Engine Swapping? HOOVIE helps the CAR WIZARD share what to do in an empty engine bay on a '79 Nova

[@Jthomsonhate7]

"Cost is not a concern, make this run again and make it right." Music to a mechanic's ears. Also, customers like this make me excited to give 110% and often cause me to love my job again.

[@charger19691]

There’s a ton of sentimental value in this car for the owners and that you can’t put a price tag on. I’m just glad this old Chevy Nova is in the very capable hands of the Car Wizard and his crew.

[@acerIOstream]

*flash backs to Tyler twerking with a motor mount on his ass*

[@charger19691]

@@acerIOstream , Tyler was “makin it clap”.

[@timothykeith1367]

Its good to see interest in the last gen of the RWD Nova. The Cadillac Seville was based on that Nova - I don't know how much Nova was in it.

[@timothykeith1367]

@@JohnSmith-uy2jg You may be a man who has never attempted to repair any electrical device that is moderately complex. In the mid '60s when semiconductors were replacing vacuum tubes there were promotions to the public that solid state devices would virtually eliminate the need for repairs. A change was that previously someone who could use the tube tester at the local Radio Shack now found his attention on the label : There are no user serviceable parts. Typically on a modern computer one of more capacitors will fail and the common repair is to replace the motherboard, or toss the device. The nature of electrical repairs is now that there are multi-layer boards. If you can repair it yourself, you should probably own a $1,000 de-soldering tool, and access to proprietary schematics, or maybe there are ASICs that are not available to the public. The EV future is likely to continue the planned obsolescence of the so called throwaway society. Landfills are full of unrecycled electronic parts. I recall when the compact disk music format first came out that it was said you could throw these across a parking lot and nothing would harm them. Chances are that if you have CDs from the 80s in the attic that many of them won't play. But, that Chevy Nova can be repaired, and it will be repaired.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Ok I get it now. Hoovie makes the Wizard feel young again.

[@unstablebobgable]

The Car Wizards has the coolest walk on KZbin! I'd love to see a continuous loop video of him just waddling around on his stubby little legs, with Pantera's WALK being used as back ground music! Maybe if enough thumbs up are given to this post The Car Wizards will make such a video!

[@donnied8127]

Far Beyond Driven springs to mind :D

[@aliendroneservices6621]

The Walk. Morris Day and The Time.

[@michaelmathews295]

With Hoovie selling over half of his fleet you'll have LOTS of time to finish up some of your projects like the Malibu-Jag swap.

[@chassegallerie2910]

Well, that also mean that Hoovie have enough space for a lots of new Hoopties, so he might not have that much time after all!

[@iCarlyfan4534]

you must be new, hoovie ALWAYS has something wrong with some weird car he saw at 3am and just had to have

[@brixtonsaint]

He’s still got three Lambos, and the Azure, he’ll be fine.

[@EbonyPope]

Boy Hoovie is annoying...

[@isaacjohnson7173]

Was great to hear the wizard laugh! Usually so serious!

[@TheGlenerd2]

It felt really weird to me; since I've been watching him he never laughed lmao

[@jaimealvarez4722]

"I just don't get it, guys" wizard is always in bitching mode. A true mechanic has seen it all.

[@stanm9396]

Hoovie is like the neighborhood kid that comes over and you just want to send home. 😂

[@nh7226]

Uhh nope.

[@davidhibbs6989]

LoL yup 👍

[@michaeljacobson9249]

I think you should keep Hoovies hands off the parts and never let him dance again 🤣🤣

[@migmadmarine]

does hoovie actually work on anything? to me he is the proverbial ontourage character. like toad in american graffiti

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I like Hoovey, on his own channel. When he enters Wizards videos, I exit.

[@organiccold]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMHplease close the door behind you!

[@dickeyseamus]

Hoovies theme song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6uqqHepp7Zkm7M

[@markmooney4770]

When Tyler backs it up, does he go "Beep beep beep"?

[@goaway3717]

Talk about nostalgia! One of my biggest regrets is letting the '75 Nova I learned to drive with get scrapped and not just replacing the failed transmission to keep it on the road. Thanks for the memories Wizard.

[@Havoc800]

My father is in the hospital right now and the doctors are saying he doesn't have much time left. Watching you two is keeping me laughing in this horrible time, Thank you.

[@davidhibbs6989]

Two years later it's almost ready for paint!

