The 1970 Chevy El Camino SS Came With Up to 500 lb-ft

1970 Chevy El Camino SS 396

As standard, the EL Camino was equipped with 250 Straight Six or a choice of V8s that included 307 or a 358 making about 150 to 300 hp depending on the trim chosen. A non-SS 400 Cu V8 was also on sale later in 1970 putting out 330 hp.

However, the fun began with the SS 396 option, which actually displaced 402 Cu.

Two V8s were available with the "RPO Z25" SS 396 package, a 350-hp/415lb-ft (L34) which came with oval port heads and intake, cast pistons with lower CR, and a hydraulic camshaft. This version could do 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and 1/4 mile in around 15 sec as per Motor Trend.

The second was a 375-hp (L78)was available for a short while and had rectangular port heads and intake, higher compression with forged pistons, and a solid lifter cam. The SS396 could be had with either a Muncie 4-speed or a TH400 3-speed automatic with an 11-inch clutch on both.

It came with a special raised hood, chrome valve covers/air cleaner, dual exhaust pipes, SS emblems with black front grille and rear decklid, white wall tires, front disc brakes, HD suspension/stabilizers, with Strato bucket seats and center consoles available as an option.

The L78 was made around 375 hp and was cancelled in late 1969 to make for the "RPO Z15/SS 454" package.

1970 Chevy El Camino SS 454

GM sure did a number on its buyers with its ever-so-confusing trim jargon and a bucket load of engine options. "RPO Z15" or SS 454 package came with two distinct engines but with the same displacement. "RPO LS5" came with hydraulic lifters, a 10.25:1 compression ratio, and Rochester 4bbl carbs. It made around 360 hp/500lb-ft.

The prime cut for the 1970 Chevy El Camino SS was the LS6 with 11.25 CR, Solid lifters, 800cfm Holley carbs, and a revised camshaft design. It was only available in 1970 and made 450hp/500lb-ft. Hot Rod magazine managed to run a 1/4 mile at 13.44 @ 108.17 with this spec.

The rest of the stuff was similar to SS 396 with 12 bolt open ends as standard and Positraction (3.31:1) as optional. The decklid stripes were optional, as was the cowl induction hood with the script

One important thing to note though is that all 1970 Chevy El Camino came with circular gauges as opposed to the sweeping ones in their non-SS siblings.

How Were The Interiors on '70 El Camino SS'?

The 1970 El Camino SS was available with either a standard or custom interior, with plenty of options available. The former had vinyl-covered bench seats in black, brown, or white. The custom interior included textured vinyl trim, wood grain trim, padded dash, low profile steering, and deep pile carpeting.

Option interior appointments were

1. 4 zone AC
2. Deluxe seat
3. tinted glass
4. variable power steering
5. vinyl roof
6. power windows

What should I know before buying one?

Exact production numbers are hard as they were shared with Chevelle, Monte Carlo, and various other GM offerings. A used 1970 El Camino SS with "SS 396" package will cost you around $40,000 to $50,000 in good or excellent condition. Add 10-25 K more for those equipped with SS 454.

Most El Camino's have a thing called a smugglers box installed by its buyers. It was a hidden compartment located underneath the front end of its bed and might have something to do with actual bootlegging.

It's hard to find a genuine El Camino SS these days, and if you do find one it is unlikely it will be a stock one.

One of the ways to identify a genuine El Camino SS is to look at the VIN. A patron at Chevelles points out that genuine El Camino SS will always have a 13680 body. Aside from the usual build sheet, look for round gauges, as they were only available with SS trims.

Image Source- Brochure