Chevy Nova Myths

[@gatorunleashed275]

Great info for we Nova lovers, got my 1st car at the age of 14 it was a 1974 Chevy Nova. I still have it and plan on restoration soon just now getting my 71 road worthy.

[@Shop209]

Awesome dude! My first was a 71.

[@aidenolmedo]

Damn you got me beat 😔. My first car was a 74 I got when I was 15. I took some parts from it and sold it tho, and have two others now, and I’m finally gonna have a rust free working nova soon

[@NovaResource]

One additional myth I have to add. That the 3rd Gen Nova is a 1st Gen Camaro with a different body. The truth is, the 1st Gen Camaro is a Nova with a different body. Yes, the 1967 Camaro came out before the 1968 Nova but the 3rd Gen Nova was designed first. With the success of the Mustang, GM wanted their own pony car and in order to get it designed and built quickly to get it to market, they decided to use the 3rd Gen Nova redesign as the starting point for the Camaro. That meant the subframes and firewall from the Nova were the beginning of the Camaro. This is also why the 1st Gen Camaro is so different from the low and long 2nd thru 4th Gen Camaros. The 2nd Gen Camaro was the original desired design for the Camaro.

[@Shop209]

That is awesome info!!!! I need to do a full video on just the 3rd gen nova design.

[@christopherpoucher483]

Unibody

[@NovaResource]

@@christopherpoucher483 Yes, both the Nova and the Camaro are unibody cars.

[@20alphabet]

Nope. Same front subframe, but different rear.

[@NovaResource]

@@20alphabet Incorrect! 1st Gen Camaro and 3rd Gen Novas have the same front subframe and same rear suspension. The only difference is 1967 Camaros didn’t have staggered rear shocks. As a matter of fact, the rear suspension of 4th Gen Novas is also the same as 3rd Gen Novas and 1st Gen Camaros.

[@abrdds]

✊🏾👍🏾 I just celebrated 50 yrs with my 73 SS Hatch...

[@Shop209]

That’s awesome!!

[@GaTesLgD]

I own two Novas as of this year a 74 and a 72 both with 383 strokers. 74 will be painted this week after being in the body shop for months. I am new to working on cars and want to work on the 72 myself to save on labor cost. I've been watching your videos for awhile and decided to login and sub. I just want to thank you for what your doing and look forward on learning from anything you can teach me along the way. Big Nova fan and Nova's have always been my dream cars. Still hard to believe I own two :)

[@Shop209]

Thanks. I’ll be doing a body and paint video.

[@mzaccagnini7179]

The Nova is one of my favorite cars. We had a 68 with a 307 2bbl and a power glide. Loved that car. But I totalled it.😢

[@martinmoreno2597]

You are right about the Nova in south America, in Argentina it was a success, I have one 76, the main difference is the engine, 250 6 cylinder.

[@RobbieGallaway]

The inf John shares is awsome! He is correct more than he wrong. Also he seems like he understands what its like not to have a pocket full of cash you can spend reckless!! Keep the videos coming . You are the nova king.

[@BudFranks-fu9ye]

Great info. Had two 69's a 70 and two 71's👍

[@vintagesawyer6246]

I'm glad you added the bloopers. I was wondering how many takes that took 👍

[@Shop209]

I figured y’all would like that.

[@NovaVelle808]

Love these videos 👍 been putting together my ‘74 custom hatchback and refer to your videos often. Mahalo from Maui 🤙

[@Shop209]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@novadiecastman5251]

Awesome Jon 👏 !!! How ya been doing ?? Great video as always 👍 great info on all subjects..

[@after5auto133]

Also, in the mid seventies some ss novas were 250 six cylinder powered

[@NovaResource]

Correct. 1968-72 the SS was V8 only and the 3 engines available were SS-only. L78, L34 (1968-70) and L48 (1968-72). Beginning in 1973, the SS package was available with any available engine including the 250 L6 and the 305 V8. As well as the 350.

[@Supanova70]

Keep them coming.. love this site. you need to put 28x9 slicks on that rolling chair.lol Restoring my 70 ss from 1984 when i bought it for the 3rd time.

[@Shop209]

Lol

[@mariapantoja4630]

I bought a ‘74 Chevy Nova because it has sentimental value to me. I don’t know jack about cars, but would love to fix it up. I recently had ignition coil and the ignition control module replaced. That same day I took it for a drive and noticed both my head lights weren’t working when they were before. Can replacing the ignition coil and the ignition module have something to do with it? Is it easy to replace the headlights?

[@itseithergonnaworkoritaint7852]

The outtakes at the end were hilarious!😂👍🤣👍

[@Shop209]

Lol. I figured y’all would like those

[@tonytorres4141]

Hahaha loving the bloopers, keep up the good job.

