This guy is old school and he is a breath of fresh air in today's world

I'm a Mopar guy myself and I have a healthy respect for those big block bow ties, they are very strong engine

The way I feel, I've watched many of nicks videos and it doesn't matter what name is on the engine. Mopar, Chevy or Ford. If Nick did it you know it was done right . Thank you Nick for all your hard work and all the quality videos you post. Stay safe, cheers.

We're at 570 hp & 570 torque which is good numbers good numbers after all you guys it is a simple 454 they are small port oval heads with a flat top & hydraulic cam. I MEAN REALLY FOR A "CRUISER" THIS IS NOT BAD AT ALL - Nick. Lol.

Wow 573 hp from that is really nice to see. Owner wanted 540 he got more with the mad scientist!! Nice work Nick!

The best thing bout Nick and the dyno is that he doesn't play with the modern FI and microcomputer controlled engines. Nick is "Old School" and likes carburetors and distributors. My kind of hot rodding.

@johnpopoff7950

20 күн бұрын

He's had EFI engines on his dyno.

Nick has my respect. Guys like him are few and far in between. He's a true artist with engines and believes in taking care of his customers. "They don't make 'em like that anymore" Certainly applies to Nick and his dedication to what he does. Much Respect Sir!

@davecoleman7431

2 жыл бұрын

English bulldog I may add thank you from London uk Love nicks garage

@TheRoguelement

2 жыл бұрын

Nic is very likely 30 yrs behind technology when it comes to cam timing .Nic doesn't even use big name after market roller cames..or big single plane manifolds ...and we don't used Stamped steel rockers...

@TheRoguelement

2 жыл бұрын

He makes tons of extra work that no big difference except more work...Why ?????

@norrismulgrew859

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRoguelement I would like to see you build a better engine. Nick also builds race car motors.

@Davinci12007

Жыл бұрын

@@TheRoguelement You do realize that most of these videos are customers bringing in engines for "tuning?" Have you ever seen him change a cam or rebuild anything? NO and that's because for these videos these are street engines that are almost all in restorations. He mentions, if you payed attention, what it's going in, what year, if they are numbers matching.. He's no claiming to build "race engines" and that's not what these videos are about. You need a new LS build for 1,000HP to prove your ability to match up after market part, go spew your ignorance over on the Engine Masters sites. Guessing that over there you'll be way out of your league too.

I love the smell of a big block in the morning🔥

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

... smells like horsepower!

@McBuggs.

3 жыл бұрын

@@NicksGarage ... Feels like it too! (winkwink)

I love how that top go pro allows you to see the atomization of fuel out of the boosters! So cool to see

@tomcrosby6332

3 жыл бұрын

You should see the 6 pack pull. Guzzle guzzle

@mikatamminen2786

2 ай бұрын

@@tomcrosby6332 or two dominators/Stack injection...

@mikatamminen2786

2 ай бұрын

it serves as a purpose for Nick too live while dynoing.

I love how Nick does quality work. In the old days that's how most people worked. It wasn't just about working fast but done right the first time and done knowing it's reliable but also fast. At least when you get an engine from Nick you'll know it's done right and won't blow up in a few miles. Thanks Nick for caring about your work. The quality of work is noticed and appreciated.

I am a GM, Ford and ASE master tech... Blah Blah, What I am trying to say is that... This is the channel I visit to learn... Thanks Nick, Keep up the good work.

just to see nick is happy after the first little run you know this dude likes his job and it makes this channel and this video even more legit

"Nothing too crazy. Just over 500 HP." 😁

@1980bwc

3 жыл бұрын

500 hp isnt too crazy for a Chevrolet anyway. Lol

@theeoddments960

3 жыл бұрын

And the guy buys the most overkill parts for 500 horsepower that can handle 800+ like the heads

@BBBILLY86

3 жыл бұрын

@@theeoddments960 was probably hoping for 800 hp.

@theeoddments960

3 жыл бұрын

@@BBBILLY86 guy said mild 500 hp. Idk seems like such a waste of money That could have gone to a lot better use in the car.

@BBBILLY86

3 жыл бұрын

@@theeoddments960 Never fun swinging for the fence and striking out.

I worked as a mechanics helper for 4 years. I’m really impressed with the experience and professionalism Nick Shows. Thank you 🙏. ( Yes Women do Love to work on cars ).