[@ts31966]

Hoovie deserves his success. He is just fun to watch!!! He is a natural comedian.

[@vamosaltemacongabrielmende3965]

That car will be on point soon, Tyler’s interaction with the motor mounts was hilarious.

[@erikerikssen7607]

the only thing I watch in Hoovies videos is when he visits your garage..but I rearly watch your videos..the two of you together is gold...

[@artamutt5485]

Restoring an old car, great! Hoovie in the engine compartment squatting and grunting, priceless.

[@GearHead4Lyfe]

I remember when I used to work in a hobby shop and a customer brought in a Lionel Scout and asked me to do a "full restoration" on it because it was sentimental. I explained that it would cost them close to $200 for me to tear it down, rebuild the E UInit and replace brushes and springs and such and that I had nearly new Scout's on the shelf for $75. They shouted at me "THIS IS SENTIMENTAL COST DOESN'T MATTER!" Oooooook then...

[@dominicene3647]

In all the years I've been watching the Car Wizard, he laughed. That was cool.

[@rickb6694]

Not trying to make things sad, but my best friend was an auto tech. He's been gone now for almost 8 years, but your bromance with Hoovie really hits different. Appreciate everyone while they're here :)

[@michaeltutty1540]

Well done, Wizard. Lovely to see that delightful old Malaisemobile being loved. Those are great cars, especially with the 305. It is enough engine without being over the top. Will sound perfect too. There are a couple of reasons I would have suggested a 4bbl intake and carb. First, the aftermarket aluminum intake weighs a lot less. Second, the 4 bbl will return better fuel economy. So will a properly designed dual exhaust. Using all bolt on parts, it would not be unexpected to see a gain of 30-50% in gas mileage. The 20-30 extra horsepower is simply a bonus.

[@Kingwoodish]

Oh my Lord! 1979 Nova's were subpar when new and this owner just can't escape from it. My sister had one of these, hers was blue.

[@sleepyhollow783]

"Please repair our car, back to the way it was when new." Simple & reasonable. Preserving a time piece. I like that, like it a lot. Many more miles of fond memories to the owners!

[@joe6096]

Even though it's been brought back to OEM spec, with a good machine shop and proper setup I bet it runs BETTER than the day it rolled off the line. With modern machine process, a properly balanced and blueprinted rebuilt motor can be better than it was when it was new.

[@dquad]

The machine is only as good as the operator, and most American's these days couldn't do a good job if their mortgage depended on it.

[@kavinskysmith4094]

yeah your not wrong I've been following the rebuild of a lambo miura and its engine for over 15 years now and one of the things they found in resto was that some of the conrods had a different weight to the others so they would sand them down to get the grains and the balance right, and actually sanding them down revealed a crack in one of them despite being magnafluxed as it was deep enough under the surface not to show, so the owner decided not to risk it and just bought a completely new set from CP carrillo and with GM god only knows, some of the in period stuff even in the 80's showed painters without masks doing car after car so who knows what they missed or threw in. plus the 305 isnt that bad of a motor, people bash it but hey with the right setup and the right cams, well just look at what a trans am era boss 302 or Chevy Z28 can do.

[@gt-37guy6]

Joe, I have had a couple of Chev 305 cars from this period with 2 BBL engines, both were very strong runners. I had a 77 Caprice slant back window coupe, and a 78 Regal...that one was pretty quick and was known to bark some 2nd gear chirps. The Chev as I recall was about as tight and strong as the Buick 350's of the day, so I was happy with it, turned it for a profit.

[@houseofno]

Balancing and blueprinting are generally optional processes not needed for non-enthusiast builds. Most people don't know what this, don't want it, don't ask for it, and generally won't pay for it unless they do. A rebuild to factory specs is usually sufficient for factory original restorations. For example a 3,000 pound Fox Body Mustang doesn't need 400+ horsepower to get the factory performance of the original 225 horsepower of the 5.0L HO V8.

[@21Piloteer]

@@dquad Way to generalize d-bag

[@victorpuiatti]

No lie, I was taking a drink of water and you went to Tyler squatting and making that face and I lost it!🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ts31966]

😂😂😂

[@YoungoneYoung-lm4xe]

This was my first car. No aftermarket parts were available way back when i had my nova. Nowadays, the sky's the limit so i think this car will be hotter than the C-10 craze.

[@angryshoebox]

The 305 V8 wasn't all that weak. It got the job done. Good choice for carrying 4, 5 or 6 people and running an a/c compressor at the same time.