[@joe-hp4nk]

I think the 75 to 79 disco nova's eliminate a lot of fitment issues. I've had a 76 and now a 78 and have o problems with engine swaps and headers with small and big blocks. I also run 275 60 15 on the back and 255 60 15 on the front. What I do is tuck in the lip tight against the fender. All the best.

[@Shop209]

The 75-up switched to front steer like the Camaro so that helped a ton with header clearance

[@NovaResource]

@@Shop209Yep. 1975-79 have the 1970-81 Camaro front steer setup with a ton more clearance. 1968-74 are rear steer. Rear steer just means the steering box and linkage is on the rear side of the knuckle and behind the subframe cross member. Front steer means the steering box and linkage is on the front side of the knuckle and in front of the subframe cross member.

[@ejscarfo19]

Thanks for the info. I always enjoy your vids. With respect to dual exhaust, the holes for the left rear hanger exists in all non-SS cars. The holes for the center hangers are pre-drilled as well, however, there are three bolts holding that hanger and only two holes are pre-drilled. The assembly manual calls for the drilling of the third hole. Also, nut-serts were used to hold those three hanger bolts, also according to the manual. That’s probably a better way to verify true factory dual exhaust car.

[@Shop209]

Actually I was talking about a steel plate welded to the drivers rear frame rail. Not the hanger holes. Thanks for watching!!

[@ejscarfo19]

@@Shop209 interesting because the assembly manual doesn’t show that. 👍🏼

[@Shop209]

That’s because it isn’t part of assembling. It was welded onto rear frame side during body assembly. It’s considered part of frame rail. I should have clarified it better in my video. Sorry about that.

[@ejscarfo19]

@@Shop209 nah, it’s all good. It’s nice to watch someone that knows that they’re talking about on here.

[@Shop209]

Thanks! I posted a picture on my community tab on YT of the exhaust hanger plate.

[@Nova.1971]

I don't know if it's true but I did read that standard 6 cylinder moves came with Mono leaf springs, if you up graded to a 350 or F41 package you got multi left springs and the sway bars. Do you have a link to the wheel spacers? Thanks for all the info.

[@robs1852]

I always enjoy these Nova facts videos! Would you be willing to make one about the 4th gen Novas? Been seeing more for sale lately, some done up pretty nice. I prefer 3rd gen but at least the nova kept its style, unlike the Chevelle which seemed to change completely in 73

[@alanwilliamson9350]

The word NOVA also is for the different brands of cars Nova, Omega, Ventura and Aspen I think is what the A stands for.

[@alanwilliamson9350]

Apollo not Aspen...sorry!

[@Shop209]

I knew what you meant! Lol.

[@glenkerns9564]

Pontiac also made the Phoenix and Buick made the Skylark in the X platform. People forget about those.

[@NovaResource]

@@glenkerns9564The Apollo and Skylark were the same car, just a name change. For 1973-74 it was the Apollo. For 1975, 2-doors were Skylarks and 4-doors were Apollos. For 1976-79 they were Skylarks. For Pontiac, the car was originally called the Ventura II for 1971-72. For 1973 the II was dropped and it was just called Ventura. For 1977 it was still a Ventura but the top level Ventura was called the Phoenix (similar to the Nova Concours). For 1978-79 the Ventura name was dropped and all were called Phoenix. A quick way to tell the difference was square headlights. All Phoenix (1977-79) have square headlights like the 1979 Nova but all 1977 Venturas had round headlights.

[@danmadison5087]

My buddy has a 75 nova LN. If you happen to know what it means. We would like to know. 😀 It's a 350/350 two door.

[@NovaResource]

LN stood for Luxury Nova and was only available in 1975. It was a precursor to the Nova Concours. It was RPO code Z11 It was only available on 2-door Custom coupes and 4-door Custom sedans (no hatchbacks) Production: 2-door L6 = 1,138 2-door V8 = 11,395 4-door L6 = 1,286 4-door V8 = 8,976

[@hotrods4x4s18]

Great video John!

[@oldudesrule]

What about body mount bushings. I read that the 73/74 are shorter than earlier versions

[@Shop209]

The 73/74 are taller than 68-72. The 73/74 do NOT require the spacer bushing unless you’re using body mount bushings designed for 68-72

[@juniorwhelchel6337]

Do you know if Camaros and novas front disc brake rotors and spindles are the same and also are the front sub frames the same

[@Shop209]

Camaros from 67-69 share the same subframe as 68-74 Novas. 70-81 Camaros and 75-79 novas share same front suspension but not the frame.

