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.
I wonder if this the a vintage swap. Hooker headers came out with a specific kit to swap in the Buick V6 into the Chevette in the 70s. It had everything you needed, including motor mounts, cables wires and yes of course it had headers by hooker.
Many people prefer the Buick V6 instead of the chevy V6 because of the placement of the distributor being upfront on a Buick as opposed to in the back on a chevy and it’s very difficult to get to.
It’s a shame that they deleted the A/C components of the engine bay.
Interesting swap. Even more interesting is the vacuum advance is not connected. Makes me wonder about the builders’ mechanical literacy.
Looks like a 90 degree outlet to me, with the hose connected.
I see it now Jeff, thanks. Now I question MY mechanical literacy! LOL!
Look closely and you can see a plug in the vacuum hose port. Looking at the distributor I’d say that’s an electronic ignition.
Yes it’s an HEI distributor. They use vacuum advance but I never saw one with a 90 degree fitting on the vacuum can. I learn something new every day, right?
Holy crap! Someone finally got the memo that you don’t need to
drop an LS into everything out there. Would love to take a ride in
this thing though. And at $6K, you’ll get a whole lotta fun for your money to boot. Now I see
what it looks like with a 3800 V-6
under the hood and boy, do I want
it! Can you just imagine what this little missile would do with a
turbo added to it? I can! And the
answer is tire frying burnouts each time you hit the go pedal or
blowing the doors off a Mustang
or Camaro driven by some young
smartass who thinks that they’re
all that and a bag of chips. Yessir, if you’re looking for a ride that gives you more fun for your
dollar, here it is ready to drive and enjoy.
See this is what I’m talking about…and for $6k…!!! If I was shopping for first car or a “daily” I would love to have this “vette” for myself or my son. Most of the hard work has already been done.
I see fun all over this car. Fix up the worn out stuff and hit the road.
GM HEI distributors do have vacuum advance,they also run alot better when working proper not disconnected.
If you wear more than a size 9 mans shoe? Wear your slippers when you take on those Mustangs and Camaro’s. The footwear is delicately positioned in these.
Nice looking car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember the Chevette. I had a neighbour who owned one. Despite the negative things people today say about the Chevette, he actually loved the car. It wasn’t a hot rod or anything wild like that. It was reliable and driveable. With the right maintenance, even the most unpopular cars can last indefinitely.
I remember a “Short Take(?)” in Car and Driver, in the early1970s with a Factory ordered Chevette that had a 2.8 liter and 5 speed (probably from a V-6 Camaro or Firebird) swapped into a Chevette 2-door hatch-back. The Tag Line was “How to Scare your Mother.”
Indeed.
I prefer “all go and no show” and would leave the paint and put stock rims on it. What a sleeper!
I like the seat covers.
A Chevette that will surprise anyone who dares…
I’ll be honest, I only looked because I love the turbine rims with the orange paint. Not a fan of any Chevette, but with the V6 & 5 speed this one could sway my opinion. Nice starting point, would like to see what the next owner does to it.