1968 Nova Parts and Restoration Information

1968 Nova

The 1968 Nova was to be the first year of the 3rd generation Chevy Novas. In 1968 the wagon and sports coupe were discontinued and the styling of the Nova was updated yet again.

The Nova began to resemble more popular Chevrolet models such as the Chevelle and Camaro. The 1968 Nova would feature a relatively longer hood and a shorter rear deck lid. The redesign featured an 11-inch longer wheelbase, which was only one inch shorter than Chevy’s high-selling midsize Chevelle.

In 1968 the Nova Super Sport became a true performance car and was transformed from a trim package to a performance option.

This option included a V8 engine producing 295 hp, 350 hp, or even 375 horsepower along with front disc brakes; other true performance upgrades were also available as additional options.

The only key indicator of the 1968 Nova being a Super Sport was a small Super Sport badge on the grille and also between the rear taillights. This was such a subtle difference that the “big-block” Nova was not a well-known option when it first rolled out, and even in the early model year was not included on the salesman’s order forms.


1968 Nova OEM Brochure


1968 Nova Model Options:

 
Body Style & Model Options:
  • Coupe
  • 4-Door Sedan
  • Super Sport
 
Engine Options:
  • Super-Thrift 153 | 153ci | 90hp I4
  • L26 – Turbo-Thrift 230 | 230ci | 140hp L6
  • L22 – Turbo-Thrift 250 | 250ci | 155hp L6
  • L14 – Turbo-Fire 307 | 307ci | 200hp V8
  • L30 – Turbo-Fire 327 | 327ci | 275hp V8
  • L79 – Turbo-Fire 327 | 327ci | 325hp V8
  • L48 – Turbo-Fire 350 | 350ci | 295hp V8
  • L34 – Turbo-Jet 396 | 396ci | 350hp V8
  • L78 – Turbo-Jet 396 | 396ci | 375hp V8
 
Available Transmission:
  • Powerglide
  • 4-Speed Manual
  • 3-Speed
  • Special 3-Speed
 
Production Numbers:
  • Chevy II / Nova: 183,552
    • 2-Door Coupe: 0
    • 2-Door Convertible: 0
    • 2-Door Sedan: 105,680
    • 4-Door Sedan: 77,872
    • 4-Door Wagon: 0
    • SuperSport: 5,571
 
Dimensions & Capacities:
  • Length: 189.4 in / 15.78 ft
  • Width: 72.4 in / 6.03 ft
  • Height:
    • 2-Door Sedan: 52.4 in / 4.36 ft
    • 4-Door Sedan: 53.9 in / 4.49 ft
  • Wheelbase: 111 in / 9.25 ft

 

