1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1968 Chevrolet Nova SS
1. 350 and 375 HP Big Blocks Available
2. Styling Totally New
3. 307 CID Base V-8 Arrives
4. Turbo 400 Automatic Available with 396 CID
5. Nova Dashboard is All New
1968 Chevrolet Nova – New Chassis and Sheet Metal
The 1968 models were fully-redesigned with an extensive restyle on a longer 111.0 inch wheelbase. The new body was longer and wider and featured a Chevelle-inspired semi-fastback roofline with wide, flaring sail panels.
1968 Chevrolet Nova Resources
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1968 Chevrolet Service Manual
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1968 Chevrolet Service Manual
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1968 Chevrolet Nova
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1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Chevrolet Nova
NOTE: While the car line was designated “Chevy II” by Chevrolet this year, the car was marketed exclusively as the “Chevrolet Nova”. “Chevy II” did appear on the hood front fascia but otherwise it was devoid of this nameplate.
The 1968 models were fully-redesigned with an extensive restyle on a longer 111.0 inch wheelbase. This gave Chevrolet compact a chassis that was just one inch shorter than that of the mid-size Chevelle coupe. The new body was longer and wider and featured a Chevelle-inspired semi-fastback roofline with wide, flaring sail panels. Other features included single head lamps set into square bezels; a full-width multiple bar grille and a Chevelle-like rear fascia look. 1968 models are easy to spot due to the positioning of the Chevy II name at the center of the upper grille surround
The station wagon and 4-door hardtop sport coupe were discontinued. The Super Sport package continued and could be applied to any 350 or 396 CID V-8 model. It should be noted that the 325 HP 327 CID V-8, the 350 CID V-8 and all 396 V-8s were only available on the Coupe models.
One notable change was the front subframe assembly was re-engineered and replaced the earlier version, ostensibly to allow the fitment of Chevrolet’s big block 396 CID V-8. Although the front subframe design was unique to the Nova, the Camaro introduced a year earlier was the first to incorporate such a design.
The four-cylinder engine remained available, but only slightly more than one thousand units were sold. For all intents and purposes, the 230 CID I-6 was the base Nova powerplant, but the 250 six, the new 307 V-8, two 327 CID V-8s, a 350 CID V-8, and three 396 CID V-8s were optional, making the engine lineup in the Nova the most extensive in Chevrolet.
1968 Chevrolet Chevy II Factoids
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- 350 and 375 HP Big Blocks Available
- Styling Totally New
- 307 CID V-8 Arrives
- Turbo 400 Three-Speed Automatic Available with 396 CID V-8
The L78 375 HP 396 CID V-8 was listed as optional for the 1968 Nova along with the L34 350 HP version. For more information on these big block V-8s in the Nova, see the 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova AMA Specifications Sheets found HERE
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The new body was longer and wider and featured a Chevelle-inspired semi-fastback roofline with wide, flaring sail panels. The 1968 models sat on a longer 111.0 inch wheelbase. This gave Chevrolet compact a chassis that was just one inch shorter than that of the mid-size Chevelle coupe.
The 307 CID version was introduced this year. Engine bore and stroke was 3.875″ × 3.250″. All 307 V-8s were equipped with a two-barrel carburetor. The block had the larger 2.45″ main journals. This was done to mate the 327 CID V-8 crankshaft with the 283 CID V-8’s bore size. For more information on the 307 CID V-8, see the 1968 I-4 I-6 and 307 V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
For the first time the compact Chevy II/Nova received GM’s famous Turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission, but only on the 350 HP version of the 396 CID big block. For more information, see the 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova AMA Specifications Sheets found HERE.
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1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Models Offered
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Nova – Standard equipment included all GM safety features plus heater and defroster, front arm rests, foot-operated emergency brake, ignition alarm system, concealed fuel filler, front and rear side marker lights, and 7.35 x 14 four-ply rated (two-ply) blackwall tires.
The Nova was available in 2-door Sedan and 4-door sedan only.
