Engines for the Chevy Nova

1970 Chevy Nova SS 396

Let’s start talking about the origininal 396 ci V8 (6490 cc) of the SS version. This engine developed 375 bhp at 5600 rpm and a maximum torque of 415 lb-ft (562.74 Nm) at 3600 rpm. This beautiful engine uses a Holley carburetor 780, but if you prefer  something bigger, you could use the 8A3 or even a 913, although maybe those are better for Big Block engines. The best option is to have a look at Holley catalogue and choose whatever adjusts better according to your wishes. I would like to ask you not to change your carburetor for a fuel injection system. These cars are more than 40 years old, accept it!

Now I would like to talk about the easiest option if you want to make your Nova (or any other Muscle car) fly, a supercharger blower kit. I am sure that you could find loads of brands that offer this kind of crazy stuff, but I recommend you something like what BDS offers, a kit for blocks between 396 and 427 ci which costs around 4.000 $, looks very impressive and you can also upgrade it for an additional price.

In case you think the original 396 ci engine is not enough even after upgrading it, or if you need to change it for any reason, we are going to explain the different engine options depending on what you are looking for.

If you want a middle performance for everyday usage, we recommend you to install a 383 ci V8. This kind of engine could develop more than 400 hp and delivers loads of Torque as you can see in the graphics. The price for this complete engine is around 6.500 $, and they deliver the engine completely assembled and balanced.

If you can pay a little bit more (just 6.950$) you could buy the same size engine but high performance. This version develops 450 hp. And finally the top version of this block, a supercharged high performance 383, but I would only recommend this version for Drags or show pieces because it costs more than 15.000 $. The engine can be designed to have between 400 and 600 hp depending on what you need. But be careful with this kind of supercharged engines, because if you want it to fit, you will have to modify or change your hood. The sound is amazing, have a look at the video bellow:

There are great options also for the Big Block fans, those who prefer to use the whole space under the hood. You could find engines from 427 ci to 572 ci!! (9.374 cc). You could definitely equip these engines with supercharger blower kits. The prices for these engines are higher, from 10.500 to 19.500 $. They reach between 600 and 750 hp, and the supercharged versions around 900 or 1000 hp.

Chevy Nova´s evolution

1970 Chevy Nova SS 396

Let’s talk a little bit about the different models and versions of the Nova, from 1962 to 1974.

In 1962 the first generation was born, with 4 different bodyworks, wagon, 4 doors, coupe and convertible. The engine options were the following: 153 4 line cylinders, 194 V6. As a consequence of its low weight compared to the other models, the Nova was used for Drag racing.

In 1963 the SS version was developed, but until 1964 it was not available. In that year the 195 hp V8 engine was  available for the Chevy II Nova Super Sport. In 1965 a new and more powerful V8 came out, with 300 hp.

In 1966 the second generation was born, and during this year and 1967 the mechanics and aesthetic staid the same, the only improvements were safety features, so the Nova could comply with the government safety regulations.

In 1968 the third generation came out with important mechanical improvements. The engines available for the new SS were three V8 blocks, 327, 350 and 396, developing 295, 350 and 375 hp respectively. These versions included front disc brakes.

During the next 2 years the Nova barely changed and in 1971 the 396 V8 engine stopped being produced and the Rally Nova was introduced. In 1972 the sunroof became available for some models.

In 1973 Chevrolet introduced some visual changes, like the front and rear bumper design and the hatchback option. They also made some security improvement to follow the safety regulations. In 1974 the 350 ci was the only engine option, and in the same year the Nova production ended.

Chevrolet Muscle Cars

1970 Chevy Nova SS 396

When we think about a Chevrolet Big Block muscle car, the 454 Chevelle comes immediately to our minds of course and if you are looking for the most beautiful Chevy ever, many people would say that the 1969 Camaro is the best option. We agree, but we will like to talk in this post about the Nova SS, which is not as powerful as the Chevelle, but is more than 400 kilos lighter, what makes the Nova SS faster and easier to drive. If you think that the 375 hp that the 396 engine can develop is not enough, you can always improve them with new carburetors or even with a high performance supercharger, and if you can afford it, you also can change your Nova engine for a Big Block one, but we will talk about this options in further posts.

