being left in the car especially at that price. It sure is a looker though, and as it is, a goer too no doubt.