The '65 Chevelle Z16 was an awesome muscle car that kind of snuck out in the style of the first GTO. At first, it looked like Chevy was ignoring the clamor for a big-block Chevelle when it made a new 396-cid engine available for tow other bow-tie products.
The announcements took place at the General Motors Proving Grounds in Mesa, Arizona. Chevy's all-new Caprice luxury car got a 325-hp version. At teh same time, a 425-hp, solid-lifter 396 was made optional in the Corvette.
It seemed like the Chevelle had been overlooked, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Through a "secret" program, Chevrolet made a 375-hp 396 available in a special Chevelle Malibu SS 396 model. Chevrolet chose not to advertise this hot car at first, since extremely limited production was anticipated.
Why was production so limited, when the lates GTO was setting sales records and Chevy enthusiasts were wild for a 396-powered muscle Chevelle? Well, the new Malibu SS 396 (RPO Z16) was a hurry-up car that pushed the Chevelle into the big-block muscle car leagues, but its special engineering came at a high cost.
On the surface, the Z16 looked, quite simply, like a big-block Chevelle with the new porcupine-head 396 dropped in. In reality, the Z16 was much more. Underneath, it was a heavy-duty machine that was much more like a big car than an intermediate model. Chevrolet wasn't ready to turn it out in mass quantities.
The SS 396 coupe used a convertible frame filled with rear suspension reinforcements and two additional body mounts. Its big power-assisted brakes came from the larger cars, with 11-inch-diameter drums front and rear. The springs and shocks were stiffer than standard Chevelle components. The ball-joint studs were shot-peened and the wheel hubs had sturdy Arma-steel construction. The wheels were six inches wide, compared to the five-inchers on the standard Malibu SS.
Every Z16 came out as a Chevelle Malibu SS Sports Coupe (Fisher Body style No. 13837). All of the cars were coupes--there were no convertibles. The 375-hp 396 was the L37 engine option, with special left- and right-side exhaust manifolds to fit the engine bay. The engine was linked to a four-speed Muncie gearbox with a 2.56:1 first gear. No cars with an automatic transmission were built.
The clutch conformed to big-car specs, too. It was 11 inches in diameter with pressure of 2,300-2,600 lbs. The regular 8.125-inch ring gear from the stock Chevelle wouldn't do, either. Chevrolet installed an 8.875-inch ring gear in the Z16.
Many other features were unique to the Z16, including the air cleaner, which had crossed flags made of metal. There were "396 Turbo-jet" emblems on the front fenders, a special taillight board with an SS emblem and a unique ribbed molding with black paint. All Z16 Chevelles also had a 160-mph speedometer, an AM-FM Multiplex stereo with four speakers, an in-dash tachometer and a dash-mounted clock.
Exactly 201 of the Chevelle Z16s were built for 1965. In 1966, Chevrolet was "geared up" for regular production of a similar car. This SS 396 Chevelle was easier to order and was available to the general public.
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