1966 Chevrolet Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Facts, Figures, and Specifications
A new body graced 1966 Chevelles. It now had forward thrusting front fenders, new body contour lines,
a wider-appearing grille and a new rear body cove treatment.
1966 – The Chevelle Gets a Restyle and a Full SS 396 Series
General Year Information – 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle
1966 saw a complete restyle of the Chevelle on the previous Chassis. The new car featured smooth contours, a broad new grille, and bumper treatment as well as curved side windows. Bulging rear fender lines and a “flying buttress” roof line that cut into the “C” pillar were the highlights of the 1966 hardtops, a look that was shared with other GM “A” body models. The new body reflected the beginning of the “Coke bottle” body shape that became the fad for American cars going forward and would be exacerbated beginning in 1968.
A significant model was the new 4-door hardtop-styled Sport Sedan that joined the Malibu series this year. It was an attractive car and would be offered through 1972, but surprisingly never achieved the high-production figures of the standard pillared sedan. Chevelle models continued with the 300, 300 Deluxe, and Malibu. Available engines ranged from a 120 HP I-6 all the way to a 375 HP 396 CID V-8. Some significant options included a tachometer, mag-style wheel covers, and sintered metallic brakes, four-way power seats, a tissue dispenser, and cruise control.
1966 Chevelle Factoids
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The 396 CID V-8 line expanded from the single Z-16 option to a base 325 horsepower version, then to 360 horsepower and 375 horsepower versions. The latter, RPO L78, was similar to the 1965 Z16 version except that it utilized a high-lift mechanical camshaft and aggressive cylinder heads.
A 4-door hardtop-styled Sport Sedan joined the Malibu series – trimmed as a 2-door Sport Coupe but having the 4-door hardtop configuration. It never reached the popularity of the similar model that originally bowed in 1956.
1966 Chevelle Facts – Models Offered
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Chevelle 300 models were, for the most part, lacking in ornamentation with “Chevelle 300” rear fender emblems, bright vent- pane frames, windshield and rear window moldings, outside rear view mirror, four headlamps with anodized aluminum bezels, grille outline moldings, rear fascia “Chevelle” nameplate, front bumper mounted park/turn lights, small hubcaps, single-unit rear lights with bright bezels, and built-in back-up lights.
Interiors were pattern cloth and vinyl trimmed, black rubber floor covering, plus all GM safety features and five blackwall tires, heater and defroster.
The Chevelle 300 Deluxe, was slightly upgraded in trim over the standard 300. It had full-length body side moldings, “Chevelle 300 Deluxe” rear fender nameplates and painted rear quarter reveal moldings, bright tailgate molding and a Chevrolet emblem on station wagon.
A dual-spoke steering wheel was spec1f1c to this model, with horn ring, as was the color-keyed upper instrument panel with bright lower panel trim strip. Doors had bright accents on the trim panels and rear arm rests had built in ash trays. Interiors were cloth and vinyl upholstered.
Standard equipment included: heater and defroster, front foam cushions, electric wind shield wipers, front seat belts and five 6.95 x 14 black wall tires (station wagons had 7.35 x 14 black wall tires) and included padded arm rests.
The Malibu series added to or replaced equipment on the Chevelle 300 Deluxe as follows: slender body sill and wheelhouse molding were added, along with “Malibu” in script on the rear fenders and included a hood windsplit molding. A rear cove outline molding surrounded the single-unit rear lights with built-in backup lamps , with vertical light units used on the station wagons, and a rear cove emblem was in place, with “Chevrolet” in script above on the deck lid. Station wagons in this series had a full-width ribbed molding and emblem and a Chevelle nameplate on the tailgate.
Interiors were plusher cloth and vinyl, with all-vinyl on convertible and station wagon. A distinctive dual-spoke steering wheel was used. Black crackle finish was used on the instrument panel upper section, a glove compartment light, bright back rear view mirror, bright roof rails and floor carpeting were additional Malibu features.
On the inside was color-keyed deep twist floor carpeting, foam cushioned rear seat, specific dual-spoke steering wheel with horn ring, electric clock and a glove box light.
