Joined
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325 Posts
Hey my fellow nova buddies 
I bought a 72 Nova about 10 months ago and had it shipped here to Australia where I now live (originally from cali). Long story short, I should have had it inspected by a good friend before I bought it.... ah well **** happens
So now for the fun stuff. When I got the car, it didn't look to bad at all. But as I slowly disassembled it I found a lot of issue. Time for fun and mods!!!
I got the engine out first and it was a 1983 454ci. Not a bad starting point. The only parts I kept from the engine were the block and the oil pan. I've currently got the short block assembled and ready for the rest of the bits.
So far I have installed SRP forged 18cc dome pistons, scat forged H-beam stroker rods, scat 9000 series 4.25" crank, ARP main cap studs, comp cam 290HR cam, and calico bearings. I had the block sonic tested, then machined so that I have a zero deck height and the crank and cam journals are line honed for prefect bearing fitment. The rotating assembly has been fully balanced as well.
Well I decided to take a break from the engine side of thing and focus on the rear end. It had a 8.2" in it so well I decided to rebuild that. New 4.11 gears, eaton posi, strange custom made Hy-tuff racing axlesand diff cover with cap supports is all assemble at this point. Just need to get some Wilwood disc brakes and its all done. Oh and I am using 255/70-15 radial ta's on the back.
After a few months and not much time on my hands due to work, I conned a friend with a few beers to help me strip the Nova down to a bare shell. Bought a rotisserie and getting it all prepped and ready for sand blasting and primer before going to the body shop for minor rust repairs.
I've also had the front sub-frame powder coated along with the rear end.
I figure I should start finishing the engine now:devil: and order a new Tremec T56 magnum trans as I sold my old 4spd muncie.
Once I have the powertrain and suspension all done, I can the focus on the body. I think I am going to dummy assemble the car a few times so that I don't have to do any alterations after painting the car.
:salute::usa::australia:
I bought a 72 Nova about 10 months ago and had it shipped here to Australia where I now live (originally from cali). Long story short, I should have had it inspected by a good friend before I bought it.... ah well **** happens
So now for the fun stuff. When I got the car, it didn't look to bad at all. But as I slowly disassembled it I found a lot of issue. Time for fun and mods!!!
I got the engine out first and it was a 1983 454ci. Not a bad starting point. The only parts I kept from the engine were the block and the oil pan. I've currently got the short block assembled and ready for the rest of the bits.
So far I have installed SRP forged 18cc dome pistons, scat forged H-beam stroker rods, scat 9000 series 4.25" crank, ARP main cap studs, comp cam 290HR cam, and calico bearings. I had the block sonic tested, then machined so that I have a zero deck height and the crank and cam journals are line honed for prefect bearing fitment. The rotating assembly has been fully balanced as well.
Well I decided to take a break from the engine side of thing and focus on the rear end. It had a 8.2" in it so well I decided to rebuild that. New 4.11 gears, eaton posi, strange custom made Hy-tuff racing axlesand diff cover with cap supports is all assemble at this point. Just need to get some Wilwood disc brakes and its all done. Oh and I am using 255/70-15 radial ta's on the back.
After a few months and not much time on my hands due to work, I conned a friend with a few beers to help me strip the Nova down to a bare shell. Bought a rotisserie and getting it all prepped and ready for sand blasting and primer before going to the body shop for minor rust repairs.
I've also had the front sub-frame powder coated along with the rear end.
I figure I should start finishing the engine now:devil: and order a new Tremec T56 magnum trans as I sold my old 4spd muncie.
Once I have the powertrain and suspension all done, I can the focus on the body. I think I am going to dummy assemble the car a few times so that I don't have to do any alterations after painting the car.
:salute::usa::australia: