72 Nova, 350 or 454??
10-21-2005, 08:27 AM
#22
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Re: 72 Nova, 350 or 454??
Originally Posted by cuda
I can't comment on this thread. I still have nightmares of a 350 Nova I could never beat with my 69 Mach I. 
I couldnt believe how it ran with the small block in it now. power to weight ratio has a new meaning in my book.
10-21-2005, 08:36 AM
#23
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Re: 72 Nova, 350 or 454??
Originally Posted by BajaRunner
Its got a 4 speed muncie.
I agree with going to a big block for the power and uniqueness. It seems as if every old chevy running around has a 350 small block with headers. Thats why I always liked pontiacs and buicks because you didnt see those motors hopped up too much. Nothing like popping the hood and seeing those fat big block valve covers vs. the small narrow small block ones. Like the difference between a 426 Hemi and a 440 magnum mopar. Hemi's had those monster hemi heads, even though it had less CID, it dwarfed the 440 in appearance.
10-21-2005, 07:51 PM
#25
Re: 72 Nova, 350 or 454??
A 10 bolt will hold up fine behind a big block, if you don`t have real sticky tires.
Remember HOT RODDER`S #1 RULE:
"THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT !!!"
Go with the RAT motor !
(If you don`t know which one is a RAT, you don`t deserve to own a Nova,,,,,)
Remember HOT RODDER`S #1 RULE:
"THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT !!!"
Go with the RAT motor !
(If you don`t know which one is a RAT, you don`t deserve to own a Nova,,,,,)
10-21-2005, 08:09 PM
#26
Re: 72 Nova, 350 or 454??
My 72' with some power as a kid. 1989 was a long time ago but I ran a RAT in that one but for a street car go 350. 500hp small will move that car easy.
10-21-2005, 10:20 PM
#27
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Re: 72 Nova, 350 or 454??
Originally Posted by pull my trigger
So Baja.......corner carver or boulevard cruiser??? 
Inquiring minds want to know...........
Inquiring minds want to know...........
10-21-2005, 10:41 PM
#28
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Re: 72 Nova, 350 or 454??
"There is no replacement for displacement." The 350 is lacking the two main ingredients compaired to a 454-bore and stroke. The only thing better than big cubes is bigger cubes. 
10-21-2005, 11:01 PM
#29
Re: 72 Nova, 350 or 454??
It's all about $$$ per power. CID is good but it's a car not a boat. I run 600cid 1100hp pair in h2o and a 475hp twin turbo VR4 for the street.If you want to lift the front and drag go big.
10-22-2005, 07:19 PM
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Re: 72 Nova, 350 or 454??
I'd say it could go either way. Before I went to a 400 I had a 350 solid lift motor running 11.30's all day with no breakage (cast crank). With the 400 I had a roller cam running 10.80's (also cast crank), no major breakage on this motor either. The lope was a little wicked but I like a lumpy motor. If I were you it would just be a matter of which configuration I had more parts laying around for.