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – SS Model and Other Upgrades
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Engines
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- 153 CID I-4 90 HP
- 230 CID I-6 140 HP
- 250 CID I-6 155 HP
- 307 CID V-8 200 HP
- 327 CID V8 275 HP
- 350 CID V8 295 HP
- 327 CID V-8 325 HP
- 396 CID V-8 325 HP
- 396 CID V8 350 HP
- 396 CID V8 375 HP
90 HP 153 CID I-4 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 153 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.250 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 90 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 152 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Valve timing: 252°, Exhaust: 252°. Overlap 33°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3973″, Exhaust 0.3973″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: (manual transmission) 70028009; (automatic transmission) 70028008.
NOTE: Available in all models.
140 HP 230 CID I-6 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 194 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.85 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 140 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 220 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Valve timing: Intake 244° Exhaust: 244°, Overlap 34°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3317″, Exhaust 0.3317″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: (manual transmission) 7028017; (manual transmission with A/C) 7028015; (automatic transmission) 7028014.
NOTE: Available in all models.
155 HP 250 CID I-6 RPO L22 – All Transmissions. 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: 244°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3880″, Exhaust 0.3880″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: Standard Manual Transmission 7028017; Automatic Transmission 7028014. With Air Conditioning: Standard Manual Transmission 7028015.
NOTE: Available in all models.
200 HP 307 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 307 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.85 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.00:1.
Horsepower: 200 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 300 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 280°, Exhaust 288°, Overlap 58°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.390″; Exhaust 0.410″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2 barrel: (manual transmission) 7028101; (manual transmission with A/C 70228103; (automatic transmission) 7028110; (automatic transmission with A/C) 7028112.
NOTE: Available in all models.
275 HP 327 CID V-8. (RPO L79) – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 327 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 280°, Exhaust: 288°, Overlap: 58°. Lift: Intake 0.3900″, Exhaust 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (3-speed and 4-speed manual transmission) 7028213; (automatic transmission) 7028212.
NOTE: Available in all models.
295 HP 350 CID V-8. (RPO L48) – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 295 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 310°, Exhaust: 320°, Lift: Intake 0.390″, Exhaust 0.410″. Overlap 90°.
Carburetor: (3 and 4-speed Manual Transmission): Rochester 4-barrel #7028213; (automatic transmission) #7028212.
NOTE: Available in SS Model only.
325 HP 327 CID 4-Barrel V-8. (RPO L79) Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 327 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 3600RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 306°, Exhaust 306°, Overlap 72°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.4471″; Exhaust 0.4471″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-Jet (manual transmission) #7028229; (automatic transmission) NONE.
NOTE: Available in Sport Coupe Only.
325 HP 396 CID V-8 RPO L35 – All Transmissions. 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: (without ramps) Intake: 322° (272°), Exhaust: 322° (272°), Lift: Intake 0.3983″, Exhaust 0.3983″. Overlap 95° (45°).
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission): #7028201; (automatic transmission): #7028200.
NOTE 1: Available in Sport Coupe SS Only.
NOTE 2: Announced as Available in SS Model only, then withdrawn in April. Some may have been built.
350 HP 396 CID V-8 4-Barrel (RPO L34) – All Transmissions. 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: 350 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 415 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 300°, Exhaust: 300°, Overlap 72°. Lift: Intake 0.4614″, Exhaust 0.4800″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission): #7028217; (automatic transmission): #7028218.
NOTE: Available in SS Model only.
375 HP 396 CID V-8 (RPO L78) – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
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.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 316°, Exhaust: 302°, Overlap 80°. Lift: Intake 0.5197″, Exhaust 0.5197″.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel (manual transmission only): #3923289.
NOTE: Available in SS Model only.
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 111.0 inches.
- Overall length: 189.4 inches.
- Overall width: 72.4 inches.
- Overall height: Sedans: 53.9 inches; Coupes 52.4 inches.
- Front tread: 56.3 inches.
- Rear tread: 55.9 inches.
