Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - BUMPED: Newbie needing Input

Okay guys....I run a program for kids that allows them to work on vehicles over the summer and this year is a Nova SS with what I was told is the following changes to the vehicle in 1993:

- LS3/403
- New valves
- 218/228 @ .50 lift cam
- Edlebrock Intake
- New Holley 650 Carb

I have been working on newer engines...not old skool as they say. I want to know what this engine is capable of as it stands now. First impressions....when I pounce on the pedal, it cuts out and then goes.

Also....what of the following should I install:
- fuel management
- Spark
- headers
- exhaust

Looking for your valuable input so these kids to work.

Thanks,
Steve

First, since I read your other thread on this topic, you might want to clarify this is an old school 396/402 big-block engine (LS3 was used in 1970 Chevelles was 330 hp, 71 models were 300 hp and 72 were 240). I'm not 100% sure about the hp rating for a Nova, or if this is a crate/rebuilt GM motor the hp rating.

When it cuts out then goes, does it happen when cold on engine temp, hot or both? I'd likely say the carb is lean or rich and needs to be tuned with the air bleeds and/or squirters.

On all the above mods, what are the goals of the car? Street, street/strip, etc? Defining this will help get better responses, but almost anything aftermarket will help the engine breathe better than factory equipment, but I'd address the problems first before moving on.

Good luck!

Derek

All Good questions....

The goal of the vehicle is a flashlight racer....that can be driven to the track...and not trailered...the cars for kids..kids need to ride in it.

Yes...did reiterate and stating that it was an old school engine...when I was alerted that the forum i was in was for new school ls engines.

The bog down...I now through reading see that the Holley 650 is known for this problem with improper settings....plan on correcting.

We have sponsors for the vehicle and the first course of action is to get rid of the Mr. Muffler installed duals with crappy bends and most likely a restrictive airway. With that, we will be installing a Magnaflow system, a system that has proven itself to us in past late model projects we have worked on.

See, the experience I have is with late models....get a laptop and tweek...changing the engine was not always necessary. Now....need to better understand the capability of the engine which did come from a Chevelle. I had a set of Headman hedders...which are rusty...and HEI rotor...and that's about it.

So....I went to your site, and your Nova looks great....so....what's your valuable input on where to start beyond the exhaust.

Thanks for the feedback.
Steve

get a wideband and tune it just like a late model, only you use jets and squirters not injector pulses.

gotcha

Yeah if its the 650 carb its the tune, thats def not too small of a carb in my opinion, where is this school? that is SO awesome kids have access to this!!!!

Thanks.

In pittsburgh, pa.

We have done everything from cars...to suv's....to a motorcycle. This is our most technically indepth endeavor since it requires work on all parts of the vehicle.

Steve

If the Hedman headers fit, I'd use them. Also, what Edelbrock intake is on it?

The rest of the combo depends on finances (as do most things dealing with cars)! At the very least I'd consider swapping the heads (or doing a little port work to the stockers), a converter and/or rear-end gear change to allow the engine to find the powerband quicker, and either clean up the H.E.I. and use it or go with a good aftermarket distributor like MSD. Also, make sure to give the suspension, steering and brakes a good looking-at. You don't even want to add 1 more horsepower if the car can't handle, stop or turn.

Good luck, glad to hear projects like this are still happening! :thumb:

Derek

I'd have the kids perform a compression test to verify the condition of the motor before you start adding bolt-ons. If you can't tune that carb buy a Holley Avenger..they work great right out of the box. Tuning carburetors IS NOT easy, especially if you have not done it before; if content buy a "How to tune holley carbs" book and start reading LOL. I also must agree with the other poster, do the brakes (I'd upgrade to 4-wheel disc brakes) and suspension first. With any project you work from the bottom up.