chevy nova engine bay size?

[john m]

I'm looking to buy my first car and the chevy nova seem likes a cheap starter car. I was just wondering if i could fit an rb26dett into its engine bay and if not maybe one of the sportier mustang engines. How can you tell if an engine will fit into a bay?

[Kevin]

if it is smaller than a chevy small block it will fit, if you got a shoehorn you can get a big block in there. As far as putting a mustang motor you would be wasting your money unless you already have one sitting around, as chevy motors are cheaper to build, stronger, and can make more power(better heads)

[64tony82]

A big block Chevy fits.My 73 had a 454 in it.It does come close to the brake booster(helps to have the dimpled l/s valve cover) and comes close the steering gear box also. What is a rb26dett?

[Bob L]

Without knowing what year your Nova is, consider Chevy's original engine options:
In the Nova's later years, they'd cram a 427 c.i. in there. The ealier years, it wasn't unusual to see 327s in them.

Think about a nice 388 crate engine from GM