1968-1972 Nova engine combos

[Jeff Kempton]

Over the past three years we've fielded numerous questions about various Stocker combos, and quite a few of those questions have been about the 1968-1972 Nova body style. With that in mind I figured that some of you would find this thread interesting:

classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=42536

While originally you were required to run the exact year claimed; complete with all the correct trim, since the '80's NHRA and IHRA have softened their stance on this to the point that for a '68-72 Nova you can just claim the model year that you want. Detail items like correct side marker lights and trim are seldom closely questioned any more. This means that for this body style there are many engine combos that you can run, many of which are discussed in this thread.

These cars are still fairly common, but so far only Trevor Ervin races one in the ACSSA. There's plenty of room for a few more!

PS - Here's one of the engine combos that they talk about for sale used:

"1972 Chevrolet 350ci 200hp. Built by Bub Whitaker. Best of everything. Needs to be freshened. $6250 or best offer. I will include a carburetor with engine. Questions can be emailed to me at [e-mail]
Johnny Gray 1109 STK"

[John Scott]

That is interesting for sure.

$6250 for an engine, carb to pan seems like a good deal. I just don't know how a fella would get it to the Maritimes.

I like Marc Yacavone's post:

"Question: Why do most of you guys want this guy to end up in F, G, H /SA ? He's a beginner on a budget. He'll get his a** handed to him regularly in heads up runs in those classes. Big block scenario is even worse.

But that wouldn't be a problem in the ACSSA, because there are no heads up races, right?

[Jeff Kempton]

Aug 20, 2012 18:49:03 GMT -4 John Scott said:

That is interesting for sure.

$6250 for an engine, carb to pan seems like a good deal. I just don't know how a fella would get it to the Maritimes.

I like Marc Yacavone's post:

"Question: Why do most of you guys want this guy to end up in F, G, H /SA ? He's a beginner on a budget. He'll get his a** handed to him regularly in heads up runs in those classes. Big block scenario is even worse.

But that wouldn't be a problem in the ACSSA, because there are no heads up races, right?

That's correct; no heads up racing in the ACSSA. Interestingly those classes are among the most popular in our series too. My theory on that is because it's the home for most of the small block musclecars from the '60s and '70s; which are popular race cars, and because those cars run in the mid-11s typically, which is a quick ride but still relatively affordable.

Johnny Gray is a NHRA Division 1 racer who often attends races at Englishtown, Atco, Maple Grove, etc. Many local racers either compete or spectate at those tracks, so chances are you could find someone to connect with him and drag the engine home for you if you bought it. The important thing is to figure out if it's what you want and if it fits your needs before you commit.

Note that it needs to be freshened....you may want to get a budget price from Armstrongs and figure that into the budget. It may have Shubeck lifters and racers have a love/hate relationship with them. You need to decide if that's what you want.