1968 Nova Engine Codes & Specs

Available Engine Specifications

Type

Size

Carb

RPO

Horsepower

Torque

Bore & Stroke (in)Compression Ratio

L4

153ci

1x1bbl

N.A

90 hp @ 4000 RPM

152 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

3.875 x 3.258.5:1

L6

230ci

1x1bbl

L26

140 hp @ 4400 RPM

220 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM

3.875 x 3.258.5:1

L6

250ci

1x1bbl

L22

155 hp @ 4200 RPM

235 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM

3.875 x 3.538.5:1

V8

307

1x2bbl

L14

200 hp @ 4600 RPM

300 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

3.875 x 3.259.0:1

V8

327

1x4bbl

L30

275 hp @ 4800 RPM

355 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

4.001 x 3.2510.0:1

V8

327

1x4bbl

L79

325 hp @ 5600 RPM

355 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM

4.001 x 3.2511.0:1

V8

350

1x4bbl

L48

295 hp @ 4800 RPM

380 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

4.000 x 3.4810.25:1

V8

396

1x4bbl

L34

350 hp @ 5200 RPM

415 lb-ft @ 3400 RPM

4.094 x 3.7510.25:1

V8

396

1x4bbl

L78

375 hp @ 5600 RPM

415 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM

4.094 x 3.7511.0:1
4 Cylinder Engine Codes
Code

Size / Carb

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

153

OA

153 cid 1x1bbl

90 hp

3-Speed Manual

-

OC

153 cid 1x1bbl

90 hp

3-Speed Manual

Heavy Duty Clutch

OH

153 cid 1x1bbl

90 hp

Powerglide

-

6 Cylinder Engine Codes
Code

Size / Carb

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

230

BA

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

3-Speed Manual

-

BB

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

3-Speed Manual

Air Conditioning & Heavy Duty Clutch

BC

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

3-Speed Manual

Heavy Duty Clutch

BD

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

3-Speed Manual

Air Conditioning

BF

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

Powerglide

-

BH

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

Powerglide

Air Conditioning

250

CM

250 cid 1x1bbl

155 hp L22

3-Speed Manual

-

CN

250 cid 1x1bbl

155 hp L22

3-Speed Manual

Air Conditioning

CQ

250 cid 1x1bbl

155 hp L22

Powerglide

-

CR

250 cid 1x1bbl

155 hp L22

Powerglide

Air Conditioning

8 Cylinder Engine Codes
Code

Size / Carb

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

307

DA

307 cid 1x2bbl

200 hp L14

3-speed Manual

-

DB

307 cid 1x2bbl

200 hp L14

4-Speed Manual

-

DE

307 cid 1x2bbl

200 hp L14

Powerglide

-

327

EA

327 cid 1x4bbl

275 hp L30

3-Speed Manual

-

EE

327 cid 1x4bbl

275 hp L30

Powerglide
EP

327 cid 1x4bbl

325 hp L79

-

Special High Performance

MK

327 cid 1x4bbl

275 hp L30

Manual

-

ML

327 cid 1x4bbl

325 hp L79

-

Special High Performance

MM

327 cid 1x4bbl

275 hp L30

Powerglide

-

350

MN

350 cid 1x4bbl

295 hp L48

Powerglide

A.I.R.

MS

350 cid 1x4bbl

295 hp L48

Manual

-

MU

350 cid 1x4bbl

295 hp L48

Powerglide

-

396

MQ

396 cid 1x4bbl

375 hp L78

Manual

-

MR

396 cid 1x4bbl

350 hp L34

TH400

-

MX

396 cid 1x4bbl

350 hp L34

Manual

-

1968 Nova Transmission Codes

Code

Description

Engines

Assembly Plant

QP

3-Speed

L4

S = Saganaw

QB

3-Speed

L4, L6

S = Saganaw

HI

4-Speed

V8

P = Muncie | R = Saganaw

YT

Powerglide

L4

C = Cleveland | T = Toledo

TB

Powerglide

L6

C = Cleveland | T = Toledo

UE

Powerglide

V8

C = Cleveland | T = Toledo

1968 Nova Rear Axle Codes

CodeAxle Ratio

Notes

BA

2.56:1

Open 10-bolt

BB

2.56:1

Positraction 10-bolt

BC

3.36:1

Open 10-bolt

BD

3.36:1

Positraction 10-bolt

BI

2.73:1

Open

BK

2.73:1

Open

BL

3.07:1

Open 12-bolt

BM

3.31:1

Open 12-bolt

BN

3.55:1

Open

BP

2.73:1

Open

BQ

2.73:1

Positraction 12-bolt

BR

3.07:1

Positraction 12-bolt

BS

3.31:1

Positraction 12-bolt

BT

3.55:1

Positraction

BU

3.73:1

Positraction 12-bolt

BV

4.10:1

Positraction 12-bolt

BW

4.56:1

Positraction 12-bolt

BX

4.88:1

Positraction 12-bolt

PA

3.08:1

Open 10-bolt

PE

3.08:1

Positraction 10-bolt

PH

3.55:1

Positraction 10-bolt

PK

3.55:1

Open

PL

3.55:1

Open

PX

2.73:1

Positraction 10-bolt

QE

3.55:1

Open

1968 Nova Factory Options

Regular Production Option (RPO)