[@houseofno]

The 305 was an emissions and CAFE engine. Back when this engine was produced, GM didn't have many rear drive four or six cylinder engines for entry level offerings. After the 1973 oil embargo, fuel economy suddenly became a priority, although it wasn't until 1978 that CAFE went into effect. CAFE stood for Corporate Average Fuel Economy. Car makers were required to maintain a minimum fuel economy average across their entire fleet. Sell a lot of fuel efficient cars RAISES the average. Selling a lot of gas guzzlers lowers it. Back in the late 70s and early 80s CAFÉ was 27.5 miles per gallon. Now I think it's somewhere in mid 30s. So this engine served as GMs entry level engine back in 1960s, 70s and 80s. Gradually got replaced by the LT1 and then by the 4.8 and 5.3L LS V8s.

[@jumpinjojo]

It was a pig! It's only 140hp.

[@terryyocumiii9645]

You don't see these anymore... There's a roached out one across the street from me right now. I'd inquire about it, but I'm sure there's an old man somewhere that has plans to rebuild it.

[@classicforreal]

I really, really hope you show/film the undercoating process because I would really like to see what it looks like when done rig. I’ve seen it done wrong so, so many times

[@Raptor3388]

I would have given some subtle upgrades to the 305, a cam, maybe higher compression pistons and good OEM heads (416 or 601s) and a 4bbl Quadrajet. Just enough to be around 180-200hp, to have a little more oomph without turning the car into a hot rod. But it's great they kept it.

[@jasonw3303]

Yep since it’s on toy status may as well make it fun

[@bigjohnson7415]

Kinda what I was thinking, but just do a Crate 350 long block, short tube headers, dual exhaust, maybe a 4 speed OD tranny. But that would be me. Gotta remember, those were set up for 55mph speed limit. Get a little busy at 70-75 today. Had a 77 Monte Carlo, with the same drivetrain in the early 80's. Put 260k miles on it, one tranny rebuild, 2 head jobs, and a couple of timing chains in it. Lasted me 10 years.

[@Alfadragon17]

I had my local shop pull the engine out (and put it back in...) of my 1979 Ford LTD that was $600. It cost me another $2k in parts for me to rebuild the engine. It's not cheap but this was my project, so it was worth the time to learn and experience a rebuild.

[@michaelray1590]

Seeing that old nova makes me miss my 76 nova. Wish I could afford another 76 nova like the one I had.

[@kavinskysmith4094]

Well did you atleast trade up to a 328 like Axel Folley did lol

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Are 76 Novas expensive or something? I know the old SS Novas with big blocks are collectible and pricey, but I had no idea that mid to late 70s Novas were cost prohibitive. They don't seem very collectible to me.

[@kavinskysmith4094]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH more like high turnover rate, it was 1970's build quality and rust issues, and most cars back then I dont think even had primer on them, just straight to paint, and galvanized steels were a few years off yet even on the european makes, so alot of them, given that and how they were used as economy cars turned to dust as the late 80's dawned nowadays people want that 70's look back given how different it was from the plastic fantastics of the 80's and 90's, 60's nova's though given it was the hotrod age and how much motor you could stick into them and their small size generally survived more as they were seen more as usable cheap dragsters case in point I think Yenko even did a few with the gigantic 427 basically hammered into to the car, and I remember reading he even said something along the lines if your not careful you'll kill yourself with it. also in saying that, their is a 1977 on E-bay for 2 grand right now, but theirs only like two latter ones and the majority are the 63 to 72's also if its made pre 1975, their the 1939 National Socalist Party of Germany legal in california, which is where a good chunk of the car people money is, so those are the ones that get restored although why anyone would put up with that damn state that acts exactly like those guys I will never know.

[@michaelray1590]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH alot of the 70's car are starting to go out of sight in prices. Some of the cars people junk and few of them are around. I look at two novas one a 76 and 78. They wanted 10k a piece.

[@hbhamilton3410]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH A 1976 Nova is not expensive. The guy is either poor or extremely cheap.

[@jttoyer]

I watch these videos with my 10 year old son - thanks to Hoovie I had to answer some questions I didn't think would come up for few years yet...

