1966 Chevrolet Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1966 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport
1. Big Block Moves Up to 427 CID
2. Caprice 2-Door Coupe Debuts
3. Turbo 400 Auto Trans with Big Block
4. 425 HP 427 CID Offered
5. Transistor Ignition Available
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1966 CHEVY 396/427 MARK IV: BIGGER IS BETTER – Car Guy Chronicles“
1966 Chevrolet – More Engines and Now a 2-Door Caprice
For 1966, at the rear there was a break with the now traditional round taillamp units – these full-size cars had horizontal rectangle assemblies. Two new big blocks were available: 390 HP and 425 P 427 CID V-8s. Caprice now was available in 2-door and 4-door hardtop styles.
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1966 Chevrolet Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1966 Chevrolet Full Size Car
Chevrolet was in the second season of a totally new body change, so only a mild face lift took place. Front fenders were given a blunt, forward-thrusting effect, while the four-unit headlamp system was placed in new anodized bezels flanking a revised anodized aluminum grille. At the rear, there was a break from the traditional round taillamp units: the 1966 full-size cars now had horizontal rectangle assemblies, with backup lights built in on Biscayne and Bel Air models, while Impala and Caprice had triple-unit wraparound rear taillamps.
The Caprice was expanded to series status for 1966, including a new Coupe with special formal roofline. The line included a four-door hardtop, six- or nine-passenger station wagon, and a two-door hardtop with a squared-off formal roofline. This was in contrast to the Impala/SS Sport Coupe’s fastback roof styling. All four Caprice models were marketed as “Caprice Custom.” Coupes could also be ordered with an all-vinyl interior featuring Strato bucket seats and center console with floor shifter.
Chevrolet called their two-door hardtops “Sport Coupes” in all lines. The new style 16647 was the Caprice Custom Coupe. All cars featured a new instrument panel, revised grille, and full wheel covers (except for SS models with special design). Standard now were lap belts front and rear.
The Impala Supper Sport was again the top sport model, with Caprice now taking the luxury segment, however not convertible was available in this line.
1966 Chevrolet Full Size Car Factoids
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The Big Block was now available in both 396 and 427 CID. The larger engine came in two ratings – 390 HP and 427, with the latter replacing the 1965 396 CID version of the same 425 HP rating. See the AMA Spec Sheets on these engines HERE.
Caprice Custom Coup was released and the line included, the 4-door this new 2-door and six- or nine-passenger station wagon. Tail light lenses and silver trim on Caprices differed slightly from the other full-sized models. Coupes could also be ordered with an all-vinyl interior featuring Strato bucket seats and center console with floor shifter.
1966 Chevrolet Facts – Models Offered
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Biscayne features included “Biscayne” in script on the rear fenders, bright ventipane frames, windshield and rear window reveal moldings, (tailgate and side reveal moldings on station wagons), and grille opening moldings. Interiors were upholstered in vinyl and cloth, with Deluxe door release handles featured, and a foam-cushioned front seat only. A silver-painted shatter-resistant rearview mirror was suspended above the instrument panel, bright instrument cluster housing and padding. A dual-spoke steering wheel with horn ring was standard, as was carpeting, dual sun visors and an embossed vinyl headlining. A heater and defroster, front and rear ashtrays, front and rear seatbelts and five tubeless blackwall tires were included in the base equipment.
Biscaynes were available as a 2-door sedan, 4 -door sedan and a 6-passenger station wagon.
The Bel Air was distinguished from the Biscayne by its full-length body side molding along the body side. “Bel Air” in script and Chevrolet emblems were used on the rear fenders, while roof drip gutter moldings and a deck lid lip molding were also added. Interiors were a more plush than the Biscayne, in cloth and vinyl (except the station wagon, which was all-vinyl) and features that were added to Biscayne equipment included a glove box lamp, automatic front door courtesy and dome lamp switches, third seat courtesy lamp and third seat foam padding on station wagons.
Bel Air series models were were 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and bot a 6- and 9-passenger wagon.