RPODescriptionUnits
AS4Rear seat shoulder harness - deluxe55
AS5Rear seat shoulder harness - standard28
A01Tinted Glass - all windows28,696
A02Tinted Glass - windshield only37,010
A51Front bucket seat - Strato type7,320
A81Head restraint - Strato type seat268
A82Head restraint - conventional seat474
B37Floor mats11,424
B55Deluxe front seat cushion4,000
B84Body side molding7,315
B90Door and window frame molding2,433
B93Door edge guards24,821
C08Exterior soft trim roof cover18,214
C50Rear window defroster3,696
C60Air Conditioning - deluxe14,851
D33Outside mirror - remote control1,967
D55Front compartment floor console5,633
F40Special heavy duty front & rear suspension10,034
F41Special performance front & rear suspension176
GT1Rear axle - 2.56 ratio629
G76Rear axle - 3.36 ratio325
G80Rear axle - Positraction9,570
G94Rear axle - 3.31 ratio42
G96Rear axle - 3.55 ratio3,017
G97Rear axle - 2.73 ratio333
H01Rear axle - 3.07 ratio65
H05Rear axle - 3.73 ratio1,127
J50Vacuum power brake equipment6,162
J52Power disc brakes - front1,968
KD5Heavy duty closed positive vent33
K05Engine block heater1,984
K79A/C generator - 42 amp583
L22L6 engine - 25060,402
L30V8 engine - 3272,483
L34V8 engine - 396 Hi-performance234
L48V8 engine - 3504,670
L78V8 engine - 396 Special Hi-performance667
L79V8 engine - 327 Special Hi-performance1,274
MB1Torque-drive transmission9,990
M01Heavy duty clutch200
M113-speed Floor shift transmission control4,153
M13Heavy duty 3-speed manual transmission317
M153-speed manual transmission39,816
M204-speed manual transmission5,399
M214-speed manual transmission - close ratio1,495
M224-speed manual transmission - heavy duty167
M35Powerglide transmission132,045
M403-speed automatic transmission - TH40098
N10Dual exhaust equipment1,185
N30Deluxe steering wheel8,541
N34Steering wheel - wood-grained plastic609
N40Power steering52,098
N95Simulated wire wheel trim cover295
N96Simulated magnesium wheel trim cover - type A549
PA2Simulated magnesium wheel trim cover - type B142
PC114 X 6.00 JJ wheel240
PX7E70-14-4 PR tires - white stripe1,883
P01Wheel trim cover74,587
P587.35-14-4 PR tires - whitewall97,096
T60Heavy duty battery5,578
U05Dual horn760
U15Speed warning indicator493
U17Front compartment console instrument cluster1,368
U25Luggage compartment lamp7,509
U26Underhood lamp7,461
U27Glove compartment lamp3,271
U28Ash tray lamp7,508
U29Instrument panel courtesy lights7,460
U35Electric clock9,215
U57Tape player454
U63Radio - AM push button138,465
U80Auxiliary speaker5,005
V01Heavy duty radiator5,412
V31Front bumper guard equipment5,523
V32Rear bumper guard equipment5,444
ZJ1Custom interior package31,345
ZJ2Custom exterior package25,916
ZJ3Interior convenience package33,160
ZJ5Exterior decor package46,788
ZJ7Special wheel, hub cap and trim ring (Rally wheel)3,782
ZJ9Auxiliary lighting group7,475
ZK3Deluxe seat belts and front seat shoulder harness15,211
743Trim - vinyl coated74,261
950Color combination two-tone11,649

1968 Nova Cowl Tag Information

1968 Nova Example Cowl Tag & Breakdown
1968 nova cowl tag

The Cowl Trim Tag, located on the cowl area identifies significant information about your car. 

Click here for further cowl tag decoding information

Line 1: Year, GM Division, Model & Body, Assembly Plant, Sequence Number

Year

GM Division

Model Series

Body Code

Assembly Plant

Sequence Number

68 = 1968

1 = Chevrolet

11 = Chevy II Nova, L4

27 = 2-Door Sedan

WRN = Willow Run, MI

Starts at 100001

13 = Chevy II Nova, L6

69 = 4-Door Sedan

14 = Chevy II Nova, V8

Line 2: Trim and Paint

Interior Trim

Exterior Paint (Lower/Upper)

731 = Black Vinyl Bench (Custom)

A = Tuxedo Black

733 = Black Vinyl Bench (Standard)

C = Ermine White

734 = Black Cloth Bench (Custom)

D = Grotto Blue

735 = Black Vinyl Buckets

E = Fathom Blue

737 = Dark Blue Cloth Bench (Standard)

F = Island Teal

739 = Dark Blue Cloth Bench (Custom)

G = Ash Gold

740 = Dark Blue Vinyl Buckets

H = Grecian Green

741 = Gold Cloth Bench (Standard)

K = Tripoli Turquoise

742 = Gold Cloth Bench (Custom)

L = Teal Blue

743 = Gold Vinyl Bench (Standard)

N = Cordovan Maroon

745 = Gold Vinyl Buckets

P = Seafrost Green

R = Matador Red

T = Palomino Ivory

V = Sequoia Green

Y = Butternut Yellow

1 = White Vinyl Roof

2 = Black Vinyl Roof

3 = Green Vinyl Roof

4 = Blue Vinyl Roof

Line 3: Build Month and Week

Month

Week

01 = January

A = First Week

02 = February

B = Second Week

03 = March

C = Third Week

04 = April

D = Fourth Week

05 = May

E = Fifth Week

06 = June

07 = July

08 = August

09 = September

10 = October

11 = November

12 = December

*The numbers have been compiled from many sources to make these pages as correct as possible. There is no guarantee that the numbers are complete or accurate, therefore, we cannot accept any liability or responsibility for damages incurred from the use of this information.*

Additional 1968 Nova Links:

Share this information with your friends!

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on email
Email

Now Hiring in Florida!

Looking to get into the Automotive Industry? Here's your chance, click below to see what positions are opening soon!

Operation Status

See what we're doing at Ground Up SS396.com

Parts Catalog

Chevelle & El Camino, Camaro, & Nova
Free

We Want To See Your Car!

Submit your car to be featured today!

Follow Us On Social

MORE ARTICLES FROM SS396.COM!