I just bought a '69 Nova. What would you recommend I do to it?

Question

It is a 4-door with a straight-6 (250) and a manual 3-speed (column shift) tranny. The original color is avacado green. I plan on getting the paint and body done, but after that, should I shoot to keep it stock or drop a new motor? It has only 72,000 miles on it. Please help with my options and pros and cons for each.

I understand many don't like the 4-door look, but I think if I did put a bigger motor, the sleeper factor in a "grandma" car would be there.

Answer 1

Leave it completely stock and baby it. There are already a gazillion cliche'd V8 pseudo race car Novas out there.

Answer 2

It's a beautiful machine but it is a four door. That takes a bit away. But still, a "69 Nova. If you want a nice economical ride, just clean it up and drive it as is. One thing is to make it a Sleeper/Smoker! Most Chevy power plants even up to the 396 will fit in the frame and under the hood with no modifications. Be kinda cool to be sitting at a light and smoke a Beemer or Acura! Imagine your 4-door with a 396/LT-1 400HP tied to a Detroit Locker rear through a T-10/Thompson comp clutch? Cost a bit, but hey? Dreams are for the dreamers and for the doers.

Answer 3

Too bad it's a "more door"; since that's not nearly as desirable (to collectors or hot rodders). Since you've got the option of swapping a motor, I'd say do that, couple it with a five or six speed, a new 9" Ford rear end, drop it, dechrome it (at least get rid of the "extra" door handles!), paint it, redo the interior, bolt on some bigger tires and have some fun with it. Art Morrison makes a sub-frame for the early Novas (I'm pretty sure they can fix you up, if you're interested), for the front end and rear end, so you can use any suspension you wish ('bags, three or four link, coilovers, whatever fits your budget).

Good luck and enjoy your ride..

Answer 4

If all you want to do is cruise around town, then the inline 6 will be fine. Stepping up to a small block Chevy will be a very easy swap, and will make the car go fasterand sound better, but may make the car burn more gas. I think the standard three speed will hold up to a mild Small Block Chevy, but if you want to get serious with the horsepower, then you will also need to upgrade the trans, which will be a lot of work.

Answer 5

If the engine is good, and it should be, you could keep it stock.

An important consideration if you actually plan to use this vehicle for transportation, is that its engine will not be particularly fuel efficient. If there are things you can do to improve its fuel efficiency you should consider them, and one could be a new engine and tranny (and I do love the column mounted three speed.)

And remember that in Spanish "Nova" means "No go." (Sure you know that, just throwing it in for laughs.)

Answer 6

i think if it was me,and it only had that many miles on it for now id keep it original,those was neat cars,my sister had one she drove for twenty years,hers had the strait six in it,and that car never gave any problems,for now though id let it live some of its life out as original,its lucky to have survived the crusher,but drive it,you,ll get a lot of looks from driving this one,good luck with it hope this helps.

Answer 7

I would leave it stock. The four door sleeper idea might be neat..until you try to sell it. Two many doors will kill it's resale value.

Answer 8

ok heres what i say..if you have the money..drop in a 350 big block..not sure if thatll fit but im thinkin it will..after that put a supercharger on it..the get a demon carb..next get yourself some flowmasters..option 2..if you can get your hands on it and it will go on that engine..bolt it up..

Answer 9

Turn it into a prostreet drag car. Check this website....

http://www.1969nova.com/

Answer 10

Junk it