[@squishy312]

This popped up in my feed, and I had to watch it. I had a 76' Nova Hatchback. It originally had a straight six 250 in it that I drove for about a year. It was alright, but it was tired and either needed rebuilt or replaced. So my dad and I decided to upgrade it to a 350 Crate motor. We found one from a wrecked truck from a salvage yard that had about 500 miles on it. It took us about two nights to swap out the motor at his work. (he worked for a tire/mechanic shop back then). It was a great car, and drove me back and forth from Seattle to Montana a number of times. It was Chevy Orange and had a white top very similar to this color scheme. The paint was in rough weathered shape when I got it, but I spent the elbow grease and buffed it into a high polish shine. Boy did that color just pop.... Well that was 25 years ago now. I eventually quit driving it due to brake line problems, and not having the money to fix it. It sadly ended up in a wrecking yard because I didn't know what else to do with it. Kind of wish I still had it. Have fun getting this thing back on the road! They are worth it, because they are fun to drive.

[@jordancapps9521]

I'm impressed Mrs. Wiiizard can keep from chuckling, while filming, with Tyler goofing around.

[@LongIslandMopars]

That’s why I rebuilt the 273 V8 in my dad’s Coronet to stock. Still the original 2 barrel, too. Not fast but doesn’t have to be. It was born with the car and took him to work, went on family vacations, etc. It did it all.

[@StormFanatic210]

I fully agree with the engine swap concept. The reasoning of your Customer to restore instead and keep it in line with their memories with it, I can attest to that. I was looking for a 1992 Ford Crown Victoria LX, white with the grey waistband around it. Was going to restore it to the specifications I had it in to give my sister at least one more ride in it. I didn’t get the chance. She died on September 22, 2021 at the age of 37 from a rare autoimmune disease in addition to other issues related to an alcohol addiction. She always put other people first and ran herself into the ground in the process over her 37, almost 38 years. Had that opportunity come, I would’ve kept the 4.6, and kept it all have I remember it. I enjoy the content and your work. You seem very straightforward and you don’t sugarcoat anything. Keep it that way.

[@jmaxim80]

You guys are great 👍 laughing my butt off and that is a great car. I'm happy for them that they are keeping it stock and getting her back out on the road, can wait to see it finished.

[@boogitybear2283]

Happy Veterans Day Car Wizard! Thank you for your services and of course Teachers too like Mrs. Car Wizard.

[@garys9694]

I love 'em but they're both as exciting to see and hear on these videos as a couple of teachers, as I know she is.

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

Nice to see another Malaise Era car getting some love, and not only that, being restored to stock, keeping the 305 with a 2 barrel carburetor.

[@jez_stephensanotherapex5921]

Appreciate the customer advocation Mr. Wizard!!

[@gnomiefirst9201]

Car Wizard, brother you crack me up when you say you will get raked over the coals when paying for a engine swap but your not getting ripped off; friend, rightly or wrongly many ppl take that expression to mean getting ripped off. You earn an honest buck and you are not dragging anyone over the coals, a torture applied to Heretics LOL Whaaat, a cameo with Hoovie. Woot!

[@kanob6440]

It's so interesting to see this video pop up on my feed because I'm literally in the process of putting an engine in my 75 Apollo. Looking for a 350 Chevy motor

[@benjaminkamben4908]

The 305 is a smooth engine. 👏 The original drive-train was great. I think rebuilding the original drive train and doing it right is great. Removing the smog equipment will add 15 to 25 HP. At the very least replace all of the bushings with upgraded polyurethane bushings. I know that the owners don't want to hot rodded out, but a few tasteful upgrades for sake of comfort and every day reliability.

[@CJColvin]

Exactly mate

[@davidhibbs6989]

Nope they want it exactly the way it came out of the factory. It's the customer's choice. Wizard stated many times it must be kept 💯 percent original. I guess some people love 145hp smog engines from 79' my old 77' rally Nova 2 door hatchback 350/4bbl 170hp 4spd didn't have a speck of smog anything on it. Your talking an era where a 16:70 second quarter mile time was considered great!

[@tombob671]

Yup, keeping it stock is the smart move.

[@AudiophileStooge]

My 57 Fairlane has the original Thunderbird V8. I certainly agree that keeping things stock is a great way to go.

[@Jmdp.94]

Engine swaps are not for the faint of heart, but I am currently in the state of replacing my 88 Corolla's damaged engine with another oem one right at my driveway and I realized that it is very true what Wizard says...once the engine is out, the time is now to replace everything you can while it is all easy and accesible, I have managed to easily change on the engine stand all timing belts, pulleys, every single gasket, hoses, clamps, lines, mounts, freeze plugs, the works...and give everything in the engine bay a good degrease and pressure wash to remove years of dirt, oil and grime off of every component. It's all a fun experience.

