DIRT CHEAP Engine Swap - Daddy Daughter Project!

My CRUSTY four door Nova is a GREAT daily driver and my daughter loves riding in it. So I did the right thing, and took it apart. I used a donor car (the white Nova that we got running last year) and spent as little money as possible. I spent $260 on parts, and sold the Nova body for $300, plus have a pile of parts left over to sell, so this was essentially a FREE V8 engine swap. Follow along as Carlee and I tear into these two Novas and laugh along the way.
Background info:
1977 Chevrolet Nova four door
Originally 250ci inline six cylinder with TH350 automatic transmission
Bought new in Knoxville, Tennessee
I bought this car in 2021 and drove it to work every day.
I lowered it and installed black steel wheels and '69-70 Chevy dog dish caps
We took it apart in summer of 2022 for the engine swap
We got it back going by the end of summer and have been working out the bugs
Stuff I bought for the engine swap:
Fuel Pump
Water Pump
Plug Wires
Spark Plugs
Oil
Oil Filter
Belts
Spray Paint
Degreaser
Thermostat Housing
Upper and lower Radiator Hose
Distributor Cap
Rotor
Carb Gasket
Power Steering Fluid
Tranmission Fluid
PCV Valve
Vacuum Hoses
Exhaust gaskets
#chevy #nova #engineswap

[@coldwaterboy2226]

I love the fact that your daughter is right there with you turning wrenches and learning. Not many kids are even interested in learning these things anymore

[@paulstephens8666]

Really don’t know any kids that do anything anymore😢

[@Mike-Olds-1]

Looks like the engine swap worked out great 👍 Try to treasure every minute with your kids when they’re young, almost in a blink of an eye they are grown up and out on their own 👍🇺🇸

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yep time is flying by. Trying to hang onto every moment.

[@billypeters445]

I have never seen anyone pull an engine out without taking out the radiator first. I mean that's one of the first things you do. If you're doing that under a shade tree and can't afford to buy another radiator, you don't want to poke a hole in it.

[@doug81337]

Good on you for getting the kids involved! They will remember that always & they have learned in the process!😎 Really enjoy the channel as always!👍👍👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Doug, we have a good time!

[@bicylindrico]

and recording as it happems!

[@miker7294]

Very cool. Glad to see you are getting the family involved which will bring memories and keep the hobby alive!

[@terryeustice5399]

Congratulations on the engine swap. Your daughter is definitely interested into the wrenching on the car and was an nice little helper. Enjoyed the video! Thanks for sharing. 💯👍👊

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Terry, she loves getting involved with projects. Look for more project videos coming this fall.

[@bigstevesnostalgiadragraci4240]

LOVE this!!! Dad messing with an old beater with his daughter helping!!!!

[@hippydippy]

Your daughter is amazing. She so cute & funny. You gotta be proud.

[@bicylindrico]

I haven't seen one of those pancake converters in at least a couple of decades. It was actually a lot harder to pull an engine back in the old days than it is on some of the newer stuff. Everything was made of rusty iron back then

[@HotRodHoarder]

This is true…new cars are usually a little easier, especially if you have a lift.

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

Still has the am radio. Awesome. I have a under dash fm converter if you want it, literally takes one minute to plug up

[@stevehilliard1495]

Good to see you and Carlee doing it to it😊! Good luck my friends

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Steve! We’ve been pretty busy on projects so I’ll catch up on videos in the coming weeks.

[@ClintGrantham]

The kids being there every step of the way is awesome!

[@fr3dr02]

My 79 Nova had a str8 6 and it was die hard couldn't kill that engine 😮 I miss that car, 30 years ago and I still have dreams about it from time to time 😢

[@auteurfiddler8706]

I agree that a tasteful car is a pleasure to drive. The coolest thing about a 50 year old car is when you can drive it to work and not just to the burger joint cruise night four Fridays a year. I wonder if a switch to a Chevy 200 or 700 automatic trans with overdrive would make that commute even better. Give Carlie my compliments for the camera work. And the commentary, which was right on point, especially the one about selling the extra drive train parts. I am thinking the six cylinder trans on a Chevy will fit big and small blocks Chevy engines also. Which is not how Ford or Mopar mounting patterns work at all. Suggestions: I did not see the rallye wheels but there are some that look pretty good on late 70's Novas. Or, paint the black wheels to match the body. That gives a nice finished look. I am an enemy of "patina" as a concept. The worst spray can job to cover worn off paint looks better than primer and surface rust to me. It can't be worse as far as protecting the metal either.

