so several people have told me it would be a waste of my time to making my 86 Nova nice. but i think differently. it already runs but not very strongly.. but i am looking for suggestions on an engine swap. and possibly a drive train switch. from front wheel to rear wheel. but thats not required. or anything else you would do to it.

but yes suggestions?

You may find more receptive "help" in the Toyota section, as your "Nova" is really a Toyota Corolla, rebadged. No offense, but it IS a waste of time and money to try to modify this particular combination. Feel free, though. This IS "America"!

Interchange to a larger engine could be a real bag of worms!

Best of luck.

Jim

complete waste of money. the 86' wasn't even a muscle car anymore. Unless you REALLY like the year, don't bother.

As MRPbody said , the '86 Nova wasn't really a Nova at all , in name only . It was simply a rebadged Toyota , certainly no where close to a muscle car ! It was a 4 cylinder , FWD compact car featuring a 1.6 L engine rated at 74 HP . Muscle car - not ! Regardless of these facts , it's your car and if you want to individualize it to your own taste , go for it .