- Tires: 7.35 x 14 black wall tubeless; 396 CID E-70 x 14.
- Optional tires: 327 CID E-70 x 14.
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Powertrains
- Powerglide Transmission Ratios
- I-4, I-6, & 307 CID V-8: 1st – 1.82:1, 2nd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.82:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-4 & I-6 CID V-8: 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1 Column Shift Only.
- 307 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1 Column Shift Only.
- 327 CID V-8: 1st – 2.41:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.41:1 Floor Shift Only.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 307 CID V-8: 1st – 2.85, 2nd – 2.02:1, 3rd – 1.35:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.85:1 Floor Shift Only.
- 327 & 396 CID V-8 Wide Ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1 Floor Shift Only.
- 327 & 396 CID V-8 Close Ratio: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.27:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1 Floor Shift Only.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-4 153 CID: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.08:1 Optional – 2.73:1, 3.55:1.
- I-6 230 & 250 CID: 3-Speed SMT – 3.08:1 Optional 2.76:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1.
- I-6 230 & 250 CID: Powerglide – 2.73:1 Optional – 2.56:1, 3.55:1.
- I-6 230 & 250 CID w/AC: 3-Speed SMT – 3.08:1 Optional 3.55:1.
- I-6 230 & 250 CID w/AC: Powerglide – 3.08:1 Optional 3.55:1.
- 307 CID V-8: 3- and 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Optional 2.73:1, 3.55:1.
- 307 CID V-8: Powerglide – 2.76:1, Optional 2.56:1, 3.55:1.
- 307 CID V-8 w/AC: 3- and 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- 307 CID V-8 w/AC: Powerglide – 3.08:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- 327 CID L30 V-8 3- and 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1 Optional 3.31:1, 3.55:1.
- 327 CID L30 V-8 Powerglide – 2.73:1, Optional 2.56:1, 3.55:1.
- 350 CID L48 V-8 3- and 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1 Optional 3.08:1, 3.55:1.
- 350 CID L48 V-8 Powerglide -3.07:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- 327 CID L79 V-8 All except 4-Speed Close Ratio – 3.31:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- 327 CID L79 V-8 with 4-Speed Close Ratio – 3.31:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.73:1.
- 396 CID L35 V-8 3- and 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.07:1, 3.55:1.
- 396 CID L35 V-8 with automatic transmission – 3.08:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- 396 CID L34 V-8 All except 4-Speed Close Ratio – 3.31:1, Optional 3.07:1, 3.55:1, 3.73:1.
- 396 CID L34 V-8 with 4-Speed Close Ratio – 3.31:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.73:1, 4.10:1, 4.56:1, 4.88:1.
- 396 CID L34 V-8 with automatic transmission – 3.07:1, Optional 2.73:1, 3.31:1, 3.55:1, 3.73:1, 4.10:1, 4.56:1, 4.88:1.
- 396 CID L78 V-8 with 3-Speed Close Ratio – 3.55:1, Optional 3.31:1, 3.73:1, 4.10:1.
- 396 CID L78 V-8 with 4-Speed Close Ratio – 3.07:1, Optional 3.31:1, 3.55:1, 3.73:1, 4.10:1, 4.56:1, 4.88:1.
- Posi-traction optional for all V-8 equipped vehicles.
NOTE: Optional dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.08:1 to 4.88:1.
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 3-speed manual transmission, with column shift, was standard on I-4, I-6 and 307 CID V-8.
- 3-speed heavy Duty manual transmission, with floor shift, was standard on327 and 396 CID V-8s.
- 4-speed manual transmission: Special close-ratio type for 375 horsepower V-8 ($237); close-ratio for all models with 325-350 horsepower V-8s ($184.35);
- Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission was available I-4, I-6 and 307 CID V-8 ($164 I-4 & I-6 $174 on V-8).
- Turbo-Hydramatic Transmission with 350 horsepower V-8s
- 230 CID 140 HP I-6 Standard I-6.
- RPO L22 155 HP I-6 Optional.
