1973 Nova I/SA Chasing the Dream

[rboyle]

Made 8 runs on Thursdays test n tune and never got the car under the index. Chased bad radiator hose, changed plugs, fixed broken two step wire and timing among other things. During qualifying ran 12.45 on the 12.30 index and lost in class obviously. Checked for broken valve springs or rocker arms and found the valves were out of adjustment by about 20thou. Adjusted and was desgnated pair #3 for Saturdays first round elims. Car started vibrating in second right at 5000 rpm checked tach checked oil pressure 50 lbs thought maybe valve float or rev limiter was funky short shifted third to see if it cleared up and bang boom bam. Rod kicked out the oil pan and trans case cracked and driveshaft spit out. Dream turned into nightmare. Picking up the pieces thanks to the great friends involved and starting over.

[Tony Corley]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Don't get discouraged and throw in the towel. At least now you will know exactly what you have, and the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Good Luck.

[rboyle]

It will be all new and fresh and updated. It should be faster than the old combo ever was too so that's okay. Just wish it was by choice rather than need

[rboyle]

Took out motor and trans and tore down engine. Looks like bearings were tight everywhere. Block and crank are scrap, pistons and rods too, cam and lifters may be safe and heads are getting checked but didn't look too bad. The rebuild process will start now hopefully smoothly.

[HR9121]

I tried to talk a buddy of mine into buying that car, I think you'll have a great piece when you're done. Great story and good luck, just don't make it real fast lol.

[jamie2370]

Sorry about your issues but it brings me to a question. Now I am not trying to talk bad about anybody but...........what is with the "car runs so and so" , you buy it and can't even get it to run the index. I am facing the same thing except I have to buy a trans and converter because what I got won't run the index and it's the th350 with 2.52 gear and 4200 flash converter that's in it. It doesn't make since. Sorry to hijack your thread.

[Tony Corley]

#1 rule in buying a used racecar. (and over the years I have bought a 100 or so) Make them meet you at the track and prove it will run the numbers before handing over the cash. Unless it is just so cheap that it doesn't matter if it breaks.

[rboyle]

Originally Posted by jamie2370

Sorry about your issues but it brings me to a question. Now I am not trying to talk bad about anybody but...........what is with the "car runs so and so" , you buy it and can't even get it to run the index. I am facing the same thing except I have to buy a trans and converter because what I got won't run the index and it's the th350 with 2.52 gear and 4200 flash converter that's in it. It doesn't make since. Sorry to hijack your thread.

I hear you on this. As far as Tony's advice on only buying after it ran. True but late. Next time will definitely make sure it's doing what it's supposed to do. But I disagree with the idea of, "unless it's cheap enough that it doesn't matter if it breaks". I don't care if it's a street car nobody spends money for a running car and doesn't care if it becomes a roller. No matter how much or how little.

[rboyle]

Originally Posted by jamie2370

Sorry about your issues but it brings me to a question. Now I am not trying to talk bad about anybody but...........what is with the "car runs so and so" , you buy it and can't even get it to run the index. I am facing the same thing except I have to buy a trans and converter because what I got won't run the index and it's the th350 with 2.52 gear and 4200 flash converter that's in it. It doesn't make since. Sorry to hijack your thread.

Never trying to bash anybody either but facts are facts and your word is all that you have. After your gone your memory and reputation live on longer but those too fade with time. I've been honest in all dealings and maybe too forthcoming in some but I sleep well with my consience clear. Buyer be ware should be buyer be wary. Best of luck in sorting out your mess too.

[larrylomascolo]

I gota give you all the credit for buying the car on the fly and racing it as is,put it this way,now start fresh and put the best combo in for your nova,,great dream chasing