Chevelle’s “SS 396″performance package for 1966 included twin simulated air intakes, ribbed color-accented body sill and rear fender lower moldings, “SS 396” grille and rear cover emblems and “Super Sport” in script on the rear fenders. Specific wheel covers were included, as were five nylon red-stripe tires.
Interiors were all-vinyl, with bench front seat standard and included all Malibu features except for color-keyed vinyl-coated cargo floor mat and textured vinyl cargo area sidewalls. On the interior, there was a center console with four speed or automatic transmission shifter, and all-vinyl luxury seating and trim. A special instrument panel featured temperature, ammeter and oil pressure gauges.
The El Camino model, once again, came in Base and Custom trim. The base model was trimmed as a Chevelle 300 and the Custom was trimmed as a Malibu. Colors were as set for the regular line.
1966 Chevelle Facts – Engines
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- 194 CID I-6 120 HP
- 230 CID I-6 140 HP
- 283 CID V-8 195 HP
- 283 CID V-8 220 HP
- 327 CID V-8 275 HP
- 327 CID V8 350 HP
- 396 CID V8 325 HP
- 396 CID V8 360 HP
- 396 CID V8 375 HP
Hi-Thrift 194 Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 194 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.562 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 120 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 177 @ 2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Valve Timing: (includes ramp) Intake (336°) 286°, Exhaust: (336°) 286°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3318″, Exhaust 0.3318″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: Standard Transmission: 7025105; Automatic Transmission 7023108.
Turbo-Thrift 230 Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 230 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.250 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 140 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 222 @1600 RPM. Four main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Valve Timing: (includes ramp) Intake (336°) 286°, Exhaust: (336°) 286°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3318″, Exhaust 0.3318″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: Standard Manual Transmission 7025003; Automatic Transmission 7025000.
Turbo-Fire 283 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 195 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes ramp) Intake (300°) 250°, Exhaust (300°) 250°, Valve Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel: 3-spped and 4-speed manual transmission 7024101; Automatic Transmission 7024110.
Turbo-Fire 283 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 220 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 295 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (includes ramp) Intake (300°) 250°, Exhaust (300°) 250°, Overlap 78°. Valve Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four barrel:3-speed and 4-speed Manual Transmission 7025127; Automatic Transmission 7025128.
Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO L30) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 275 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration (Includes ramps): Intake: (300°) 250°, Exhaust: (300°) 250°, Lift: Intake 0.3987″, Exhaust 0.3987″. Overlap 78°. Carburetor: 3-speed and 4-speed manual transmission Holley 4-barrel #3876747 or Carter 4-barrel 3876749; automatic transmission Holley 4-barrel #3875964 or Carter 4-barrel 3875966.
Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO L79) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 350 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 360 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration (Includes ramps): Intake: (342°) 292°, Exhaust: (342°) 292°, Lift: Intake 0.4472″, Exhaust 0.4472″. Overlap 114°. Carburetor: 4-speed Manual Transmission Only: Holley #3877413.
Turbo-Fire 396 V-8 (RPO L35). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 396 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.094 x 3.76 inches. Compression ratio: 10..25:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 410 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (without ramps) Intake: 322° (272°), Exhaust: 322° (272°), Lift: Intake 0.3983″, Exhaust 0.3983″. Overlap 95° (45°). Carburetor: Holley manual transmission: 3874898; automatic transmission: 3868864.
Turbo-Fire 396 V-8 (RPO L34). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 396 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.094 x 3.76 inches. Compression ratio: 10..25:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 420 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: (without ramps) Intake: 350° (300°), Exhaust: 352° (302°), Lift: Intake 0.4614″, Exhaust 0.4800″. Overlap 118° (68°). Carburetor: (manual transmission) 3886087; (automatic transmission) 3886088.
Turbo-Fire 396 V-8 (RPO L78). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 396 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.094 x 3.76 inches. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 375 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 415 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 336°, Exhaust: 336°, Lift: Intake 0.5197″, Exhaust 0.5197″. Overlap 108°. Carburetor: (3- and 4-speed only) Holley 38693229.
