1971 with a 454?

What do you guys think of putting a 454 in a 1971 nova? i am think ing about doing it in mine

Um why the hell not....theres no replacement for displacement right.

That's my plan. :D

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/2591000-2591999/2591054_11_full.jpg

I would have put a big block in mine but already had my nitrous friendly small block layin around:D

Go for it...it'll put even more weight over the front end, though :eek:

Big block cars are fun! Just don't leave it stock!

It's a pretty simple swap from what I've seen.

definitely do it. im puttin a 454 and th400 in my 72 soon.

so what has to be done to fit a big block in a small block car?

get headers, engine mounts, make sure your engines complete, ie pulleys and brackets, they can be a pain to match piecemeal


trans np
frame mounts np
if you have power brakes valve cover clearance might be close

but i can remember no real issues


steve

so what has to be done to fit a big block in a small block car?

If you got one laying around, I'd use it! These cars were designed for big blocks. It's just a mater of having the right mounts, heater and radiator parts.

Here's my 68 with a 427:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d180/Bad68Nova_/100_1116.jpg

Here's a 427 in a 71.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t283/69X11/427Nova057.jpg
What you need to change are the engine mounts and frame stands (get these for a 69 big block car), transmission crossmember, heater core and heater box (on the firewall). Now it will bolt right in. You'll need the correct headers, and the stock 6 cylinder radiator will probably need changed to a better one to cool the bigger engine. Remember that if you use a long waterpump on a big block, the fan bolts to the pulley with no spacer. A clutch fan will not work either. It's a very worthwhile swap. Big block torque can't be beat.

Here's my 68 with a 454 and A/C

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee172/motion68/Xsssive/HPIM0316.jpg

frame stands (get these for a 69 big block car), transmission crossmember, heater core and heater box (on the firewall).

you dont NEED to change any of the above

Might make it nicer but not a Need

S










Here's a 427 in a 71.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t283/69X11/427Nova057.jpg
What you need to change are the engine mounts and frame stands (get these for a 69 big block car), transmission crossmember, heater core and heater box (on the firewall). Now it will bolt right in. You'll need the correct headers, and the stock 6 cylinder radiator will probably need changed to a better one to cool the bigger engine. Remember that if you use a long waterpump on a big block, the fan bolts to the pulley with no spacer. A clutch fan will not work either. It's a very worthwhile swap. Big block torque can't be beat.

frame stands (get these for a 69 big block car), transmission crossmember, heater core and heater box (on the firewall).

you dont NEED to change any of the above

Might make it nicer but not a Need

S

The SB heater barely clears the BB head if at all,if the incorrect frame stands are used headers will never fit as well as the BB crossmember.

If you use the correct engine mounts and stands the drive train will sit about 1" off center to the pass side,so the BB crossmember is needed and the BB heater core.The reason the drive train is shifted to the pass side is to offer more clearance on the driver side at the steering box.It's cheap insurance to have all the right parts.You won't be the first guy to scratch his head wondering why nothing fits right.I have 2 BB cars and everything is factory parts and some part are tight,but they all fit without modifying.If you need pics let me know my engine(396) is out for a re&re right now.

I like you, and usually agree with you

But I have put no less that 5 big blocks, in small block nova's and the heater lines always clear, and I have never even removed the transmissions, and have not changed the crossmembers
And Ive never had a header clearance problem.......
maybe were talking about a different type of chevy nova.......

I don't doubt your ability of completing 5 successful installs,but right here on this site I read atleast 3 seperate BB install complications related to BB mounts and parts.So I know if I was going to do one,I would simply get all the matching parts to complete the install and eliminating one more possible complication.JMHO

Lots of respect here too Steve;):beer:

When I bought my 71, th engine was installed on eithr the original 6 cylinder mounts or a set of small block mounts. I never bothered to check which they were since they weren't even close to corect. The engine fit fine, but sat high so I couldn't run an air cleaner and have proper clearanc between the choke tower and air cleaner lid. Also, the header on the driver side had 1 tube hammered almost completely shut to clear the steering box (power steering). Even with the correct mounts and stands I had to dimple a tube on my new headers to clear the box. Once I installed the correct stands, there was no way the small block heater core was useable. Like stated before, you can make it work kind of ok with small block mounts and heater, it's much easier with the correct parts. Also, buying the correct parts brand new will only cost you around $250-300.

I learned a long time ago never to say never
lol
my next one, i could very well run into every complication around

my luck
loL

Peace

steve

My car has the SB frame mounts an Hooker 2/18 tube headers. Not a single dent in any of the tubes to make them fit. That's with manual steering box. It's very tight on the drivers side but they fit. I'm sure the factory tolerances on these cars must have been + or - 2 inches on the fit.

My winter project is swapping my mild 355 for a 454.

I can't wait to find a suitable junkyard jewel...

go for it, you wont regret it! here is my 74' with a 454. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v340/marydoright/Dieters%20Nova/DSCF2855copy.jpg

I have never driven or even rode in a big block car, is their a noticable difference or is it more just for talk?

it depends on the big block

but a mildly built 454 will perform better than a mid level small block, but the real diff is torque the force that pushes you back in the seat


its worth it!

I have never driven or even rode in a big block car, is their a noticable difference or is it more just for talk?

It's very noticeable,as mentioned the torque gives a completely different feeling with a BB.The bonus is it comes with bragging rights!:D
They are my first choice when it comes to owning a cruiser,but a FI SB can't be beat for a hotrod that's are going to see some mileage.

Yes, it's definately worth it. I've been a Pontiac man all my life because I love high torque engine. The idea of being able to run reat 1/4 mile times with a mild engine that I can drive to th track is great. When you drive your car to the track, run mid 11's on the engine low 10's on the botttle, then drive it 150 miles to a show, all the while the cars you beat at the track are tubbed, caged and trailered, it's a great feeling. So when I saw my Nova for sale I thought that I'd try a Big Chebby. Well, my 427 has a mild cam (238/248 @ .050 solid with a 114 lsa), it idles like a stocker, adn only needs 3.73's for a great street angine. This engine will put you back in your seat HARD. It has no problems breaking the tires loose at speed (gotta watch, it'll get away from you :D). A small block would need alot more gearing, a radical cam, aftermarket heads, and possibly a power adder to ge the kind of torque and the driving feeling the big block gives. Now I'm talking about factory small blocks, not 427,434, or 454 small blocks, I mean your typical 327.350,400. So definately go for it.

Big blocks pull hard..
Oh what a feeling!
Scott