The Street Racers Special | 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle L78 Walkaround with Steve Magnante | 396 SS

Today, Steve does an overview on this stunning 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, restored in its original colors with its numbers matching 396 L78 motor! Mated to a 4 Speed manual transmission, with a 12 bolt rear end. This car underwent a complete frame off restoration and comes with a full build sheet!
L78 Info via wikipedia:
The second-generation Chevrolet Big-Block engine was introduced at the 1963 Daytona 500 as the Mark II. The block entered production in mid 1965 as the Mark IV 396 cu in (6.5 L) "Turbo-Jet," phasing out the first-generation W-series Big-Block. In its first year the 396 was available as the L78 option in Corvettes and full-sized (Impala, Bel Air, Biscayne) models, and as the L37 in the intermediate (Chevelle) model. These engines differed only in that the L78 had a solid-lifter camshaft, while the L37 had a hydraulic lifter cam shaft.
In 1966 the L78 was available exclusively in the intermediate line. For 1967 the engine was additionally available in Chevrolet's new pony car, the Camaro. The following year the motor became available in the compact Chevy II also.
For the 1970 model year the 396 was bored 0.03 in (0.76 mm), resulting in a 402 cu in (6.6 L) engine. Despite this, the motor was still badged as a 396. 1970 was also the final production year for the L78. Although 1970 LS6 Chevelles are generally more collectible today, 1970 L78 Chevelles are in fact rarer (4,475 units versus 2,144).
Between 1966 and 1969 the L78 was the highest-horsepower engine available in Chevrolet's intermediate line via a Regular Production Option (RPO). Despite this, in 1969 an L72 427 cu in (7.0 L), 425 hp (317 kW) engine could be ordered in an intermediate via a Central Office Production Order (COPO). This option bypassed a rule that existed prior to 1970 wherein intermediate models were restricted to engines with displacements less than 400 cu in (6.6 L). Only 323 of these cars were produced. With the lifting of the restriction in 1970 and the introduction of the 454, the COPO option in Chevelles was discontinued.
Call Dan or Nick at 508-859-4515 for more information. Each vehicle in our amazing 70 car inventory is hand-picked and inspected by Nick or Dan with zero exceptions. Shiny paint and a detailed engine bays are not always a quality vehicle. Our amazing service facility and staff make every day possible here at high octane. We truly strive to deliver a quality product and an unforgettable experience. Buy your dream ride today and join the high-octane classics family! We have financing options available up to 144 months. We also offer global shipping options.
#l78 #chevelle #chevelless #chevy #chevrolet #chevroletchevelle #stevemagnante #musclecars #musclecarsonly #musclecarsonvideo

[@waltonwarrior7428]

The 1970 Chevelle SS 396/454 were the most beautiful cars ever made. “Present and accounted for“

[@chandlerlofton6536]

Was going to scroll right by this vid until I saw who did it! Steve does a great car review! No BS just the facts and rare history.

[@maineiacman]

You don't need the background music. Just let the car be the music.

[@porschetech72901]

myself an many others agree an said same at least a dozen times it seems thry dont read or read an dont care that we aint here for a music video any engine/car makes a superior racket in comparrison to a music track of any kind

[@highoctaneclassics3969]

If you seek just the noise, all cold starts, exhausts clips, and driving videos are put at the end of every video without music to encourage full viewership. KZbin's ad criteria encourages us to have videos at least 8 minutes long, so we do the intro to add some length and fluff. This also helps us reach a wider audience by increasing the overall quality of the program. Out of the tens of thousands watching this program, for the 15 or so of you that continuously comment about this, we suggest you simply skip the intro.

[@maineiacman]

Stick a Go-Pro on the bumper and under the chassis and take them on the interstate, or film it from a SUV or wagon with someone filming out the back. Theres your extra fluff.

[@cmoore185]

I was selling Chevrolets in the 70's. Something that very people know is that the main reason they bored the 396 to 402 was it gave them to market the engine as the big block 400 for several more years in both pickups and passenger cars.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

My best friend in high school our senior year 1985 had a '70 396 SS dark blue with white stripes, one of the fastest & coolest cars I ever been in ✌💖☮

[@serzok1]

Beautiful one and color. Great sounding engine too!