[@juniorwhelchel6337]

Ok I definitely appreciate you getting back to me thanks

[@Novarider72]

My car is a 72 ,l did have those plates on both frame rails behind the rear tires, the inner tubs,but when l mini tubed the car, l had to cut those plates out

[@Shop209]

Is your fifth digit of VIN a K?

[@justincooper5189]

A myth (I think it's a myth anyway) that I've heard was that the early third generation nova had a 12 bolt option. I think it's a myth because I've never seen it, but I can't say it is a bad idea, because the 12 bolt was more sturdy. I'd just have to get a c clip eliminator kit for it.

[@Shop209]

The 12 bolt was available in 68-70 novas. I think in 71 they only had the 8.2 10 bolt. Then in 72-up you had the 8.5” 10 bolt.

[@justincooper5189]

@@Shop209 that's good to hear. So it wasn't a myth. I bet it was for the big block novas though. Either way, find one, make the mounts right, and put a c clip elimination kit in, and once it's in the car, go have a little fun

[@NovaResource]

No myth. The 12-bolt was available from 1965-1971. The 10-bolt those years was the 8.2” version. For 1972-1975 the only rear available was the 8.5” 10-bolt. For 1976-79 you got either a 7.5” 10-bolt or the 8.5” 10-bolt. Here is a myth about rears. The 12-bolt is stronger than the 10-bolt. Well, that’s a partial myth. The 12-bolt is stronger than the 8.2” 10-bolt but the 8.5” 10-bolt is almost as strong as a 12-bolt. Don’t waste you money on a 12-bolt. Get a 1972-79 X-body 8.5” 10-bolt and add bigger axles and c-clip eliminators. It will be every bit as strong as a 12-bolt and much cheaper. The strength is not from the bolts or the larger ring gear (8.875” vs 8.5”). The strength comes from the larger pinion. The 8.2” 10-bolt has a smaller pinion while the 12-bolt and 8.5” 10-bolt have the same same size pinion.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

The 12 bolt came in cars with 300 horsepower or larger engines , including small blocks . My two '69 SS 350 Novas came with 12 bolts .

[@Shop209]

I have pulled at least 2 twelve bolts from base model 307 cars. Open diff with 3.08 gears. Maybe just a fluke though.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

👍👍👍👍

[@johnserou6466]

Thanks for the info.

[@Novarider72]

What's going on, John? Here's the deal. I just heard you mentioned something about those exhaust hangers-on the frame rails by the back tires. That's a sign that it could be an SS car?? Well, my car, it had those plates in the frame. They have 2 little holes that hold the exhaust. Hanger to it on to the frame. I thought my car was 6 not a v8 car. But you're saying that if it has those plates in the frame rails, it could have been an SS. When l got my car it did not have any motor.

[@Shop209]

What year is your car? This applies to 68-72 only. Not 73/74.

[@Novarider72]

My car is a 72 . It had one plate on each side on the frame rail inner tub, but l had to remove them because l mini tubed the car.

[@Novarider72]

Hey, john, what's up with all the heart stuff? If you don't mind please leave me a comment

[@Shop209]

I’m good. At least for now. Lol. New meds are working great. I’ll have a video soon updating where I’ve been for last 3 months. Lot of stuff I’m releasing now is older stuff I’ve been recording

[@christopherpoucher483]

I had a 79 omega

[@jimthomas1989]

At 4 :10 you said that the hood was the same , NO ! It is NOT ! I have a 70 SS hood and it will NOT fit my 74 Nova , it is about 3/4 of and inch too short and that is a huge gap in the rear of the hood and Cowl , Also my 74 did NOT have shock absorbers on the front bumper but had them on the rear bumper , but my other 74 had them on the front and rear . My first 74 with shock absorbers on the front and rear was a hatchback This one I have now is a 74 Custom Nova

[@Shop209]

You are incorrect about the hood. The fenders are the same length and so is the hood. I’ll make a video to show. As far as bumper shock absorbers, that’s possible although I’ve never seen a 73 with them as sone people claim.

[@Shop209]

I just made a video that shows they’re the same length. Not sure why yours was different. Thanks for watching my videos.

[@jimthomas1989]

@@Shop209 , Chevy stop making the 327 in 1969 . But yet there was a 327 in a 1970 Monte Carlo . As everyone knows , cars come out a few months before the next model year . So the 1970 Monte Carlo was purchased in 1969 , which is the same year the 327 was last produced 🤔 Was it a lefted over 327 and they decided to just install it instead of letting it sit on the floor ? I have both hoods , The 1970 SS hood and the 74 hood ! I already measured them ! The 1970 hood is 3/4 of an inch SHORTER !