@norristammislideshowmulgre877

3 жыл бұрын

Right on young lady. Befor my two beautiful Daughters where ever allowed to get there driver's license. I made sure they knew how to check there oil,tires and tire pressure,water break fluid,air filter,fuel filters and many other things including what to do if they break down. To this day they know far more than their husbands.

Waow A Big Block Chevy 454 Sent to Nick's Garage because when he puts the pedal to the floor the owner wants more When it's done he'll be able to take it to the track or take it on tour Nick's a master with a split pin for securing a valve spring it's just the thing You gotta do this stuff before breaking a cam in There's nothing like a Monday Dyno test that's why Nick's Garage is the best Always tried and tested carburated or injected Nick's Garage revered and respected

No matter the brand of engine, Nick's Nuggets of wisdom included in his dyno and engine builds are a great reminder and teaching tool.

A Master Craftsman ! Always love these Dyno Vids Nick.

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

Good morning Nick, and everyone else. Enjoy your day wherever you are...

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Native. Have a great one.

@RichardMLowe

3 жыл бұрын

@@NicksGarage Hey Nick, I found Eugene Castles on Facebook and we talked about his Car and you as well Sir

@RichardMLowe

3 жыл бұрын

@@NicksGarage Question: On the Valve Covers I've seen these "extensions" that will make the Valve Covers taller ... What is your take on these Sir

@Stahodad

3 жыл бұрын

Nice tip on the valve spring install..I guess you can do valve seals the same way ..with the air..

@Stahodad

3 жыл бұрын

Hello from Halifax. Snow tomorrow..lol.

I have 2 of those MOTOR books, they do have all info others don't. The 1960s one has a lot of old school tips on tuning, it showed how to set timing with just a 12 volt light, did it once, worked great.

Good job on the 454 Nick!!! I was really impressed with the power and torque the 454 made, amazing numbers, that will make the Nova a very wicked street machine. When I saw the dip in the graph I figured there was something going on in the valve train, and I knew that Nick would figure it out, which he did with some help from Car Guy daddyo. That was an excellent diagnosis on the valve train harmonics, now she runs like she should. I loved the video George, especially the part where you went outside to record the dyno run, great job. Thanks for braving the cold to do that. My Monday is now better.

@nickpanaritis4122

3 жыл бұрын

Eugene. I would love to see 500 plus on your 440. We have to select a good set of heads on this one. Soon to be done.

@eugenecastles7475

3 жыл бұрын

@@nickpanaritis4122 Well Nick, that makes two of us who would love to see those numbers. The right heads, cam, and intake will make those numbers happen. Looking forward to talking with you sometime soon.

I worked at an automotive machine shop when I was younger and remember a guy brought in a set of 351c 4v heads to have bigger/stronger rocker arm studs put in. It had triple valve springs and my boss told me it had a stupid big roller cam in it. When we put the spring on our tester to see we estimated the seating pressure at over 300lbs and the open length compression we couldn't get because it maxed out our tester. lul

@davidcochrane3671

2 жыл бұрын

Thats roller springs guy!

So good to see that Motors Repair Manual. My dad and I used it for All our repairs and got it from the Library. We did all our own work.

@nickpanaritis4122

3 жыл бұрын

Tom. Great book. I still use it. You and your dad did the correct thing.

450 ROAR!! That Nova will be WICKED.

Engine sounds great. Looking forward to the burnouts.

I think Nick has fallen in love with a GM Big Block 454... 30 over lol.. ive never seen him smiling so much and determined to get that bad boy peaking!

Every time that engine got above 3000 RPM the smile on my went from ear to ear. What a beautiful sound. I love any good performance engine but I love Chevy.

Seeing those Mickey Thompson valve covers brought back memories when I had my 79’ Camaro RS. 350 sb, punched 30 over, nice mid-range cam, 700 Holley vacuum secondary’s, 4.11 posi, th400, a huge 4 core radiator, etc. etc. etc…… I had it for a few years until I wrecked it racing a Mustang one night. Thanks for❤️👍🏼 all you do for us gear-heads out here in KZread land. God bless you and your family Nick. Best of luck 🍀

TIP - If you have a solid or hydraulic ROLLER lifter you DO NOT need to remove the inner springs. As a roller lifter does not need to be broken in like a flat tappet. When you break in a flat tappet, you are case hardening the cam. I had asked Lunati valve train and my suspicions were correct according to the engineer.

