What camshaft could you use on a stock 1974 Chevrolet nova?

The camshaft you can use in a stock 1974 Chevrolet Nova depends entirely on the engine it originally came with. Novas of that year were available with a wide variety of engines, including inline-sixes and small-block and big-block V8s. Each engine had its own specific camshaft profile designed for its intended performance characteristics.

To determine the appropriate camshaft, you must first identify the engine in your Nova. Look for casting numbers on the engine block to identify the engine family (e.g., 250 inline-six, 350 small-block V8, 454 big-block V8). Once you know the engine, you can then research the original camshaft specifications and look for replacements that are:

* Stock Replacement: A direct replacement for the original camshaft. This will maintain the factory power and drivability characteristics. Parts stores will list these by engine code.

* Mild Upgrade: A slightly more aggressive camshaft than stock, offering a small increase in horsepower and torque. These are carefully designed not to require significant other modifications.

* Performance Camshaft: A significantly more aggressive camshaft designed for increased power but often at the expense of drivability at low RPMs and potentially requiring other modifications to the engine (headers, intake manifold, carburetor/fuel injection, etc.).

Using the wrong camshaft can lead to poor performance, starting problems, or even engine damage. Always consult a parts catalog or a qualified engine mechanic to ensure you choose the correct camshaft for your specific Nova engine.