Millennium Custom Auto - Auto body, Collision Repair, Hot Rod Customs, Restorations, Custom Limousine Builders and Corvette Specialists in Deer Park, Long Island

In 1970, sheetmetal revisions gave the bodies a more squared-up stance and interiors were redesigned, too. The 1970 Chevelle came in sport coupe, sport sedan, convertible, four-door sedan, a couple of wagons, and pickup (El Camino) body styles. Only 3 of these (Malibu sport coupe, Malibu convertible and El Camino pickup) were available with a choice of one of 2 SS options; RPO Z25 with the SS 396 (402 cid) engine and RPO Z15 with the new 454 cid engine. The SS options were limited to the Malibu 2-door sport coupe, Malibu convertible and El Camino pickup. The base model Chevelle was now named Chevelle in lieu of the former base 300 Deluxe and was only as a sport coupe or 4-door sedan.

Station wagons were the entry level Nomad, the Chevelle level Greenbrier, the Malibu level Concours and an upscale Concours Estate. New options included power door locks and a stalk-mounted wiper control. Engine choices ranged from the standard 155 horsepower    six-cylinder and 200-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V8, to a pair of 350 V8s and a pair of 402 engines. RPO Z25 SS equipment option included one of these 402 cid engines (LS4) but was still marketed as a 396. The second 402 cid engine was available under RPO LS3, rated at 330 hp with single exhaust, and was available in any V8 series except an SS optioned Malibu or El Camino. 1970 also saw the introduction of the 454 cid engine and was only available with the RPO Z15 SS Equipment option. The base LS5 454 cid engine was rated at 360 hp (which was also available with cowl induction) and the optional LS6 version at 450 hp.

The SS 396 Chevelle included a 350 horsepower Turbo-Jet 396 V8, special suspension, "power dome" hood, black-accented grille, resilient rear-bumper insert, and wide-oval tires on sport wheels. Though a 375 horsepower cowl induction version was available, few were sold in favor of the newly introduced 454 engine in the October/November 1969 timeframe. The LS5 454-cubic-inch V8 produced 360 horsepower in standard form and a cowl induction version was also available. The LS6 produced a claimed 450 Gross HP in solid-lifter, high-compression, guise. It has been suggested that the LS6 was substantially "under-rated" and actually produced something on the order of 500 horsepower as delivered from the factory, although there is no empirical evidence to support this claim.

This 1970 Chevelle project actually started out as a 71 Chevelle that was really beyond repair. Rust had run rampant throughout and the cost to repair the sheet metal alone would be incredible. It was decided that a different body should be used. Fortunately we were able to locate a 70 Chevelle body that was in good condition to start with. After removing both bodies from their individual chassis we decided to use the best parts from each vehicle and homologate them into one automobile. The chassis from the 71 was utilized with its 12 bolt rear, 3.73 gears and posi, 454 big block and Turbo 400 transmission. The chassis was cleaned, painted and all new stainless fuel and brake lines were installed while the firewall of the 70 Chevelle body was prepped for paint. Once the firewall was painted and the floor pans undercoated the body was re-installed on the chassis with all new bushings and bolts. The entire vehicle was then re-assembled and sound deadening was installed throughout the entire interior and trunk area. A complete new SS Dash and gauge set was installed. The original seats were covered with custom covers and a custom console and complete custom sound system was installed to finish off the vehicle to the customers specific wants and needs.