I'm not a big fan of headers. Hollowed out manifolds will breath too. This whole theme of this car was somewhat based on looking factory correct. Right down to the smog system. Here's a shot what I'm talking about.

https://www.chevelles.com/showroom/d...m/100_4411.jpg

Looks good Bill. Did you ever run it with the power plant you have in it now?

I never ran it down a track, but I've done my share of hot rodding with it. This new motor is being designed by a couple guys I know who know how to make power, especially with the cam and heads. So I'm thinking this ZL-1 motor will make quite a bit more power than the existing motor.

Love it!

Bill, This project sounds awesome. I will be following the details of your build as I am going to do a similar ZL1 build. The more details the better! What cubic inch size are you going to do? I only know of a few builds like this but there is no data to go off of. I would love to pick your brain when you are done to gain some insight if you will let me....please, please, pretty please....

Scott

This is one very cool Nova.
Look forward to following along on the next installment.

Thanks for all the feedback. Scott, what block are you using. Is it a new GM block? I doing a standard bore (4.250) and I'm not stroking it. I'm not going crazy with this, just want a light 450ish hp motor when it's done. Any advise I may be able to give you let me know. I think the most important thing is the heads. I'm having them custom built from new Brodix cores by a shop in Mississippi. They are the best I've been able to find, and I did a lot of research.
I'm a bit hard to deal with because I want this to look stock, so the machine shops have to work around my plan.

Bill, Thanks!, I am using the 12370850 new GM Block (from 2007 I think) Your plan looks awesome, but I don't think I need to go as "Far" as you due to budget constraints. I was thinking the 4.25 bore and either the GM 3.76 for 427 or a 4.25 stroke for a 481. either ones with a 163 intake and Holley/ headers. Heads are the biggie info wise and also piston selection. I may just copy your build specs for a 450/500hp street engine. That's all I need. Thanks for keeping me in mind. That is one gorgeous NOVA!

Scott

OK Scott, so it's the same block I have. I chose Icon pistons, one of the few companies that still make standard bore pistons. The 1st thing to do is put plugs in the oil passage bores in the lifter valley or you won't have any oil press when you fire it up.

I'm with Sam on the exhaust. Love the idea on the build and the Brodix heads made to look stock. It's gonna make some good power for sure. What camshaft and what intake are you planning on?