[@auteurfiddler8706]

Oh, I just saw the white Nova. Those are the Rally wheels I like for your car. I have a pair and have a line on two more if I ever buy a late 70s Chevy. They look really good painted to match the car they are on. (light blue in this case). The only downside is they only come in 14x6 and 14x7, no 15 inch.

[@ericamidon4775]

That's so cool you had your daughter helping you! My first car was a 72 Nova.

[@JohnBurdette-or7if]

My grandmother and one of her daughters both had a late 70s/80s model nova just like that one. My grandmothers was just like that one color, interior and exterior, my aunt was a darker blue with dark blue interior.. Good job man 👍

[@waterlilly2100]

Great father daughter project! Your daughter is a riot!

[@scottburns4515]

That's something you and your daughter will talk about for years to come. Priceless memories!!!

[@keithmourglea3101]

The engine looks great and the Holley valve covers and air cleaner makes it look even better.Good to see your daughter helping out and learning

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Reasons why I would never complain: 1. It's YOUR car. 2. Swapping in a V-8 for a six is a time-honored tradition 3. I enjoy watching someone work. Now there is one little thing. Doing all of that for 15 hp is a head shaker. LOL! Kudos to Carlee for being the most pleasant production assistant on KZbin.

[@tmackinator]

Rebuild in a can! You added 50HP with that spray can!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Lol that’s right…I can’t imagine if I had bought two cans.

[@teddymullins3706]

I really like the 2 you have helping there . I recently lost my son .Hang on to them as long as you can . I really love the video with your kids 😊

[@joecooper7803]

No brainer the 9C1 70s nova was the 4door z28 killer of the day your 1/2 way there!

[@kbschulze]

Great job on the Nova. Your daughter although very young really speaks well above her age. A great camera operator too. She has a great Mom & Dad obviously, good job.

[@brentdillberg3647]

Cool to see your daughter involved

[@eddiejohnson349]

I enjoyed watching this and the interaction with your children ❤

[@mjc8248]

Great swap man. I always liked the look of the white one but the blue one is a much better car. Can't be mad about turning two ok Nova's into one good one.

[@moosehand8721]

Awesome patina and i love the big fat tires with black walls turned to the outside.

[@andersaxelsson2196]

Just love them wheels you have on your gray/Light blue nova

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you, definitely gave this car a cool look without spending much money.

[@jwv81]

The ol white nova is slowly coming along. I've got the motor and trans in. Just waiting on the rearend to have it back on the ground.

[@tri5garage544]

The 4 door is back! I love it.

[@chazer200]

Keep it up Dad. Well done.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you!

[@ziggassedup]

Seeing those little guys helpin' daddy is like a breath of fresh air...

[@gordonstroup882]

The 2 door Nova is a much cooler looking car, but if you're not going to replace the floor pan, and the 4 door Nova is a better family car, y'all gotta do what ya gotta do!😊❤ It's a totally awesome thing, you and the kids workin' together. I did exactly the same thing with my boy and girl. Those days went so fast and they are both in their 30's right now. Yes Sir, time is a precious thing that y'all can spend with the family. God bless and the best of luck with everything that you do with and for your family. ❤❤❤❤

[@auteurfiddler8706]

I agree about the two door but he said near the end that it was sold, so it is good he made a nice driver with the four door.

[@kennethflusche7900]

Love your new improved Daily Driver

[@AF-ps1nz]

Man, I'm following you from Brazil. And I have to say that I love your videos and your nova four door. Here in Brazil I have a 4 door Chevy 6 cylinder 250ci and here that's engine is so much popular, we installed a turbo on it and get 500whp. Nice job man. Still following

[@davida.p.9911]

Runs amazing! And the exhaust sounds better for sure! I worked for a Cadillac dealership and we had a Caddy with no exhaust on it, we were waiting for one to come in, amd we called it the "hot rod Cadillac" 😂 Sounded pretty cool, actually. I would say this is the best engine swap I've seen, good decision 👍 Awesome letting Carlee help and Issac, really cool kids! 😎 They'll definitely learn a lot and remember these times for a lifetime. Thanks for sharing!

[@matthewsmith6486]

Great job! But the best part was your daughter working right along side you! She's gonna be way ahead in the game of "life"!

[@tomspafford5368]

It's your car brother, do what you want with it. Love the channel 👍

[@williamsanders468]

Man I’ve been a dealer tech for a while now and watching this reminds me of how simple these old cars were! Also if you wanna keep your flying wheel from turning then use your prybar against one of the teeth and keep it still they also make a special tool that does this but I don’t see the point.

