Engine Specs

Chevettes started life in 1976 with a base model 1.4 litre (85 c.i.) inline OHC 4 cylinder, developing 52 horsepower. Also availiable in 1976 as an option was the 1.6 litre (98.5 c.i.) motor, developing 62 horsepower. The 1.6 was a stroked out 1.4 litre motor, with not much difference between the two motors other than the reciprocating assembly. Both motors were new for Chevrolet in 1976, designed exclusively for the chevette. The design was Chevrolet's second attempt at an overhead camshaft 4 cylinder motor, with the first attempt being the ill fated 2.3 aluminum block Chevy Vega Motor. For the 1.4 / 1.6, Chevrolet ditched the old Vega aluminum block designs, instead going for a much more durable cast iron block and cylinder head.

Some very early chevettes may have left the factory with an orange or black box of electronics under the hood. This box was a very early version of onboard diagnostics, but the box was quickly deleted from the chevette as it was deemed too costly and unnecessary in an economy car.
For the intake system, the 1976 models were equipped with Rochester 1ME 1 barrel carburetors. These carburetors were simple, easy to repair, and relatively reliable. Emissions controls in 1976 amounted to a catalytic convertor, heat riser valve, and an EGR valve. Some 1976 cars may have left the factory with a sticker on the driver's sunvisor explaining the Catalytic convertor and how the vehicle should not be used on leaded fuel.

For 1977, the 1.4 litre motor was dropped and the 1.6 was made standard. The 1.6 was basically unchanged from 1976, retaining all internal parts.

In 1978, the H.O. 1.6 was made availiable. This motor featured a more performance oriented camshaft, Dual outlet exhaust manifold, and a new intake with a 2 barrel 5210 series Holley-Weber carburetor. The power rating for this optional motor was 75 horsepower, a fair improvement over the 62 horsepower base engine. The base engine still had the 1 barrel Rochester carburetor. The crankshaft drive belt pulley was changed slightly due to problems with the older design, which caused the pulleys to come loose.

In 1979, the 2 barrel carburetor became standard on the base engine, raising the power rating to 65 horsepower from 62. The H.O. engine was basically unchanged from 1978.

In 1980, chevettes destined for the U.S. were first equipped with the C4 (Computer Controlled Catalytic Convertor) system. Basically, this was a simple engine computer which controlled the fuel mixture by way of a solenoid mounted in the carburetor. This carburetor was basically a Holley Weber 5210 series carburetor with the solenoid added into it. The carburetor was called the 6510-C. Canadian chevettes never received the computer controlled 6510-C carburetor; and came with the 5210 series carburetor from 1979 onward. 1980 is the poor-selling H.O. model's last year of production.

In 1981, the C4 system in american shipped chevettes was replaced with the slightly improved C3 system. The two systems are nearly the same, with the exception that the C3 system has a diagnostic plug under the dash. The H.O. model was discontinued starting with the 1981 model year. Also, in 1981, the carburetor preheater grid was introduced to help driveability when the engine is cold.

From 1982 to 1987, the gas engine recieved no major redesigns from the 1981 model year.

1976 1.4L

Horsepower - 52
Torque - 67ft/lbs
Bore - 3.228''
Stroke - 2.606''
Redline - 5300 RPM

1976-1978 1.6L

Horsepower - 60
Torque - 77ft/lbs
Bore - 3.228''
Stroke - 2.908''
Redline - 5300 RPM

1978-1980 1.6L High Output

Horsepower - 74
Torque - 88ft/lbs
Bore - 3.228''
Stroke - 2.908''
Redline - 5300 RPM

1979-1981 1.6L

Horsepower - 70
Torque - 82ft/lbs
Bore - 3.228''
Stroke - 2.908''
Redline - 5300 RPM

1982-1987 1.6L

Horsepower - 65
Torque - 80ft/lbs
Bore - 3.228''
Stroke - 2.908''
Redline - 5300 RPM

1981-1986 1.8L Diesel - Isuzu Manufacture

Horsepower - 51
Torque - 72ft/lbs
Bore - 3.310''
Stroke - 3.230''
Redline - 5000 RPM