- RPO L79 327 CID 325 HP V-8
- RPO L48 350 CID V-8.
- RPO L35 396 cubic inch 325 horsepower V-8.
- RPO L34 396 cubic inch 350 horsepower V-8.
- RPO L78 396 cubic inch 375 horsepower V-8.
- Positive traction rear axle.
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Significant Options
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- All-Weather air conditioning ($348).
- Console with floor mounted shift, except four-cylinders, (bucket seats required) not available on 325 horsepower engine with 3-speed manual transmission ($50.60).
- Custom Exterior Group ($68)
- Door edge guards, two-doors ($3), four-doors ($6).
- Electric clock ($15).
- Exterior Decor Package ($32).
- Front and rear color-keyed floor mats ($11).
- Heater and defroster deletion ($70 credit).
- Instrumentation, special V-8 coupes with console ($95).
- Left-Hand outside remote control mirror ($10).
- Power brakes, disc type ($101).
- Power brakes, drum type ($42).
- Power steering ($84).
- Power tailgate window for wagons ($32).
- Radio, Push button with front antenna ($57).
- Radio, Push button with front antenna and rear speaker ($71).
- Rear antenna ($10).
- Rear speaker ($13).
- Rear window defroster ($21).
- Sports styled steering wheel ($32).
- Stereo tape system ($134).
- Tinted glass, all windows ($31).
- Tinted windshield only ($21).
- Vinyl roof cover in white or black, all except four-cylinder ($74).
- Wheel covers ($21).
- Wheel covers, Mag styled, Chevy II, Super Sport, not available with disc brakes, ($53).
- Wheel covers, Mag styled, Nova and 100 Series ($74).
- Wire wheel covers, simulated wire not available with disc brakes ($75).
1968 Chevrolet Nova Downloads and Images
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Chevrolet Nova Line will appear below:
1968 Chevrolet Chevy II – Nova Brochure
1968 Chevrolet Chevy II – Nova Print Advertisements
1968 Chevrolet Chevy II – Nova I-4 I-6 & 307 CID V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Chevrolet Chev II – Nova 327 and 396 CID V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
NOTE: The 250 CID I-6 &, 350 295 HP & 396 325 HP 396 CID V-8s are not covered in the 1968 Nova AMA Specifications Sheets. To see these engine specifications See the 1968
– Chevelle AMA Specifications Sheets HERE
– Camaro AMA Specifications Sheets HERE
1968 Chevrolet Chevy II – Nova Factory Compiled Specifications Sheets
1968 Chevrolet Chevy II – Nova Road Test with 3 Others – Motor Trend Magazine
1968 Chevrolet Chevy II – Nova SS 396 Road Test – Car and Driver Magazine
1968 Chevrolet Chevy II – Nova Production Figures are muddled – See Nova Resource.Org for Best Info
1968 Chevrolet Nova Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Chevrolet Chevy II Line will appear below
1968 Chevrolet Nova 2-door SS Coupe
The 1968 Chevrolet Nova 2-door SS Coupe was the Coupe with the SS package. It consisted of It included special steering wheel; hood ornaments; black-accented grille and rear deck latch panel plate; hood insulation; SS nameplates; SS deck emblems; black-out style SS grille treatment; Red Stripe tires on 6 inch wide rims and a 295 horsepower 350 cubic inch Turbo-Fire V-8 and later variants of the 396 CID V-8 V-8. Educated estimates are that 5,571 SS Nova Coupes were produced.
1968 Chevrolet Nova SS Interior
The 1968 Chevrolet Nova SS Interior was a major upgrade to the standard bench seat arrangement. The standard 2-door coupe could be upgraded to a bucket seat interior but without the console.
1968 Chevrolet Nova 2-door Coupe
The 1968 Chevrolet Nova 2-door Coupe. 105,690 Coupes were produced.
1968 Chevrolet Nova 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Chevrolet Nova 4-door Sedan was the only other body style offered in 1968. 77,872 were built.