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

This car in dark red/black stripes/black interior with 4.10s would've been my graduation present if not for Reaganomics. As it stood, my old man had to sell it (back when they weren't worth that much) to keep our mortgage paid when I was a toddler in '86-7. I wish he'd have sold the house and moved us in with my granny instead, haha! His car was IMMACULATE, I have a stack of pictures of it to this day.

[@gregkistner1955]

Beautiful ride and the 69 GTO outside looked pretty good to! 👌

[@manuelcuellar8954]

Hi Steve I own a 70 ss chevelle I learn something new Everytime

[@DonGregers]

Great video, thanks for sharing the knowledge and wisdom on these old muscle cars :D

[@bradwilliams4921]

Very 😎 car! Wish I had owned one while in high school in the late 80s.

[@jamesvanscoy7717]

I had a L6 454 big block 70 chevy auto tranny carter 4 barrell carb headers etc loved it candyapple red

[@bbb462cid]

Astro Blue for Chevy and Olds, Bermuda Blue metallic for Poncho and Gulfstream Blue for Buick. Code 25. Gorgeous color.

[@jimjungle1397]

The 1970 L78 Chevelle was only made from September through December. The LS6 Chevelle came out in January for 2 and half months. The L78 continued in the 1970 Camaro.The 1970 low rise intake manifold was designed to clear the Camaro and Corvette hoods, but the Corvette didn't get the LS6 until 1971.

[@ibrahim-chevelleMalibuman]

I’m in love with chevelle❤❤❤❤

[@savedin87ify]

Would of been so cool to walk in the dealership and hand over the cash.

[@jasonshull3106]

Nice job, Shane.

[@googleusergp]

For $99K+, it should have the right radiator cap. Dump the "Big A" auto parts cap and get the right OEM or at least reproduction cap. With the VIN, you'll win: 1 for Chevrolet, 36 for Chevelle V8, 37 for two door notchback hardtop coupe, 0 for 1970 model year, K for Kansas City (Leeds), MO assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The Leeds plant closed in 1988 and was not a candidate for expansion due to it being an obsolete design and somewhat landlocked. No tag, can't brag, possible code 34 Misty Turquoise exterior paint.

[@rogergoodman8665]

Also, I noticed it had the rear quarter panels replaced. I never liked the look of that seam for half quarters. If your gonna do quarters get full quarters right!. They look much better. They looked nicely done but still...

[@googleusergp]

@@rogergoodman8665 It should look like no one was ever in there if it's done right.

[@killiam2868]

Beautiful machine

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

1970 was the best year for a lot of GM cars. big blocks with high compression. a lot of one year only stuff

[@richardfulmer5279]

I was there! Graduated the spring of 70. People today just don't understand how that was with so many cool choices

[@danielives379]

I was born in 1970 and almost ANY car from that year is like gold. Chevelle, camaro , GTO , ANY Dodge , Buick , Cutless, Vette , C-10 truck , you name it. Took me 10 years to find the Chevelle I wanted because it's a '70. Any car that was in GOOD condition was 30K or sold already.

[@hornetbrown]

Mmmmm...my dream car... everything is perfect. I thought I really wanted a '68 Charger, but, this to me is a better combination of power and style without those funky little gremlins that fuss up those old Mopars.

[@markmonroe7330]

No tachometer. I can’t imagine street racing a solid lifter big block and not having a tachometer. I suspect it had an aftermarket one on the steering column at some point.

[@anhiirr]

i get the same suspicion esp when he drops the going out to be mayhem for mach 1/gto drivers line.

[@carsbyzee]

True drivers ( jocks) dont need tach's , we drive by engine sounds and the seat of our pants 🤨

[@gordocarbo]

@@carsbyzee THis!! Tachs were just novelty items back then anyways you dont need one Under full throttle there isnt time to take eyes off the road as it is.

[@larryblack1944]

Nice, but I prefer the 1969 Chevelle SS396 L78. My first car back in 1976 was a 1969 Chevelle Malibu.

[@stevew9247]

Wow. A solid cam 4spd with no tach. strange combo.

