Turbine wheels mark the only hint of this Chevette’s sporty intentions. Its transplanted 3.8L Buick V6 displaces roughly 2.0L more than the Chevette’s largest factory powerplant, promising a surprise for anyone used to their typically anemic acceleration. This 1979 Chevrolet Chevette in Tualatin, Oregon can be yours for $5995. Check out more pictures and details here on Craigslist. Thanks to Curvette for spotting this Beaver State classic, and to Wikipedia for some details.
Founded by Jim Bell and Pop Kennedy in 1968, Kenne-Bell became a key supplier of go-fast parts for some of the most potent Buick and other GMs to rip down the 1320. I owned at least three cars with this sturdy 231 cid (3.8L) V6 and pored over the KB catalog dreaming of turning my 1976 Buick Skyhawk into a 250 HP Corvette killer. The listing mentions, “camshaft, roller rockers and cast aluminum valve covers,” and I’d be surprised if anyone ordered those parts without Kenne-Bell’s “One” four-barrel intake manifold. No horsepower estimates or performance stats made the listing, but 150 to 200 HP is feasible, with gobs of torque as well, compared to the original. Remember, folks, these things only weigh about a ton.
A paint job wouldn’t hurt. Usually when you see that sand-papery finish, it’s too late to buff it out, but never say never. The two-door hatch offers cargo-hauling utility and room for four adults in a pinch. Exhaust is not mentioned, but unless it’s super-quiet, many enthusiasts will immediately recognize the distinct and raspy V6 snarl.
Count on tattered upholstery beneath the K-Mart seat covers, but overall things look clean and tidy inside. The two-spoke steering wheel looks sporty and well-preserved, and solid-looking rocker panels are always a plus. A five-speed T5 (common in GMs and Mustangs) sends power rearward to a “10 bolt diesel” differential. That’s right: this econobox is rear-wheel-drive which was not uncommon in the days before nearly every small ran a FWD transverse I4. I’d like to test drive this red ‘Vette as the only Chevette I drove was so slow I repeatedly checked the parking brake to see if I’d left it partially engaged.
Considering what $6000 buys today, you could have a ton of fun spending it on this ’70s econobox turned hot hatch. I discovered autocross during my college days and one local enthusiast brought two ‘Vettes to every event: a late ’70s Corvette and a late ’70s Chevette. It was fun seeing the Chevette skittering around the cones as its skinny tires surrendered to physics. As the saying goes, it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slowly. This one may offer a ton of fun for the right buyer. Would you enjoy trolling for victims in this ’70s micro-sleeper?
Going to a car event? Turn those old guy sneers into looks of incredulity when you light the tires! Surprise the judges at the burnout contest!
A fair bit of work went into that swap I’ll bet.
Could be a hoot to drive occasionally.