Thread: Opinions on SBC Build

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Looking at purchasing a 66 Nova with a fresh 350 in it and wanted to get some opinions on the parts and pieces and their compatibility. Horsepower and torque estimates would also be welcomed. This is the blurb from the seller:

350 - .030 over. .010-.010 ground crank, 1 piece rear main seal, 2 bolt main roller cam block, rods reconditioned, speed pro pistons, fedral mogul rings , bearings and cam kit cam is 214-224 duration @.50 lift it is 443/465 . heads are cast and are reconditioned with new spring long slot rockers and push rods. new melling high vol oil pump and moroso pan new professional products cyclone polished aluminum manifold , holley 600w electric choke, rebuilt hei ignition, new wires, plugs high flow aluminum water pump. 9.5 compression 350 hp 400 ft lbs torque was started and run at 2000 rpm for 30 min to break in the cam before I picked it up . has new ceramic coated sanderson block hugger headers. have mufflers with dumps on them. still need the rest of the pipes. tranny is still the stock aluminum powerglide. seals have been replaced and has a new b&m 3000 stall converter.


My assumption on the heads would be that they are Vortec style heads as I believe this is what a roller block would come with??? Opinions on that are welcome also. This gentleman bought the engine from what he called a reputable engine builder who said this combination would be great for a street car??

Thanks in advance...

You need the casting numbers from the heads and the block.Heads could be anything as they all will fit. As far as roller block Truck 350s of the early 90s are roller blocks but came with flat tappets

Thanks for thr reply...learning as I go here. Found out they are not vortec heads. Asked for block and head casting #'s... Also asked if it is a roller lifter setup or just a roller block. Will post again when I get the info.

Sounds like a good build for a street rod. The 66 Nova is a sweet little car and fairly light. The parts are a good combination - 350HP and 400 ft/lbs might be a bit "optimistic", but sellers have a tendency to overrate thing a from time-to-time in hope of enhancing a sale. Only true measurement is from a certified dyno, but who really cares..

Depending on how deep the rear end is, the 3000 stall might also be a bit high as well - especially with a Powerglide as they typically came stock with 1200-1500 stall speed. If the car has a 3:73 or greater ratio and you're planning a lot of rocket launches the 3000 may be ok - otherwise I'd look at 2000-2200 as being more reasonable. My opinion only - others with more Powerglide knowledge will contribute here.

Bottom line is if you like the car, the sound and feel of the motor and it's a price you believe to be reasonable then buy it. They're not makin' too many 66 Novas these days! If you like it a lot, you'll have it a long time and if not, then trade or sell up.

There's really very few "bad" cars, but a lot of mismatches between a car and it's owner. I'm a Chevy guy myself and I have a lot of respect for Ford and Mopar owners - just don't happen to want to own one.

Post a few pictures and lets us "ogle" it a bit, eh?

Regards and Welcome to Club Hot Rod!
Glenn

Thanks for the replies guys...car is actually a 66 Canso, Candaian Nova for Pontiac dealers to sell. Needs finishing but looks to be a decent start with lots of parts bought with zero run time. Needs tires/wheels, paint and interior work.