why do all Nova II and III's have small blocks, and virtually all Spyders have big blocks? did they open up the spacing between motors? or did they figure (correctly, if that's the case) that people wouldn't mind pulling motors to change plugs? as long as we are on the subject, are there any narrow profile BBC exhausts that will make a BBC conversion doable while still flowing reasonably well?

nobody? i mean i know this is a predominantly big block forum, but...

All twin Novas are tight. Most of the originals were designed for twin small blocks.

i have about 2 inches between manifolds on mine. that's why i am wondering how they put big blocks in all the ST's and Spyders.

what the crankshafts center line on yours?

right around 31 inches.

just double checked. 31 inches on the nose. i found a post on speedwake where people were saying 34.5 and 35 inches. one guy said minimum 32.

i know its not what model your asking about but me and sprink been coparing the formulas...
there at 31 inchs his with small blocks and mine with inline 6,s ive measure measured and big blocks will fit in ours. at that

Mine are at 33" or 32 7/8" to be exact.

There was a 330 TRS option on 255 Liberators so I know for sure that big blocks will fit. I measured a 302 Formula recently and it was also 33".

Check your notes...I think you told me yours was 33" also.