I have just purchased a 1976 nova. 350 with TH350 tranie and factory rear. The car was originaly a V6 car. This is my first project car. I have the heart of a drag racer and have access to a local 1/8 mile dragstrip but need to build on my budget. I am looking for some ideals on small things to do that will improve performance. I have reaserched Nova's and have found that some came with a 396. I have an oportunity to purchase a 396 that will probly need rebuilding for $200. My friend that works with me says that I need to stick with the small block 350. He said that the 396 was more costly to build and maintain. I have been reading up on 383 strokers as well. I am looking for simple heart pounding horse power put to the road, but i am on a budget. I am looking for sugestions. Everything form engine, transmition, to rear gears. Please give me some ideals.  

I don't think you could get a 76 with a 396 but that is a good price for that engine provided it is in rebuildable condition. It is true it will cost more to build than a small block but after that I'm not so sure it will cost you more, other than fuel. The torque of the big block engine is a definate advantage and will make the car a blast to drive. Another plus is the look on faces when you open the hood.  

383 stroker I think is the best route for less weight and money.The stroker and 396BBC have the same stroke but in a smaller package,look into budget stroker kits which are usually external balance with 5.7" rods and rpm limited.But for a street engine it's fine,invest more time into heads and correct cam for your application.Budget heads?Of course Vortecs!Some mail order outfits have upgraded Vortec versions which I recommend, screw-in studs and can handle more lift are highlights.I've seen alot of articles were 383's can keep up in the torque department with 396's because of smaller intake runners and valves.We need more info on your intentions with your last year rear drive Nova.    WIEDER  

Is it going to be only a drag car or you driving it as a daily driver. If its just a race car gut it. The lighter it is the faster you go. Also which rear end does it have the 8.5" 10 bolt or the 7.5" 10-bolt?  

Not sure will half to look. Where would the numbers for the rear be located?  

wieder:
383 stroker I think is the best route for less weight and money.The stroker and 396BBC have the same stroke but in a smaller package,look into budget stroker kits which are usually external balance with 5.7" rods and rpm limited.But for a street engine it's fine,invest more time into heads and correct cam for your application.Budget heads?Of course Vortecs!Some mail order outfits have upgraded Vortec versions which I recommend, screw-in studs and can handle more lift are highlights.I've seen alot of articles were 383's can keep up in the torque department with 396's because of smaller intake runners and valves.We need more info on your intentions with your last year rear drive Nova.    WIEDER

Thanks for the advice. Will shop around for 383 stroker kits. I plan on driveing only to the track, about 15 miles and at the track, then back home. will the 393 require me to change out the transmition from the TH350? Also what gears you recomenf for performance yet driability to and from the track?  

To prevent changeover to a TH400 for example,get your TH350 built up to handle close to 500lbs of  torque.Not sure if they had 7.5 rear gears in those Novas, if so look into a lowcost route to install a 8.5 rear w/3:73's.If available subframe connectors are highly recommended and rear suspension upgrades for better holeshots and for less body twist.Keep your torque energy from being asorbed thru the body and put it to the ground.    WIEDER  

wieder:
To prevent changeover to a TH400 for example,get your TH350 built up to handle close to 500lbs of  torque.Not sure if they had 7.5 rear gears in those Novas, if so look into a lowcost route to install a 8.5 rear w/3:73's.If available subframe connectors are highly recommended and rear suspension upgrades for better holeshots and for less body twist.Keep your torque energy from being asorbed thru the body and put it to the ground.    WIEDER

I have varified the 8.5 rear. Should this be a good rear for a street drag car? Am also planing on upgradeing the suspention. Cant find the numbers on the motor. Wanted to varify year etc... Found the intake number but all that told me was a small block chevy. Any sugestions of where the engine numbers might be? Also with this being my first street rod. Would converting a 350 to a 383 be recomended for a noob like myself. Also where would the numbers for my heads be located?  

Engine numbers should be on the block (where the head mates to it). I can't remember which side, but one side sticks out about 3/4" (in front) with numbers stamped in.

You may have to clean it off to see it (I think it's behind the alternator).

I may be wrong, but if I remeber correctly, that's where you'll find it.  

At the back of the block on what they call a ledge right where the trans. bolts up.Mortec.com is a great source for I.D. info. If you can,look for somebody with building experience that will work with you and oversee progress.Sometimes a person can't afford professional involvement,but then again can a person afford to start over because of something they overlooked or didn't know about and possibly destroy the engine? Your rearend with upgrades should hold up good behind your 383 torque.      WIEDER  

wieder:
At the back of the block on what they call a ledge right where the trans. bolts up.Mortec.com is a great source for I.D. info. If you can,look for somebody with building experience that will work with you and oversee progress.Sometimes a person can't afford professional involvement,but then again can a person afford to start over because of something they overlooked or didn't know about and possibly destroy the engine? Your rearend with upgrades should hold up good behind your 383 torque.      WIEDER

OK I found this number but can't crossrefference it with any website that has numbers for the block numbers N99 99L. Also I am haveing trouble finding my head casting number in the reference charts as well 14022001 is the number posted on the heads when i take the valve covers off.  

Your block # is similar to your head casting numbers in the amount of digits,maybe there's some buildup on those numbers from lack of oil changes?   WIEDER  

I found it!!! 3970014. Should this be a good motor to build or shouldi keep shoping around.  

Your block will work good after a machine shop checks it out to make sure it's usable.Keep us posted with the outcome with your block and will go from there.    WIEDER  

wieder:
Your block will work good after a machine shop checks it out to make sure it's usable.Keep us posted with the outcome with your block and will go from there.    WIEDER

Is it to soon to be asking questions about cam and heads and carb? Or should I wait untill i have the block machined. I am trying to get a game plan on what to put in my engine now. Eventuly I would love to have a good street car that performs well on our local 1/8 mile local track. Looking to run in the 8 sec range. Just enough to have fun. Nonething crazy, but competative.