[@rpavlik1]

Interesting you're going to use the spray undercoating. I had heard that at least up by me, all it does is hide the progression of rust until it's too late, so folks up in road salt land do Fluid Film instead generally.

[@michaelbrennan7148]

Thank you. Car brings back 1970's and 1980's memories for me. My parents had a 1970 Chevy Station wagon in blue. Rear trunk seat faced back. Then they had a 1984 Caprice Classic. I thought my parents were going fancy with the 1/2 soft top on the Caprice :) Then my friend's parents down the block bought a brand new Limited Buick Regal with plush interior. Life was good PB &J sandwich for me please :) Rock on Kansas. More art lessons Ms. Wizard

[@spooderdoggy]

My childhood friend’s mother had 1979 Chevy Nova. She took us to school and picked us up every week for years back in the early 80’s. It was blue and very dependable. Memories.😄🇺🇸✌🏻

[@frederiquekruger4818]

Back then when you'd ride in a car it was special and a unique experience. Today on most common cars there, you won't have this special feeling like you would with the older cars.

[@theboyx323]

My Grandmother had a 78 or 79 green 4dr Nova when I was a kid. Almost ended up with it as a first car.

[@leeh.1900]

Man...what a perfect framework to build a killer "stock" sleeper. This model Nova...blacked out all around and stock wheels...great lines. And a 305...great engine to get back on the road. I hope that you put some headers on this car...a 305 with a trick exhaust has got a sweet sound to it. Keep up the good work Wizard!

[@drifter503]

I love the chemistry between these two. You can tell they genuinely like each other

[@giantgeoff]

What you're doing is how I learned how to wrench at 16 years old half a century ago. It was cost effective because our labor was free. And it wasa very rare shop around me that would do any kind of project like this. If you were a kid it was up to you to figure it out and get it done.

[@thebonefish]

Nostalgia, it's delicate, yet potent.

[@itsnotme07]

Guessing Mrs. Wizard wasn't doing the camera work today? LOL This used to be a family show....until Hoovie showed up. Haha. I learned how to drive in the Buick version of that Nova....1976 Buick Skylark 2 door coupe with 1/2 landau roof, pathetic 231 ci v6. Passenger door hinge failed within a year of getting the car so what did my Dad do? Nothing...and by the time he got rid of it in 1986 (after 6 years), there was a major groove in the trim/body as the door had dropped 3-4 inches when open...and if you slam it...it would hit and roll up to close. Hilarious!

[@msiraco]

I love that they stuck with the original power plant!

[@RJ-vb7gh]

Actually I've done engine R&R's in cars of that vintage in public parking lots... It really isn't a big job and shouldn't take more than a long day. But if you are going to rebuild the engine and trans and clean up the engine bay at the same time it's going to cost some real money and time... It's all of the little side jobs that kill you. I suppose people get confused. So when I did an engine or trans swap roadside the plan was mostly just to get home or to keep some rolling heap rolling down the road. It wasn't intended to be a restoration or even a rehab. Lastly, the last thing on your mind when trying to get out of a public parking lot with a different engine or transmission in your car before the cops show up is installing a totally different engine into the car. It's time consuming enough just putting back the same engine and trans that was there before. And if you are really, really smart you check out the new engine or trans to make sure it's exactly the same as what you are pulling out. It can take hours to reroute the plumbing, electrical and vacuum lines much less welding in new motor mounts or adjusting the fire wall and linkages. So yes, everybody has heard the stories of hillbilly R&R jobs that only cost a few bucks and took a day to do. And they are mostly all true, because I've done them. But if folks are thinking of doing a restoration or serious rehab, that's a totally different story, and I know because I've done those too. And no, I'm not hillbilly enough to ever hang a small block engine from a tree branch on a block and tackle, but no sh*t, I've seen it done.

[@CJColvin]

Very well said my brother

[@Halarue]

Just two men slapping motor mounts. Wholesome content!

[@abandonedwayamoon8749]

Hoovie always makes the video's better lol and I'm glad you took out the engine and got it rebuilt that's nice I hope more parts get to ya asap cause this is my favorite car on the channel so far !

