1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Fact Sheet

1971 Chevelle Facts, Figures, and Specifications

1966 Chevelle Facts Specifications Information Data

1971 – Lower Compression Ratios
Impact Performance

The Chevelle models received minor changes to the front and rear fascia for 1971. Otherwise the car was very similar to the 1970 model. With lowered compression, Even the mighty 454 CID LS6 suffered at 9.0:1, with advertised HP reduced to 425. All other engines were reduced to 8.5;1 in response to the coming government regulations banning leaded gasoline.

Return to the Chevrolet Fact Center

1971 Chevelle Resources

Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:

Need New Springs or Shocks?
Get the Exact Springs for your Chevrolet

Click Here for

1971 Chevelle Facts – Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1971 Chevrolet Chevelle

	11 Antique White
	13 Nevada Silver
	19 Tuxedo Black
	24 Ascot Blue
	26 Mulsanne Blue
	42 Cottonwood Green
	43 Lime Green
	49 Antique Green
	52 Sunflower Yellow
	53 Placer Gold
	61 Sandalwood
	62 Burnt Orange
	67 Classic Copper
	75 Cranberry Red
	78 Rosewood

)

Collector Car Insurers

Click on the links below to find your car’s value or get a quote:

1971 Chevelle Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Facts

The Chevelle models received changes to the front and rear for 1971. A new, twin level grille was divided by a bright, horizontal bar with a Chevrolet ‘bow tie’ insignia in the middle. The grille inserts were of multiple, horizontal blades segmented by wide-spaced vertical dividers. Single headlamps in square bezels were used.

Parking lamps were moved, from the previous bumper location, into the front fenders. There were two parking lamps lenses, set into individual rectangular housings that wrapped around the body corners. The upper lens was amber; the lower lens was white. At the rear, circular taillights were deeply recessed into the bumper.

1971 Chevelle Factoids

Click a Tab to See the Details

The highly touted 454 CID LS6 did not respond well to the lowered compression ratio, dropping from 460 HP down to 425 HP (325 SAE Net). Many testers were surprised by the impacts as can be seen in this Test in Motor Trend magazine, that you can read HERE.

GM Mandated lowered compression ratios for all engines to comply wit the federally mandated switch to unleaded gas in 1973. All engines were reduced to 9.0:1 or lower (with 8.5:1 being the standard by 1972).

1971 Chevelle Facts – Models Offered

Click a Tab to See the Details

Standard equipment for base editions consisted of Astro-Ventilation; cigarette lighter; side-guard door beam structure; concealed wipers and either the 145 horsepower 250 CID Six or 200 horsepower 307 CID V-8.

The base El Camino was considered part of this model line, however we note it separately under Pickups. For a description of Chevelle models, please see the Chevelle Brochure HERE and we do include the El Camino Brochure for information purposes HERE.

The Malibu model included all equipment found on the base line, plus Hide Away two-speed wipers; Deluxe steering wheel; glove box light; window moldings; and carpets.The Malibu four-door hard top (Sports sedan) with the RPO 216 Concours package or the Malibu two-door hardtop (Sports coupe) had additional brightwork. A convertible was also available in Malibu trim and had all of the above standard equipment, plus courtesy lights. All Malibu models featured a glove box light and left outside rear view mirror. Size E78 x 14 tires were used.

For an accurate description of Chevelle Malibu models, please see the Chevelle Brochure HERE.

Station wagons had reverted to the practice of the early 60s in the full size line with Nomad, Greenbrier, and Concours models. The Nomad, however, was the base model, trimmed as a Chevelle – it was only available as a 2-seat version, the Greenbrier was trimmed as a base Malibu and the Concours, was offered as a standard and an “Estate”, with the Estate featuring faux wood side trim.

The El Camino model came in Base and Custom trim. The Base model was trimmed as a Chevelle DeLuxe and the Custom was trimmed as a Malibu. Colors were as set for the regular line. For an accurate description of the El Camino see the brochure HERE.

1971 Chevelle Facts – Engines

Click a Tab to See the Details

250 CID Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.530 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 230 @1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust: 244°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3880″, Exhaust 0.3880″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: Standard Manual Transmission 7041017; Automatic Transmission 7041014.

307 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 307 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.50:1.
Horsepower: 200 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 300 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 280°, Exhaust 288°, Overlap 58°. Valve Lift: (intake) 0.3900″; (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel: manual transmission 7040101; with air conditioning 7040103. Automatic Transmission 7040110.