[@olikat8]

I have a '76 Valiant sedan. It's very plain, but has a V8, dual exterior mirrors, cooling & handling package- very solid. I've been turning it into an A38 "Service car," but not a patrol car. More like a detective, unmarked, FBI/Marshal's car. 9C1 might look good on the Nova...

[@priscillawilliams6399]

I'm glad you still have your car love your nova ! Great video wit your little helper Carlee! Your family is beautiful!😊

[@dominickserignese8837]

Daddy's girl! You and your wife are doing a great job raising those kids!👍

[@txsailor57]

Quick tip on the big jug of oil. Get your wife's glass measuring cup out of the kitchen. They are accurate and a little brake clean afterwards and she will never know. (Unless you get caught)

[@johnnymilliron8387]

He is the man dude his work is excellent.

[@keithcalitri840]

Been watching you’re videos for a couple years every Fri I look for a new one was wondering what was up with the white nova then bam I see this lol great job and what a bunch of great guys at Holley car sounds great I love the look and you’re kids are so awesome you’re son looked so happy on his first ride. Let’s see a lil bit on the GN i the garage

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for sticking with me…sorry for the long delay on projects around here. The Grand National is an ‘84 that we drive occasionally. All stock…basically an ‘80s time capsule.

[@raymondcalderon9605]

Love the patina on this car😍💪

[@ClintGrantham]

I totally love this car.

[@AdelaGarzaMendoza]

Did anybody else notice that the legs were on the wrong side, that's why the hoist wouldn't roll. Great bonding time tho!

[@davidmotoman4956]

well done guys. Love that you involved the kids in the deal

[@keithsims86]

That's good teach your kids about car.

[@ChrisJones-pw9bi]

I love these old novas, i Currently own a 77 and a 79 square head light one, i used to have a 77 concourse edition(wish i could find one of those today),i love the way the front end looks on them! I hear your from tn to, I'm in Cunningham tn,i would buy those original nova wheels from you

[@carguy1979]

10:42 Your engine hoist legs are reversed that’s why it wouldn’t slide. I did that on my last swap too. Slides a lot better when the front wheels are pointed straight ahead. 😂

[@HotRodHoarder]

Lol I realized they were swapped after fighting both engines out. Just had to laugh at myself.

[@oscartheg6674]

You know that heavy thang, is a catalytic converter. Worth money.

[@williamhouk6880]

Do you own an oil can? Everything would have been so much easier if you'd taken the time to lube up your wheels on the engine lift and jack handle, (easier listening too!) but you got it done. That radiator and hold down cover out and off the car (that's usually the 1'st thing removed) would yeild about another 6" of clearence to lift out the engine. Great video, loved seeing the kids involved, and nobody injured! Lube those casters, you won't believe the difference it makes.

[@donpatterson9298]

I'm putting a new 350 in my 78 nova and cant remember how some of the brackets go back on, this video was unbelievably helpful tyvm.

[@jonwaterbury3312]

Please pull the radiator and upper support next time. You will like swaps a bit more then!

[@garylovelace711]

U need to tighten up on your engine pulling chain. It will rise up higher..

[@Wyowanderer]

Smiles all around - it's a win!

[@HotRodHoarder]

I’m so glad Carlee had fun with this…she loves this old Nova.

[@andersaxelsson2196]

What a Great lill helper you got there🌹👌

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks, she’s pretty awesome!

[@ericburns2421]

Welcome to the KZbin

[@f100unibody9]

Still not a hot rod?? Swapping out the 6 for a SBC is about as hot as you can get! Lol

[@f100unibody9]

Hot rod

[@HotRodHoarder]

Lol it’s not super fast but it’s wayyy better than before.

[@OG-TimoT]

Lol I love it! Great wrk BrothA 👊 Love ur content 👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you so much!

[@user-dq1hx8lz5y]

I have a Chevrolet Nova Sedan 4.1❤

[@user-KrackerJack]

My understanding is the WIX filter is made in Russia . Now I was never a fan of fram filters but as oil filters for your Harley frams filter is much better then the filter from Harley

[@larryc8607]

Fram is trash .cut open a fram and a wix . Compare the quality and quantity of the paper. No comparison. I wouldn't use Fram on any thing .

