Mike Crown's 66 Chevelle SS Engine

There were 3 different varieties of the Big Block 396 engine for the new 1966 Chevelle SS: First, there was the Standard 396/325hp (RPO L-35). Then there was the Optional 360hp (RPO L-34). Or if you were the kind of guy who just needed to have the BEST, a little bit more under the pedal... well, there was the Real Beast...a 396/375hp (RPO L-78). Note that GM records indicate that only 3099 L78's were sold/installed in 1966. This could have, and likely did, include the El Camino model also. The 375hp option was not, however, originally available as an option for the 66 model year which began in July/August 1965. It was not even noted in any of the original Road Test Magazine articles or literature. GM released the L-78 option on October 7, 1965.

What you are looking at here is the engine in my Danube Blue 66 SS. It is the 396/360hp (RPO L-34) version!!

ENGINE & UNDERCARRIAGE

Notice the original "HARRISON" Radiator which was STANDARD in all 66/67 SS Chevelles, as well as the very hard to find metal "FINGER GUARD" attached to the top tank. If you click RIGHT HERE you will also see the Original and sometimes frail Two Letter Code Tag which is attached to the top inner tank. VX in this case for a 360hp 4 speed car.

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Note: Oval metal badges attached to front grill above are not rare factory options... they are AACA National 1st Place Badges of Honor!!

Look closely.....there are so many details in the Engine Bay!!!

French Locks on exhaust manifolds, Ribbed rubber hose on wiper washer canister, Carb Return Spring attached to top hole on alternator bracket... Too many details to list!!!

Correct Delco Tar Top Battery is even stamped in front of the third yellow cap with the Date Code! Note the Deck Stamp Pad is unpainted, Harrison Radiator and no Tonawanda valve cover sticker. The Tonawanda sticker is correct for a 67 SS, but not a 66 SS!

What Lurks Below??? Take a Look!!

The car is fitted with its Original M-20 Muncie 4-speed. There were three different varieties of the 4-speed transmission. The M-20, the M-21 (close ratio) and the very rare "Rock Crusher" M-22. So why do I say the M-22 was so rare? Well, anyone ordering could have ordered the M-22, but according to GM documentation, only about twelve 1966 Chevelle Super Sports were ever actually ordered with the M-22! These twelve were most likely reserved for 375hp cars. My last 66 SS... The Mystery Chevelle ....it was one of them!!

Note the replication of Chevy Orange overspray on the 444 Bellhousing. Bellhousings were attached at the time of the engine being sprayed, so anything from very minimal to almost full paint coverage is correct.

Highly detailed Driveshaft done in correct Bare Steel, not paint! Stenciled Part # and ID Colored Stripes all make for a show winning undercarriage!

So much to see under the back side!! NOS Spiral Shocks, Coil Spring Tags, Tracking ID# on Rear, Unpainted bare steel Gas Tank with Black Straps.

Details Details Details.........

Original California Black Plates!! Are you California Dreamin' yet ????

Replication of various front suspension factory paint dabs/inspection markings are seen here.

Steering box is Grey Phoscoat finished, Front Spiral Shocks and Coil Springs with correct coded tags!

Several details noted here: Rear Axle Date Code, Correct Jackpot tag which reads "USE POSITRACTION DIFF. LUBRICANT ONLY" and views of spiral shock and bare steel driveshaft.