The Chevy Nova got its first facelift in five years in 1973, and that was to accommodate bigger bumpers and a new 2-door hatchback body style. It looked much the same in many respects, only bulkier. The seller’s ’73 Nova is said to be a “street rod”, with changes under the hood that should make it a contender at traffic light standoffs. Located in Asheboro, North Carolina, this stout Chevy is available here on craigslist for $14,000. Once again, Mitchell G. steps up in the tips arena.
Changes to the Nova compact were well received and sales increased over 1972, but only by five percent. The new body style accounted for a quarter of Nova production in ’73, so that meant coupe and 4-door sedan combined turned in a smaller result. The Super Sport and 350 cubic inch V8s were still around, but there’s no indication the seller’s car had either option when it left the assembly line.
The seller refers to this Nova as a ‘street rod”, but its appearance doesn’t fit my image of what that conjures up. The orange paint and black stripes help, but this Chevy could just as well pack a six-banger under the hood. What’s there instead is a 400 cubic-inch small-block with some bling that doesn’t depend on an abundance of chrome. That motor is paired with a TH-350 automatic that may be stock.
Sufficient hoopla could be generated by a host of extras. If you’re keeping score, they include a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, Sniper electronic fuel injection, an Edelbrock intake manifold, posi-traction at the rear, headers, and a dual exhaust. We suspect the “radiators” (more than one?), tires, and suspension components are new. The claimed mileage is 320, so does that mean all of these enhancements are freshly done? BTW, there’s no tear in the front seats — looks like paperwork.
I never was into muscle cars, but I sure built enough models of them in my youth. The color combination on this vehicle is killer, and is similar to some of those models (you really can’t go wrong with orange). This looks fast sitting still.
No mention of rear gears Dixon in the ad. Perhaps w some 4.11s or deeper this could surprise a few on the streets. 🚥
The seller says it has a Holley carb and Sniper fuel injection, I wouldn’t take their word that it actually has Posi, let alone know the gear ratio. I cant tell you how many times sellers have told me a car had Posi or a particular gear ratio and were wrong on both. They typically don’t have a clue what’s in the car, but do know telling potential buyers it has posi and a desirable gear ratio is likely to either make the car easier to sell or make them more money.
Steve R
How does he have a carb and fuel injection
Probably a mis typing or confusion. Holley makes the Sniper injection system, maybe that’s what they’re trying to say.
73s used the same bumper as the 74, but used bumper brackets rather than the shock absorbers used on 74-79. Feds required 73 bumper to stand a 2 1/2 mph impact, 74-79 were 5 mph. Looks the same, but the 73 system is a bit lighter than 74-79. 74 Rear bumper and shock absorbers weighed about 150 lbs. I mounted chrome wrapped fiberglass rear bumper with 73 brackets on my 74 SS…looks the same but saves 115 lbs. 72 front bumper saves 66 lbs on the front as well.
How does it have a carb and fuel injection
But does it have muffler bearings?
Probably. Maybe also the required dual-focal metering valve as well.
Microencabulator? Tripolar-multi phase kniblick pin?
Runs on pure Tylenol?
If he didn’t even hook up the vacuum advance I can’t imagine it’s running near it’s full potential regardless of which one it has lol.
Maybe the Holley fuel injection kit is in the truck? Just needs a quick install.
Ok…I will admit I was a bit hard on the guy that claimed the stolen hood – just seemed off to me and I never heard of such a thing. Steve kind of set me straight there. But a 4 barrel carb and fuel injection? Hmm….
Probably a Holley 4 barrel sniper injection might be what he means. I wonder if he added any cans of compression to it, or a chopped and channeled dip stick as well lol.
Ad has been pulled.