1978 Chevrolet Nova Performance Engines

Essential 1978 Chevrolet Nova Performance Engines

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1605)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$25.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Die cut silicone rubber gaskets conform to out-of-flat covers
  • Great for on-again/off-again situations
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

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$27.49
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 195 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
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Mr. Gasket – Head Gasket (Part No.1130G)

Head Gasket

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$32.99
Mr. Gasket Steel Shim Cylinder Head Gaskets are for high performance street machines, drag racing and oval track racing. With today’s extreme compression ratios you need stronger more durable gaskets. Mr. Gasket steel shim gaskets are made from .020 inch steel shim stock which is thinner than most composite gaskets increasing engine compression. Stress formed embossments will seal the extreme cylinder pressure.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from .020″ steel shim stock.
  • Thinner than composition head gaskets – increases engine compression.
  • Stress formed embossments seal extreme cylinder pressures.
  • For high performance street, drag race and oval track use.
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1884 R)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$64.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Rigid core, molded silicone rubber gaskets utilize the one-piece molded rubber technology for a perfect fit, ease of installation and include compression limiters to prevent overtightening.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7845)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

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$27.49
Secure the harmonic balancer or dampener on your Chevy. Works on original equipment, high performance street, drag or circle track applications. Features a heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel bolt for strength with a tall hex head to prevent wrench from slipping. An extra thick parallel ground washer provides accurate, uniform torque, and a lock washer is also included.

Product Features:
  • Heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel
  • Tall hex head bolt to prevent wrench from slipping
  • Extra thick parallel ground washer provides accurate, uniform torque
  • Washers Provides More Accurate And Uniform Torque
  • Grade 8 Alloy Steel
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Edelbrock – Performer Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head 64cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet (Part No.60909)

Performer Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head 64cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet

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$1009.99
Product Features:
  • 50-State Street Legal Aluminum Cylinder Head
  • Out-of-the-Box Bolt-On Performance
  • 64cc Combustion Chambers Improve Performance
  • Retain Stock Compression Ratio
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Competition Cams – Hi-Tech Roller Race Timing Set for Chevrolet 396-454 Big Block (Part No.3110)

Hi-Tech Roller Race Timing Set for Chevrolet 396-454 Big Block

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$141.99
COMP Cams Hi-Tech Roller Race Timing Sets include cast iron camshafts gears, induction hardened billet steel crank sprockets, and pre-stretched, heat-treated double roller chains with heavy-duty large pin design. They feature 3 keyway crank sprockets for

Product Features:
  • Cast iron camshaft gear and induction hardened billet steel crank sprocket
  • Pre-stretched, heat-treated true double roller chain with heavy-duty large pin design; chain available separately
  • Ideal for all street performance and race applications
  • Features 3 keyway crank sprocket for 4-degree incremental adjustability, 4-degree maximum advance/retard
  • Dynamically balanced and quality checked for run-out tolerances
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Competition Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs (Part No.1074)

Ultra Seal: Competition Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs

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$85.09
Mr. Gasket competition screw-in rocker arm studs are manufactured from heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 steel. Ideal for high performance street and race applications.

Product Features:
  • Black Oxide Coated Grade 8 Steel
  • Kit Contains 16 Studs
  • Easy To Install
  • Heat Treated Steel
  • Prevents Stud Flexing
  • Black Plated Finish
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Mr. Gasket – Intake Gasket (Part No.116)

Intake Gasket

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$40.19
Mr. Gasket Performance Intake Gaskets are manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material. They provide excellent sealing and durability. Can be trimmed if necessary for modified port applications. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material.
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability.
  • Can be trimmed if necessary for modified port applications.
  • Complete with manifold end seals and distributor gasket.
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use.
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Edelbrock – Torker-Plus Camshaft Kit for 1957-1986 Small-Block Chevy 283-400 V8 (Part No.5002)

Torker-Plus Camshaft Kit for 1957-1986 Small-Block Chevy 283-400 V8

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$411.99
Edelbrock camshafts are matched to Edelbrock Total Power Package components for proven performance, taking the guesswork out of camshaft selection. They are compatible with OEM or Edelbrock hydraulic roller tappets which reduce friction, virtually eliminate break-in problems, and permit higher valve velocities for increased performance. Designed to work with Torker II manifolds for performance from 2500 to 6500 RPM, these camshafts are ideal for high-performance street, drag or marine applications. Torker-Plus cams have a slightly rough idle and are not suitable for trucks or towing applications. Hydraulic flat tappet lifters are included with each camshaft.