There is also another aspect that makes the Nova more interesting than his two big brothers, the Price. If you go to an American auction with the idea of buying a nice black with white stripes 454 Chevelle, you should be ready to pay more than 60.000 $. If your dream is a Camaro you are lucky, because you will find then even for less than 25.000 $, but if you want a perfect Camaro SS or a Z28 the amount of Money will be much higher. Of course the most expensive Chevrolets are Yenko versions, but those are from another league. Finally we have the “underdog” Nova SS that you could find for less than 25.000 $ in perfect condition, and trust me, once you hear the sound of its engine, you will not think that is not enough.

I will also like to mention the Chevrolet El Camino, which is a very good and economical option for those who love muscle cars and don’t want to make such a big inversion. The biggest engines for this sport pickup are the SS 396 (1970) and the 454 (1971) and their prices are usually under 20.000.

600 Abarth. From the 750 to the 1000 TCR

Abarth is the most famous 600 performance, the first model was the Fiat Abarth 750 in 1956. It was a racing machine wich could hit 130 Km/h. The original Fiat 600 version could only reach 93 Km/h. Abarth changed the engine for a 767 cc one, with high compression pistons and lighter valves.It also used a bigger cooler.

The 750 accelerated to 100 Km/h in 20 seconds (the 600 took 54 seconds to do it). This racing version had new tachometers and limited edition wheels. It was painted in white with red stripes on each sides.

Between 1960 and 1961 the first TC (Turismo Competizione) was born, the 850 TC, based on the 600D. This version was pushed by a 847 cc engine, with a Solex carburator and a new sportive suspension. This litle bullet developed 52 hp and had a top speed of 147 Km/h. It could do 0-100 Km/h in 12,4 seconds. The original drum brakes were changed for disc brakes. 

In 1962 Abarth created a new and more powerfull version, the 850 TC Nürburgring Corsa, with 62 hp. This model had a front cooler and was the first Abarth using it. It was able to reach 180 Km/h.

In 1961 Abarth started working in the 982 cc DOCH engine.  Based on it, they created the 1000TC, with 68 hp. This version was designed for everyday use, reaching "just" 150 Km/h. During those years Abarth cars were the Mini-Cooper main rivals in many competitions. 

The second series of the 1000TC apeared in 1964. The front cooler was oversized for this model. With the aim of improving the refrigeration and the dynamic stability, they installed a bar to keep the bonnet open. This model developed 76 hp at 7000 rpm and had a top-speed of 190 Km/h.

One year later, in 1965, the series III was born, with a huge front bumper that hid 2 cooler radiators, a water one and an oil one. This version had 80 hp at 7400 rpm, and 192 Km/h. Then came the series IV, with few improvements (85 hp at 7600 and 195 Km/h).

The last Abarth based on the 600 was the 1000 TC Radiale. The main variation was the carburator, it used 2 Weber 40 DCOE. It had a 5 gear manual box and 106 hp,with a maximum speed of 208 Km/h!!! In 1970 Abarth improved the carburator's efficiency with 112 hp at 8200 and a crazy speed of 215 Km/h. It weighed just 580 Kilos... Try to think about it.

Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4. 0-62 mph in 2.9s!!!

Our first impression after reading some articles and analyzing the technical specifications is that the italian brand has created probably the best production supercar (in my opinion even better than GTO or Veyron). It represents a step ahead, we have seen many cars that develope more than 700 hp, but just 2 or 3 can beat the 3 second line.Probably the 599 GTO is his closest rival, and with his 670 hp it can only reach 62 mph in 3.35 seconds, that doesn't mean too much for a common driver, but it does for the automotive industry race between supercars manufacturers. The GTO is even lighter, around 80 kilos.

Apart from this incredible acceleration, it can reach 350 km/h. This bull is pushed by a 6498 cc heart, with a 60º V12 configuration, making those 700 hp at 8250 rpm and a maximum torque of 690 Nm at 5500 rpm. Lamborghini ensures a combined fuel consumption of 17.2/100 km, but who cares...

During the last few years Lamborghinis are using 4WD transmision, and... why change in the Aventador. This model wears a Haldex 4WD electronic control system. I have not had the pleasure of driving it, but what i have read is that you could accelerate through tight curves at speeds that even a cursory understanding of physics would suggest are inadvisable. The Aventador use a perfectly tuned 7-speed automated manual which Lamborghini claim sports the fastest shift-times of any transmission with a synchromesh, instead of the double clutch that use every other supercar.

If you think that this is not enough, Lamborghini offers optional tyres, a Pirelli P-Zero Rosso. This rubber compound gives an impresive grip.