The Impala was a more deluxe Chevrolet, with a color-accented full-length body side molding on the body flare peak, body sill bright moldings, front and rear wheel opening moldings, and bright side window accents. Further, “Impala” front fender nameplates and emblems, belt moldings, deck lid molding with color accent, triple-unit wraparound rear taillamps (dual unit on station wagon), backup lamps in the rear bumper, and hood windsplit moldings were included. Interiors were upscale cloth and vinyl (all-vinyl on station wagon and convertible). The following features were added to Bel Air equipment: brushed aluminum lower instrument panel insert with bright bezel, fingertip door releases, foam cushioned rear seat, bright aluminum seat end panels, chrome-plated rearview mirror housings, bright windshield header (on convertible), rear seat speaker grille (convertible and two-door hardtop), and dual roof rear quarter panel interior lights on two-door hardtops which also had dual instrument panel courtesy lamps along with the convertible.
Impala series models included 4-door sedan, 2- and 4-door hardtop, convertible and bot a 6- and 9-passenger station wagon.
The Super Sport Impala lost some of its exterior distinction this year, with only “Super Sport” front fender nameplates, a grille “Impala SS” identification bar, a rear deck badge. Retained were the SS specific tri-bar Super Sport wheel covers. Interiors again featured all-vinyl trim, with front bucket seats, with console and SS identification on the instrument panel. Standard features were the same as on the Impala models.
The Super Sport was still available as a 2-door hardtop (sport Coupe) and convertible.
The Caprice was expanded to series status for 1966, including a new Custom Coupe with special formal roofline. Also added were two station wagon models with woodgrain body side trim. Interiors were plush cloth in the four-door hardtop Sport Sedan with a bench front seat standard and a Strato-back front seat optional. All Caprice models featured all-vinyl or cloth in the two-door hardtop Custom Coupe, and all-vinyl in the station wagons. A wood-look lower instrument panel insert was used, with wood-accented combination vinyl and carpet door panels (except on wagons) added.
The exterior was set apart from other Chevrolets by color-keyed body side striping, wide, ribbed body sill moldings, “Caprice” front fender and rear deck identification, wrap-around rear taillamps with bright horizontal ribs, specific Caprice wheel covers, special roof rear quarter emblems, twin simulated exhaust ports below Custom Coupe backlight and a “Caprice” tailgate nameplate on the Custom Wagons.
The series featured a 2- door hardtop (with special roofline) a 4- door hardtop and 6- and 9-passenger station wagons.
1966 Chevrolet Facts – Engines
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- 250 CID I-6 155 HP
- 283 CID V-8 195 HP
- 283 CID V-8 220 HP
- 327 CID V-8 275 HP
- 396 CID V8 325 HP
- 427 CID V8 390 HP
- 427 CID V8 425 HP
Turbo-Thrift 255: 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: 155 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 235 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust: 44°, Overlap 32°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3880″, Exhaust 0.3880″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: SMT 7026027; AMT 7026028.
Turbo-Fire 283 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 283 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.25:1.
Horsepower: 195 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 285 @ 2400RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (includes ramp) Intake (300°) 250°, Exhaust (300°) 250°, Valve Lift: 0.3987″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel: SMT 7024101; AMT 7024110.
Turbo-Fire 283 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 283 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.25:1.
Horsepower: 220 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 2895 @ 3200RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (includes ramp) Intake (300°) 250°, Exhaust (300°) 250°, Valve Lift: 0.3987″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel: SMT 7025127; AMT 7025126.
Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO L30) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 327 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.50:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Overlap 28 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″.
Carburetor: (SMT) 4-barrel Carter #3876749 or Holley 3876747; or Rochester 7026203; ( AMT) 4-barrel Carter #3875966; or Holley 3875964; or Rochester 7026202.
Turbo-Fire 396 V-8 (RPO L35). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
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.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 286°, Exhaust: 286°, Overlap: 59°. Lift: Intake 0.3983″, Exhaust 0.3983″.
Carburetor: (SMT) Holley 3874898 or Rochester Quadra-Jet 7025201; (AMT) Holley 3868864 or Rochester Quadra-Jet 7025200.
Turbo Jet V-8 (RPO L36). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.251 x 3.76inches.
