BBNovaRacing.com

I am new to the board here, so I will introduce myself. My name is Brian and I'm 26 y/o. I live in Joplin, MO. I have decided that I want to build a BBC Nova drag car. I know this is going to be a long project, probably 2 or 3 years, but I can make it happen. My father and I have rebuilt several motors, but nothing producing much more than stock ponies. Can anyone refer me to a good informational post or website that would really give me some good reading on how to get max HP out of a BBC? My goal would be to have the Nova run in the 9's. How many HP would it take to get there? I guess I'm looking for something along the lines of a "how to put a BBC in a nova." If someone could help point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks

Brian

Hey Brian, welcome to bbnova land.... Need to know a few things before I give my input... Are you going to spray nitrous or run it naturally aspirated???? What is the chassis going to be??? Depending on what you do there is going to a big determing factor on the wieght of the car...

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Kevin Parent

I do not plan to spray nitrous. I'm wanting to go with a high compression BBC that will probably run on Race gas or even alcohol. I'm not wanting to drive it on the street, very little, if any. I do not really know a lot about Chasis either. I guess you're going to have to explain the importance of a good chasis.

A good ridgid chassis is less robbing on HP. Did you give or look into if you are going to replace the rear stock suspension with a ladder bar or 4 link???? If you are going to keep it closer to stock, sounds like the car will be pretty heavy, somewhere in the 3300lb range I would guess. You are probably looking at building a 540" BBC to get where you want to be... With that much C.I. you sould be able to make 700 to 800 HP fairly easy calling any reputible engine builder for your parts. If I may make a suggestion Brian, Jeff Lukovich is my sponsor and is very knowledgable when it comes to chosing these parts. You can call Lukovich Performance when you are ready to start talking about building the motor and he would be more than happy to help you pick the parts you need and is very cost conscous when you tell him that is a consideration. Jeff can be reached toll free at 1 (866)858-5853. If you would like to talk more specifally about anything we have talked about already or an other questions, just ask away.....

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Kevin Parent

Welcome Brian, You have come to the right place.
I won't be much help though, all small blocks with me.
I don't even have a truck motor in my truck.
OOOOPPPPSSS Sorry Kev.

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Jim West
Kickin Astro
#1 Swoopy Brick

Kevin,

Thanks for the info. Can you tell me the advantage of replacing the rear stock suspension with a ladder bar or 4 link???? What is the cost involved with converting? I know different parts, different prices, different ways to get the parts. But say on average, what can a person look at on the suspension? How do you you get the 540 ci out of a BBC? Say you find a 4 bolt main 454? I'm assuming it is stroked and bored out considerably? Thanks for the info, it helps alot.


Brian

No problem Brian... I would call some local chassis shops and get some prices.. You first need to figure out what you are going to do with the car as far as bracket race or heads up racing. Once you figure that out, if you choose to bracket race I would go with a 4-link. If you choose heads up type racing, you need to go over all the classes and pick a class that suits your budget. Once you have done that, you can get back in touch with the chassis shop of your choice and have the rear suspension done along with a good cage. Basically replacing the rear suspension allows you better traction which will give you a more consistant car. As far as the engine, I would start with a aftermarket block such as "Darts" Big M block. You will have no problems with this block if you later on change your mind and end up spraying nitrous. Keep in mind when you are doing this to project that you will probably want to go faster so pick parts that are in your budget but keep in mind that you may want something that is stronger than you need currently. You will need a 4.25 inch storke crank and I think it works out to 4.500 bore....

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Kevin Parent

Hi Brian, Welcome aboard, I have a 73 Nova with a 540, .748 .748 roller cam 110 centerline, Dart 320 heads, Dart Big M block, 12 to 1 compression JE pistons, 1050 HP dominator, Just decent forged parts, No High dollar stuff, My chassis has frame connector, double adjustable ladder bars,10 point mild steel cage,12 bolt, 4.10 gears a Powerglide trans, Weight is 3380 with me in it, Car runs 9.60s on motor in good air and 9.80s in bad air. Now with a 175 shot it runs 9.0s. The advantage of ladder bars or 4 link over stock suspension is, straighter launch, more consistant ETs, Basically you can put alot more power to the car without it getting out of control, which is very important. My car is not tubbed and I am limited to using a 12.5" tire, which is acheived by using the 7.5" backspace rim with stock length rearend from 68 to 74 Nova X body. Had to massage the inner wheel wells a bit so tire dont rub, Be sure to use good quality parts when it comes to safety equipment. If you have a 454 already you can put a 4.25 stroke crank and a 60 overbore and get 496 cubes. Good luck with your car and keep us posted. John

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Big Blocks make the heartbeat faster

Thanks for speaking up John... I don't know of too many 496's that aren't too exotic that run in the 9's though... low 10's for sure...

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Kevin Parent

Hi Brian, And welcome. It sounds like your goals are very realistic. If I can make acouple of suggestions. Focus on the car first. Work on getting a chassis that will do more than you ever plan on . Like Kevin said ,this sport is addicting . You will always want to go faster. If you have a good chassis to start with it will be easier to run and tune in the begining and still adequete in the future.
As for the motor. If you want to start out with a 468 or 496 it will get you in the 9's built properly. But if you have the money , go for a good bottem end for future upgrades.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I first need to get rid of some motors, BB dodges, a 383, 413 and a 727 tranny. That'll give me a little money to play with. Tax returns are coming up, so some play money is in the future. Has anyone ever seen one of the darts big M block for sale, used? I don't have to buy all new parts as long as whatever I buy is in good condition. Thanks for the information.


Brian

No I haven't but I will keep my eyes open for one...

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Kevin Parent

About the cheapest NEW Dart Big M block is around $2000. They are available in several bored sizes and 2 different deck heights. Why not go with the tallest block and the biggest bore? Are the larger pistons more expensive than the 4.5 inch bore? Would a longer stroked crank really be that much more? Just wondering.


Brian

Man I just can't get any excitement stirred up!!!

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Jim West
Kickin Astro
#1 Swoopy Brick

Brian Yes you are correct, Why not buy as much as possible? Chassis is one reason, 2500 dollar trans to handle that torqe, 2500 rear end to handle what the trans feeds it, big enough tires to handle it, I suppose if money is no issue then go big by all means, However if you are limited in experience behind a real 1000 hp drag car? You may want to start alittle smaller. Remember you should always leave some bore space for future bores, just incase? The worst possible thing that could happen is,, You would have to change your diaper about the 100 foot mark. But after that, you will learn blatter control,,,, lol cause its a riot man, plain and simple, there aint no rush like lining them up and going balls to the wall. Therefore I am Loud

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Big Blocks make the heartbeat faster