1970 nova motor choices

[Grant Eldridge]

Originally Posted by Joe DeMarzo

Todd is doing right (you must have a couple of good mentors) and everyone has given you great advise. Stay away from the BB if you are on a budget and just starting out. If you insist on a BB go 1970 402 combo. Buddy up with a local stock racer and be a sponge. It will speed up your learning curve.

The 350/255 ( 69) is easiest to make run fast, the 350/300 (70) is a good combo but you have to get a good engine builder to make it really fast. The 350/200 (72) is a great combo, hence Mr. Gray's motor (his Nova is a bad motor scooter). You will have HP and just have to work on the other stuff, converter, suspension, trans, carb, etc

Spend your money wisely, buy great parts and don't think short term. You will spend 3x the amount if you cut corners.

Good luck and I would be happy to share my BB & SB experiences if you would like privately.

Joe, what was the reason you preferred the '70 402 over the '69 396? We had also looked at that but were concerned about the "flat" 1970 intake manifold, decided to give up the six cubic inches. Maybe that manifold is better than we believed?
Grant