MuscleRods 68-74 Nova LS Conversion Kit

1968-74 Nova

LS Series Swap

Everything here is made specifically for your car

No generic hope-it-fits parts here. Everything was developed on a real project car for the best possible fit.

Sold separately so you get what you need.

For 2014+ LT Series Click Here

1968-74 X-Body LS Conversion

This LS swap kit is for the 1968-1974 Nova & Ventura II. The center of this conversion is our engine mounts and crossmember kit. This mount kit includes new frame brackets that bolt-in to existing holes in the subframe. Unlike most LS swap parts on the market everything here was made to work together, so you'll have clean mounting of your engine and not a mix of unrelated parts. Our engine mounts position the engine so there is no steering interference, and our crossmember maintains the proper drive-line angle. There are many options to complete this conversion including, oil pans, headers, fuel system, cooling, front accessories, and wiring. Simply scroll down through the following part groups to see all that we offer for an easy, strong, and clean installation of your LS engine.

Available Transmissions

106-0002-56 LS and T-56 or TR-6060*

106-0002-60 LS and 4L60E to 4L70E

106-0002-80 LS and 4L80E or 4L85E

106-0002-89 LS and 6L80E to 10L90E*

106-0002-40 LS and TH400

106-0002-35 LS and PG,TH350 or 4spd

Click here for installed photos

Mount and Crossmember Kit

Includes motor mounts, frame brackets, transmission crossmember, transmission mount, and hardware. Manufactured from the highest grade American made steel. They're laser cut, precision bent, powder coated and feature polyurethane bushings. It has a lifetime free replacement warranty on the bushings. $529.00

*Using a TR-6060 and some 8L90E/10L90E transmissions will require the use of one of the late model mount adapters listed below.

Individual Components

For those of you working on custom applications, or just adding an overdrive transmission to your existing engine, we offer our engine mounts and Sure-Fit crossmember separately. To ensure proper driveline angle we recommend getting the Mount and Crossmember kit together for standard LS swaps.

Sure-fit crossmember system

106-1302-00 Engine mounts and frame brackets only $299.00

106-2200-00 Sure-fit crossmember (patent pending) $299.00

Late Model Transmission Mount Adapters

We have adapter brackets available for those of you using Camaro TR-6060 or CTS-V T-56 manual transmissions and CTS-V 6L80E or 8L90E automatics. Click here for more info.

Solid Race Bushings

Also available are solid race bushings for our engine mounts.

Oil Pan kits

We developed our MuscleRods high-clearance oil pan to offer the best combination of fit, clearance, oil control and ease of installation. Built to our specs by Moroso, the pan works with strokes up to 4.125" and retains the OEM oil filter location. The high-clearance pan kit includes the pickup tube, gasket, hardware and our exclusive pickup-tube girdle. The GM LH8 Muscle Car pan can also be used with this conversion, but please be aware the sump will extend below the front crossmember approximately 1 to 1-1/2 inches. For this reason our high-clearance pan is a must for any vehicle that has been lowered.

Click here for oil pan install article.

000-6400-00 High Clearance Oil Pan $529.00

000-6100-00 LH8 Oil Pan $299.00

000-6102-00 LH8 Oil Pan (machined for ‘08 up VVT bypass) $379.00

Our High Clearance oil pan will be flush or above the front crossmember.

Baffled for better oil control.

OE oil filter location.

BRP Oil Pump Pickup Tube Girdle

Original GM oil pickup tubes are fastened to the pump with a single bolt mating flange on the tube. The bolt hole on the other side is not used. Our Girdle is cnc machined aluminum and goes over the original mating flange, wraps around the tube, and fastens using both bolt holes. Use with a little Locktight and it’s cheap insurance against an engine meltdown. It comes with two longer bolts for install.

000-6000-00 Girdle with hardware $24.95

Our oil pan kits come with our exclusive pickup tube girdle.

