Some questions on 74 Nova SS...

I am looking at a 74' Nova to purchase but I had some questions, I've looked around on the net but had no luck so far, maybe you guys can help me out?

I was curious as to what the stock horsepower was on a 74 Nova SS 350 V8.

Also curious as to what the differences are between a normal Nova, and a Nova SS in the year of 74'

More questions to come...

First of all, welcome to stevesnovasite.com!
Now, down to business. Novaresource.org (great site for anything nova) shows that in '74 there were 3 different options for the 350. Their HP ratings were 145, 160 and 185. Their RPO codes were L65, LM1, and L48 respectively.
For the differences between SS and not, go here http://novaresource.org/rpo_Z26.htm

I think the SS package was mostly decals and stripes.

First of all, welcome to stevesnovasite.com!
Now, down to business. Novaresource.org (great site for anything nova) shows that in '74 there were 3 different options for the 350. Their HP ratings were 145, 160 and 185. Their RPO codes were L65, LM1, and L48 respectively.
For the differences between SS and not, go here http://novaresource.org/rpo_Z26.htm

Thanks for the warm welcome. These RPO codes, are they found in the VIN or is this something the build sheet would only have?

To identify which 350 it should be, look at the 5th digit of the vin #. H is the 145hp, L is the 160hp, and K is the 185hp. This will only tell what the original engine was, not whether it is an SS or not. DriveWFO is right, in that '73 and '74, any engine was available with the SS package which practically rendered the SS package to a trim package only, and not much else. Hope this helps

It helps a ton, I just need the guy to give me a call so I can go look at it now..the price is right though, no matter what engine. It is a numbers matching car however from what I know so far so the VIN should tell me what I need to know

Well to make a long story short, the car was nothing like the auction claimed and I passed on it, even after winning.

So...I'm still looking for a Nova, nothing spectacular. Something I can actually work on myself.

If any of you have any Novas for sale in or around Indiana hit me up with a PM

Body work needed is ok
Some rust is okay
Would prefer a car that can actually move itself, but if body is in great condition I can over look this part.
No paint needed, just really would prefer a functioning car with a few dings/scratches that with some work could be a good looking car.

Thanks,
Steve

Good luck on your hunt.

Well to make a long story short, the car was nothing like the auction claimed and I passed on it, even after winning.

So...I'm still looking for a Nova, nothing spectacular. Something I can actually work on myself.

If any of you have any Novas for sale in or around Indiana hit me up with a PM

Body work needed is ok
Some rust is okay
Would prefer a car that can actually move itself, but if body is in great condition I can over look this part.
No paint needed, just really would prefer a functioning car with a few dings/scratches that with some work could be a good looking car.

Thanks,
Steve

Look in the for sale area! What city are you in?

Hey i got a quick question. Why do the '73 & '74 Novas make nearly half the horsepower of the 68-72s with the exact same 350ci block?:confused:

Hi to bad your so far away. as i have a 73 SS Bucket seat 350/350 on the floor no tach or gauges, but does have the consel and was an ac car, and for you hugger orange guys thats the original color, i would take 2500.00 for it,but i'm in renton washington....john

Hey i got a quick question. Why do the '73 & '74 Novas make nearly half the horsepower of the 68-72s with the exact same 350ci block?:confused:

Hi Matt,

A couple of things happened during this time frame that contributed to the lower advertized horsepower ratings.

(1) GM lowered compression ratios on a lot of engines starting in 1971 so they'd be compatible with low-lead and unleaded fuels. The L48 350 4bbl for example went from 10.25:1 (1970) to 8.5:1 (1971). The advertized horsepower went down about 30HP as a result.

(2) Starting in 1972, GM (and others) started rating their engines using NET rather than GROSS horsepower. No major internal engine changes ... just a different rating system. I belive the NET horsepower was measured with the engine driving a water pump, alternator, etc. and running through a stock type exhaust system. So it actually gives a more accurate indication of the engine's horsepower "as installed" in the vehicle. Using the L48 350 again as an example, 1971 = 270 gross HP @ 4800 RPM, and 1972 = 200 net HP @ 4400 RPM.

good luck find one