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77 nova

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Q: Is it possible to install an air conditioner in a ‘77 Chevy Nova?
I have a chance to buy a ‘77 Nova in very good condition except it has no air conditioner. Is it possible to have one installed or would this be more trouble and expense than what it’s worth?

A: Vintage air in San Antonio, Texas builds AC systems for a lot of old cars. They have many kits for specific years and models and will develop others. their website is http://wwwvintageair.com. You can also Google “Vintage Air and get several manufacturers around the country who do similar work.

Q: Where can i find a fuel line diagram for a 77 nova?
I need to find a fuel line diagram for a 77 nova. I’m trying to fix up this car and get her started but i have no idea where everything hooks up to.

I have a Chilton Repair and Tune-Up Guide but it’s no help sadly with this.

A: Not sure about a diagram , but that is fairly simple . Line comes down rail from tank to fuel pump mounted to engine on passenger side up towards front . From pump it goes up to carb . It comes up front side of engine down and around back of alternator to carb . Don’t forget the filter as it is in carb behind fitting where line goes . If you must have a diagram , try either Year One or National Parts Depot .

Q: What is the best engine to put in my 77 nova?
Proud owner of a 77 nova with no engine just a 350 turbo tranny. Dont know alot about cars but what engine is best to go with this tranny and my 77 nova. NOTE it is not a drag car it will be my daily driver
Thanks in advance

A: Simple,
a small block chevy v8 engine… they’re dime a dozen in your local want-ads or the paper. Look for either a chevy 350 or 400 v8, you should be able to find a good engine somewhere… either from a truck or car. Getting a 502 as the other ‘dude’ has suggested would be a LOT more work and a heck of a lot more expensive, you should be able to get rolling with a 350 freshed up, cleaned up with a few nice parts on it for under a grand… whereas going to a big block… well, that’s crazy unless you’ve got the cash!!

Build yourself a strong 350, look for an engine that ideally has the main bearing caps held down by 4 bolts each (its nice to have those but not critical for your application)

Keep it cheaper, and you’ll be able to afford fuel for this ol’ girl, and a set of rear tires occasionally because you’ll wanna spin ‘em off! A solid 350 can make a LOT of power..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgRWl11xICM

GIVER!

Q: Whats the best overall transmission for my 77 nova?
Im looking for a tranny that will have a good 0-60 time and also a high top speed. 77 nova 383 stroker

A: Most hot rodders go with a 700R4 because the TH 350 and 400 are 3 speed tranny’s, the 700R4 is a 4speed auto made by GM and will fit almost anything. It gives you the extra gear for top speed and fuel mileage and it’s pretty tough. Not as strong as a built TH400, but strong.

If you want a good standard trans. I would go with a Tremec 5 speed. These are extremely tough and have good split between the gears for racing and a tall fifth gear for top speed. We used these in kit racers up to 600hp from the dyno with no problems.

Q: 77 Chevy Nova Tilt Steering Column Help?
I have a 77 Nova that has a standard steering column. I want to convert it to a tilt steering column, but im not willing to spend the high prices to get one. Ive checked ebay and multiple websites every1 wants $300-400 for a steering column replacement. Im wondering if any1 has a clue as to what would be compatible to fit my nova. Let me know!

A: Shopping for this is easy, but is hard to find.

Your year models to bolt right in are 75 76 77 78 79
I was told that the dash is different for the 73 74 models and the lower column is defferent.

the cars that interchange are with Olds, Pontiac, Buick on the same plat form as Nova

List Olds Omega, Pontiac Phoenix, buick skylark

You just have to find the Luxury model of each of Limited model to get the tilt column

Q: how much to totally replace the suspension and bushings on a 77 nova?
parts? labor?

A: dont know but thats a nice ride

Q: How to fix a broken hazards light switch on a 77 chevy nova?
My friend broke my hazards light switch and it basically stopped my brake lights, dash lights, and turn signals from working right. I just need to know if I could do an in home fix or if I would have to buy a certain type of hazard light switch and how I would be able to figure out where to get one at.