MuscleRods Ceramic Coated Headers

Our ceramic-coated headers offer many features that are normally only found on custom race headers. We start with 3/8" laser cut flanges with the tubes welded inside and out and then machined. The mid-length headers use a gasket-less ball and socket type collector for a leak free install. The long tubes feature a slip-fit collector that when used in conjunction with band clamps offer great ground clearance .We offer several sizes so you can match them to your horsepower level. Our stepped headers offer great high rpm performance while retaining good low and mid-range power. They all include gaskets, bolts, reducers, and O2 sensor bungs. Standard ceramic finish is polished silver, contact us for bare steel and black ceramic coated pricing.

MR45366 1 ¾” ceramic coated mid-length headers $569.00

MR45376 1 ¾” ceramic coated long tube headers $749.00

MR45396 1 7/8” ceramic coated long tube headers $799.00

MR45416 2” ceramic coated long tube headers $899.00

MR45386 1 ¾” stepped to 1 7/8” ceramic coated long tube $949.00

MR45406 1 7/8” stepped to 2” ceramic coated long tube $999.00

Smooth bends and transitions in 304 stainless steel.

Our stainless mid-length headers have 1 7/8” primaries with 3" 4-bolt collectors making great power for their compact size.

All of our stainless headers feature a collector merge-spike that creates a smooth transition from the primary tube into the collector. It reduces low pressure turbulence increasing the scavenging effect of the cylinders thus increasing flow and power output.

MuscleRods Stainless Steel Headers

We have found that 1 7/8" is the best size header for most LS swaps. So, we now offer a 1 7/8" long-tube and mid-length header in stainless steel specifically for this LS swap. These headers feature 3/8" flanges and very smooths bends that create a great raw stainless look. The 304 Stainless steel ensures maintenance-free longevity. The long-tubes feature a slip-fit collector that when used with stainless steel band clamps offer the best ground clearance in the industry. The collector merge-spike increases power in both the mid-length and long-tube. They include gaskets, bolts, and O2 sensor bungs.

106-6795 1 7/8” Stainless Steel long-tube headers $1049.00

106-6794 1 7/8” Stainless Steel mid-length headers $899.00

Exhaust Accessories

We have Stainless Steel band clamps, header bolts and reducer cones to help you complete your exhaust system. Click here for more info.

Internal baffle system insures a steady supply of fuel even during extreme driving conditions.

EFI In-Tank Pump Fuel Tanks kits

These conversion fuel tanks solve the problem of supplying your new LS engine with a steady flow of fuel. The tanks, made specifically for your car, feature a recessed area in the top for the fuel pump module and sending unit, so no floor modifications are needed for clearance. They have an innovative baffling system inside to control fuel slosh and keep the pump fed even at low fuel levels and extreme driving conditions. They are galvanized steel and powder coated silver for maximum durability. The kit includes a fuel sending unit designed to work with your factory style fuel gauge. The included fuel pump module features an in-tank wiring harness and three ports - one for the feed line, one for the return line, and one for the vent. The kit has two available Walbro fuel pump options. The standard 255 LPH pump or the 400 LPH pump for supercharged or 550+hp applications. The kit also includes tank straps, vent filter, gaskets, and hardware. They look like original equipment from under the car and are absolutely the best way to go when converting to EFI.

106-6682-04 68-69 Nova EFI Fuel Tank kit - 255 LPH pump $549.00

106-6682-06 68-69 Nova EFI Fuel Tank kit - 400 LPH pump $629.00

106-6683-04 70 Nova EFI Fuel Tank kit - 255 LPH pump $549.00

106-6683-06 70 Nova EFI Fuel Tank kit - 400 LPH pump $629.00

106-6684-04 71-72 Nova / Ventura Fuel Tank kit - 255 LPH pump $549.00

106-6684-06 71-72 Nova / Ventura Fuel Tank kit - 400 LPH pump $629.00

106-6685-04 73-74 Nova / Ventura Fuel Tank kit - 255 LPH pump $549.00

106-6685-06 73-74 Nova / Ventura Fuel Tank kit - 400 LPH pump $629.00

Fuel Line and Regulator Kit

Our quick and easy complete fuel line systems includes everything needed to go from the fuel tank to the LS fuel rail. Includes P.T.F.E. braided and covered fuel line, an OE style fuel filter/regulator combo, line clamps, and all fittings and connectors needed. Standard kit is for 255 LPH pumps with a 400 LPH version also available. Click for more info.

