1973 Pontiac Ventura

[GIJoe4500]

I am now the proud owner of a 1973 Pontiac Ventura. It is in bad need of restoration. I was wondering if someone could give me some good references for restoring a Ventura/Nova. And maybe a good how-to guide for a Chevy 350 rebuild.

Thanks

GIJoe

[MrPbody]

If it's a 6 cylinder car, using the Chevy is easy. The mounts are similar and anything from Nova will fit.
If it's a V8 car, use the Pontiac 400 instead. It will bolt right in where the 350 Pontiac was, and makes better street power than the small block. Headers for the '67-'69 Firebird will fit it. Jim Hand's book "How to Build Max-performance Pontiac V8s" is current and accurate.
There are innumerable books and articles on building the small block. If you really WANT a Chevy, fine, but don't fall for the BS that a Pontiac won't make power or live. If you do install a Chevy, be prepared to be "cast out" of the Pontiac "family". You may also get a number of challenges to a race, against cars WITH the Pontiac. Bring your lunch...
FWIW

[GIJoe4500]

Yeah, I made the assumption that because it was GM that the Pontiac 350 was the same as the Chevy 350. After a bit of research, I have learned that I am wrong. I want to keep the Pontiac 350 motor in the car, as well as the TH350 tranny. I'm not looking for a street terror or anything, I'm looking more towards a restoration that takes the car back to the way it originally was.

[MrPbody]

Parts for 350 Pontiac are readily available. It depends on what changes you wish to make, whether or not they are all suited to what you're doing. A true restoration is easy. Just order a master kit and have the engine rebuilt "stock". You can make subtle changes that will enhance both the power and mileage.