Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 Nova.
The 1978 Chevrolet Nova Overview is the reference page title for the 1978 model year of the Chevrolet Nova. This overview identifies the vehicle by its model year and nameplate for research purposes. It serves as the entry point for detailed specifications and historical context. The page frames the 1978 Nova within the model's lineage as an overview document.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 193.7 in |
| Overall width | 70.9 in |
| Overall height | 52 in |
| Wheelbase | 109.1 in |
| Curb weight | 3203 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Nova of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | LN Sedan 5.7L V8 | 10.30 sec | 18.00 sec | 145 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
THE REAR AXLE SHAFTS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FLAW IN THE METAL. AS A RESULT, THE SHAFT MAY BREAK, WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL ONE OR BOTH NEW REAR AXLE SHAFTS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.