Newest member of the Nova family

[j falk]

How's it going everyone?

First of all, I want to point out that I am a novice with cars in general, and especially classics, so bare with me, but I promise I will take all of your words into consideration seeing that it is clear most of you have experience with these beauties. I also want to point out that this car is my dream car that I've wanted ever since I started driving, but I was always too cautious to get one due to the fact that I don't know how to work on them myself. But hey, I went out on a limb and did it.

I just want to ask everyones opinion on this deal I just got for this 1970 nova:

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/4129091731.html

It is absolutely beautiful from the outside. It runs(apart from the new tranny needing to get rebuilt which is gonna cost me another $650). The only flaw on the exterior is the rear quarter panels are rusted.

The interior has a really nice black leather seat in the back, it has nice carpet on the floors, the headliner isn't in bad shape. He has nice, new bucket seats in the front, but they aren't bolted down. Some problems...the driver side door is very unsturdy when you open. It almost seems like it's going to fall off. The driver door also doesn't have a panel at all. The passenger door panel is in bad shape.

It has the original straight six motor. I plan on putting a small block 350 in it eventually.

Well, I'd really like to get everyones thoughts on this. About how much can I plan on spending to fix some of the problems I listed? Also, I got him to lower the price down to 2900. IDK, something just told me I couldn't pass on this one. Thanks guys.

 

[zora]

You can check parts prices in the aftermarket catalogs such as
http://www.classicindustries.com/nova/parts/
http://www.ss396.com/nova_62-72.htm
Cannt tell you the labor because if you are not doing it yourself it is based on the hourly rate of the shop that you pick. Good luck with your project.

 

[j falk]

Just talked to my mechanic, and he's going to charge me 1600 for rebuilding the transmission and adding a 350 motor. Am I getting a good deal here?

 

[zora]

You would have to provide a lot more detail as to what that 350 motor will consist of.

 

[j falk]

You would have to provide a lot more detail as to what that 350 motor will consist of.

Alright well we decided on a couple other things as well. He's rebuilding the turbo 350, rebuilding a stock 350 engine to drop in, putting headers and a cam/lifters on the motor(new), and he's going to add dual flowmaster exhaust(used)

He's charging me $2300 for all this. He tried to talk me into replacing the torque converter with a 2800 stall for an extra $75, but my buddies tell me not to even worry about doing that unless I plan on racing a lot.

Feedback greatly appreciated. Anything I should know

 

[zora]

Not trying to be difficult but your description is very vague. What heads is he putting on this engine and is he doing any modifications to the heads? Exactly what cam is he installing? Is he using a 4 bolt main or 2 bolt main 350? What oil pump and pan is he using? What timing chain and gears? What induction system, intake, carburetor, fuel pump, line size, etc. I could go on but unless you can provide a very specific parts list broken down into parts and labor nobody can give you an answer.

 

[j falk]

Not trying to be difficult but your description is very vague. What heads is he putting on this engine and is he doing any modifications to the heads? Exactly what cam is he installing? Is he using a 4 bolt main or 2 bolt main 350? What oil pump and pan is he using? What timing chain and gears? What induction system, intake, carburetor, fuel pump, line size, etc. I could go on but unless you can provide a very specific parts list broken down into parts and labor nobody can give you an answer.

Sorry, like I said I'm new to this, but am learning very quickly...anyways...I know he's putting on vortec heads that are going to have "a little work done to them" and new springs, an aluminum vortec intake, a 750 double pump carb, an aftermarket roller cam

Anyways...these are all new updates. My price for everything has gone up to $4850, but that includes the rebuilt turbo 350 w shift kit and 2800 stall, rebuilt 350 motor with all those upgrades I just mentioned, dual flowmaster exhaust welded on, fixing all the rust with bondo and replacing the rusted fendors, and a metallic blue paint job.

Sorry I can't be more in detail about some things...I'm working on it lol

 

[zora]

Since you are experiencing job price creep, look at www.summitracing.com and www.jegs.com for complete crate engines rather than pay for him assembling an engine with various parts.