Adam Connell

Well I picked up a good rust free roller here about two weeks ago. I have started tearing it down for all the body work. My biggest delima so far has been what engine to put in the thing. I have heard nothing but good things about LsX swaps.

I called BRP today and thanks to Shawn(Sean?) I was pointed towards a few sites to start getting an idea of what to expect as far as price is concerned and some of the routes I may want to consider. Here is what Im thinking so far:

-Lq4 engine/4l80E out of a 02+ van or truck
-L92 heads
-L76 intake
-New tank set up for EFI
-C5 regulator


I have been looking at car-part.com for the pull out engine and at SD for the heads/intake.

My big question is what usually comes with the pull out engine? I assume I want the full wiring harness/ecu. Are there any specific questions I should ask about the engine? Also arent the 02+ drive by wire?

I will be going through the site thoroughly over the next few weeks trying to pick up as much as I can, but any specific DO's and DONTs or general pointers would be appreciated. My goal is to "bolt in" as much as possible... The real reason why I posted this was because this will be the star of my build up thread! I will try to get some pics of the car asap

pwrtrip75

iTrader: (8)

cool, another Nova~!

WILWAXU

iTrader: (6)

Awesome! We need to start a LSx Nova club!

Keep us up to date on the progress.

prochargedchevyi

iTrader: (9)

Pull-out means a lot of different things depending on who you're talking to. My advice would be to find the nearest LKQ and go talk with one of the reps. If they don't have one at their location, they can order you one from another store and they'll deliver it for free. From my experience, they offer the best "package" deal. I got my LQ4 with the harness, coils, and accessories for $650.00. Granted, it had higher mileage, but I didn't care because I rebuilt it anyway.

If I remember correctly, the drive by wire system wasn't used until 05+ LQ9 engines (don't quote me on that).

Good luck and keep us posted.

Vincent

468BIGBLOCK

iTrader: (4)

i just bought it off ebay. it is a 2006 lq4 and 4l80e trans out of a 3500 express van it has 16kmiles complete as you will find. no wires cut. with the maf,electric gas pedal and dbw module PERECT NO CUT WIRES NO DAMAGE!! paid $2750.00 plus freight. i know that a lot of people on here claim to be getting them next to nothing but a complete liftout without any issues will set ya back $2500-$3000.00 . just try to built a junky small block chevy for that kind of money. mine is going into a 70 shortbed gmc. good luck with your nova build.

SSwolf

good luck.
And don't forget:
reworking the harness and programing computer
exhaust system
gauges/dash
upgrading block with heads and cam means-performance oil pump, lifters, timing chain, then usually new throttle body and MAF

Adam Connell

Hey 468, could you tell me what the EBAY user name was that you bought from? Sounds like he would know what I need. I dont mind the 3K price tag if it's for good stuff! IN my opinion 3K for an engine/tranny is dirt cheap ahaha.

Thanks everyone for the kind words and info so far... I may have a trick up my sleeve for this build... I am a turbo guy at heart, and it's going to be hard letting go of the Grand National... the truck manifolds flipped is just too tempting when you add up the cost of nice longtube headers

Anyone know what these Lq4 longblocks are good for? I know the crank and block are worth A LOT but what about the rods and pistons? I found a few threads with build going on Lq9 and Lq9... I would be MORE than happy with 500-550 to the wheels through the 4l80...

WILWAXU

iTrader: (6)

The Nova shares the first gen Camaro's running gear. So, any builds on a '67-'69 Camaro will be practically the same for your Nova. A few good links listed here:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-swaps/818862-lsx-swap-faq-hall-fame-threads.html

468BIGBLOCK

iTrader: (4)

will send ya a pm with the info.

70Nova SS

Nice to see another Nova indeed. The frames are the same as the 1st gen Camaro as stated and there alot of aftermarket support for the Camaro. I would use Speartech for my wiring if I had it to do over again. Stainless Works headers fit well only had to dent one tube next to pitman arm. Are you going to use the truck manifold or swap to the car style?

frojoe

iTrader: (10)

And '05+ LQ4's as well, mine is out of a 2005 Yukon and it has DBW.

Awesome to see another Nova build!! Good luck.

frojoe

iTrader: (10)

Also, nice millwork on the exhaust notch, much more unique than just bending some round tubing for an x-member!

Adam Connell

Well, I came up with a name for the project... since I have always wanted a corvette, but being 20 and a college student hasn't allowed me to purchase one... I have decided that Im going to name it "No-Vette" ahaha. Im going to use as many new C5-C6 components as possible on it(mostly brakes). Im still thinking LQ4/4l80E, but hey they are all LSX right??

Hey nova guys, what are some good nova forums/sites? I have a bunch of questions about four links/mini tubs and upgrade suspension for these cars... I really wanna cram some fat wheels/rubber in the back... Im an *** man, and there is nothing sexier than a good lookin rear end ... big brakes come in second though...

frojoe

iTrader: (10)

http://www.novas.net/

and

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/

!!!

70Nova SS

I believe I have 255/45R17 tires on my Nova with 17x8" rims I believe the back space is 4"

lsnova

I completed an lsx swap into my 69 nova a couple of months ago...if you have any question just pm and im pretty sure i can answer all ur questions.

Chevy-art

iTrader: (4)

Good luck with the build, I have always loved the Nova. I would love to find a 69 or 70 to stick an LS1 6 Speed in it.

70Nova SS

Ended up changing crossmember out for a SUM-770312, much more room for exhaust and dropped transmission 3/8" @ tailhousing. No more vibe @ 65mph. Price isn't bad either, $215.