Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Today it was more of the same... engine stuff. Finally buttoned up the bottom and on to valvetrain. Also cleaned up the intake, water pump, distributor, fasteners etc.
https://i.imgur.com/2utubsw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LBl4oei.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9oDcMEF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gGizefp.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

What did you end up for pushrod length?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Never took it out to measure it, I will Monday when they get ordered.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Worked on pedals again today, made some bushings to get rid of the plastic things.
https://i.imgur.com/uJBdCC5.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

My forward progress may be impeded by the fact that I spend 3 hours a day trying to get into the gators.:eek::eek::eek:

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, teach that thing a lesson...don't paint the engine!

Shame it into submission!!!!!...... ;) -Al

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Great idea!
Knowing him though, he'll grind it smooth, bondo it, block-sand it, paint it, clear it, AND buff it!!!

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Not a bad idea.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Hmmmm

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

It’ll end up powder coated.....

Is that even possible?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Maybe Jet Hot it.:)

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, Who's going to drive if you get in?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

And do it in no time!

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Autumn is the only one that can drive the car. The setup is midget-ized. :D

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I have powdered an LSX block once.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Something new showed up today...
https://i.imgur.com/tU2m75D.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Checking new rocker studs today.
https://i.imgur.com/Lg0XCHV.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

The correct studs, nice work. ARP 134-7103

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Well unfortunately I've had some issues at work holding me up today and tomorrow that will kill my timeline. BUT work always comes first so I'll do the best I can to get something done.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Ah yes, work the necessary evil that fuels most of our racing budgets. Can't thank you enough for posting your build. Especially enjoyable during these long winter months when our local tracks are still months away from anyone making some noise.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I'm happy to entertain some folks, it's the least I can do given all the info I've gathered form here and Dwight's sites.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Spring seats are all machined and I got a minute to clean valves this afternoon, I think the heads are ready to go together.
https://i.imgur.com/EpRDmJE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RBfxtXw.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I had quite a suprise today, came back to work to find another package from Cale Aronson, we talked when I ordered the clutch about a Racepak, I figured since he would be helping me read it I would do the right thing and order from him. 1 broken engine later I put the Racepak on hold and told them to just send the clutch and I'd be back for it later, well apparently my wife called Cale and told him to get everything I asked him about together and ship it. Wow, I was in shock today when she said "Cale sent you some shirts", I looked in the box and realized just how lucky I truly am.
https://i.imgur.com/z2TWAsS.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd can you have your wife call mine...LOL great build love the updates

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Thinking of having her set up some workshops. :D:D:D

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I haven't had time to update in a couple days so I'll break this up to keep the replys specific.
Heads were all done last Friday, worked on Saturday to continue assembly.
https://i.imgur.com/oR5HgpPl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oifHOWah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cWY15gZh.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Saturday's setback were the rockers, I never thought to check pushrod clearance at the head with the break in rockers because in my mind if the 1.5s cleared the 1.3 would clear, well that isn't the case. I continued with assembly not sure how to proceed with the break in of the new lifters.
https://i.imgur.com/NmdJDrSh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EiQxLAAh.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Sunday. Sunday. Sunday... Well, Sunday brought much of the same, work work work. We got the intake on and realized the new valve covers don't fit with these rockers :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: Got it off the stand, installed the cam plug and rear galley plugs, set it on the dyno cart and got everything hooked up.
https://i.imgur.com/hZAtWBfh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uBrbLBFh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Wn0OioUh.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

So Saturday night I had a conversation with my buddy Al who probably luckily steered me to swapping springs to break in the cam/lifters. Today (Monday) I sourced everything necessary to finish it up tomorrow, then we'll start thinking about a fire up.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd if you really want to use those Chevrolet valve covers get some Ridgeway or Moroso valve cover spacers -- that should do the trick

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Yes sir, got some on the way as we type.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I'm sure it's here somewhere, but why the new cam? What's different about it?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Mark, the cam is the same, I did send it out and had it profiled so I have a cam card. The lifters are being swapped out, that's why I'm breaking it in.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Just a little info for everyone, seems a lot of people are running the PAC 1409X springs on their stockers. I had some issues finding an ID locator spring cup that would work because well, they didn't make one. Ended up having to make some for this particular head. When I questioned PAC, although they didn't recommend it, they said most were more than likely just throwing the 1409Xs in the head without a cup. Now fast forward to having my break in rockers not work, I needed a solution for a light spring for break-in. I ran across a direct drop in that works perfectly with the cup and the retainer from the 1409X... they're factory beehive Dodge Viper springs that will show about 85lbs at 1.800 (closed). Hope this helps someone in the future.
https://i.imgur.com/AjYxMkm.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Pretty much done with the engine, me and Autumn went down and swapped springs today after she got out of school. We'll throw some oil in it tomorrow, start breaking in the cam and heat cycling the piston coating. I have to pick up some longer valve cover bolts too.
https://i.imgur.com/NPr8maR.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Spacers look great! Nice that you and Autumn are able to run those chebby valve covers.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Autumn is proud of those valve covers, she bought them with her own $$$.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Gotcha .
You probably would have been alright without the extra steps. I won't even tell anyone what we did on a recent one. I don't want to give anyone any ideas. It broke in and runs fine though.
A good moly lube and some Lucas zinc additive helps a bunch, I think.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Have you considered making power runs with the "Viper" springs? I wouldn't be surprised if they are pretty good for your combination.

See you at the races,
Wayne Kerr

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I haven't, just seems these lobes might be hard to control with little spring pressure.