71 ss Nova or 85 ss Monte Carlo for 1000+hp
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71 ss Nova or 85 ss Monte Carlo for 1000+hp
Like the title says if you could choose, which car would you put a 1000+hp Ls engine in to make a pro street type car and why. I have both begging for a Ls swap and I'm stuck between the two neither of them has engine or trans at the moment. Street and strip use.
Last edited by Killerrat; 10-11-2016 at 08:35 PM. Reason: Misprint
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I've owned both platforms in question, but never with an LS swap in either. Both are popular swap projects so plenty of info and conversion items exist for either.
Having said that, 1000+hp is a lot to put through either platform. The G-body does have a full frame, but not of the strength that's characteristic of earlier generations of that nameplate. Things can be done to strengthen said frame though. Nova is a unibody so you'd want SFCs and to make sure that the body bushings are upgraded and fresh (especially important since the car is so old.) Nova will weight just a bit less, all else being equal, though the difference won't be much if you plan to gut both cars and employ every weight savings measure possible for either. I know you said that neither has an engine or trans, but if the Nova is an original SS car it should have a 12-bolt (assuming that hasn't been lost to the ages) vs. the 7.625 in the Monte. Not sure how much this matters as I'm guessing you'll want a complete aftermarket rear with narrowed axles and such for so much power.
Ultimately, I think the Nova can be built to do what you want at a slightly lower weight (it's also about a foot shorter), and probably with more options in terms of tubbing, rear end and such. Both have a bunch of suspension and brake upgrade options available.
Another thing to consider is value. Do you plan to sell the one that you don't build? If so, and especially if the Nova is an original SS, the Nova will be worth more all else (condition, level of completeness of the roller, etc.) being equal. Both will cost about the same to build, so if the other will be sold to help fund the project then I'd recommend selling the Nova for its greater value and then building the Monte.
Having said that, 1000+hp is a lot to put through either platform. The G-body does have a full frame, but not of the strength that's characteristic of earlier generations of that nameplate. Things can be done to strengthen said frame though. Nova is a unibody so you'd want SFCs and to make sure that the body bushings are upgraded and fresh (especially important since the car is so old.) Nova will weight just a bit less, all else being equal, though the difference won't be much if you plan to gut both cars and employ every weight savings measure possible for either. I know you said that neither has an engine or trans, but if the Nova is an original SS car it should have a 12-bolt (assuming that hasn't been lost to the ages) vs. the 7.625 in the Monte. Not sure how much this matters as I'm guessing you'll want a complete aftermarket rear with narrowed axles and such for so much power.
Ultimately, I think the Nova can be built to do what you want at a slightly lower weight (it's also about a foot shorter), and probably with more options in terms of tubbing, rear end and such. Both have a bunch of suspension and brake upgrade options available.
Another thing to consider is value. Do you plan to sell the one that you don't build? If so, and especially if the Nova is an original SS, the Nova will be worth more all else (condition, level of completeness of the roller, etc.) being equal. Both will cost about the same to build, so if the other will be sold to help fund the project then I'd recommend selling the Nova for its greater value and then building the Monte.
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I'm sure I'll probably build the nova it's a complete car already with a roll cage but I'm not gutting either car nor will either be sold and yes its a original ss it's been 10.30s in the 1/4 about 17 years ago with a bbc all iron engine and a th400 with full interior and working signals. I feel it's a little more ready for the challenge for 1000+hp.
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I'm sure I'll probably build the nova it's a complete car already with a roll cage but I'm not gutting either car nor will either be sold and yes its a original ss it's been 10.30s in the 1/4 about 17 years ago with a bbc all iron engine and a th400 with full interior and working signals. I feel it's a little more ready for the challenge for 1000+hp.
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maybe it's just that simple for you, but I'm partial to the g body's, the nova has more to offer as of now but my question was which one would be the better car to invest in for a 1000 hp ls engine swap and why. If you've given your two cents then thank you for the response but maybe without killing my thread at the same time.
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No, not at all. But it does sound like it's just that simple for you based on your reply previous to this. Here's your quote again:
If you're sure you'll probably build the Nova and feel that it's more ready for the challenge, then it sounds like your mind is already made up. Hence my comment... "Doesn't sound like there is anything left to discuss then."
I have no idea what you mean by "killing your thread". If I had locked it, you wouldn't have been able to post this reply. If I had removed or deleted it, you wouldn't even be able to see the thread. It's been here, open and available to all, ever since you posted it. You might not agree with the opinions I offered for consideration in my first reply, but it's an absolute fact that this thread was never locked/removed/deleted or "killed".
If you are simply referring to the lack of activity/additional responses to the thread, perhaps that is because your statement above, "I'm sure I'll probably build the nova", seemed pretty conclusive, hence others also felt that you had already made up your mind and didn't see a reason to invest in further debate?
I'm sure I'll probably build the nova it's a complete car already with a roll cage but I'm not gutting either car nor will either be sold and yes its a original ss it's been 10.30s in the 1/4 about 17 years ago with a bbc all iron engine and a th400 with full interior and working signals. I feel it's a little more ready for the challenge for 1000+hp.
If you are simply referring to the lack of activity/additional responses to the thread, perhaps that is because your statement above, "I'm sure I'll probably build the nova", seemed pretty conclusive, hence others also felt that you had already made up your mind and didn't see a reason to invest in further debate?
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Well its good to know that I've found the only member on this forum that seems to always have the hot topic, the best answers and the only threads worth a discussion. Now I'm reminded of why I'm better off without others ideas and opinions, because of smart *** members that belittle others post. And yes I will use my nova for the current build. This is my second and last thread started for this forum or for any forum for that matter. Membership is discontinued as of now.
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Well its good to know that I've found the only member on this forum that seems to always have the hot topic, the best answers and the only threads worth a discussion. Now I'm reminded of why I'm better off without others ideas and opinions, because of smart *** members that belittle others post. And yes I will use my nova for the current build. This is my second and last thread started for this forum or for any forum for that matter. Membership is discontinued as of now.
Interesting that you think someone else is to blame for all of this. Good luck with that, and with your build.