[@anhiirr]

IK id expect it with a turbo400 that(standard) gauge setup...my guess is they had one installed when the original owner was driving the snot out of it back in the day...and this clean/refinished version doesnt have it.

[@MBailey1977]

So few 70 L78 because the LS6 arrived late. It was discontinued once the LS6 was available.

[@user-oe8gj7fz6v]

🖖

[@johnnybrigham8754]

Hi Steve I've seen you many times at brettet Jackson on TV telling info on muscle cars great job going thru a terrible loss of my only sister Diane to bone cancer her two boys not well a couple xl shirts would be great thank you God bless Johnny Brigham 241 West hill Rd unit15a Newington CT 06111 thank you.

[@stephenvelden295]

Couldn't go with a bench seat in a Muscle Car! It's a deciding factor for me.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

By 1970 the insurance companies were playing hardball with the owners of muscle cars, if it had bucket seats it was considered to be a " sports car " and they tacked on a surcharge to your premium. Anything with an engine of 400 cubic inches got a surcharge , now you know why Chevrolet kept calling the 402 a 396 . Anything with a pounds to horsepower ratio of under ten to one , got a surcharge . A 3800 lb. '70 Chevelle with 450 hp. was rated at 8.44 lbs. per hp. With the 375 hp. L-78 the rating was10.13 lbs. per hp. just over the surcharge limit. Throw in a couple of traffic tickets and you paid more for the insurance per month than the car payments were ,

[@AG-ci7rl]

Sounds more like a base 396 than the L78 version. All L78's I've heard, have very lumpy idles and crisp exhaust given the compression ratio.

[@markbilderback6757]

Agree, sounds like a base 396/325 than a L-78!

[@johnnybrigham8754]

What is Zoltan truck paint Steve please explain thanks jb.

[@dudleyhollister1556]

Sorry, no AC on any solid lifter car!

[@msh6865]

What was GM's reasoning for the. 30 overbore on the 396 engines for 1970? Just a marketing thing or?

[@markbattista6857]

It's actually a ? Do you ever drive or road test any of High octane classics chariots . Thanks

[@haromaster6086]

Is that Astro blue?

[@michaelparadisis4076]

Yessir

[@ronaldbonczkowski6113]

402/37/HP

[@davidronan1677]

Is it forsale?

[@dirkdigler9336]

I believe you could not get stripes without cowl induction?

[@rainerseitz]

Stripes were included as part of the RPO ZL2 cowl induction package, but could be ordered separately as RPO D88. That would have to be the case with this L78 car if they were indeed factory stripes. Interestingly, the D88 hood and deck stripes could be ordered on any 1970 Chevelle. That includes non-SS Malibu models with the standard flat hood. Several examples of 1970 Malibus with factory stripes have surfaced over the years, with build sheets to document that the D88 option was indeed included as a factory option on these cars.

[@anhiirr]

for that sleeper look/appeal..as if ppl wont hear the BBC or solid lifters once you get to a redlight.

[@lemuelmarquez516]

Se vende ese carro

[@johnmilner7603]

You were not smart in 70 if you didn’t order the ZL2 Cowl Induction Flapper Hood.

[@ungurdani8346]

Salut my friend super car super video subscribe subscribe..

[@LITTLE1994]

Yup, I'm right, it is a 1970.

[@totalyep]

Obviously. You can tell a 70 from 3 miles away.

[@williamb2013]

Doesn’t sound like the correct camshaft to me. Not being judgmental, just observing

[@ChingusTheOneAndOnly]

the music is very annoying !

[@serzok1]

Skip it

[@jeffreywhitney]

doesn't have a LS6 - 10k. Does not have LS5-10k, does not have buckets -10k, no cowl induction -5k. Book value 50k. (not including the other option he does not discuss). Value of this car 50k.

[@jasonwhite8354]

I bought my tuxedo black 1970 L78 last year in great condition for $60k

[@LelandGroff]

Give me a dodge

[@gordocarbo]

Complaining ab out free videos...get a life guys lol Bench seats helped with insurance and it was customary for your woman to slide up right next to you when driving. Just the wayit was back then. They had thier perks same goes with the column shift. More fun space!