1968 Chevelle, Promos / Technical

Technical Specifications

The equipment and specifications appearing here apply to all 1968 Chevelles unless specified as optional or available only for certain models. Most technical information also applies to Chevelle Station Wagons.
Power Teams

Standard Engines

140-HP TURBO-THRIFT 230.
Standard on all Chevelles exept SS 396 models. For exhaust emission control new Air Injection Reactor equipment is included with a manual transmission, and with Powerglide transmission, the engine features a Controlled Combustion System. Advanced cross flow design radiator provides greater utilization of available cooling area. Also new is an improved durability water pump seal. Short-stroke design with 230-cu. in. displacement, 8.5:1 compression ratio, hydraulic valve lifters, automatic choke and full-flow oil filter. '68 Chevelles also have a new suspended accelerator pedal with cable-type linkage which assures smooth, responsive throttle control.

200-HP TURBO-FIRE 307 V8.
This is a brand-new engine that's engineered to provide more power while retaining Chevelle's traditional economy of operation. Standard for all Chevelle V8 models except SS 396 series. Like all '68 Chevelle engines, features new exhaust emission control systems. Has 307-cu-in. displacement, hydralic valve lifters, two-barrel carburetor, short-stroke design, automatic choke, 9.00:1 compression ratio, pressure lubrication system with full-flow oil filter.

325-HP TURBO-Jet 396 V8.
Base engine for SS 396 models only, this high-performance plant features a four-barrel carburetor, hydralic valve lifters, automatic choke, 10.25:1 compression ratio, and an emission control system matched to the transmission selected. The 396 comes equipped with newly designed engine and transmission mounts and, as with all '68 Chevelle models, sturdy transmission frame crossmembers to cushion sound and absorb motion.

Extra-Cost Engines

155-HP TURBO-THRIFT 250.
Much like the base 230 Six, except that larger bore and pistons provide more usable power at normal driving speeds.

250-HP TURBO-FIRE 327 V8.
Husky V8 that provides exceptional performance--on regular grade fuel. Hydraulic valve lifters, 8.75:1 compression ratio, 327-cu.-in. displacement and a 4-barrel carburetor.

275-HP TURBO-FIRE 327 V8.
This is the current version of the engine that has made the Corvette (from Chevrolet) a respected sports car. Also noted for unusual econony for its power. Four-barrel carburetor, hydraulic valve lifters, automatic choke, 10.0:1 compression ratio, 327-cu-in. displacement.

325-HP TURBO-Fire 327 V8.
Like the 275-hp 327-cu-in., but includes high performance camshaft and 11.0:1 compression ratio for greater power output. Also included is a large diameter dual exhaust system, as well as a new emission control system and improved power train isolation through use of new mounts and sturdier transmission frame crossmember

350-HP TURBO-JET 396 V8.
Available on SS 396 models only. Features Air Injection Reactor exhaust emission controls. Engine has high-performance camshaft, hydraulic valve lifters, 4-barrel carburetor, 10.25:1 compression ratio and dual exhaust system. Chrome rocker covers, air cleaner cover and oil filler cap.

Standard Transmission

3-SPEED FULLY SYNCHRONIZED.
Standard with all models other than SS 396 series, except that it is not available with 325-hp Turbo-Fire 327 V8. Gears are in constant mesh, permitting smooth shifting in acceleration and /or deceleration. Gear ratios matched to engiines. Extra-cost transmissions

SPECIAL 3-SPEED FULLY SYNCHRONIZED.
Standard for SS 396 series,available for all other Chevelles. Floor-mounted shift lever and heavy-duty components. Gear ratios mated to engine choice.

4-SPEED FULLY SYNCHRONIZED.
Available for all Chevelle V8 models. Includes floor shift lever, fully chromed with spring-type blocker to prevent unintentional shift to reverse. Smooth, positive shifting up and down through all gears. Shift lever is crossmember-mounted for greater isolation from noise and vibration.

ECONOMICAL OVERDRIVE.
Available only with six-cylinder models and the standard Turbo-fire 307 V8. Works in conjunction with the fully synchronized 3-speed transmission. At approximately 30 mph, overdrive gear is semi-automatically activated to reduce engine speeds. It promotes both greater fuel economy and reduced engine wear. Engaged by a T-handle at the base of the instrument panel.

AUTOMATIC POWERGLIDE.
Available with all models except those equipped with 325-hp Turbo-fire 327 V8. The most popular Chevelle transmission. Smooth operating, fully automatic. Features positive "Park" locking. Selector is standard Park R-N-D-L. At moderate speeds, low gear can be engaged for passing by pressing accelerator. Console can be ordered with bucket seats, and features stirrup-type straight-line control. Three-element torque converter with coordinated 2-speed planetary gears.

