I would like some input on peoples ideas for a 74 Nova SS. I dropping in a 454 big block and Ive never had that much power before Im used to the 350. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Put trans in gear, gas pedal to floor and smile on face. Just kidding. Drive it around some before you really get into the throttle, you will get used to it very quickly and then you will be looking for more power. Have fun and be safe. Post some pics.

Steve

As previously stated.. You will get a BIG grin on your face1,,,, Then want more.

I have owened several of the 69-72 Novas. All big cube Big blocks. The 70 was a COPO car. But the fastest was a six cylinder 71 coupe found abandoned on the local E-way. Out goes the six stick,,, In went the 496 big port, four speed and a Dana rear. LOTS O FUN!!!.

Remember to flip the heater core and drill the outlet holes in the firewall side. The big block will bolt to the V-8 frame mounts. Tho the factory big block mounts offset the engine to the right a bit. The only problem you will encounter with the small block mount stuff is the valve covers will hit the power brake booster. And you will need a LARGE radiator. Use headers from a 67-69 Camaro and a good rear end ( Ford 9 in.). I also advise to use sub-frame connectors as One of my cars broke (cracked) the roof at the quarter panel lead line. When big sticky tires were used.

Definately agree with him about the amt. of power that will put a big smile on your face (you will definately be wanting more after a while, it's almost addicting). 454 definately has a notorious cooling problem and you will need a verrrry large radiator with an excellent clutch fan setup or factory produced fans such as the lincoln mark 8(not after market fans, for the love of God, NOOO!!)in order to get good airflow. I'd go for a turbo 400 tranny and ford 9 in. rear (love that rear, gonna switch over to that soon) like Bob has suggested. Have fun smokin those tires off the rims .

my experience so far has been fun. The only edgy part of the car is at 80 mph and above shifting into 3rd and 4th gear full throttle, the car feels a little "twitchy" and is and can be a little un-nerving with stock, but rebuilt suspension..... part of thrill. especially on those country bumpy roads. gonna need some springs to keep from rubbing your headers off! I use a 6 blade aftermarket fan with a custom aluminum shroud and stock three core rad, and had consistent 190-200 degree temps in 30 degree (Celcius) weather. I give the manifold vac to vac advance part credit for those temps.

Just because its a 454 doesnt mean its going to be faster....If its a 71 or newer they killed the compression on those things and put tiny cams in there be lucky to see 225 hp now if its a built 454 with a nice cam 9.5:1 10:1 compression then it should have good torque and descent power and run on pump gas good luck

The 454 im getting is out of an old 1960's station wagon. So Im going to rebuild it with only the best of parts.

The 1st year for a 454 was 1970......................

In the 60s they had 396s and 427s...................

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no doubt about the power though. I had a built 350 before the 454. I think the 350 may have been equal in hp but the extra torque of the BBC really makes a heavy car seem more nimble and quick. It also can tear a car apart!

I just replaced a modified 350 LT1 in my 70 Camaro Z28 with a .060" over 454. I bought the block and crank and added all aftermarket parts (aluminum heads, Isky hyd roller cam, roller rockers, Edelbrock intake, 800 cfm holley). I'm still working out clutch problems (I can't get reverse with the engine running) but the car runs like a bear. Smokin' tires has never been easier. I don't have heating problems; running a 3-core factory replacement radiator with the stock Z28 clutch fan.

The car is fun and the 3-inch flowmaster exhaust with the lumpy Isky cam is really sounding great at idle and when the throttle gets stabbed, well, if I'm under a viaduct it's like all hell's breaking loose.

You'll like the BB.

Oh, yeah. 7 1/2 mpg with 4.10 gears is expensive at $2.80, but you only live once.

This is where I like to add my .02

BBC means gut wrenching torque even with a heavy car or truck... None of this "No power off the line" because almost no matter the gearing or even the converter a BBC will make it move like nothing else can... Your biggest problem to deal with will be keeping tires on it...


Even a mildly built 454 or...? Will do the trick... A pair of large oval ports with 8.5 or better compression and .500-.550 lift hyd stick, 750cfm carb and heads make for a "just hang on" ride (everything else is reg. ole crackers)...

And 402, 409.....

Maybe the engine was dropped in at one point in the wagon or he's mistaking it for another block, not too sure. Also, that is so true camaro about the gas prices for a 7 mpg car but it sure as hell is an infinite amount of times funner and faster than a lot of the production, boring, earth friendly vehicles out there. Oh yea, be prepared to spend another quarter for gas after today from what I've heard.... (thank you katrina for wiping out two of our oil rigs and increasing price per barrel 75 bucks) I can't wait!!

I have a Moser/Ford 9" with 4.71 gears and 3600 stall, with my engine combo I get about 2.5 miles to the gallon.

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My 454 in my chevelle is actually not that bad with the mileage, believe it or not. I have not clocked it yet, but I bet you I am currently getting better gas milage than the 92 genV 454 TBI in my 1 ton pickup! (and probably twice the power). I have not dynoed it but good ol desktop dyno estimates it at 440 hp and over 500 ft/lbs of torque. I am using a 268H and a 800cfm spreadbore with 3.55 12 bolt gears, 781 heads 9.2 compression. If I can keep my foot out of the secondaries it is not that bad! When I want to get into it... yeeha!