Here to learn.
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Joined: Jan 2024
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From: New England
Here to learn. I'll keep this short and sweet. I bought a 3rd generation Nova a few years back. I think it was a 6 cylinder powerglide car to begin with and at some point someone tossed a 350/TH-350 into it. Motor always felt anemic since day 1 and maybe that's because it had a few lobes wiped on the cam. I addressed that and it still doesn't have enough mojo for me.
I've done a fair amount of work in the 3 years I've had the car: overhauled/upgraded front suspension and rear suspension, subframe connectors, Ford 9", disc brakes, rear shocks relocated etc. The SBC just isn't doing it for me...it just isn't. A number of years ago I had a 454 built for another project and I started putting together all of the parts to drop that into the engine compartment and decided I didn't want all of the extra weight up front, nor do I love the limits of an OEM small block or OEM big block. The more I've investigated the LS platform, the more I think that it's going to be the answer for me. I won't need to buy an aftermarket block if I want to build big power...and that's why I'm here.
I'm hoping to learn as much as possible before I take the plunge. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from everyone here who has been there and done it -- and is willing to share their knowledge so I can minimize my own suffering and wasting of time and money.
I've done a fair amount of work in the 3 years I've had the car: overhauled/upgraded front suspension and rear suspension, subframe connectors, Ford 9", disc brakes, rear shocks relocated etc. The SBC just isn't doing it for me...it just isn't. A number of years ago I had a 454 built for another project and I started putting together all of the parts to drop that into the engine compartment and decided I didn't want all of the extra weight up front, nor do I love the limits of an OEM small block or OEM big block. The more I've investigated the LS platform, the more I think that it's going to be the answer for me. I won't need to buy an aftermarket block if I want to build big power...and that's why I'm here.
I'm hoping to learn as much as possible before I take the plunge. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from everyone here who has been there and done it -- and is willing to share their knowledge so I can minimize my own suffering and wasting of time and money.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,627
Likes: 2,543
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Welcome! 
Depending on the model year, the VIN number can reveal various details about the original engine ('68-'71 will only reveal original cylinder count - but '72-'74 tell the specific engine).
Lots of folks with 3rd gen X-bodies here, myself included. Check out the Swaps & Conversions section for ideas on wiring, etc. I can't provide any help in that department as I've chosen to stick with dinosaur tech in my '71...it will remain SBC or BBC for the remainder of my life - plenty of power can still be made with those ancient engine platforms. But the LS/Gen III & IV stuff is very capable as well, I've greatly enjoyed the ones I've had in my various 4th gen F-bodies.
Good luck with the build!
Lots of folks with 3rd gen X-bodies here, myself included. Check out the Swaps & Conversions section for ideas on wiring, etc. I can't provide any help in that department as I've chosen to stick with dinosaur tech in my '71...it will remain SBC or BBC for the remainder of my life - plenty of power can still be made with those ancient engine platforms. But the LS/Gen III & IV stuff is very capable as well, I've greatly enjoyed the ones I've had in my various 4th gen F-bodies.
Good luck with the build!
