Charlie wrote:
> Hi,
>
> We have a 1974 Nova and it's time to upgrade. We are the original owners
> and know it's history.
>
> It has a 6-cyl 250, 3 speed transmission and drum brakes.
>
> My upgrade plans include the following major steps
> 1. Install V8 engine (283, 307, or 350, low octane with good MPG)
> 2. Overhaul the front end
> 3. Overhaul the transmission
> 4. Overhaul the differential
> 5. Install disk brakes on the front
> 6. Replace front and rear springs
>
>
> Please share with us your experience, parts lists, to-do lists, etc. for
> jobs you've done similar to this. We'd appreciate the information.
>
> Also, we're located in San Diego so if you have shops or suppliers to
> recommend we'd appreciate that too.
>
> Thanks,
> Charlie
My buddy has a 72 that he's owned since 91. Was originally a 6 as well.
I believe your Nova uses the 70-81 Camaro/Firebird front subframe, so I
believe there's interchange parts for steering and suspension - a Z28 or
Trans Am can provide you with springs, shocks, steering box, etc... to
improve the handling, and the brake rotors and such should swap as well
- you might have to do spindles too.
How fast do you want to go? For under $2000, you can buy a brand new
250/290hp small block from GM.
These cars are about as complicated as an anvil, so fixing them up is
good, but rust is evil... like Mike said, make sure the frame and body
is good first.
My biggest suggestion is make a PLAN. How fast do you want to go?
Going 13's is a lot cheaper than going 9's. How original do you want to
keep the car? Show and go? Show only? Go only?
Ray
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