Will a 5.7 vortec fit in a 1978 nova?

Answer 1

Absolutely! Bolts right in. Headers still fit, oil pan clears, no problems. The Vortec is actually the last of the "old-style" SBC. All parts interchange except intake manifolds.

Ditch the TBI and get an air-gap type manifold and a 600cfm carb on top of a divided wood spacer ( Edelbrock part #8735). Get a one piece oil pan gasket and use nothing but stock Chevy intake gaskets.

For best results, replace valve springs with beehive type that will clear .550 lift and put in the Chevy HOT hydraulic roller cam. Will really wake the Vortec up. If you don't have headers now, get the ones called "Clipsters". They allow you to put the exhaust up under the car, not dragging on the ground with no clearance. Always run an 'X' pipe in your exhaust system.