A: there are lots of nova parts available type the year make and model on your web search box and go from there,make your dumas friend pay for it, but let him ride in the trunk, if he refuses to pay for being a captian tardo dipstick.

Q: how do you remove a fuse block in a 77 nova, in line 6?
i was driving and my car turned off went to start it and only turned over twice till nothing would work. no power to lights wipers nothing, checked the starter, coil, distributor and alternator there all fine but no power in the fuse block. only power in the alternator and the cable going from the starter to the fuse block but no power in the fuse block.

A: I bet you had a bad ground when you checked for power at the fuse box. Or you fried a fusable link down by the starter that feeds the fuse box.

Hows your battery? and connections? How do you know the alternator, distributor, etc are good if it wont start?

BTW if you still need to know there are two screws holding the fuse box to the firewall form inside the car and one screw in the engine compartment that connects the wire harness to the back of the fuse box.

Q: 77 Nova, What happens to an A/C Compressor when it sat for 17 years?
A/C worked great when i drove this car 17 years ago. It is R12 and i want to convert it.

What should i check to make the a/c work again. Also, what do i need to do to convert it?
compressor has never been taken off. it ran and worked great 17 years ago.

A: theres a lot to it. if your gonna convert you need to clean the system first. change the dryer, make sure the compressor is not locked by trying to spin the center clutch to see if its locked the pully its self should spin free the clutch has some tension on it but should still spin. after that then pull a vacume the better the vacume the more it will hold and the cooler it will be. then shoot the gas in one can first to check if it has any leaks. then go from there. good luck

Q: What could these black specks all over my 77 Chevy Nova be?
They’re black and won’t wash off, but if I scratch at them they will come off. They’re mostly on the hood and fenders of the car but it’s basically all over the car including the roof. Could it be residue from the beginning of surface rust peaking through the paint? It seems to be continually building up on the hood.

A: Do you park under a tree often? Had this issue once and it was coming from caterpillars in the tree’s.

Q: My 77 nova has been having problems with?
the headlights dimming while driving and my aftermarket radio turns on & off when I hit the brakes..what’s causing that to happen??

A: Your not charging the battery from the alternator.

Q: What are some ‘77 Chevy Nova facts?
I’m looking for my first car, and i’ve found a ‘77 nova. I’m looking to fix muscle cars up in the future, and i think this would be a good start. I just can’t seem to find and facts about it on te internet. Any help?

A: 1977 thru 1979
While the Nova SS name was dropped for the 1977 model year, the Z26 package continued as the Nova Rally. It kept the diamond pattern grille, but received a different, three bar stripe. The Nova Custom name was also brought back to replace the Concours. All 1977 Novas received a new instrument cluster and dashboard and in 1978 they got a new steering wheel. The other changes to the 1977-79 Nova line consist of refinements rather than great technical changes. The only visual change was in 1979 when the Nova was given squared headlights. The Nova Rally continued for 1979 but it lost the diamond pattern grille. The last Nova built rolled off the assembly line on December 22, 1978.

The last generation Novas (1975 thru 1979) have long been in the shadows of its more popular older brothers, the 1962 thru 1967 Novas and the 1968 thru 1974 Novas. Although the “Late Model Box Novas” were built long after the government and insurance companies killed the performance musclecars of the late 60’s and early 70’s, they are no less impressive. Mark my words, these Novas will become more popular as older Novas get harder and harder to find. With standard disc brakes, a refined chassis and front suspension, and cheap prices, these Novas make a great foundation for some mean street machines.