[@jt8280]

Back in the day, my bud had a 1970 Nova true SS 396 Big block. Real screamer with 12 bolt posi and turbo 400 B&M shift kit. On this built, I would keep it simple with a 383 Summit stroker kit and a 650 Holley carb. Nice find.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I guess you didn't watch the video.

[@bradzimmerman3171]

Don't forget the hubcaps for "that" extra 100 horsepower oh and a plastic engine cover for another 100 horsepower, how about a bumper sticker for another 100 horsepower "wow"jt

[@1notgilty]

Hoovie is hilarious. He cracks me up!

[@HypocriticYT]

First drove a 68 Nova with a straight six and AM radio. Great car

[@abandonedwayamoon8749]

Yes ! My prayers were answered, I commented on the latest Hoovies garage episode and asked what The Wizard is doing with the Nova and the next day here we are I can't wait to watch this !

[@bradzimmerman3171]

Yeah Darcy prayers work every time lol, ask Joe Pesci he can get things done ✔

[@dickeyseamus]

Heck, with a more modern 2 barrel carb, it's probably going to get better mileage than if it was new! I love it when the customer keeps things simple.

[@terencehawkes3933]

It is really refreshing to see a car being built back the way it was with no molestation

[@brandonosborne6894]

I just recently rebuilt a 350 and put in the place of a 305 with similar manifolds. POR makes fantastic manifold paint and it has yet to change color or burn off.

[@shadowuaw-0001]

me: "I would have put something a little more modern with a little better mpg.." Wizard: "It's this engine, in this setup that they have the memories of." me: "never mind. That's a perfect reason for just a rebuild."

[@charlesprice7608]

If you know what you doing you can get decent mileage with a small block, and still have good power. My 72 Monte Carlo stock 350 with headers 18 to 20 mpg highway and my 383 stroker 435 hp in. 80 z28 3:73 with overdrive I get 19 to 23 on the highway with it. Both carbureted. My wife’s Honda Odyssey only gets 22 or 23 on the highway! Now they both can get 10 to 12 miles to the gallon also that depends on the nut behind the wheel lol

[@babk289]

My first car back in the 80s was a red '76 with the 250 I-6. This one is in much better shape. Good luck with the resto.

[@alanbradford3130]

My wife owned a similar car, a 1975 Buick Skylark. It was a nice, inexpensive, comfortable car with a 3.8L V6. The only bad thing....we had to constantly replace the distributor cap. It had a V8 cap with 2 holes closed off for the missing 2 cylinders. It never lasted long. I always thought how much better that car would have been with a V8.

[@northdakotaham1752]

Weird!! Only in a GM vehicle I guess!! Lol!

[@300guy]

I spent my weekends in my 20's doing this like some guys play softball. I built 3 69 GS clones over the years, and on my first one, since I was doing transmissions as well going from a small block to a big block, I needed a good home for the orphan Buick 350, so I bought a 79 Regal Sport Coupe with a bad turbo 3.8L. So on one Saturday, just to be able to say I did, I pulled the 3.8 and tranny from the Regal, pulled the 350 and TH350 from the 69 Skylark, then put the 3.8 motor mounts on the 350 and dropped the motor and tranny right into the Regal without ever removing it from the loader on the tractor, dropped the 455 and very well built TH350 into the Skylark and had the Regal running and on the road before the sun went down.

[@jondoes7836]

I had a 1979 Nova six cylinder throughout high school and college. Lot of fun memories with that car. Wish I still had it.

[@Chubbycat747]

I'm rebuilding my Nova sedan's supspension. I noticed that in order to remove/replace the lower motor mount, you have to remove the lower control arm to access the bolt heads on the other side.

[@AsianDrag0n]

Hey CW! been watching ur vids for a few weeks now, and safe to say, u have earned my sub! I also just looked on ur shop site n looked round for a bit! Being that veterans day just passed, i wanna say(from one soldier 2 another) thank u for ur service!

[@CountryFarmBoyUSA]

My mom had a 78 Nova 6 inline with three in the tree and I had a 1973 Olds Omega hatchback. Those were great little cars.

[@paulshannon4576]

I bought a 68 VW with a blown engine with the intention of turning it into a off road buggy but the body and interior was in such good shape I just rebuilt the 1500cc to a 1600cc and fixed a dent or two and had an Earl Scheib paint job, new tires and I did replace the interior seats covers. It was just too nice to chop up.