Product Features:
  • Designed for 2500 to 6500 Performance
  • Designed for Hi-Perf Street; Drag or Marine Use
  • Matched to Edelbrock Torker II Intakes
  • Includes Hydraulic Lifters and Assembly Lube
  • Dyno Matched/Street Proven Performance
  • Take The Guesswork Out Of Camshaft Selection
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Edelbrock – Water Pump Big-Block Chevy Standard/Long in Polished Finish (Part No.8861)

Water Pump Big-Block Chevy Standard/Long in Polished Finish

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$475.99
Maximum cooling for street and racing engines. Internal passages are balanced for maximum flow. Impeller is larger than others for maximum pressure. Impeller vanes dramatically increase flow rates. Equal distribution to both sides of block. Only flows in one direction for optimum efficiency. In the early days of the automotive performance industry, you either ran what was available, or you fabricated something you thought met your needs. Such needs were the building blocks of this industry, and it was through the efforts of many that we have the automotive aftermarket, but it was through the work of one name in particular to which many in the industry owe a great debt, and that name is Edelbrock.

Product Features:
  • Maximum Cooling for Street and Racing Engines
  • Internal Passages Are Balanced for Maximum Flow
  • Impeller is Larger than Others For Max Pressure
  • Impeller Vanes Dramatically Increase Flow Rates
  • Equal Distribution to Both Sides of Block
  • Only Flows in One-Direction for Optimum Efficiency
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Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 252 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-205-2)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 252 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA

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$518.99
Ideal for use with mainly stock components like rocker arms, intake manifolds, cylinder heads, compression ratio, torque converters and rear gear ratios, the High Energy camshaft grind family is a great choice for street performance applications. Offering

Product Features:
  • Good blend of efficiency and performance.
  • Perfect choice for performance street rebuilds.
  • Work well with mainly stock components such as rockers, manifolds, heads, compression, torque converters and gears.
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Mr. Gasket – Lts Throttle Cable Brkt Chev (Part No.9885)

Lts Throttle Cable Brkt Chev

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$14.99
The throttle cable bracket is designed for small block Chevy engines thru 1979 and is to be used in conjunction with the kick down cable Pn9886 for the Turbo 350 transmission. The throttle cable bracket mounts on the intake manifold and will hold cables with round or square mounts. It has a 2 inch adjustable range and is finished off in a beautiful chrome plating.

Product Features:
  • 2 in. adjustable range
  • Includes necessary hardware
  • Chrome plated
  • Individually packaged
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B & M – Tork Master 2400 (Part No.20404)

Tork Master 2400

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$339.99
Torque Converter – Tork Master 2400 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) APPLICATION: Tork Master 2400 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) The Tork Master is B&M’s lowest cost performance torque converter. The Tork Master is an excellent all-around performance street converter. The best value priced street converters available, Tork Master converters come with a new precision pump drive tube and all are pressure tested and fully balanced. The Tork Master torque converter is not recommended for big block or supercharged applications. New alloy steel pump drive tube. Needle thrust bearing when factory equipped. New thrust washer between turbine and cover when required. Due to torque converter core availability, the actual converter size may vary but performance functionality will be as advertised.

Product Features:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
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Competition Cams – Magnum 7.800" Long, .080" Wall, 3/8" Diameter Pushrod Set (Part No.7513-16)

Magnum 7.800" Long, .080" Wall, 3/8" Diameter Pushrod Set

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$157.99
Magnum Pushrods from COMP Cams offer an affordable solution for your .080″ wall chromemoly pushrod needs. Designed to withstand the stresses of a high performance engine, Magnum Pushrods are head-treated for extended durability and have precision formed, reinforced ends. Magnum Pushrods are black-oxide finished with their part number and length laser etched onto the surface for easy identification.

Product Features:
  • 3/8″ Diameter, 7.800″ Length
  • Magnum Pushrods for Small Block Chevy
  • One-piece .080″ wall chromemoly steel tubing
  • Heat-treated for extended durability and guide plate compatibility
  • Precision formed and reinforced pushrod end
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Edelbrock – Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6997 For Small-Block Chevy, With Front Seal (Part No.6997)

Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6997 For Small-Block Chevy, With Front Seal

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$17.99
Product Features:
  • For Small-Block Chevy
  • One Piece Configuration
  • Includes Front Cover Gasket & Front Seal
  • Includes Necessary Gaskets & Crankshaft Oil Seal
  • For Replacement Or Installation
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Competition Cams – VALVE SPRINGS, 1.509" DUAL 1 ST (Part No.924-16)

VALVE SPRINGS, 1.509" DUAL 1 ST

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$788.99
Dual Valve Springs from COMP Cams are manufactured from Super Clean wire and subject to extensive quality control testing to deliver a valve spring assembly with superior strength, durability and valve train stability, no matter what the application. The dual spring design creates a stronger valve spring that can easily handle the increased lift found in extreme stress applications. COMP Cams Dual Valve Springs exceed the expectations of today’s engine builders and racers.