Gear ratios for 77 nova. These are std gears, other ratios could be bought as an option

250 straight 6 engine
7.50″ 10 bolt rear, 2.73 gears

305 V8
8.50″ 10 bolt rear
auto trans (th-200) 2.56
Man trans (3 speed) 2.73

350V8
8.50″ 10 bolt rear
auto trans (th-350) 2.56
Man trans (4 speed) 3.08

1977
250 L6 1 L22 110 @ 3800 195 @ 1600 3.875 x 3.53 8.3:1

305 V8 2 LG3 145 @ 3800 245 @ 2400 3.736 x 3.48 8.5:1

350 V8 4 LM1 170 @ 3800 270 @ 2400 4.000 x 3.48 8.5:1

Weight of 77 nova.. All rated with 250 L6 engine
Ranged from 3249 lbs to 3488 depending on 2 or 4 door, coupe or hatch

Then heres the option list and weights of parts add to or take away from above weights

RPO Option Description With Weight

AU3 Electric Door Locks 2-door models + 7
4-door models + 13
A31 Power Windows 2-door models + 10
4-door models + 26
B37 Front & Rear Floor Mats + 8
C09 External Soft Roof Cover + 6
C50 Rear Window Defogger + 4
C60 Air Conditioning L6 + 66
V8 + 87
D55 Floor Console 3-speed + 4
4-speed + 4
TH350 + 9
F40 Heavy Duty Suspension + 2
F41 Special Performance Suspension + 12
J50 Power Brakes + 9
LG3 305 Cu.In. V8 3-speed +113
TH200 +140
LM1 350 Cu.In. V8 4-speed +117
TH350 +132
L22 250 Cu.In. L6 TH350 + 27
N41 Power Steering L6 + 32
V8 + 30
UA1 Heavy Duty Battery L6 + 11
V8 + 10
UM1 AM Pushbutton and Stereo Tape + 16
UM2 AM/FM Pushbutton and Stereo Tape + 17
U58 AM/FM Stereo + 11
U63 AM Pushbutton Radio + 7
U69 AM/FM Pushbutton Radio + 8
ZJ7 Rally Wheels 1XX-1XY17 + 14
1XX-1XY27-69 + 18

Q: Looking for radiator casing for 77 Nova?
Looking for the casing that holds up the radiator for the 77 Nova?

This is worth 10 points……..

I cannot find this part anywhere.

these are places i’ve checked and they dont have it:
8 Junkyards
Napa
Autozone
Pepboys
Many websites

in your answer let me know if your a mechanic or not

A: Here is on on craigslist

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pts/376109337.html

Here is the link for the cushions to help hold it.

http://www.goodmarkindustries.com/Nova7579.htm

Q: My neighbour’s ‘77 Nova has to idle for about 10 minutes prior to driving because it’s “carburated”?
What does that mean, exactly?

A: It means your neighbour is still using an old school of thought that says you don’t drive a carbureted car until you can kick it down to slow idle. Yes, it may need a longer warm-up than a new car in cold weather, but in warm weather there is no reason he can’t drive after 2 minutes, carburetor or not. My first car was a 1958 Chev, and I had several carbureted cars since. They included a 1974 Nova (company car at the time) that would have had the same system, that I didn’t have to warm up. 10 minute warm-up in any weather except very cold when you need the engine warm to clear the windshield is a total waste of gasoline.
However, if it makes him feel good, and he has had the car for many years, he may believe he is babying it. If he is an older gent, you will only get into an argument trying to tell him different.

Q: 77 Nova… If i convert my A/C over to 134a do i have to replace the old compressor and dryer ??
everything has been sitting for 17 years so everything is empty and dry.

Can i convert it without replacing all the parts since there already empty? all parts have not been taken off yet and the a/c worked fine 17 years ago

A: You dont have to replace the compressor just the dryer and the orfice tube and the expansion valve have it flushed out. A lot of people dont know this but there are o rings on the the compressor that have to be changed why do you have to change the o rings ? Its simple 17 years ago they used mineral oil these days how ever they use either ester oil or either its called pag oil which is poly alkiline glycol and neither one is compatable with the o rings in it now and you also have to change the fittings

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