[@vro1899]

I LOVE this video idea. The little things to know that make huge differences in a swap. I would have never thought of this but it's importance is obvious!

[@cloudysky1974]

Nice to see Hoovie and The Wizard in one video, just bein buds.

[@LucoreAuto]

Just helped on getting a '74 Nova Big Block Chevy swapped and setup up correctly. There's a LOT that goes into these sorts of things to do them right, definitely take your time and do it right. Doing the same job over and over again because you skipped a step, or left something loose, NOT fun!

[@andrewbutton5580]

The TV shows lead people to believe that it takes a few hours. WRONG. Dave here has the real story.

[@LucoreAuto]

@@andrewbutton5580 these things definitely take time an attention. There's a reason why soooooo many project cars go up for sale unfinished

[@CJColvin]

@@LucoreAuto Exactly mate

[@andrewbutton5580]

@@LucoreAuto I agree. The TV shows make it look so easy, so people get fooled.

[@gregorymoody3435]

I'm doing a straight engine swap (remanufactured replacement of same engine) and there is a never ending list of 'While Im in there's' I can totally believe the shop cost as its a pain. Only reason its feasible is I'm doing the work and replacement car market is insane.

[@markschommer7407]

It actually looks really good to this Wisconsin person who is used to the road salt having its way with vehicles. This nova was never subjected to road salt and it shows.

[@tuneskramer69]

Wizard always teases us with Engine swaps, but then crickets. When will the jag V12 run?

[@HowardJrFord]

He doesn't posess a vast amount of knowledge on older cars , but the vast majority of younger mechanics don't .

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

He's too busy showing us the undersides of customer's cars. I like Wizard and his channel, but it's becoming a bit stale.

[@brianallen858]

Thanks Mr and Mrs Wizard 👍❤️

[@davidhibbs6989]

Great you true rebuilding shop that sends all of the parts out to someone else to "rebuild" and as usual gotta hear that unlimited money rant storyline again . So you just take the car apart and send everything out for "other" people to do the hard work of rebuilding everything and you put it back together again - blank check of course. Remember the good ol'days were shops used to do everything in one location! And remember it's the blank check customer's choice! 145hp 305 absolutely worth every penny of that $25-30k rebuild. not to worry about anything after the old couple keel off I'm sure the remaining family members could easily get half the money spent for this low keyed Nova.

[@BMW7series251]

Good to see 2 great friends together.

[@lirr408]

Very nice car. Always loved the Nova. As you said, Wizard, restorations are not cheap. Great video.

[@egardner5978]

Very smart leaving the engine stock. If the client comes back for upgrades you can charge them again but that's their decision.

[@markhoffman5719]

2004. I bought a 76 Chevy Nova off eBay. Sight unseen. $600 Drove it from Texas to Arkansas with no problems. 4 door. White. Tan plaid interior. Dual Edelbrock exhaust. Chrome rims. Nice car. Had the 305. Drove it 8 months, had a chance to buy a newer car. Listed on EBay for $1195, buy it now. Hour later I get an email from a guy in Florida. I just bought your car. Again sight unseen. He took the bus from Florida to Arkansas and drove it back. Had a wheel bearing go out in Baton Rouge, La. Minor inconvenience as he said. He drove it 6 months. Neighbors kid was 17, begged him to,buy it. He wrapped it around a tree 2 weeks later. I like the last bodystyle Novas my brother had a 77 Buick Skylark for a few years in the 1990s

[@ericfleetwood6744]

The best thing you can do for the customer is make them happy with their car. These customers will be happy to get it back just like it was when they were young.

[@isaaclang6031]

I miss my 75 Nova, 1st car. Got it to 300,000 miles when the body finally gave out. The heart of it beats on in my 72 C20.

[@Averagegunenthusiast]

It kind of is nice to see a stock restoration or a stock rebuild. There aren’t many left most are built small blocks or ls swaps. If it were mine the only thing I would consider on that car is an efi kit, a 2 barrel kit just for better drive ability but that can also kill the memories because it’s not the same.

[@kstricl]

Nice car. I'm sure with the compression back in that 305, it's going to feel brand new. Keep your expectations for cruising down to the 55-60 range and it will probably get phenomenal mileage for what it is.

[@HockeyGoon939]

Agreed. Strip the emissions (not an issue in KS) and gain 20% or better.

