[73 Nova Guy]

I would like to put a big block into my 73 Nova.
What suspension mods can I expect and what are some pros and cons of doing this ?

I have found a '68 427 I could get in good condition for 600 bucks. Or I could get a '66 396 for $450. Its vin # 3858962. Which is a better motor? I have been confused on this by many people.

I have a stock th 400 and a built up th 350 as well as a stock aluminum case powerglide at my shop.

Any ideas will help as this is my first real hot rod project!
P.S. Should this be in The Dump? - Justin

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: 73 Nova Guy ]</p>

[kitkar]

Justin

[QUOTE]Any ideas will help as this is my first real hot rod project!

I'm not tryin to be picky, but aren't U in the middle of an AMC/Metro transplant?

[73 Nova Guy]

Kit.. that metro is a remnant of a highschool pipedream... The nova is my pride and joy. I choose to slowly work on the metro while much of my time is ineffeciently poured into the Nova.

I have a lot of ideas and time to waste.
In combination with my own half of a 2100 square foot shop, I unfortunately have room to store them for as long as it takes. I got myself started on this Nova when I bought it as my first car in '98.

[78novaman]

I'd go with the 427 since you have a tranny to handle it. But it's your car and you have to make the decision yourself.

also, kitkar what year lincoln is that? I have a '75 4dr town car sitting at home just waiting for spring to finally roll around

[kitkar]

75novaman;

That's a 69 Mark III. I also have a 93 Mark VIII. It's a curse that runs in my family. My dad has four 77-79 Town Cars,and a 72 Mark IV.

ps. I have a Mk III, but not as nice as the avatar. That one was created by the great ZZfourd.

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: kitkar ]

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: kitkar ]</p>

[Cream Corn]

73NovaGuy, the only thing I would suggest is ordering front springs from a 68-71 big block Nova. I had them under my 74 Nova, and it made the car set up quite a bit with my small block. With the small block springs, I would be afraid that you would drag your headers everywhere you go. You might want to consider tieing the frame together if you do anything at all to the 427.

[tm454]

I would go withthe 427 also! You will need BB springs and maybe a different rearend depending on the gears your running now. I have four projects running at once myself. 37 Dodge business coupe, 64 Chevelle ht, 65 chevelle sedan and a 69 GTO clone. I have 3 engines on motor stands in the garage, 377 sbc, 406 sbc, and a 350sbc in different stages of buildup. I have 2 th350 trans in different stages of rebuild on the bench. So the idea of 2 different project running simultaneously isn't to hard to comprehend. I do love this hobby!


Todd

[73 Nova Guy]

Right on todd. I am happy to hear someone else is not satisfied with only one project at a time.
And cream, I knew that 68-71 nova had bb's but i wasnt sure if the springs would bolt right in.Do they? And can you get them aftermarket?

Also, I have a 10 bolt posi from a 70 nova. I dont remember what gears but i thought of using that instead of what i have now. (At least until i blow it up!)

WHat about the old saying, " there is no replacement for displacement..."?
Is a 427 going to keep me pushed into the seat or is a 454 stroked/ .30 over worth the extra money?

And... I have seen those drop in sub frames in the back of Super Chevy magazine etc...
Has anyone ever known someone who has one?
I saw some nice units with tuneable suspension and stuff. But 1800-2600 clams is quite a bit if stock would do!

What do you guys with subframs think?-Justin