[@philipjohnson2608]

Hey brother how you doing man. Another awsome killer video. We all thank you for all the great things your doing with your channel thank you brother

[@dannystoncius8855]

That little girl loves her Daddy and thats worth more than gold😀

[@brucethompson1879]

A super Father and a special ability to educate us in hot rod history! Thanks

[@andreamills5852]

Awesome !

[@dresdensvo]

1983 I was paid $100 to do that same swap in a 4door Nova Concours .

[@yojiholmesproductions]

This is the first video that I saw on my KZbin feed and I heard of you through sleeperdude

[@HotRodHoarder]

Nice! Josh and I have been friends for almost 20 years now. Great guy and great family!

[@yojiholmesproductions]

@@HotRodHoarder I agree

[@user-dq1hx8lz5y]

Ohhh My God ❤

[@SuperHamsterGaming]

I would rather have the 250. If it's not getting good gas mileage there's something wrong with it because I had a 250 in a 76 and it got great gas mileage. I wish I still had it but it was wrecked. I'd love another 250.

[@junkyardhack6292]

Great video! I love that you get your kids in on it. Just a question. Whats wrong with the white 2 door Nova? Why pull the V8 from that to put in a 4 door?

[@catsaregovernmentspies]

He showed the loose cage nuts at the back of the subframe and rusted out floorboards. Personally, I would have just cut the floorboards out and replaced the cage nuts while I was at it, but that would be a bit higher skill level repair than what he is doing here.

[@jamesseekford4928]

The US is going to crap because more fathers aren't doing stuff like this with their daughters/sons. Good job on the car and being a good dad

[@traceylukins480]

Oven cleaner!! Try it!

[@garylovelace711]

Orange makes it go faster. Or it looks faster..lol.

[@Merylstreep1949]

Hopefully those mags go on the new nova!

[@user-KrackerJack]

Sounds like the wheels on your cherry picker aren't turning and are in need of some lubricant

[@user-zc8md9dp3i]

for more than 1 reason i have always pulled the radiator first

[@bradleymorris8875]

Isky 260 Magnum, 2400 stall , weld the spiders. Brand NEW !!!!

[@f100unibody9]

I like the way you think

[@HotRodHoarder]

Those are some solid ideas!

[@tommycook9620]

Hell yea CHEVY 💪

[@joshuagibson2520]

Good shit Tommy Byrd. Great car.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks man, we had fun.

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

I have done that to novas many times and it will be fine

[@HotRodHoarder]

So far so good!

[@StarlightWorkshop0z]

Awesome. Blessed

[@BackSeatHump]

How I love that child! ❤

[@heathvice8365]

Good deal

[@andersons69zracing10]

DId you have to change out the frame mounted motor mounts from the 6 cylinder to the V8?

[@HotRodHoarder]

I did not have to change anything on the frame, thankfully. It bolted directly in, using the 6 cylinder frame mounts.

[@edlaw5859]

Sorry to say the 6 cyl transmission will not hold up and the rear end ask me how i know

[@1Also]

Can we get some Hot Rod Pin Striping now?

[@shitbox82]

How did I miss the white nova? 🤔

[@bruceeggleston2871]

Umm need to protect the undersides

[@mc2whls]

No engine swap would be complete without a BFH. You all know what the letters stand for. Peace. Out.

[@geraldrichards6218]

The white car is ready for a big block now???😁

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

You did put a new seal in the front of the transmission didn't you

[@craigbowley6783]

Diesel oil isn't good for gas engines cause it's made for low RPM engines and foams up at higher RPMs.

[@stevefranklin9920]

So what did you do with the 2 door? Hopefully not junked it! I would have liked to have ran across a 2 door Nova or 2 door G-body to put my 454 4 bolt main in ! Man! I didn't realize from the time I used to sell parts til now that the prices of new parts have doubled and even tripled!

[@auteurfiddler8706]

He said he sold it near the end when he was talking about costs.

[@Slowgroovin]

Being a four door, that car is never going to have a lot of value anyway. Might if it was a clean, low mile survivor, but it isn't. Adding a sbc would make it more fun to drive and make it more sellable in the future.

[@adammarsden2643]

So lemme see if I'm understanding this correctly....your parting out a 2 door for a 4 door???? Is that correct????

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yep, that's correct. 2 door was rotten, 4 door was a proven daily driver. Both cars are worth nothing, so I didn't see the harm in it. Swapped 'em out, and have been driving it for several thousand miles with the V8.

[@bobbytrusley1805]

I'm trying to restore my 75 Mont Carlo Thay are hard to find do you know where one at I'm in desperate need for parts