Compression ratio: 10.50:1.
Horsepower: 390 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 460@ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 300°, Exhaust: 300°, Overlap 92°. Lift: Intake 0.4614″, Exhaust 0.4800″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel (SMT) Holley 3874898; or Rochester 7026205; (AMT) Holley 3868864; or Rochester 7026204; 4-Speed with 2.20:1 1st Holley 3882835.
Turbo Jet V-8 (RPO L72). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.251 x 3.76inches.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 460@ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 336°, Exhaust: 336°, Overlap 108°. Lift: Intake 0.5197″, Exhaust 0.45197″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel (SMT) Holley 3885067; 4-Speed with 2.20:1 1st Holley 38868826.
1966 Chevrolet Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 119 inches.
- Overall length: cars – 213.2 inches, station wagons – 212.4 inches.
- Overall width: 79.6 inches; Bel Air models: 80.0 inches.
- Overall height: sedans & coupes – 55.4 inches, sport sedan – 54.5 inches, sport coupe – 54.4 inches, convertible – 55.3 inches, wagons 56.7 inches.
- Front tread: cars – 62.5 inches, station wagons – 63.5 inches.
- Rear tread: cars – 62.4 inches, station wagons – 63.4 inches.
- Tires: six-cylinder passenger cars 7.35 x 14, V-8 passenger cars 7.75 x 14, convertibles 7.75 x 14, station wagons 8.55 x 14, 327 CID and 396 CID V-8 cars 7.75 x 14; 427 CID V-8 L36: 8.25 x 14 tires; 427 CID V-8 L72: 8.55 x 14 tires.
1966 Chevrolet Facts – Powertrains
- 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.
- 396 and 427 CID V-8 Heavy Duty – 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.
- 283 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.32:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1.
- 396 & 427 CID V-8 close ratio: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.27:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1.
- 396 & 427 CID V-8 wide ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.08:1, Station Wagon All – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1, Special Purpose Sedans & Coupes – 3.55:1; Performance – 3.36:1.
- 283 CID V-8 195 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1, Powerglide – 3.36:1, Special Purpose – 3.55:1; Performance (Standard Sedans & Coupes) – 3.36:1.
- 283 CID V-8 220 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Powerglide – 3.08:1 Special Purpose – 3.55:1; Performance (Standard Sedans & Coupes) – 3.36:1.
- 327 CID V-8 275 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Powerglide – 3.08:1.
- 396 325 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Powerglide – 3.07:1, Turbo Hydra-Matic – 2.73:1.
- 427 CID V-8 390 HP: 3-Speed SMT& 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Turbo Hydra-Matic – 2.73:1.
- 427 CID V-8 425 HP: 4-Speed SMT all – 3.31:1, Optional (Posi-traction available) 3.55:1, 3.73:1, 4.10:1 & 4.56:1, 4.88:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.07:1 to 4.88:1.
1966 Chevrolet Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 3-speed heavy duty manual transmission with floor shift was optional on most V-8s and required with 396 and 427 CID V-8s ($79).
- 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive was optional for I-6 trough 327 CID V-8s, not available with 396 and 427 V-8s ($115).
- 3-speed manual transmission, with column shift, was standard on six-cylinder and 283 and 327 CID V-8 models.
- 4-speed close ratio transmission with 2.20:1 1st gear was available for 396-427 CID V-8s.
- 4-speed manual transmission was optional for all V-8 engines ($184).
- Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission was available with column shift with floor shift lever on bucket-seat equipped 283, 327 CID V-8s and 396 CID 325 HP V-8.
- horsepower 396 CID V-8s ($195).
- Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission was available with column shift with floor shift lever on bucket-seat equipped Series 163, 163, 166 cars, for six-cylinder ($184).
- Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic transmission was optional on 325 and 390 horsepower 427 CID V-8s, not available on 427 CID L72 option cars ($226).
- 283 CID 220 horsepower Turbo-Fire V-8 (RPO L77).
- 327 CID 275 horsepower Turbo-Fire V-8 (RPO-L30) ($93).
