[TNshadetree]

I've got a mid 70's Nova that needs an engine. I had considered getting a garden variety GM crate motor, but I've decided to roll the dice and try to pick up a running 5.7 from a salvage yard and save a grand or so.

A large yard near me says they have several throttle body injection motors I can hear run for $550. I'm looking for guidance to make the best choice possible. I'd like to keep cost down, so I'll want to stay with the heads it comes with. I know the one piece rear seal and roller cam motors start in 87. But I also hear that doesn't mean it has a roller cam. Is there a way to tell without pulling the intake?


So what external clues should I look for to get the best 5.7 foundation that will get treated to the standard aluminum intake, carb, headers and cam upgrade? I suspect the big SUV's and trucks would carry the best mills.

[SSedan64]

Originally Posted by TNshadetree

I've got a mid 70's Nova that needs an engine. I had considered getting a garden variety GM crate motor, but I've decided to roll the dice and try to pick up a running 5.7 from a salvage yard and save a grand or so.

A large yard near me says they have several throttle body injection motors I can hear run for $550. I'm looking for guidance to make the best choice possible. I'd like to keep cost down, so I'll want to stay with the heads it comes with. I know the one piece rear seal and roller cam motors start in 87. But I also hear that doesn't mean it has a roller cam. Is there a way to tell without pulling the intake?


So what external clues should I look for to get the best 5.7 foundation that will get treated to the standard aluminum intake, carb, headers and cam upgrade? I suspect the big SUV's and trucks would carry the best mills.

The TBI engines have crappy swirl port heads. 87up Cars had rollers but not trucks. Not sure when all truck got rollers tho'. I'd try to find a 96-99 Vortec truck engine, great vortec heads and have roller cams.

[TNshadetree]

Originally Posted by SSedan64

I'd try to find a 96-99 Vortec truck engine, great vortec heads and have roller cams.

Will the 96-99 SBC require computer control? I don't mind plumbing in an electric fuel pump, but I'd rather not dive into rewiring the car if possible.

[opelitis5]

Why not get a crate engine if within your $$$book.. I would be honest and say to myself, "what actual mechanical skills do I have at this point in time" versus the money I will have to spend, versus a crate engine with a guarantee/warranty.. Gonna add up quickly if yah buy something from a boneyard and it don't turn out quite like you had envisionned..
Better to put out the dough once and dats it dats all!!!
T.

[SSedan64]

Originally Posted by TNshadetree

Will the 96-99 SBC require computer control? I don't mind plumbing in an electric fuel pump, but I'd rather not dive into rewiring the car if possible.

If you're gonna use a carb you wont need any computer. Just need a Vortec style intake for the Vortec heads and Electric fuel pump. Vortec heads have a different mounting pattern for the intake, 2 bolts at each corner straight down. Save the intake bolts from the boneyard engine as they're vortec specific also. I'd recommend upgading the valve springs if you plan to intall a aftermarket cam.

[ChevelleSS_LS6]

I think they have carb kits for gen 3 (ls whatever) v8s. I think they even have dizzy kits too, so they're low-tech friendly.


...and a traditional dizzy looks a lot better than a bunch of coil packs and ECU wires stuck to the valve covers.

[jmaine83]

hey guys pla

[TroyBoy]

I agree with SSedan.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by TNshadetree

I've got a mid 70's Nova that needs an engine. I had considered getting a garden variety GM crate motor, but I've decided to roll the dice and try to pick up a running 5.7 from a salvage yard and save a grand or so.

A large yard near me says they have several throttle body injection motors I can hear run for $550. I'm looking for guidance to make the best choice possible. I'd like to keep cost down, so I'll want to stay with the heads it comes with. I know the one piece rear seal and roller cam motors start in 87. But I also hear that doesn't mean it has a roller cam. Is there a way to tell without pulling the intake?


So what external clues should I look for to get the best 5.7 foundation that will get treated to the standard aluminum intake, carb, headers and cam upgrade? I suspect the big SUV's and trucks would carry the best mills.

POST #18 has some info that will be useful to you at the junkyard.