installing big block in my nova

[slimsls6]

Hello everyone. its been along time since i've been here, with family, ill parents and work. well finally getting back into the swing of things and got my new 557 built. i'm getting parts together so i can put this in my 72 nova. now my car is originally a small block car. my question is, can i still use small block core support with the big block and use stock fan shroud? i know big blocks are offset a little in the cradle, will this interfere with fan blade hitting the shroud? I really don't want to use electric fans, worse case, do i need to change to a big block core support and shroud? thanx in advance, Jim


http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj9/jim6391/09-05-2012012.jpg




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqnFrTgOZI8

[Plowman]

You can have your small block core support made into a big block core support by NNN they do Novas only.

[TDW]

I used the SB core support when I did my BB conversion. All I did was make a pattern from cardboard of a real BB one, transfered the lines to the SB one and cut the opening bigger. I bought a repro BB shroud and hardware. Works fine. Also bought a BB radiator from NNN, which I still have,as I decided to run an aluminum one.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I would just cut the opening bigger to match the BB version, then pick up the BB shroud and the top mounting kit and be done with it.

Looks like Gobi Beige - very cool! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

On my Nova, which was a conversion from a 6 cylinder to a big block, I didn't do anything and it worked fine? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

[TDW]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On my Nova, which was a conversion from a 6 cylinder to a big block, I didn't do anything and it worked fine? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif </div></div>

You are just lucky Bruce! I've seen guys fight and fight overheating problems.

[slimsls6]

what was the purpose to offset engine anyways? was it for the valve covers to clear brake booster, do i have to offset engine or can i put it where the small block is?. thanx for the responses. also the car is in primer, house of kolor actually, epoxy. Jim

[ssl78]

I think it is more to clear the steering box, it will be a problem using the small block mounts if you want to use big tube headers and power steering it will be a problem

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slimsls6</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> also the car is in primer, house of kolor actually, epoxy. Jim </div></div>

Not one comment from you guys in the peanut gallery!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

Let's see an engine shot, then Benjamin can see how his dual quad setup will look on his '69 - someday!

[Bill Rose]

This is the cutout before/after for a bb..

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/ee335/wrrose/DSCN0259_zpscb8cc356.jpg

http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/ee335/wrrose/DSCN0260_zps3c48b573.jpg

[Postsedan]

Mr. Rose is on a mission <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan

[Igosplut]

Don't forget along with the offset motor mounts you need the offset trans crossmember also. I've seen people use the small block stuff and make it work, but then your heater hoses are mashed against the valve cover, most headers won't work (even the manifold hits the box), and if you buy the big-block rad/fan shroud you can't use the proper diameter fan. Also, if it's a standard car, you have to mover the bell crank frame mount bottom bolt forward (bolt hole is already there)for the BB. Bill Rose just showed you how to cut the support, so you're set there. They re-pop everything, and for a shade under 600.00 for the parts (minus the radiator) it isn't worth cutting the corners.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Big Blocks and Novas...a great combination <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

***Novas do not have the same amount of room as Camaros and Chevelles from the water pump to the radiator. If you are using the correct long water pump there will be no room for a clutch fan...factory used a steel fixed 5 blade unit...offset blades..no spacer. Some aftermarket flex fans will fit provided the blades aren't too big or too angled. I have used aftermarket 4 core radiators with a 6 or 7 blade steel fan...everything fits fine with factory fan shroud.

Wilma

[earntaz]

To repeat ... when installing a Rat where a Mouse or six was sitting -- make sure you have the correct frame adapters up front for motor mounts and the correct tranny cross member ... both will offset the engine to the passenger side of the car ...

[Schonyenko2]

There are other mods that need to be done to the rad support for it to look correct, and hold the BB radiator in place.

Tom can probably shoot some pics of those BB specific features.

[slimsls6]

wow guys, didn't realize all the different modifications i would have to do. don't know if it would be worth cutting the core support or replace with repop, you know how that crap fits. never thought about x-member being different. bell crank, i do have the frame mounts already. not an original car, so it doesn't bother me to modify. would like to use lowering springs, maybe 1-1 1/2&quot;. thinking about rack &amp; pinion. so many different avenues with all this modern technology. again i do appreciate all the input and pictures. i would like to do this with minimal down time so i can see how this thing is going to run. here are a few pics. Jim


http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj9/jim6391/RUSSELL09-14-126.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj9/jim6391/557153.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj9/jim6391/557dynosheet_zps29161609.jpg

[COPO]

You'll have no trouble smoking the tires with those dyno numbers. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif

Those numbers are very close to the 572-720R and that thing is a beast!

[WILMASBOYL78]

I think you're gonna need stonger motor mounts <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif

wilma

[slimsls6]

yeah, i am pleased with the results, final compression is only 9:72 to 1. i beleive the 572-720 is like 12:1? i'm running a solid roller, made more power with a 2&quot; spacer, but the engine is already overkill, once i get all my parts rounded up, i will do the swap, maybe this winter i will do a mini tub. Jim

[Schonyenko2]

Yea, probably not going to need to be real specific on how the rad support looks as far as originallity either.

That's gonna go pretty fast.