TURBO-HYDRA-MATIC.
Available only with Turbo-Jet 396 V8 engines, with either column mounted or console mounted shift controls. This is the one called "his and hers." For him, it's designed to be shifted through three forward gears up to 65 mph. For her, shifting is done automatically. Feature new stirrup-type controls if console is specified. Dial reads P-R-N-3-2-1. Position "3" recommended for normal fully automatic driving, "2" for stop-and-go traffic, "1" for up or down steep grades, all three if you enjoy driving. If column mounted, quadrant is Park-R-N-D-L2-L1.

CHEVELLE EASY-CARE FEATURES AND ENGINEERING DETAILS

Body
MAGIC-MIRROR FINISH. Luxurious deep acrylic lacquer colors with the look of had rubbed quality. Easy to care for, resistant to fading and chipping.
INNER STEEL FENDERS. Help protect body surfaces from harmful corrosion.
FLUSH-AND-DRY ROCKER PANELS. By utilizing water and air entering ventitlation system, rocker panels are washed and dried to protect body surfaces from rust.
BODY BY FISHER. Depenable lasting quality is traditionally reserved for Fisher Body craftsmanship. Every detail of construction is carefully engineerd to provide years fo satisfying use. Rugged, sturdy throughout--that's Body by Fisher. Unisteel construction welds roof, sides, floor and pillars into a single solid structure. Heavy gauge steel, heavily ribbed underbody, extra-strength door hinges, special weathersealing are all part of the fine coachwork of Body by Fisher.
CURVED SIDE WINDOWS. Not only provide a contemporary rakish look to Chevelle's outside styling, but also contribute to inside roominess.
SPACIOUS LUGGAGE CAPACITY. The rear panel still is low, permitting easy loading and unloading. Features counter-balanced deck lid. The spare tire is tucked off out of the way so that loading space is accessible as well as ample.

Chassis/Suspension
LONG-LIFE EXHAUST SYSTEM. Engineered for rugged wear, aluminized in citical areas. Dual systems feature use of stainless and/or heavy gauge steel.
SELF-ADJUSTING SAFETY-MASTER BRAKES. They adjust automatically through ordinary backing and braking pressure. New finned front brake drums and new linings front and rear on all SS 396's and other models with some optional power teams.
PERIMETER-TYPE FRAME.Tailored to each body style. Features rugged three-crossmember construction with an especially sturdy front crossmember. Passenger compartment is surrounded by all-welded steel unit. Built-in supporting structures for front and rear suspensions.
BALL-RACE STEERING. Precision control with minimal effort is achieved through carefully engineered ball-nut steering gear. Parallel linkage mounted ahead of the front wheels. Manual overalll ratio is 28.0:1, with power steering it's 20.4:1
CLUTCH. Single disc dry clutch, with positive action diaphragm springs, matched to specific engine. Assures smooth shifting and durability. With 307 V8 with an 4-speed transmission, as well as all 327 and 396 V8's, there's a centrifugal assist.
WHEELS AND TIRES. Standard wheel diameter for all Chevelle's is 14". All wheels and tires balanced at the factory. Your Chevrolet dealer can give you details on tire sizes, appearance features and availability.
FULL COIL SUSPENSION. At each wheel there's a husky deep coil spring to keep you on the level--over bumps, cornering,starting, stopping. Features anti-dive front suspension members, double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers and rubber-insulated suspension members. Front also has stabilizer bar to assist all-round levelizer action. Softer body mounts plus rubber cushions at strategic points increase sound isolation and freedom-from-vibration efficiency. Refinements in rear suspension linkage contribute to smooth, quiet performance under varying road conditions.
SAFETY FEATURES FOR 1968. Energy-absorbing steering column * Seat belts with pushbutton buckles for all passenger positions * Shoulder belts for driver and right front passenger with pushbutton buckles and convenient stowage provision on all models except convertibles * Passenger-guard door locks with deflecting lock buttons--all doors * Four-way hazard warning flasher *Dual master cylinder brake system with warning light and corrosion-resistant brake lines * Latches on folding front seat backs * Dual speed windshield wipers and washer * Outside rearview mirror * Back-up lights * New front side marker lights and parking lights that illuminate with headlights * Padded instrument panel, sun visors, windshield pillars * Reduced-glare instrument panel top, inside windshield moldings, horn button, steering wheel hub, and windshield wiper arms and blades * Inside day-night mirror with deflecting base * Lane-change feature in direction signal control * Safety armrests * Thick-laminate winshield * Soft, low-profile window control knobs and coat hooks. * Energy -absorbing instrument panel with smooth contoured knobs and levers * Tire safety rim * Safety door latches and hinges * Uniform shift quadrant * Snag-resistant steering wheel hardware * Fuel tank and filler pipe security.

Promos

1968