245 HP 350 CID V-8. (RPO L65) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 245@ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 350 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 280°, Exhaust: 288°, Overlap 58°. Lift: (intake) 0.3900″, (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel – manual transmission 7041113; automatic transmission 7041114.

270 HP 350 CID V-8. (RPO L48) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 270 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 280°, Exhaust: 288°, Overlap 58°. Lift: (intake) 0.3900″, (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel – manual transmission 7041203; automatic transmission 7041202.

Turbo-Fire 402 CID V-8 (RPO LS3). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 402 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.126 x 3.76 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 286° Exhaust: 286°, Overlap 59°. Lift: Intake: 0.3410″, Exhaust: 0.3410″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel: manual transmission: 7041201; automatic transmission: 7041200.

Turbo-Fire 454 V-8 (RPO LS5). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 454 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 4.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 365@ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 465 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: (with ramps) Intake: 350°, Exhaust: 352°, Overlap 118°. Lift: Intake 0.4614″, Exhaust 0.4800″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet: manual transmission; 7041201 automatic transmission 7041200.

Turbo-Fire 454 V-8 (RPO LS6). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 454 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.126 x4.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 475 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 316°, Exhaust: 302°, Overlap 80°, Lift: Intake 0.5197″, Exhaust 0.5197″.
Carburetor: Holley manual transmission 3986195, automatic transmission 3986196.

1971 Chevelle Facts – Chassis Features

- Wheelbase: 2-Door and Convertible 112 inches, All others 116 inches.
- Overall length: 2-Door and Convertible 197.5 inches, 4-Doors 201.5 inches, Station Wagon & El Camino: 206.8 inches.
- Overall width: 75.4 inches.
- Overall height: 4-Doors: 53.3 inches; 2-Doors: 52.7 inches; Convertible 52.9 inches; Station Wagon 54.1 inches; El Camino 54.4 inches
- Front tread: 60.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.8 inches.
- Tires:
  - I-6: E78 x 14.
  - 307-350 V-8: F78 x 14.
  - SS Models: F70 x 14 G70 x 14 Optional.
  - El Camino G78 x 14 SS Models G70 X 14.
  - Station Wagons: G78 x 14.
  - F70 x 14 and G70 x 14 optional on request for all V-8 equipped cars.

1971 Chevelle Facts – Powertrains

Powerglide Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 307 CID V-8: 1st – 1.82:1, 2nd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.82:1.
Turbo Hydramatic Transmission Ratios
- I-6, 307 & 350 CID V-8 T-350: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd 1.00:1 Reverse – 1.93:1.
- 402 and 454 CID V-8 T-400: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd 1.00:1 Reverse – 2.08:1.
Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 307 CID V-8: 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1.
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1.
Three Speed Manual (Heavy Duty) Transmission Ratios
- 402 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.58:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.41:1.
Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.44:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1.
- 454 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-6 250 CID:
  - 3-Speed SMT and HD: 3.08:1, Air Conditioning Not Available.
  - Powerglide – 3.08:1 Optional – None.
- 307 CID V-8 200 HP:
  - 3-Speed SMT and HD: 3.08:1.
  - Powerglide – 3.08:1.
  - T-350 AMT – 2.73:1, Optional – 3.08:1, 3.31:1.
- 350 CID V-8 270 HP:
  - 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1.
  - T-350 – 2.56:1, Optional 3.31:1.
- 402 CID T-400 – 2.73:1, Optional 3.31:1.
- 402 CID V-8 375 HP
  - Automatic Transmission: 3.55:1. Optional 4.10:1.
  - 4-speed Close Ratio: 3.55:1. Optional 4.10:1, Dealer Installed: 4.56:1, 4.88:1.
- 454 CID 365 & 425 HP
  - - Automatic Transmission: 3.31:1. Optional 4.10:1.
    - 4-speed Close Ratio: 3.31:1. Optional 4.10:1, Dealer Installed: 4.56:1, 4.88:1.

NOTE: Optional, dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.73:1 to 4.88:1 Depending on axle size. Posi-traction optional for all vehicles where axle or ratio allowed. For more detail on axle ratios see the 1971 AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.

