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.