@davelowets

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely

Great Video!! AFR makes a killer cylinder head!! Almost 600hp on this thing with barely any cam!! There is plenty more left in it if the customer wants to drop in a solid roller with a steeper rocker!! It's an awesome street setup!!

@mikatamminen2786

2 ай бұрын

Late John Lingenfelter did equally with iron oval 049s using 2.25/1.88 valves and porting, also 660+hp with a 496 a 1050 mech roller and above heads.

@vhp454

6 күн бұрын

I have a bbc from a McLaren can am car M8f code. 509 cid, it has a solid flat tappet cam, mechanical fuel injection, over 860 HP and 800 tq revs to 7900 No need for a roller cam

Wow first time I stumble across this channel and I live 10 minutes from the garage...been building muscle cars for over 35 years privately and have know about Nick & Roger as local muscle car guys can't go wrong with either of these guys for your restoration work..dedicated muscle car folks.. Keep up the great work, Joe

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Wow! So glad you found the channel at last.

@joelanovara5808

3 жыл бұрын

Yes will surely be checking the channel now continue the great work...Keeping Muscle Cars Alive !

@joelanovara5808

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Nick are you able to build a 302 Chevy spec engine from scratch, are parts available?

@nickpanaritis4122

3 жыл бұрын

@@joelanovara5808 . For a small block Chevy 302, I am sure there is.

@joelanovara5808

3 жыл бұрын

Yes but can you build one from scratch ? without existing old parts?

When you treat your customers engine as if it were your own you know Nick is not just good at what he does he takes pride in making every engine the best that he possibly can, I have seen mechanics forget to put oil in the engine before and told the customer they all make that sound, then quickly fill the engine before the customer finds out!

When I had my Chevelle, I had the same problem with my 454. The rocker arm clearance to the chrome valve covers wasn’t enough. Evidently it’s a common problem as I found a slightly taller set that still looked stock and solved the problem. Nice video. Nick is a good teacher.

This hands-on, nuts-and-bolts knowledge and experience is why I love spending time in Nick’s Garage. Thanks, guys!

Somebody was real swift to know about the spring harmonics. Good advice indeed.

AFR oval port heads aren't SMALL port heads Nick. They will usually out perform stock square ports in my experience. Not saying my experience is the word but it is what it is. AFR are my go to heads. Thanks for your channel brother. Love it !

570 h.p. In a Nova for the street! I think the customer will be happy. I ran into one that was shutting down after ten minutes of running. The exhaust was glowing red. Larger tubes fixed that. Had another losing power at the end of the quarter mile. Needed more fuel. Electric fuel pump fixed it right up. I miss those days! Good Job Nick!

A neighbour had a '69 Chevelle SS with a beast of a 454, used to drag it at Luskville QC speedway, drove it there then swapped in those big Mickey Thompson stickies...

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Good memories. Thanks.

@RaymondL704

3 жыл бұрын

@@NicksGarage It's my understanding that the SS was more common with the 396?

Great to see Nick so stoked testing the 454 and it's not even a Mopar. A happy man👍🇨🇦🇬🇧

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Right on!

@warrenmichael918

3 жыл бұрын

Nick is a mopar man but more importantly , he is just a horsepower man!! I would love to have a project that he could spice up, but i dont,,,LOL

For all you people giving a "Thumbs Down", It's obvious you stopped taking your medication. Watch Nick, be happy!

@craigpennington1251

3 жыл бұрын

There's always some that don't like what ever it is. I'm thinking that you tube is automatically doing it. (?)

@datasailor8132

3 жыл бұрын

Makes Mondays durable.

@stevewhyte8476

3 жыл бұрын

probably tired of all the you-tube pros chiming in ! why watch someone like nick do his deal & tell him how to do it. go build your own , and be proud.

@theeoddments960

3 жыл бұрын

I like this guys channel but man he builds motors for some real dummies that have no idea how to do anything themselves. Fuckin guy bought 2800-3200 dollar set of afr heads when he could have saved 800 to a grand getting lesser heads that would work just fine at his power level. Afr heads on a big block don’t even have to sweat making 700 horsepower what are they doing with it on that mild ass application

@k0rndog93

3 жыл бұрын

Could be those few people get tired of hearing the same thing repeated 50 times in 1 minute and the endless rambling

When my dad hit a shopping cart with the grill of his van , he replaced it with a 454 grill. It made him smile when ever he looked at that 454 badge .