Product Features:
  • Seat pressure: 112 lbs. @ 1.900″, Open Pressure: 355 lbs. @ 1.200″
  • O.D.: 1.509″, I.D.: 0.697″
  • Dual valve springs with damper
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Spectre – Water Neck; Chevy 90 Degree (Part No.4933)

Water Neck; Chevy 90 Degree

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$50.99
Spectre’s Chevrolet water neck fits Chevy V8 engines and features a 90 degree neck with a 360 degree swivel design for a custom look and fit. This water neck has been designed around the OEM specifications, has a height of 2-7/8 inches and has a polished aluminum finish for a lasting look that fits great. This water neck includes the allen bolts and sealing O-ring.

Product Features:
  • Fits Chevy V8 engines
  • 90 degree neck with a 360 degree swivel design
  • 2-7/8 inch height
  • Includes sealing O-ring and allen bolts
  • Polished aluminum finish
  • Easy to install
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9730)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

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$99.99
Product Features:
  • Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5703, 5794
  • Set of 16
  • 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
  • Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
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Weiand – Stealth; Intake Manifold (Part No.8018)

Stealth; Intake Manifold

from

$394.99


Product Features:
  • High Rise/Dual Plane Design For Maximum Torque
  • Fully CNC Machined For A Perfect Fit
  • Square Bore Carburetor Flange
  • Exhaust Crossover For Improved Street Drivability
  • Permanent Mold Casting Process
  • Lighter/Smoother/Better Looking
  • More Consistent Castings
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Edelbrock – Performer Small Block Oldsmobile 350 Intake Manifold (Part No.7111)

Performer Small Block Oldsmobile 350 Intake Manifold

from

$458.99


Product Features:
  • Best for the Ultimate in Street High-Performance
  • Designed Idle to 5500 RPM Street-Driven Power
  • Dual-Plane High-Rise Intake w/180 deg Firing Order
  • Produces Incredible Top-End Horsepower
  • Retains Good Throttle Response and Acceleration
  • Larger Plenum and Runners Maximizes Other Upgrades
  • Edelbrock Total Power Package Maximizes Gains
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Mr. Gasket – Intake Bolt Kit (Part No.5004)

Intake Bolt Kit

from

$61.99
Finish your custom engine job with these show quality grade 5 chromed bolts, includes AN washers which have no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance. Includes (12) 3/8-16 x 1-1/4 inch bolts and (12) 3/8 inch AN washers.

Product Features:
  • Chrome plated
  • Grade 5
  • AN washers with no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance
  • Ideal For Street Rods/Machines
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Mr. Gasket – Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.6091)

Intake Manifold Bolts

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$32.09
These special Grade 8 intake manifold bolts feature a 12-point smaller-than-standard head and flange, and include special extra thick flat washers for optimum clamping pressures. They’re ideal for use where space is minimal, typical on larger runner race manifolds. These bolts and washers are bright zinc plated for protection and good looks.

Product Features:
  • Features 12-point Smaller-than-standard Bolt Head
  • Thick Flat Washers Distribute Optimum Clamp Load
  • Ideal Use Where Space Is Minimal On Race Manifolds
  • Bolts And Washers Zinc Plated For Protection
  • Zinc Plated For Protection
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET (Part No.2904)

PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET

from

$16.29
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Meets or exceeds all original equipment specifications
  • Application specific design to ensure a perfect fit
  • Engineered and manufactured specifically for repair applications
  • Unsurpassed quality you can trust
  • Validated for fit, form, and function
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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit (Part No.2900)

Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit

from

$21.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Meets or exceeds all original equipment specifications
  • Application specific design to ensure a perfect fit
  • Engineered and manufactured specifically for repair applications
  • Unsurpassed quality you can trust
  • Validated for fit, form, and function
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Competition Cams – Magnum 253/253 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Big Block 396-454 (Part No.CL11-214-4)

