Yenko Nova S/C
In creating the Yenko Nova S/C, Don Yenko and his team in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania were testing the Nova’s limits and the insurance companies’ patience.
Yenko devised a program that took the standard 396/375 JH V8 engine and transformed it into an L72 by fitting a 427 block with the existing cylinder heads, carburetor, intake manifold and distributor from the 396. With mild tuning, Yenko effectively made a 450HP L72 for the Nova SS396.1
Much of the rest of the Nova was left stock except for the vinyl tape S/C graphics and a 140-mph speedometer with a Stewart Warner 8000 rpm tachometer.1 The drive line included the SS package’s Muncie M21 4-Speed transmission, a 12-bolt rear axle, heavy duty springs and an anti-roll bar.
Yenko tried to limited color choices to Garnet Red, Fathom Green, LeMans Blue or Rallye Green. He also had very few options on the cars and preferred a rubber-mat interior over carpet. 1
Our feature car was the star at Dana Mecum’s 25th Original Spring Classic Auction. It sold for a $475,000 USD which was a record for a Nova at public auction.
In Detail
| type | Professionally Tuned Car |
| built at | Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA |
| production | 38 |
| engine | L71 V8 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| block material | Cast Iron w/Aluminum Cylinder Heads |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 780cfm Holley 4-Barrel Carburettor |
| displacement | 6997 cc / 427 in³ |
| compression | 11.0:1 |
| power | 335.6 kw / 450 bhp |
| specific output | 64.31 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | E70x14 Bias-Ply |
| rear tires | E70x14 Bias-Ply |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/F41 Coilsprings |
| r suspension | 12-Bolt Live Axle w/F41 Leaf Springs |
| top speed | ~193.08 kph / 120 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.1 seconds |
Videos
Sources & Further Reading
1.McClurg, Bob. Yenko The Man, The Machines, The Legend. CarTech Books.
