77 concours rebuild

First off the car has a 350 4 bolt main in her now with flat top pistons, 400 heads, 194 valves,HV water pump, thumpr cam,roller rockers. Thats all i know about it when i got it. Well the problem is that one day i was driving the car home and there was a loud bang and the car just cut off(there was ton of grey smoke out the exhaust) So ive been talking with people and the number 1 thing being said is that it could be a bad piston. So im going to see whats up with it soon as i finish moving to my house where there is room and a place. If the piston did break and cause internal damage i'll be putting together a 2 bolt main 350 and pretty much swap parts. So wish me luck and hope to have her on the road to hit some car shows... just a few pics

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/100_2147.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/100_2151.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/100_2153.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/100_2155.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/100_2160.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/100_2159.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/100_2158.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/100_2148.jpg

Thursday the nova is going under the knife for the motor swap, i mean its only a stock 350sb 2 bolt. This is the first motor I have ever put together myself. An wow i have to say that there was a lot to learn from torque specs to measuring pistons. But after 3 books about engine overhauling and a spec book i managed to get the motor together and ready to be swapped it from the blown motor in there now.Wish me luck!!!

Also what are some things to look at for when swapping motors and whats the best way to break in a motor that is new?

having many problems with the new motor but she is finally together, tomorrow if i can get the cherry picker the car shall be done. I love the way the new motor looks.....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/IMG00048-20090624-2026.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/IMG00049-20090624-2026.jpg

almost done...should be ready to start tomorrow.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/Jul01_001.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/Jul01_002.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/Jul01_004.jpg

Just bringing this thread back from the dead since the nova is being fixed again. So far the idea's and plans are still sketchy but what i know for a fact is that this will be done....

Replace Valve covers with OEM style or paint them black.
Put in a gear drive
Buy a Tach
Buy gauges and panel
New oil pan with gasket
Rebuild TH350 with TransPak
Replace thermostat neck and gasket
3.73 Posi Rear gear
Install Power steering
Fix motor mounts
Swap taillight bulbs with LED panel my dad made
Update Headlights with 10k HID's
Install a Driver window
Replace air shocks with gas shocks
Replace bushings, tie rods etc.
Install Train Horn from hornblasters(also used as car alarm)
Put fabric over the speakers in front(fix prev owner mistake)

I think thats all i will be able to afford this year. Long as I can take the Nova to WoodWard Dream Cruise 2010 i will be happy.(just hope i wont have to park in an alley)


What I was able to buy for my bday to motivate my project..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/carshowdamian035.jpg