[@jimthomas1989]

@@Shop209 , I just now measured again . Today is Sunday , October 22nd of 2023 The 74 Nova hood is 1/2 inch longer than the 70 SS Nova hood 😳 This causes a 3/4 inch gap between the hood and Cowl and I can't use a 70 SS hood , Do you know how bad I would like to use the SS hood over a regular hood ? But it just won't fit .

[@Shop209]

I just put up the video. I’m not sure why your hoods are measuring wrong. As for your 74 without front bumper shocks I wonder if it was a VERY early 74 model. I’m sure they used leftover parts on early models of every year. Is your SS hood a gm or aftermarket?

[@DarthMayers]

My 73 is a custom not an SS and has 350 with 4BBL Carb, dual exhaust, Posi rear, rally wheels, front disk brakes, A/C, TH350, tinted glass, and power steering. It's all on the dealership build sheet. Pretty close to an SS. I'm thinking getting all those options without getting SS was maybe a way around the extra insurance not sure but maybe 🤔

[@Shop209]

In 73/74 the SS was an appearance package only. Could be ordered with 6 cylinder.

[@joe-hp4nk]

You probably put just as many miles on that chair as you put on your nova.

[@Shop209]

Lol

[@christinar7864]

13:23 LOL 😂

[@charlesoliver2535]

Nova is a Latin word derived from novus meaning new. And Spanish is a Latin language. So, it would mean the same in Spanish. The "no go" crap is crap.

[@modelcars2978]

🤓👍

[@jainaduncan]

😊 Decent information, only thing I disagree on is your SS code.. The X OR precisely the 1X beginning in the VIN# are factory SS models in 1973, also 73 was first year the VIN was stamped next to serial number on engine.. also SS had vented front break covers and larger discs breaks. There are clear signs but some were changed by dealership< I don't recognize them since they should be called clones. 😊

[@Shop209]

In 1973 the 1 means Chevy the X means Nova if it’s 1Y it’s a nova Custom. There’s some bad info out there concerning SS in VIN. From 68-74 only year with VIN code for SS is 72. Then it’s just an engine code but K is an SS only engine. As far as VIN on engine, my 71 and 72 have VIN on deck in front of cylinder head. Beside engine code. Check out Nova resource . Org.

[@NovaResource]

No, John is correct. 1X means Chevrolet Nova (where the “X-body” names comes from). 1Y is Chevy Nova Custom. However, beginning in 1972, Chevy made the 5th digit of the VIN the engine code. Because K was the engine code for the L48 350 engine and that engine was only available in the SS in 1972, then any 1972 Nova with a K in the 5th digit must be an SS. This doesn’t work before 1972 because the engine is not coded in the VIN and it doesn’t work after 1972 because the L48 was not limited to the SS after 1972. 1973-76 SS Novas were available with any engine. You are also misinformed about the brakes. 1968 SS novas had finned front drums (discs were optional) while non-SS had smooth front drums. For 1969-72, all SS has disc brakes. For 1973-74 disc brakes were optional on the SS and non-SS Nova. For 1975-up, front discs were standard on all Novas. Also, there was no size difference for front disc brakes on SS vs non-SS Novas. They were all the same size.

[@MegaRusty1973]

Hi

[@ccsV8]

Hi, i from Chile (Southamerica) and your information is not entirely accurate. Not in all the countries of the southern cone they were sold in the same way, nor at the same time. I can tell you well about what happened mainly in Chile and Argentina, where they had the most sales. Venezuela and Mexico are separate cases. I will comment, as you point out in the video. I hope you take it well, I follow you because I learn, but in this case I could give something back. kind regards!

[@ccsV8]

In Argentina, due to its accent when speaking, the word Nova sounds like "it won't go", a situation that led to the model being introduced in 1969 simply as Chevrolet Chevy. It should be noted that in Chile and Argentina the '68 Chevy II Nova was introduced as a 1969 model in both markets, with GM plants in both countries. In Argentina, this model was manufactured until 1972 and for '73 they updated that body with some special modifications and only for that market until '78 and it was called Series 2. In Chile we had better luck and we received the American version from '70 onwards in all its versions. , except the one from the 80s.

[@ccsV8]

Particularly in Chile, the first and second generation Chevy and Chevy II arrived, including the sister versions of the Acadian Canso.

[@Shop209]

Thank you so much for the detailed info. So it was initially marketed different because they knew it could be a problem? So I’m hoping it still makes it a myth. Lol. I’ll try to make a video on all of the South American variances. I may ask you for your help. Thank you sincerely.

[@ccsV8]

Of course yes, whatever you need.@@Shop209 Honored to contribute to you and your channel.

[@mattgofastgo]

Weak! 😂

[@Shop209]

Lol. I figured I’d let people see that.

[@mattgofastgo]

@@Shop209 glad you did. It’s hilarious. Also, holy crap do you know some stuff about Novas.