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1978 Nova LQ4 / T56 Build

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Old Sep 29, 2012 | 05:01 PM
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Default 1978 Nova LQ4 / T56 Build

Now that my 5.3/th400 build is gone, it's time to get back to the original build of my 1978 Nova. I have had this car since I was 15 so I have never come to parting with it. The plan is to drop in a 07 LQ4 with dbw and run a t56 behind it and make it a handling cruiser for the family. This will be a slow build at this point as I'm still gathering parts. So far here is what I have gathered.

2007 LQ4 out of a wrecked Silverado with. 44k miles.
Pacesetter coated long tubes
Low mileage Texas speed MS3 cam
EBay 1" set back plates





Last edited by 78supersport; Sep 30, 2012 at 11:13 AM.
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Old Sep 30, 2012 | 11:14 AM
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A few more pictures.


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Old Sep 30, 2012 | 11:54 AM
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sweet , glad to see someone work on and make those later novas nice . and better than factory .
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Old Sep 30, 2012 | 02:40 PM
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So the mustang is gone??? Loved that car. Nova cool too as my first car and high school "hot rod" was a 77 nova...
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Old Sep 30, 2012 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by toxic99
So the mustang is gone??? Loved that car. Nova cool too as my first car and high school "hot rod" was a 77 nova...
Yeah sadly the mustang is gone. But I felt like starting a family and getting back on track with the car that started it all for me was the direction I needed to head. You don't happen to still have your nova?
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Old Sep 30, 2012 | 11:25 PM
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Looks good, I have a 5.3 and a 4l80e in my '77 nova. Check my build or pm me if you have any questions.
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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 10:22 PM
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Mock up stage. Got the CTS-V pan mounted for mock up. Having to move the factory frame stands up due to the thickness of the eBay 1" set back plates.








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Old Oct 19, 2012 | 10:40 PM
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Got the mounts move and bolted down. Truck accessories fit with plenty of room.







This last picture I had to at least put the core support on and set the fenders on for motivation as I havent driven this car in over 8yrs. Wishing I had this combo back in high school.
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Old Oct 20, 2012 | 01:48 AM
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Originally Posted by 78supersport
Got the mounts move and bolted down. Truck accessories fit with plenty of room.







This last picture I had to at least put the core support on and set the fenders on for motivation as I havent driven this car in over 8yrs. Wishing I had this combo back in high school.
You do nice work,appears it will be a slick ride when completed..
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 05:32 AM
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Well Figure its time for a update. After selling the 5.3 mustang I didn't think that I wanted another race car but wouldn't you know it I got the itch again.
I sold the MS3 cam and lt headers to go a faster direction in favor for a large turbo. This is going to be a slow build with the news of a new addition to the family coming in May.

As of now I am waiting on the v-bands for the headers and finding the sst plate to make the turbo flange and mount.

Here are some pictures of trying to figure out where to put this friggin thing.




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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 09:24 AM
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Hi , I'm working on a 78 nova and i want to know if you want to sale the pacesetter long tube headers. PM me a price.
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by trobert3
Hi , I'm working on a 78 nova and i want to know if you want to sale the pacesetter long tube headers. PM me a price.
I actually sold them this week in the parts classifieds section.
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 12:53 PM
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Def subscribed, i have a 78 skylark that im doing a lq4 swap on, just got it and havent done anything but homework to this point. Will be watching your progress very closely.

What are those pace setter headers you were orginally using designed for? Ive been looking at using LS swap headers for a 78 camaro.

Last edited by gonemad347; Dec 7, 2012 at 01:03 PM.
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by gonemad347
Def subscribed, i have a 78 skylark that im doing a lq4 swap on, just got it and havent done anything but homework to this point. Will be watching your progress very closely.

What are those pace setter headers you were orginally using designed for? Ive been looking at using LS swap headers for a 78 camaro.

They were for 98-02 camaro. They really did fit great.
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Old Dec 12, 2012 | 04:36 AM
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Slowly making progress. Got one V-band welded on last night on my lunch. Hopefully get the other done tonight. Don't think it turned out to bad for being a newbie at tig welding.

Before:


After:



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Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:48 PM
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Nice looking welds!



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Old Dec 12, 2012 | 03:17 PM
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I love these Novas. Please keep this updated! I'm surprised that those Fbody headers fit that well, good to know for future reference.
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Old Dec 13, 2012 | 03:50 AM
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Thanks guys. Trying to keep up the momentum. Got the Drivers side v-band done on lunch tonight. Guess its time to make the turbo flange and get some stainless tubing ordered.



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Old Jan 8, 2013 | 09:35 PM
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looking good man, they wouldnt work facing down and forward? Or are you worried about the flanges not sealing?
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Old Jan 10, 2013 | 04:19 AM
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Originally Posted by lblevins
looking good man, they wouldnt work facing down and forward? Or are you worried about the flanges not sealing?
Down and forward is the plan now had to get moroso solid motor mounts so they would clear and picked up a manual steering box for extra room. Flanges would seal fine either way there mounted.
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