Hello everyone I have been looking for quite sometime. I am interested in getting a nova (my dad had one when he was 17 i believe 72 SS) for a summer or nice day car. The car does not need to be matching but would like a true SS. I am just curious what one would need to spend to have a a reliable nova 67-72 with possibly a BB. Looking for around 450hp give or take not decieded on trans yet. thanks alot in advance guys looking foward to joining the crew. Also what is the real diff besides motor to a ss car and a non ss car

a true SS with a BBC ?

probably 15K +/-

Thanks also the car did not have to come with a BB if that makes a differnece. That being said If a SB nova is considerably less I may start with that and just get a crate engine down the road.

well if it's VIN'd as a true SS you'll be paying for it and the BBC Hi-Po optioned car will be in the top range of the prices... a SBC car can be had for less... and the Sixer model for less than the SBC.

the base model sixer car can be built into pretty much anything you want...

keep an eye on E-Bay, Craigslist, RacingJunk, Recycler and local papers to get an idea of what they're going for in your area also condition etc to get a sense of prices ;)

is there a benefit to a vin'd ss? are they built any differnt other then motor.

well the VIN says what the car is... a Nova is a Nova until you get into the options which say its worth to a collector etc. on 3rd Genner Novas paperwork and documentation are critical to back up the car's legitimacy. a badge that says it's an SS doesn't necessarily mean it IS an SS... someone could have cloned it. there are tell-tale signs but in reality the documentation backing up the VIN is/are the best way to confirm.

a factory BBC Nova is at the top of the chain as far as worth... and if it's numbers matching then the price goes up from there.

if you take some time and really research these cars you'll find out it's really all about the numbers... factory factory factory. options options options.

look here for a great example of a factory L78 in prime condition: http://www.novas.net/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3078&cat=13&date=1220923551

now compare that to a std Nova with a sixer and a p/glide and you'll see QUITE a difference in value ;)

Thank you for your help. For what I am looking for I dont see the need for a numbers matcing car. I just wasnt sure if the SS came from the factory with beefier frame, rear end etc. I would just like a clean reliable nova that i can drive in the nice wheather that I can pound on LOL. Thanks for all you help so far

is novas starting with vin#114 or 117 a SS, thats what i'm finding on the computer that it is for a 1970

A true 1972 SS Nova has a "K"code in the vin....

is novas starting with vin#114 or 117 a SS, thats what i'm finding on the computer that it is for a 1970

The VIN does not denote the SS package on a 1970 model!! The 11427 VIN tells you the car is a 2 door with V8 engine....original driveline or paperwork are necessary to confim SS option. There are lots of other small clues like: dual exhaust, power disc brakes, etc...

a nice small block driver with good paint, interior and driveline is going to run at least $15-20k.....or more depending upon condition. Big block cars are another story...if it's a real car you will be north of $30k and chances are it won't have the real engine. If the car has original driveline then your talking at least $40k and up.
You can build a nice BB cruiser out of a granny survivor...the trick is to find the correct base car to start with. Buy the best combo of paint/body/interior you can find or afford. After that the rest is easy....BB motor, trans, rear...and related hardware: exhaust, suspension, etc...can be done for around $10k, if you're not paying for the labor. Buy yourself a super clean survivor, add the new driveline, wheels, tires, stereo....should be able to make something nice for around $30-35k...as long as it doesnt need paint. Others may view it differently...


....or just call me and I'll sell you a nice L78 car and you will be "king of the road":beers:

heres a couple 68's in my area......

here's a screaming deal for 3,600. put 5k in to this one and you'd be in good shape http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/956367168.html

or here an example of way over priced one for 26,500 http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/939725367.html

just gotta shop around...