LS Conversion Radiators

We now offer conversion radiators specifically designed for your car with an LS engine. They feature all aluminum construction, but unlike others on the market, they have beautifully stamped tanks with strengthening indentations just like your original. They're a double pass design putting the inlet and outlet on the same side which greatly simplifies plumbing to the engine. The all important steam port bung is welded into the upper part of the tank which lets your new LS engine vent properly. They also include a sensor port that can be used for a coolant temp fan switch. Excellent restoration type quality made in the USA. Available in bare aluminum or black and with or without high performance electric fan installed.

313-9011-0M 68-72 Nova LS Radiator (Manual Trans) $679.00

313-9011-0A 68-72 Nova LS Radiator (Auto Trans) $755.00

313-9011-MF 68-72 Nova LS Radiator (Manual Trans) with fans $1078.00

313-9011-AF 68-72 Nova LS Radiator (Auto Trans) with fans $1154.00

313-9035-0M 73-74 Nova LS Radiator (Manual Trans) $679.00

313-9035-0A 73-74 Nova LS Radiator (Auto Trans) $755.00

313-9035-MF 73-74 Nova LS Radiator (Manual Trans) with fans $1078.00

313-9035-AF 73-74 Nova LS Radiator (Auto Trans) with fans $1154.00

Black Epoxy coating

Optional high performance fan installed

LS Swap Hoses and Line Kits

Check here for radiator hoses, transmission line and power steering kits to complete your swap.

Coil Relocation Kits and Extreme Race Wires

Muscle Rods Coil Relocation Kits alleviates the problem of the rear coils hitting the power brake booster or air conditioning box when swapping the LS engines into early vehicles. A perfect match to them is our high performance spark plug wires featuring 45° boots. For more info click here.

Wiring Harnesses and Computer

We offer many stand-alone harnesses as well as harness and re-flashed computer packages.

Gauge Components and Sensors

We offer a group of gauge adapters and sensors to get your original gauges working with your late model engine and transmission For more info click here.

Hydraulic Clutch Conversion Kits

This hydraulic clutch conversion kit is a must when installing a T56 (or TR6060) in your earlier vehicle. These easy bolt-in kits get you the great pedal feel of a hydraulic system and years of dependable, maintenance-free use.

LS Front Accessory Drives

Whether you are looking for original equipment style, or full billet custom, we have you covered. We have partial and complete kits in several finishes, that have been tested to work with our other components and your car. Hit the link for more info.

13” Brake Kit for GM 2-Piece Spindles

Our 13” Front brake kits are designed for use with early GM 2-piece spindles. They require the use of 17” wheels or larger (we cannot check fitment with all wheels, so please verify fitment prior to ordering). The kit includes all NEW parts including GM 2-piston calipers (with high performance brake pads), drilled, slotted & coated 13” rotors, stainless steel braided brake hoses (front only), brackets, shims and hardware.

013-3000-00 13” Brake Kit for Drum Spindles $ 849.00

013-3100-00 13” Brake Kit for Disc Spindles $ 849.00

12” Brake Swap Kits for GM 2-Piece Spindles

We offer disc brake conversion kits that allow you to use late model F-Body (1998-2002 Camaro & Firebird) 12” front and rear disc brakes on early muscle cars with GM 2-piece spindles. The kit is offered for either disc brake spindles or drum brake spindles and consists of both right & left brackets, spacers & hardware. Modifying your existing GM hubs to work with the new brakes ensures that you keep the same track width, which is a common problem with aftermarket brake kits. It’s a cost effective way to get great brakes on your car with affordable and easy to find replacement parts.

012-3000-00 12" Brake Swap Kit for Drum Brake Spindles $89.00

012-3100-00 12" Brake Swap Kit for Disc Brake Spindles $89.00

Rear Disc Brake adapter Kit

Our rear disc brake adapter kit allows you to use late model F-body rear brakes on your existing rear end. includes the spacer plates to re-position the backing plates to work with the early 10 & 12 bolt axles.

012-3400-00 F-Body Rear Brake Adapter plates $39.00