Getting Closer
 

I'm steadily approaching a "ready to buy mode" and I'm contemplating TWO combos.

I thought it'd be easier to ask questions about two combos to receive better, more precise information, instead of sprinkler heading thoughts and questions in all directions.

Do the Fourth Gen, Camaro/Firebird owners have a hard time removing and installing their LT1/LS1s? I remember working for a shop, and we had to drop the K member for easier access.

IF...I were to run a 68-72 Nova, is it possible to run it as another year, within those years, by simply swapping what? Asking because the rear side marker is the only dead giveaway when other trim pieces can be easily swapped out. I know the engine choice plays a huge factor in what class, but I'm mainly focused on the flexibility of a Nova's appearance.

Re: Getting Closer
 

In race trim the motors can be changed pretty easy in the Camaros and Firebirds without even removing the hoods. Break the engine loose from the trans, pull forward a little, turn it 90 degrees and pull it out! Actually pretty easy.
Those novas are the most versatile race platform ever made. AA-W and every class in between.

Re: Getting Closer
 

You do need to remove the intake manifold before removing/installing the engine in the 4th gen. You can remove/install without removing the intake if you cut the center section of the cowl out.

Re: Getting Closer
 

Good afternoon to all,
The rear tail lights (Nova Body ) are a little wider for the 1970 - 72 body. The front bumper has bigger turn signal lights that are amber instead of kinda clear from the 1968-69 body. The 1968 has the ignition key on the dash, 1969 -72 has the ignition key in the steering column. The 1968 has the short marker lights front and back. The 1969 has the same as 68 short rear marker light with a longer chrome bezel showing engine cubic inch's. the 1970 -72 has the long side marker lights.
So there's some more food for thought, Do I think NHRA cares anymore about marker lights, I seriously doubt it at this point, but I'd make sure that the engine combination has all the correct casting numbers for its application. With the 1969 body you can run just about every engine that Chevrolet had in its line up except for the 396/325 engine. Also no 427's, but a 1970 you can get the 402/ 375 HP engine and that's a good engine combo. What you are considering is the very reason I went with the Nova body some 40 + years ago. Versatility in the same body platform, one draw back is putting a good size 9x30x15 tire under there is a little challenging, between back spacing and a little creativity you can make it happen, not impossible. Most of the stuff that fits a Camaro will bolt on to the Nova, without the Camaro price tag. So, I hope this expands you horizons some - Have a Good Day and a Safe 4th of July.

Respectfully,
Henry Kunz 1534 H/SA Nova

Re: Getting Closer
 

Didn't they toss a Nova for claiming the wrong body a while back?

Re: Getting Closer
 

You are correct. I believe it was the chap from Europe that bought a west coast car with I believe a 402/375 that would fit AA if he claimed the correct year but he didn’t. Someone caught his mistake and he got tossed. There are a lot of nice combos for that Nova body style. And the car can get very light.

Re: Getting Closer
 

I have done it both ways on my 4th generation F body with a LT1. I find it a lot easier to take it out of the top if you use a Happy Hooker engine plate that bolts to the top of the intake. They work great and all you have to do is lift and rotate the engine slightly with the hood raised all the way without the hood struts attached.

Re: Getting Closer
 

I think I made the original post noting that the year claimed didn't match the taillights. I don't think that matters anymore, really.

But then someone else took that to the next step to note that there was no combo that fit AA/SA for the model year that was claimed.

Re: Getting Closer
 

...does Katherine know about this??? :D

Re: Getting Closer
 

The LT1 has been beat up pretty good (275/358) cause in the 90,s everybody built one. They are a modern car with torque arm rear suspension R&P steering etc,and they were fast! There are still some fast ones out there...but good luck running beside a 69 440 Barracuda in C/SA!

Re: Getting Closer
 

The car is cheaper. :rolleyes:

Re: Getting Closer
 

I can't thank you enough Henry, this is what I was hoping for with this post. I'm familiar with all of the 68-72 Nova "identifiers". I've surfed and burned up Class Racer Info a lot to learn the various engine combos. I was interested in knowing the experiences of Nova owners fluctuating between years and if they had a run in with tech and just how "strict" they were with claimed year appearance.

Re: Getting Closer
 

Thank you, this actually alleviates some "myths" I may have had in my head for engine removal and install.

Re: Getting Closer
 

On the Nova's when did the ignition switch move from the dash to the steering column?
'69 on the column... '68 on the dash???

Re: Getting Closer
 

That is correct. Dash is different too.

Re: Getting Closer
 

Steel guard beams in the doors too..For what that's worth, in this day and age.

Re: Getting Closer
 

Shipping weight on a 68 two door is 98 pounds less if old memory is working.

Re: Getting Closer
 

Was the 68 still a Chevy II?

Re: Getting Closer
 

that was the last years of of the chevy II, in 69 they dropped it

Re: Getting Closer
 

Yes, they were all Chevy II's..not Novas
Any engine combo..any stripper model,..but anything 295 HP or bigger has to have the fake hood louver inserts..(same as 67 SS castings).
Of course, this was in the real tech era. Today? Who knows?

BTW, everything mentioned in this thread, so far, is not what I'd call entry level, or beginner's rides

Re: Getting Closer
 

I believe ignition switches moved to the column on everything Chevrolet, in 1969.

Re: Getting Closer
 

Head rests too, but that's out the window now, also
Who knew..we were all going to end up with Bracket II cars?

Re: Getting Closer
 

The head rest on the column does come in handy when I'm snoozing at the tree in my '70.