1966 Chevelle Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 115 inches.
- Overall length: Station Wagon: 199.8 inches; Others: 197.0 inches.
- Front tread: 58.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 58.0 inches.
- Width: 75.0 inches.
- Height: Sedans and Sport Sedan: 53.0 inches; Sport Coupes: 51.9 inches; Convertible 52.8 inches; Station Wagon 54.6 inches; El Camino 54.6 inches.
- Tires: I-6 and 283 sedans: 6.95 x 14; I-6 wagons and all other 283 V-8 : 7.35 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless; All 283 V-8 wagons: 7.75 x 14 in blackwall, whitewall . All 327 CID 7.35 x 14 except wagons, All 396 CID V-8 7.75 x 14, including 327 CID V-8 wagons.
1966 Chevelle Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Overdrive transmission ($116).
- Powerglide automatic transmission on all I-6 & V-8 ($184), on SS 396 ($195).
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission ($184); ($105 on SS 396)
- 194 CID 120 horsepower six-cylinder on I-6 cars and included in price.
- 230 CID 140 horsepower six-cylinder RPO L26 ($37).
- 283 CID 195 horsepower V-8 standard on V-8 cars and included in price.
- 283 CID 220 horsepower V-8 RPO L77.
- 327 CID 275 horsepower V-8 RPO L30 ($93).
- 327 CID 350 horsepower V-8 RPO L79 ($198).
- 396 CID 325 horsepower V-8 RPO L30 Standard on SS 396 and included in price
- 396 CID 360 horsepower V-8 RPO L34 SS-396 only ($105)
- 396 CID 375 horsepower V-8 RPO L78 SS-396 only ($237)
- Positive traction rear axle ($43).
- Heavy-duty clutch, on six-cylinder only ($5).
NOTE: Base I-6 and base V-8 price included in base model pricing.
1966 Chevelle Facts – Significant Options
- Air conditioning ($310).
- Bumper guards, front ($10);
- Bumper guards, rear ($10).
- Center console for Strato-Bucket seats.
- Convertible top, Power operated.
- Defroster, Rear window
- Front seats, Strato-Bucket
- Front seat headrest, Strato-Rest ($53).
- Horn, Tri-volume
- Power brakes ($42).
- Power front seat, Four-way
- Power steering ($84).
- Power windows
- Radio, AM push button ($57).
- Radio, AM push button with rear seat speaker ($71).
- Radio, AM/FM push button
- Radio, AM/FM push button with rear speaker
- Seat belts Custom Deluxe color matched ($8).
- Steering wheel, Comfort-Tilt
- Steering wheel, Sports styled ($32).
- Tachometer.
- Tinted Soft-Ray glass on all windows ($31); on windshield only ($21).
- Vinyl roof cover ($74).
- Wheel covers ($21).
- Wheel covers, Mag styled ($74).
1966 Chevelle Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1966 Chevrolet Chevelle
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1966 Chevelle Facts –
Current Market Values
1966 Chevelle Facts –
Powertrains
- Powerglide Transmission Ratios
- I-6, 283 CID V-8: 1st – 1.82:1, 2nd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.82:1
- 327 CID V-8: 1st – 1.76:1, 2nd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 283 CID V-8: 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1
- 327 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1
- 327 & 396 CID V-8 Heavy Duty: 1st – 2.41:1, 2nd – 1.57:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.41:1
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 283 CID V-8: 1st – 3.11:1, 2nd – 2.20:1, 3rd – 1.47:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 3.11:1
- 327 CID 325 HP V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.32:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1
- 327 CID 275 HP V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.32:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1
- 327 CID 350 HP & all 396 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1
- 327 CID 350 HP & all 396 CID V-8: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.27:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 194 CID: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.08:1, Overdrive – 3.70:1; Optional – 3.36:1
- 283 CID V-8 195 HP: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, 3.36 optional 3-Speed Overdrive – 3.70:1
- 283 CID V-8 195 HP: Powerglide – 3.08:1
- 283 CID V-8 220 HP: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, 3.36 optional;
- 283 CID V-8 220 HP: Powerglide – 3.08:1
- 327 CID V-8 275 HP: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Powerglide – 3.08:1, 3-Speed HD – 3.36:1; 3.08:1 and 3.70:1 optional
- 327 CID V-8 350 HP: 3-Speed 3.08:1; 3.70:1 optional; 3-Speed HD – 3.36:1,; 3.08:1 and 3.70:1 optional; 4-Speed SMT wide ratio – 3.31:1, 4-Speed SMT close ratio – 3.31:1; 3.08:1 and 3.70:1 optional
- 396 CID V-8 325 HP All: 3.31:1, 3.55:1, 3.73:1 and 4.10:1 optional
- 396 CID V-8 360 and 375 HP All: 3.73:1, 3.31:1, 3.55:1 and 4.10:1 optional
- Posi-traction optional for all V-8 equipped vehicles where axle allowed.