- 396 CID 325 horsepower Turbo-Jet V-8 (RPO L35) ($158).
- 427 CID 390 horsepower Turbo-Jet V-8 (RPO L36) ($316).
- 427 CID 425 horsepower Turbo-Jet V-8 (RPO L72) ($411).
- Posi-traction rear axle ($44).
NOTE: Base V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.
1966 Chevrolet Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning. ($395).
- Bumper guards, front ($16).
- Bumper guards, rear ($16).
- Heater and defroster deletion ($71 credit).
- Horn, tri-volume ($14).
- Instrumentation, special ($79).
- Power brakes ($42).
- Power drivers seat, 4-Way ($70).
- Power rear antenna ($28).
- Power steering ($95).
- Power windows ($100).
- Radio, AM push button with front antenna ($57).
- Radio, AM push-button with front antenna and rear speaker ($71).
- Radio, AM/FM push-button stereo with front antenna ($239).
- Radio, AM/FM push-button with front antenna ($134).
- Radio, AM/FM push-button with front antenna and rear speaker ($147).
- Rear window defroster. ($22).
- Seat belts, front and rear Custom Deluxe color matched with front retractors.
- Steering wheel, Comfort-Tilt ($42).
- Steering wheel, sport-styled ($32).
- Steering wheel, Tilt-telescopic.
- Stratoease front seat headrests ($53).
- Tachometer.
- Tinted Soft-Ray glass on all windows ($37); windshield only ($21).
- Traffic hazard warning system.
- Vinyl roof cover in black or beige ($79).
- Wheel covers, Mag style ($53).
- Wheel covers, simulated wire ($56).
- Wheels, Five 14 inch with 6JK rims ($21).
1966 Chevrolet Downloads and Images
1966 Chevrolet Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Chevrolet Full-Size Line will appear below:
1966 Chevrolet Full Size Car Prestige Brochure
1966 Chevrolet Full Line Mailer Brochure
1966 Chevrolet Full Size Car Print Advertisements
1966 Chevrolet I-6 283 and 327 CID V-8 AAMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Chevrolet 396 and 427 CID V-8 AAMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Chevrolet 427 CID Blueprint – Car Life Magazine
1966 Chevrolet Facts –
Related Images
Related Images to the Full Size Chevrolet Line will appear below
1966 Chevrolet Caprice Custom Sedan
The 1966 Chevrolet Caprice Custom Sedan continued from its previous startup in 1965.
1966 Chevrolet Caprice Custom Coupe
The 1966 Chevrolet Caprice Custom Coupe was new for 1966.
1966 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible
The 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible was distinguished from the standard Impala by bucket seats. Most were equipped with the 396 CID V-8.
1966 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe
The 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe was considered the performance full size Chevrolet. It could be had with the 425 HP 427 CID V-8. All 427 CID SS cars were called “SS 427”
1966 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
Like its Coupe sister, the 1966 Chevrolet Impala Convertible was a sporty large car, and like its sister, it lacked the bucket seat interior.
1966 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe
The 1966 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe was very popular and sporty, though it lacked the bucket seat interior.
1966 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan
The bread and butter Impala line was highlighted by the popular 1966 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan. Upgraded interiors and extra brightwork were its features.
1966 Chevrolet Impala 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevrolet Impala 4-door Sedan was always popular, combining 4-door utility with good looks.
1966 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon
The 1966 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon was set in the line just below the Caprice wagon. It had an Impala interior and stainless window trim.
1966 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan was an upscale version of the Biscayne. It featured more brightwork on the exterior.
1966 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan
Like the 4-door, the 1966 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan featured a bit more brightwork over the entry level Biscayne.
1966 Chevrolet Bel Air Station Wagon
The 1966 Chevrolet Bel Air Station Wagon was upscale from the Biscayne, and differed by more exterior brightwork and nicer interior trim.
1966 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door Sedan was not only the entry level 4-door, but it was favored as a business sedan.
1966 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan
The 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan was the base full size Chevrolet. It was sometimes called a “salesman’s coupe”.
1966 Chevrolet Biscayne Station Wagon
The 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne Station Wagon was the entry level wagon.