Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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66 Nova wagon LS6

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Old Dec 30, 2017 | 09:07 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by G Atsma
So did points, condensers, carburetors, and distributors. Discs are a HUGE improvement, and don't fade nearly as much.
I have this same combination on my 66 Nova hardtop. I have logged 68k miles in the past 16 years and never an issue. Keep in mind this is NOT a track car. If I ever had any desire to do that I would have gone with the rear disc. This is a cruiser plain and simple.
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Old Dec 30, 2017 | 09:36 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Jimbo1367
Agreed. Pretty intense. When you get a chance, can we get pics of the 2dr conversion? How do you like the electric E*brake?
I haven't had much chance to try it out. Works fine in the shop. Also frees up space under the dash for other things with the handle assembly gone. Click on to one of the above Flickr pics and it will take you to all my pics, over 650 of them. let me know if you have any questions about any of them. Just a quick list of modifications in addition to the LS swap.
Filled cowl vent
Shrunk windshield opening 3/16'' all the way around to get rid of the factory
rubber gasket. Windshield will glue in.
Moved the fuel fill from left quarter panel to under the rear tail lamp (hidden).
Welded up body seams.
Shaved the tail gate panel.
Smoothed bumpers.
Smoothed fire wall.
A/C, cruise, power windows, power seats, tilt/telescopic steering column.
Rear power window.
Kenwood touch screen with navigation, amp, 10'' sub.
Split rear seat backs.
Subframe connectors.
TCI front clip with Wilwood discs, power rack.
Color matched bed liner on underside.
Fabricated 24 gallon fuel tank w/ in-tank pump.
Ceramic coated exhaust system.
Billet hood hinges.
March pulley system.
Sniper intake and fuel rails.
Billet Specialties rocker and coil covers.
8'' Ford rear end with 2.89 gears.
QA1 adjustable rear shocks.
Adjustable coil overs in front.
17 x 8's on 4 corners.
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 10:51 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Jimbo1367
Nice. $$$ valve covers. I hope you bought them used.
Originally Posted by nova66mussl
I bought them new and yes they are pricey but I got a killer deal on the engine

Excuse my thrift driven ignorance...but, who makes those covers???


Oh, and dude...this is one of THEE most sano builds I've ever seen...


(And I agree 100% on keeping the drum brakes.)
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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 06:39 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by G Atsma
So did points, condensers, carburetors, and distributors. Discs are a HUGE improvement, and don't fade nearly as much.
Disk brakes are a huge improvement in the front, not so much in the rear, especially on a car that won't see track time. You're right about fade, but it's really not a concern.

Andrew
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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 08:49 AM
  #25  
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Default 66 nova wagon build

Disc rear end with abs might be beneficial in a panic braking situation but otherwise drums can be as effective where minimal loads sit over the axle. Weight transfer under braking dictates where most of the work happens in a street car in any case. OP- your shop setup is as impressive as the build, knee mill in the corner, pepsi reach in cooler, full lift, etc...sweet digs
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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 10:44 AM
  #26  
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Thanks for all the comments.

CattleAc: The covers are made by Billet Specialties. They run about $1200. I only paid $3k for the engine with 7K miles so that was the trade off. I really don't like engine covers or coil relocation. Factor in the cost and time to relocate coils and it becomes even less.

The shop is pretty comfortable. The Bridgeport mill is great to have. I am not a machinist but I can do some simple things. The convienence factor is the important part for me. I have a large blast cabinet, small lathe, welding and cutting equipment etc. The lift.....can't tell you how many up and down trips this car has made on it. I can't imagine crawling under the car that many times. I am 65 yrs old so it probably would have killed me!! LOL
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Old Jan 16, 2018 | 06:23 PM
  #27  
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Here are a few more pics. I actually drove the car for a couple of years with one side a 4 door and the other a 2 door.
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Old Jan 17, 2018 | 04:59 PM
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Awesome build!!
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Old Jan 18, 2018 | 10:23 PM
  #29  
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The attention to detail and perfection is astounding. Cool that you are going to drive it and enjoy your work.
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Old Jan 19, 2018 | 07:26 PM
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I'll bet there were people that didn't even notice from one side to the other. Nice job! What did you use for the side rear windows Glas or Lexan? Do you have any pictures of the E Stop where it splits into two cables for the emergency brake? I looked but couldn't fine it. I love the build.
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Old Jan 22, 2018 | 10:11 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by Motown 454
I'll bet there were people that didn't even notice from one side to the other. Nice job! What did you use for the side rear windows Glas or Lexan? Do you have any pictures of the E Stop where it splits into two cables for the emergency brake? I looked but couldn't fine it. I love the build.
All the glass is flat except the windshiedd so was easy to have tempered glass made. Here is a pic of the e brake connection.
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/154841817@N03/, on Flickr
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Old Jan 22, 2018 | 11:43 PM
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Thanks!
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