455 in 73 Nova

[Brandn74]

How hard would it be to put a pontiac engine in a 73 nova(headers,starter,mounts,etc)?

[Pontiacmuscle]

Not Hard at all....all youd need to change I believe are the mounts and move the fuel line (maybe). NoNova can help you better than I can....he has an Olds with a Poncho in it. Kep us posted.

[Brian '74]

The '71-'74 Ventura is built on the same platform as a Nova, which share the front subframe, mounts, headers of the 1st gen Firebirds.

[Pontiacmuscle]

Brian, Arent the Frame mounts different between Pontiac and Chevy?

[nonnova]

You would need frame mounts and motor mounts from a 71-74 Ventura or 67-69 Fbird (forgot about them). I used the newer clamshell style mounts on mine and fabricated a frame mount.
As already stated, The headers for a 67-69 Firebird are the same. And Yes, You will either have to move the fuel line or extend it to run over to the drivers side.
Also, If you are running an HEI you MAY have to "massage" the firewall a little.
The only problem I ran into is the brake booster was right on top of the valve cover. This also may have been because of my use of the clamshell and fabricated mounts but was rectified by using the smaller dia. one from the '79 Firebird I used as a donor car for the 4 wheel disc set up.

For detailed text and pics of my "poncho conversion", click on my signature pic to go to my website, then go to the "My Omega" page.

[Brian '74]

I meant the Ventura, share the same mounts, etc w/ the Firebird. You would need to replace the mounts on the Nova w/ Pontiac mounts.

[Brandn74]

I still have the mounts I bought from IA for a 78 grand lemans that I was going to use,but the headers were going to have to be fabricated so I scrapped that project cause 1500.00 dollars was a little to much for headers.I have the frame mounts and motor mounts.Also would it be possible to put in a 400 trans. without a lot of modifications?I appreciate all the help and info you guys can give me.NoNova did you use a 4 row radiator or did you have to use a smaller one?When you say relocate the fuel lines are you saying completely from front to back or just a section of the line?Sorry for all the questions,but I just want to know what i'm getting into.Thanks again.

[nonnova]

I used the rad. that was in my car, a stock replacement Modine for an Omega w/ac, 23"x17"x2" 3 row.
You can reroute the fuel line front to back if you want OR you can hard line (don't use rubber) an extension across the front crossmember as I did.
You shouldn't have any problems using a 400 trans but I'm not sure if the crossmember is the same. anyone else know?
Any other questions don't hesitate to ask.....that's what we're here for:)

[Brian '74]

I have a 400 crossmember in my '74 so it will work in a '73. There should be NO way headers will cost $1500 to put a Poncho motor in a Nova. Any '67-'69 Firebird header WILL work. Some of the larger tube headers will need some persuassion, but WILL fit!! Mounts from a LeMans, not sure about that, but I know Classic Industries sell an aftermarket frame mount. You can find the mounts on Ebay too.

[Brandn74]

The headers were for a 78 grand lemans not the 73 nova.Since I know where I can get info from about this task I will get started so I can be ready this spring.

[bryany]

T400 tranny, I swapped one years ago and only had to fab a new crossmember and have the driveshaft modified for length and yoke I think. This was in a 72 Nova and Chevy parts but the principle should be the same.

Bryan

[engineer]

headers for a 1978 grand lemans with a pontiac v8 are not $1500 unless custom made. there are vendor headers available for a lot less.

[Brandn74]

Should i put the headers on the engine before i put it in the car?

[rich seibert]

i am guessing it may be better to lay headers in 1st........
it is best if you can mock up the a spare bare block and head to see ........
i have found driver side is less forgiving than pass side.........
i have a bird though,.... it is the same front subframe i think
in my case headers must be in 1st

[nonnova]

Should i put the headers on the engine before i put it in the car?
After spending most of an afternoon trying to change header gaskets on a friends 69 Firebird (I used to do the ones in my sbc Nova in under an hour), I decided it would be easier to bolt them to the motor first on the Omega.....I was right.