So, I got an interesting trade offer on my 95 Z28 convertible that I am considering.

Guy has a 75 Nova SS in decent shape, wants to do a straight trade.

Here's the link to his ride: 75 Nova SS




What do you guys think?

I am a bit leery of the 4:10 gears with a 3spd auto in there, seems like highway driving might be a bit tough. This isn't going to be a commute vehicle, but I would like to drive around the area without it whining at 4500rpm @ 65MPH.

Now, I love the Nova (my first car was a crappy 77 inline 6) but I also know I will be taking a BIG step down in power here. I really like the power in the Z28 now.

I would love a 69-72 Nova, but much like the 1st gen Camaros, they are a bit out of my price range right now.

What do you guys think? Trade some HP now for a more "classic" ride that I can tinker with for the next decade or so? Or keep the "right now" HP of the Camaro?

Any and all opinions appreciated.

 

Sure would be easier to work on the engine....lol...I guess it depends on what you want out of a car really. Thats a nice looking nova, but I would never trade mine for one.

 

If he offered me that for my 95 z, that nova would be sitting in my garage right now. Worth more then a z28 (around here anyhow).

Edit: Just noticed, if your looking at it as a daily driver. leave it alone, its not a daily driver car. You could always sell the nova or trade it down the road, around here the nova holds more trade value then a 95 camaro (trade value of $1-2k around here).

 

I'd be very tempted, looks like a nice Nova. And I don't see the value of your car going up, like the Nova will. I would get more info about the 350 it has though before assuming it would be a BIG step down in power. What do you consider "BIG" anyway? Getting 300 hp out of a gen 1 350 is a cake walk. And yeah, you'll be cranking the r's down the highway, so if you do much of that type of driving, it's going to get old and drain your wallet faster. You can swap the gears, or better yet, an overdrive trans with the 4.10's will give you the best of both worlds.

 

I'd trade, but my Z isn't necessarily my DD. I have a Jeep that I DD as much as the Z. That Nova is definitely not a DD.

DD or not, I'd definitely put an OD trans in there if not actually changing the gearing altogether. I used to have a Datsun pickup with 4.10s and 225/7015 tires and 4k at 65 rpm even with that 4-banger was really annoying. I put in a 5 speed and that kicked the rpms down to about 3k at 65, which was fine for the 4-banger but would still be higher than my liking for a V8.

 

Ehh it looks nice for what it is. Not the best year for the nova but it comes down to what you want.

 

My Z isn't my DD, and this wouldn't be either, just a weekend toy. I was looking at the stock HP #'s for that car and it was a bit scary. (155HP from the TOP engine in that year). I know it is pretty easy to get more power out of those engines though. I haven't looked at it in person yet, going to do that this week, take it for a drive, that sort of thing.

The OD tranny idea has come up a couple times from my buddies too, so if I pull the trigger, that will probably be the first thing to go in it.

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it.

 

I did a motor for a friend that bracket races his same year nova on the weekends. He runs a th350 with a 4.10 gear and a set of 26 tall slicks and it works great. 12.20s at 107mph and its consistant as hell, with the driver being the weak link. I would trade in a heart beat for the nova. I would think anyone that has spent any time and money on the car as it sits will have done a lot to the motor. 4.10 gears 700r4 trans and a vortec headed 383 stroker and a set of drag radials and your set for a weekend runner.

 

With out a doubt a cool car. But its not really the right kind of nova, because when you think about a nova, you think of like the '69 muscle car. So if i wanted a nova, i'd wait till i found the right one. But to each his own, its still a badass ride and if you get it id love to see you make it a bat outta hell

 

the nova is clearly worth more than the 95 z28. maybe do the trade... keep it for a year or so, do alittle work. and sell it. then buy something better.