The Aventador is made of a one piece carbon-fiber frame, so in case of crash, Lamborghini analyzes the damage with a portable ultrasound machine, cuts it out and then reconstructs the section and cures it together with the rest of the frame, so it  becomes as strong as the original.

And here comes the hardest part...the price, if you want one of them you should know that it costs around 350.000 Euro, and even if you have it, you would have to wait around 2 years because it is sold out for its first year of production.

British Grand Prix (Silverstone) Results

 1.  Fernando Alonso       Ferrari               
 2.  Sebastian Vettel      Red Bull-Renault      + 16.5 
 3.  Mark Webber           Red Bull-Renault      + 16.9  
 4.  Lewis Hamilton        McLaren-Mercedes      + 28.9  
 5.  Felipe Massa          Ferrari               + 29.0 
 6.  Nico Rosberg          Mercedes              + 60.6  
 7.  Sergio Perez          Sauber-Ferrari        + 65.5  
 8.  Nick Heidfeld         Renault               + 75.5
 9.  Michael Schumacher    Mercedes              + 77.9 
 10. Jaime Alguersuari     STR-Ferrari           + 79.1
 11. Adrian Sutil          Force India-Mercedes  + 79.7
 12. Vital Petrov          Renault               + 80.6
 13. Rubens Barrichelo     Williams-Cosworth     + 1 lap 
 14. Pastor Maldonado      Williams-Cosworth     + 1 lap 
 15. Paul di Resta         Force India-Mercedes  + 1 lap 
 16. Timo Glock            Virgin-Cosworth       + 2 lap 
 17. Jerome d'Ambrosio     Virgin-Cosworth       + 2 lap 
 18. Vitantonio Liuzzi     HRT-Cosworth          + 2 lap 
 19. Daniel Ricciardo      HRT-Cosworth          + 3 lap 
 20. Heikki Kovalainen     Lotus-Renault         OUT 
 21. Jenson Button         McLaren-Mercedes      OUT 
 22. Sebastien Buemi       STR-Ferrari           OUT 
 23. Kamui Kobaashi        Sauber-Ferrari        OUT 
 24. Jarno Trulli          Lotus-Renault         OUT

Formula 1 teams have agreed to a compromise deal to end the technical row that has split the sport at the British Grand Prix.

The weekend was dominated by meetings and rule changes over the use of exhaust gases to increase downforce.

Ferrari and Sauber have agreed to back down after earlier blocking a deal.

"This thing was not really good for anyone," said Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali. "For the benefit of the sport, we took this action."

The deal means the technology that governing body the FIA is trying to ban - so-called off-throttle blowing of the diffuser - will remain allowed for the rest of the season, but that teams will not be allowed to change their engine settings between qualifying and the race.

Off-throttle blowing has become a key technology in F1 in the last year.

This is where teams blow exhaust gases over the rear floor of the car even when the driver is not pressing the accelerator, smoothing the airflow and therefore increasing downforce and grip.

The FIA wanted to ban it, but it became clear that it was impossible to reach an agreement over the technicalities of a ban as different teams argued that they were being disadvantaged by different versions of the rule.

The arguments became heated at Silverstone, and the bosses of the McLaren and Red Bull teams ended up having a public row on the subject in a news conference.

Renault team principal Eric Boullier said: "It's a completely useless debate, and the more it goes public, the more stupid we look."

World champions Red Bull and their engine supplier had argued that the version of the rules intended for Silverstone put them at a disadvantage, so argued successfully for a change, which was introduced during the first practice session on Friday.

This led to the argument between Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and his McLaren counterpart Martin Whitmarsh, more meetings and a reversion to the previous rule before practice on Saturday morning.

Horner agreed to the cars running in that specification for the rest of the British GP weekend if the situation was looked at again for the rest of the season.

Another meeting on Sunday morning between the teams and FIA race director Charlie Whiting broke up without agreement, before the teams all concurred following further discussions.

That means for the rest of the season off-throttle blowing will be allowed, but teams will not be able to change their engine settings between qualifying and the race.

For next year, the practice will be banned by moving the position of where the exhausts exit.

Domenicali added: "This thing was not really good for anyone. We need to draw a line and look ahead or else where are we going? I don't agree with the process that was taken, but I think for the benefit of the sport, we took that action."

Horner said it was "the most sensible outcome for Formula 1 to draw a line under this."

He added: "One has to have sympathy for Charlie Whiting trying to pick his way through all of this.

"It's impossible to have equivalence because someone is always going to feel aggrieved, so the maps go in before qualifying.

"Two teams just wanted to take a little time to think about it."