NOTE: Optional, dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.73:1 to 4.56:1 depending on axle manufacturer.
1966 Chevelle Facts –
Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1966 Chevrolet Mid-Size Chevelle Line will appear below:
1966 Chevrolet Mid-Size Cars Brochure
1966 Chevrolet Mid-Size Car Print Advertisements
1966 Chevelle SS-396 Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1966 Chevelle SS-396 Test – Popular Hot Rodding Magazine
1966 Chevelle SS-396 Test – Road Test Magazine
1966 Chevelle SS-396 & Malibu Sport Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1966 Chevrolet Mid-Size I-6 & 283 CID V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Chevrolet Mid-Size 327 and 396 CID V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Chevrolet Mid-Size Car Production Figures – Includes El Camino
1966 Chevelle Facts –
Related Images
Related Images to the 1966 Chevrolet Mid-Size Chevelle Line will appear below
1966 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible
The 1966 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible was Chevelle’s top of the line offering. Only the Sport Coupe could best it in performance.
1966 Chevelle SS 396 Sport Coupe
The 1966 Chevelle SS 396 Sport Coupe was Chevelles top performance model. When equipped with the 375 HP version of the 396 CID V-8 few US cars could match it for straight line performance.
1966 Chevelle Malibu Convertible
The 1966 Chevelle Malibu Convertible was second only to the SS 396 version in sporty performance. When equipped with the 350 HP 327 V-8, it was no slouch .
1966 Chevelle Malibu Sport Sedan
The 1966 Chevelle Malibu Sport Sedan was offered to Chevelle customers wanting the sporty looks of a hardtop and the practicality of a 4-door.
1966 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe
The 1966 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe was very popular among the sporty set and even more so because it allowed a less expensive array of powerplants to be fitted instead of the 396 CID V-8. Regardless, many opted for one of the three performance V-8s – 283 CID 220 HP, 327 CIS 275 HP and 350 HP.
1966 Chevelle Malibu 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevelle Malibu 4-door Sedan was the most pedestrian of the Malibu offerings, but contributed a great deal in the line’s great production numbers.
1966 Chevelle Malibu Station Wagon
The 1966 Chevelle Malibu Station Wagon offered an upscale interior combined with the practicality of a wagon.
1966 Chevelle 300 Deluxe 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevelle 300 Deluxe 4-door Sedan was a step below the Malibu version and its exterior and interior trim levels were down a notch.
1966 Chevelle 300 Deluxe 2-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevelle 300 Deluxe 2-door Sedan was offered for those wanting inexpensive and solid transportation with a more upscale interior.
1966 Chevelle 300 Deluxe Station Wagon
The 1966 Chevelle 300 Deluxe Station Wagon was the only entry level wagon in the Chevelle line, with the 300 Series 2- and 4-door wagons no longer available.
1966 Chevelle 300 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevelle 300 4-door Sedan was solid, basic transportation with a minimum of frills, but with a the accessibility of 4-doors.
1966 Chevelle 300 2-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevelle 300 2-door Sedan was the car that let you enter GM’s mid-size market at the least cost. many businesses and salespeople chose it for its low cost and reliability.