Muscle Cars: 1971 Nova with a Big Block by Andy

Red 1971 Nova Muscle Car: Chevrolet Nova
Year: 1971
Engine: 402 c.i. Big Block
Transmission: Turbo 350
Rear End: 3.08 gears
Big Block Nova

Andy is the 2nd owner of this 71K mile 1971 Nova. It formerly had a 250 6 cylinder with a Powerglide transmission. It now has a 1971 Chevelle 402 bored .060 over with an Edelbrock RPM cam, intake and carb. The exhaust is stock iron manifolds with 2-1/2" dual exhaust running Flowmaster mufflers. The transmission is a rebuilt Turbo 350 with a shift kit,with a B&M Megashifter, and uses a stock converter. The original 3.08 gears in the rearend now has an Auburn mini spool.

The Torque Thrust II's wheels are 17x8" with 4.75" backspace on the rear and 17x7" with 3.95" backspace on the front. The tires on this Nova are 255/45s rear and 215/50s front. The rear tires fit perfectly in the non-modified wheel wells.

This 1971 Nova muscle car was originally a blue/blue with zero trim options, not even the vinyl roof is original. It now has every exterior trim option you could get on a non-SS 1971 Nova except for sport mirrors. The front suspension was completely rebuilt and has big block springs. The sheetmetal on the Nova is original and the paint stripped to the bare metal and painted in pieces in 1993 with Glasurit Performance Red single stage Urethane. The interiror is all reproduction.

This muscle car is garage kept but driven a few times a month in nice weather. Car show awards include 2 class wins at Super Chevy Richmond in 1998 and 2001.

71 Nova Muscle Car Super Chevy Nova

Comments

71 Nova big block

I have a friend trying to install a 402 into his 71 Nova but having trouble finding the correct frame mounts for the motor. Which did you use? Were there any suspension items you have to swap to fit the big block in there? I know brackets and pullys are different but wondering what else has to be changed when going from small block to big block in a 71.

Frame mounts

You need to purchase new frame (chassis) mounts for your particular year nova for a big block. And make sure you change the radiator to at least a four row one. You should be able to get the mounts from GM. Make friends with someone one at your local Chevy dealer.

nova questions

I also have a 71 chevy nova and i was wondering what type of wheel do you have (name brand) and what are the dimensions of the wheels and tires for the front and back? I want to try to put the tallest rim i can go with.

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