Magnum 253/253 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Big Block 396-454

from

$376.99
An older member of the COMP Cams grind family, the Magnum series of camshafts offers excellent performance gains over stock without the added wear and tear associated with more aggressive camshafts. Ideal for use with higher compression ratio engines that

Product Features:
  • Best with aftermarket torque converters and 9.5:1 compression.
  • Great high RPM power.
  • Easy on valve train parts.
  • Can be used with mild ratio rocker arms and traditional performance valve springs.
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Competition Cams – CAM & LIFTER KIT, SBC 260H HIGH ENERGY HYD 1 KT (Part No.CL12-206-2)

CAM & LIFTER KIT, SBC 260H HIGH ENERGY HYD 1 KT

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$323.99
Ideal for use with mainly stock components like rocker arms, intake manifolds, cylinder heads, compression ratio, torque converters and rear gear ratios, the High Energy camshaft grind family is a great choice for street performance applications. Offering

Product Features:
  • Good blend of efficiency and performance.
  • Perfect choice for performance street rebuilds.
  • Work well with mainly stock components such as rockers, manifolds, heads, compression, torque converters and gears.
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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 250/256 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit Chevrolet Small Block (Part No.CL12-254-3)

Xtreme Energy 250/256 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit Chevrolet Small Block

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$321.99
SMALL BLOCK CHEVY HYDRAULIC CAM AND LIFTER KIT – Xtreme Energy: Pro Street/bracket, needs good intake, headers, gear and 3300+ stall.

Product Features:
  • Cam and lifter kit for Small Block Chevy engines
  • CL-Kit includes cam, lifters, assembly lube, instructions and decals
  • HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Pro Street/bracket, needs good intake, headers, gear and 3300+ stall.
  • 294/306 Advertised Duration, 250/256 Duration @ .050″, .519″/.523″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
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1978 Chevrolet Nova Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1978 Chevrolet Nova. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 89 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $7.99 to $1,009.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1978 Chevrolet Nova running smoothly.

Performance Engines are only as good as their brand. We stock 7 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1978 Chevrolet Nova. Mr. Gasket, Edelbrock, and FEL-PRO Performance are just some of the brands we stock. Search for brands you know or compare prices and reviews to help you decide!

We know you’ll find the perfect Performance Engines for your 1978 Chevrolet Nova, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 332 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include Action Plus Water Pumps with 3.7 stars and Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set with 3.3 stars.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1978 Chevrolet Nova rolling for years to come, look no further. Shop online and have your products shipped direct to your door, or pick up at the nearest Advance Auto Parts location today!

Performance Engines Brands To Make Your 1978 Chevrolet Nova Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1978 Chevrolet Nova demands trusted brand parts and products to keep it running. Many trusted brands of Performance Engines make up Advance Auto Parts’ inventory, and all are ready to help make your Nova the best it can be. Be sure to browse some of our top Performance Engines brands and parts.

Popular B & M Performance Engines

We carry B & M parts in our stock across Performance Torque Converters categories, plus more. For a 1978 Chevrolet Nova, our most popular B & M Performance Engines include:
Tork Master 2400
from $339.99
(1)
Tork Master 2400
Performance Torque Converters

Top 1978 Chevrolet Nova Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1978 Chevrolet Nova. Popular Mr. Gasket parts include:
High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow
from $26.99
(20)
High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow
Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats
Ultra-Seal Intake Manifold Gasket with Silicone Beading
from $31.99
(18)
Ultra-Seal Intake Manifold Gasket with Silicone Beading
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets
Intake Manifold Bolts
from $32.09
(5)
Intake Manifold Bolts
Performance Intake Manifold Hardware

FAQs for 1978 Chevrolet Nova Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1978 Chevrolet Nova?

Out of 89 Performance Engines for the 1978 Chevrolet Nova, the most popular in our inventory are:
Performer EPS Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy
from $195.99
(7)
Performer EPS Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy
Performance Intake Manifolds
Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts
from $39.49
(1)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
from $52.99
(1)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets

What are the top-rated 1978 Chevrolet Nova Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1978 Chevrolet Nova based on customer reviews/ratings are:
Action Plus Water Pumps
from $215.99
(3)
Action Plus Water Pumps
“I bought this item for my 1979 Camaro SBC for Street/Strip application. Water pump weighs 4 LBS less than factory, comes with its own cork gaskets. N”
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
from $62.99
(3)
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
“Bolted right on, instructions were spot on. Great purchase. Hard to go wrong with an Edelbrock company product”
Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
from $21.49
(2)
Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
“Seals properly”