New power for the Nova
 

This is my winter project. I decided to build a new ZL-1 for my Nova. It will look somewhat like an original ZL-1 with a new block and heads. It will be a Scat forged rotating assembly with a roller cam/lifters, and custom built/modified Brodix heads.Thats where the power will be made. I'm also having the Brodix logo milled off the front of the heads, then media blasted so they look more like the rough cast 074 heads that were originally on the ZL-1's... It will have hollowed out manifolds/smog tubes with a free wheeling smog pump, and dual snorkel air cleaner atop a 4346 dual feed Holley. Just some fun for when the snow starts flying around here,

https://www.chevelles.com/showroom/d...m/IMG_0498.JPG


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Nice couch !!
Motor is cool too!!:eek2:

Very Nice Bill.....your in town neighbor Albert has much experience with these all aluminum Bowtie’s.
Did this engine come from
Albert’s stable?

Dan

Yes Dan...Albert bought it a few yrs ago and decided to let it go. He also gave me the oil pan which needed a lot of work, but it came out nice.

Perfect Bill :)
Glad she found a great new home.

Dan

Very nice Bill. That Nova will haul some tail when that motor is in there!!

Rich

That's my plan Rich, so I hope you're right...

69 OG Nova...
 

This Nova sure has come along way since the original 6 cylinder and Powerglide...looks great.

:biggthumpup:

Sweet project Bill. You’re gonna have a neat winter. KEEP US POSTED (each and every step)!!!!:laugh::cool2::laugh::cool2::laugh:

How come no headers with a motor like that? I bet it would breath alot better with a good set of tubes.

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?

Very exciting project Bill, can't wait to see it in person some day!

It will have Hyd roller 595 int & 570 Ex, duration at .050 225 int & 238 Ex

It will have a 163 L-78 intake....same cam and intake thats in the car now. It's a great combination for a street car.

Made a bit of progress on the ZL-1 build. Got the motor out of the Nova. Broke it all down and getting everything cleaned up to install in the new Zl-1 block. I'm waiting for the pistons to be delivered and the heads to be finished up by the machine shop, they I will assemble it all. Here'a a few pics of the progress.

https://www.chevelles.com/showroom/d.../IMG_26061.JPG
https://www.chevelles.com/showroom/d...0/IMG_2608.JPG

https://www.chevelles.com/showroom/d...0/IMG_2612.JPG

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https://www.chevelles.com/showroom/d.../IMG_26141.JPG

Looking good Bill :)

Dan

Looking good. Maybe I missed it earlier, why did you tear the other engine apart?


Jason

When I built the Nova iron block motor a few yrs ago, I used top quality parts, like a Scat rotating assembly, roller cam and Murel roller lifters, etc... So when I decided to build the Zl-1 I had to decide if it would be better try and sell the motor and build the ZL-1 from scratch, or take the parts out of the iron block motor and put the parts in the new motor. So I decided it would be difficult to try and sell the motor for what it was really worth. So I took it all apart and I will be putting those parts in the new block. I still have the block and heads that were all done right with all new parts and top notch valve job. I will sell those parts.

That makes complete sense. It is hard to get someone to pay a decent amount for used aftermarket performance parts, even if they are perfect.


Jason

Who does your machine work and heads up your way Bill? Got a good machine shop around you? I guess you and Albert use the same Machine Shop?

Locally, Albert and I use Nicks Machine in South River, NJ

OK Bill. Good to know. Looks like he does real good work. Thanks!