[@Bowtie4me]

up here in Qc, Canada we own a 1975 Nova SS 350 w/ 4spd on the floor and its been a 3 season daily driver since 1987. only had the swap the original block once because it lost all compression. we still have it laying around. it ok on gas for an old Carb V8 don't know mpg but its in the 16-17L/100km! wich is about what my 08 5.3L sierra 4x4 does!

[@scene24man]

305’s are great long lasting easy going motors, honestly underrated.

[@larryw5429]

Underrated ??? LOL They are turds and always been turds. Its actually cheaper per hp to build a 350 any day of the week over a 305 and more efficient because they have more torque and have to work less to move vehicle forward at all speeds!! Also using a late model roller cam block 350 you can use standard oil and not worry about using high zink oils and additives so you don't wipe out the flat tappet camshafts like you do with pre 1987 sbc blocks!! There's absolutely no good reason when doing a complete engine to run 305! NONE

[@northdakotaham1752]

@@larryw5429 agreed...plus, I believe the 350 was available as an option for the vehicle. Not a GM fan so can't be certain about that but a 350 would have been a better choice.

[@scene24man]

@@larryw5429 I agree on everything if you cared about Hp/torque. This customer just wants the car freshened up so they can putt around town in their old car. You don’t need an engine swap of any kind to do that. The 305 is more than capable of doing anything they need it for. Even with a 2bbl carb.

[@ambersdarkfox]

Also the gas mileage is pretty good which is a big positive for a daily driver.

[@jaystrock613]

I always loved Novas. My mom bought a new 1974 rally Nova hatch back with a 350. I bought a used 1972 iNova n 1984. It had around 60k and a inline 6 cylnder. It was in very good shape until someone was going the wrong way on the interstate and my Nova was totaled. I had just put old SS rims on it and brand new tires.

[@egold1006]

I had a kick down cable replaced in my 1971 Olds 88. A $29.00 repair, cost 400 dollars. The repair guy was not told about the torn cable shield, ended up getting a rebuild on my transmission, hardly 55000 miles. Bands were good for another 100,000 miles.

[@TheRetarp]

Add clean and paint the frame to the list of things to do while the engine is out. I had a '78 Nova Custom I build a mild 350 and swapped when the original 250 failed. No regrets that car was 5x the car it was with the original motor.

[@Buzzard-wq1bw]

I am very, very, VERY, glad, that the owners of this car want it to be completely stock, going to be a very nice survivor

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

What product are you using for the underbody coating? Please include it in a video!

[@maxcactus7]

Wizard: "Please, HELP ME!!" I'm DYING!!!

[@tedm9865]

If you do end up replacing the steering box. Redhead steering out of seattle has a great selection. They can rebuild yours or send you an already rebuilt one. Top quality and I trust them. Used to use Jorgensen automotive before covid for steering racks, but they closed their doors.

[@Radiowild]

I bought one of those brand new in 1979 from the local dealership. It was the last one they had, and the showroom had Ciatations in place where the Nova was. It was a 250 cubed six car, and it ran like poop since it was choked with lots "O" emissions stuff. The 305 or 350 cars fared much better. I unloaded it with 30,000 miles and bought a used 1979 Trans-Am.

[@rogerwa123]

Bought a 75 Nova 4-door with the 350V8 in maybe 1986 for $750. It was a great reliable car that could pass anything but a gas station. I left it stock with the 2bbl carb but it would have been great to put a 4bbl in there. Before it goes out the door hopefully it goes with good leafs in the back. These always seemed to sag on rusted leaf springs. I did mine in my driveway ( and learned a lot in the process).

[@ivycycles]

Got it hand to Hoovie for the comic relief, LOL! Now on the serious side - I hope when you say undercoating it means POR-15, and not the spray on rubberized stuff which usually only makes things worse. And yes, I'm one of "those people" who sat there in amazement and horror while the chance for 383 stroker went away, LOL! Whatever floats your boat :-)

[@joe6096]

I don't know who the owners of this Nova are, but I know who the owners of this Nova are. And they are the LAST people on earth who would even know what to do with a 383 stroker. This car is purely a 100% nostalgia build, which means they'd sooner spend $10,000 to get the interior reupholstered in the factory correct "burn my ass in the summer and freeze my ass in the winter" vinyl than a high performance engine.

[@jeremyparsons2944]

I had a 75 nova ln sedan in highschool, had the tiny 4.3 v8 sounded good, didn't go nowhere 😂 the LN trim had a very nice interior upgrade