1971 Chevelle Facts – Powertrain Options

- 3-speed manual transmission ($79).
- 4-speed close-ratio heavy duty manual transmission, in Chevelle ($221.80).
- 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission, in Chevelle ($184.80), includes Hurst shifter ($195.40).
- 4-speed wide-ratio manual transmission, in Chevelle ($184.80), includes Hurst shifter.
- Alternator, 63 ampere, without air conditioning ($21); with air conditioning ($4).
- Dual exhausts ($24.17).
- Engine block heater ($10.55).
- Heavy-duty battery ($15.80).
- Heavy-duty radiator ($22).
- Positraction axle ($42.15).
- Powerglide transmission in V-8 ($174.25).
- Powerglide transmission, in I-6 ($163.70).
- RPO 2L2 Chevelle cowl-induction hood, SS 396 option required ($147.45).
- RPO L34 350 HP 402 CIDV-8 ($152.75).
- RPO L48 300 HP 350 CID V-8 ($68.50).
- RPO L65 245 HP 350 CID V-8: in base Chevelle ($21.10); in Malibu ($16.70).
- RPO LS3 300 HP 402 CID V-8, in Malibu and Chevelle wagons ($128.32).
- RPO LS5 365 HP 454 CID V-8, in Chevelle with SS 454 Option package ($163.40).
- RPO LS6 425 HP 454 CID V-8, in Chevelle with SS 454 Option package ($263.30).
- Turbo-Hydramatic transmission in 200/250/300 horsepower V-8, ($200.65).
- Turbo-Hydramatic transmission in all with 300/365 horsepower V-8 ($221.80).
- Turbo-Hydramatic transmission in Chevelle with 45025sepower V-8 ($290.40).

NOTE: Base I-6 and base 307 CID V-8 price included in base model pricing.

1971 Chevelle Facts – Chevelle Key RPO Options

- RPO 215 Chevelle SS 454 LS5 Package. Includes bright engine accents, dual exhausts with bright tips, black-painted grille, wheel opening moldings, power front disc brakes, special rear suspension and rear bumper with black insert, special “power bulge” hood, “SS” emblems, LS5 365 HP 454 CID Turbo-Jet V-8, heavy-duty battery, F70-14 white letter tires, 14 x 7 wheels (sport type}, deletion of body sill molding and deletion of belt line molding, on Malibu V-8 Sport coupe or convertible, with either M40 Turbo-Hydramatic or any four-speed manual transmission. ($509).
- RPO 215 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 Package. Includes bright engine accents, dual exhausts with bright tips, black-painted grille, wheel opening moldings, power front disc brakes, special rear suspension and rear bumper with black insert, special “power bulge” hood, “SS” emblems, LS6 425 HP 454 CID Turbo-Jet V-8, heavy-duty battery, F70-14 white letter tires, 14 x 7 wheels (sport type}, deletion of body sill molding and deletion of belt line molding, on Malibu V-8 Sport coupe or convertible, with either M40 Turbo-Hydramatic or any four-speed manual transmission. ($720).
- RPO 225 Chevelle SS 396 Package. Includes 300 HP 402 CID Turbo-Jet V-8, power front disc brakes, dual exhausts with bright tips, black-painted grille, wheel opening moldings, special rear bumper with black inserts, “power dome” hood, special suspension, 14 x 7 inch Sport style wheels, G70-14 white lettered tires and “55” emblems. Four-speed or Turbo-Hydramatic required ($460).

1971 Chevelle Facts – Significant Options

- Adjustable roof rack, wagon ($52.70).
- Air conditioning ($463.45).
- Carpeted wagon load floor ($52.70).
- Console in Malibu with bucket seats ($53.75).
- Electric rear defroster ($41.70).
- Headlight delay system ($18.36).
- Power door locks, two-door ($35.45); four-door ($54.12).
- Power drum brakes ($41.15-$43.05).
- Power front disc brakes ($64.25-$65.65).
- Power front seat, six-way ($100.10).
- Power steering ($89.55-$105.35).
- Power Strato-Bucket seat ($121.15).
- Radio AM push button ($61.10).
- Radio AM/FM push button ($133.80).
- Radio AM/FM with FM stereo ($239.10).
- Rally styled wheels, ($79).
- Special instrumentation: includes tachometer, ammeter and temperature gauges, on Malibu coupe/convertible ($84.30).
- Standard rear defroster ($20.85-$29.20).
- Stereo tape player, with AM radio ($194.85); with AM/FM radio and FM stereo ($372.85).
- Tilt steering wheel ($46).
- Tinted glass ($24.83-$30).
- Vigilante light monitoring system ($26.35).
- Vinyl top Black, Blue, Dark Gold, Green or White ($94.80).
- Wagon Air defector ($19).
- Wheel covers ($21).
- Wheel covers, special ($57.95-$80.70).
- Windshield wiper control, Fingertip ($19).