I'm getting ready to pull the trigger and buy a 68 or 69 SS396 to use as a daily driver (I'll put less than 5K miles on the car per year). I'd like to get some idea of what expect, especially in regard to gas mileage, drivability in Denver (5-6K elevation), things to avoid, etc. I'm planning to buy a 325 or 350 hp 396 (not the 375). I'm also considering an automatic and AC. Hence performance is not as important to me as driveability. Is high altitude going to be a problem?

I've had a 68 SB Camaro in the past and don't have expereince with the Chevelle or BBs. Your expereince and advice is appreciated!

68 SS396, 350HP, A/C, TH400 trans, 3.07 rear end--Little Rock to Nashville, TN averaged 11.6 mpg. In town driving, about 7~9 mpg. You will need to have the carb tuned for your altitude (leaner jets), I don't know what that will do for mileage. YOu do have to let these cars warm up before you drive away or they will sputter & stumble.

BillL

Crappy Insurance. If you plan to drive it normally (Even only 5k a year) none of the classic companys will touch you- you will be stuck with a regular stated value policy... Not the end of the world but a pain- and a constant worry if the car is ever stolen or totalled (in those cases it will be 100% up to you to prove what it was worth) If it is just damaged, at least you still have the car to show what the rest of it was like before the damage occured. If the car is completely trashed, or stolen- the insurance company will basically tell you it was a junky 35 year old car not worth $1k. You have to provide photos and proof that it was worth what it was worth.

Have a bank account set up just to buy fuel to keep in it.

I daily a '71 Chevelle, and my biggest problem is keeping it clean to my standards. One blast thru a rainy day means several hours under the hood come the weekend, let alone underneath. Other than that, its great!

If you are going to build it, put in fuel injection and an electronic dist.

this way it starts first time every time.

My '70 El Camino SS is my daily driver (NOM 350hp 396, auto, air). I switched in a HEI distributor and went through everything in detail to ensure reliability. New hoses, belts, radiator, alternator, brakes, rebuilt carb, bearings, seals, thorough check of wiring, etc., etc., etc.). I also installed aftermarket 3-point retractable seat belts for safety. So far, it has been 100% reliable. Gas mileage isn't too great, but my work commute is only 3 miles round-trip, so I really don't care.

One thing you will have to get accustomed to though is attracting a LOT of attention. I get compliments, waves, thumbs-up, etc., every day. (You'll get used to it quickly.) :D

YOu do have to let these cars warm up before you drive away or they will sputter & stumble.

BillL

You shouldn't have to. If all the choke mechanisms are in place and working properly you should be able to drive it as soon as it has been started.

Thanks all for your experiences! What a great group.

In stock form, it won't stop like you're used to.... so leave extra room. It won't corner like you're used to, so corner slowly. It won't cool as well at altitude, so tune that part up. One of the biggest things is that, everyone will stare at you, so be careful they don't run into you.

Also be prepared for all the long appreciative glances that your car will get. I never am not surprised by all the looks you get while cruising. My car isn't as nice as a lot here but I am still surprised by all the looks it gets when I take it out. Makes my wife laugh..."you'd think it was made out of gold"....is her usual comment. Anyway have fun and enjoy. You won't be sorry.

I used my 70 Elky SS as a driver. Normal comute mileage was right at 14. Very mild oval port 427, Q-jet ,400 turbo and 2.73s.

Women will want to get in it and ride....