Any engine that's a good engine is indeed a good engine. Thanks for the time Nick.

Beautiful engine Nick! Your hot rodding skills are over the top. Is always a pleasure to see your work. Great video!

I like the extra measures taken to make sure the cam is broken in properly. Especially now that flat tappet cams and lifters don't seem to be what they used to be!

wow, the guy that said "springs" ! kudos.

Nick, The 460 CID show was/is entertaining, interesting & fun. Well done.

GOODMORNING GOODMORNING Everyone . Happy Monday .

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Good morning, Todd. Have a great week.

The master of Mopar working on a beast of a chevy..love it!!

Love this channel! Thanks for sharing your knowledge Nick, and thank you too George on camera! 🇨🇦🇬🇷🇦🇺 🏁🚘🏁

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

"Thanks Nic"!,,, *"Chevy All Day, Baby"*

That motor really wants to go...I'd say the dip is valve train related It looks like a harmonic problem to me, roller rockers with a different ratio and or valve springs maybe, if it was my motor I'd fit an 850dp with a spacer beneath and fine tune it...Those are really good numbers for a street car of build though..keep up the good work Nick.

@davidcochrane3671

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed

That seemingly mild Rat makes enough power to kick major mopar ass and annihilate any ford that's been on your dyno. Awesome !

@teretz571

3 жыл бұрын

I love my fords but i have to agree with you its a beast

@doctorromex7804

3 жыл бұрын

I love my FoMoCo's too but that Chevy makes it look easy to make big power..

@bobkonradi1027

2 жыл бұрын

No bias at all.

You got those numbers because it’s a big block Chevy, nothing like it . Can you imagine what it would do with a bigger cam. 👍👍

Nick another great video. Always look for to you dropping very detailed information and a precise way to do it!

Respect them all. Every combo needs its own particular attention. Never assume. There is always a formula. Keep an open mind and if you think Chevy is the best, if you think Ford is the best or nothing can beat a mopar.. you prove your ignorance. They are all great. Its the input that makes the output.

I love these educational how to video segments! Such valuable interesting info! Thank you Nick!!!

Another great vid, It's 2021 I can't believe Cams and springs are still used in modern engines, cost is everything , I guess. Solinoids to control valves are noisy, probably unreliable, but you wonder how much power is lost due to having to drive the valvetrain and not being able to control valve timing more precisely. We love this stuff .

Good morning Nick I hope the king in the north is well. Happy to see it’s bowtie Monday🤘

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Mornin' B. Good to see you.

That Nova is going to be a street beast for sure.

So enjoyable watching Nick work. He looks so happy.

Boy, did you bring back memories when you walked out with that "MOTOR Auto Repair Manual" @ 10:48. My Dad had 2 or 3 of those (I think he had 1971, 1973 and 1975 Editions). His were just as beat-up and greasy as yours too LOL And Bible is right! Pop never touched a project without first consulting that book .....

@riclmilligan4345

3 жыл бұрын

Do you need a bigger carb nick

@riclmilligan4345

3 жыл бұрын

Can't supply fuel needed at higher rpm

What a Great video. Thanks for telling us what the problem was I would not have guessed that the springs were the problem in a million years.

Hi Nick and all the team at Nicks Garage! Great to be back on line! One thing I love about your work Nick....is your absolute attention to detail....Magnificent! Cheers from Melbourne Australia!

nice videos nick very informative with out waffling on ,and who ever is filming has done a great job

Its fun watching a Master mechanic at work on different engines. Enjoyed watching him diagnose this problem.

My day at work just got better !!! This goes to show what a good set of cylinder heads can do paired with a good intake and of course a Great Engine Builder !!

Good job Nick! I’m a Chevy guy, but I really enjoy all your dyno sessions. Every performance motor I’ve done over the years has been dynoed before going in the car. Sometimes saves having to figure out problems once in the car and running. Most times my cars run close to the number right off the trailer.

I like the way you rock old school... You explain in garage terms what is happening and you reason. No high expensive words. You do what you do. Great to watch. Bill

Love how passionate this man is. 🤘👍🏼

Good morning Nick and team thanks for sharing love what you do for my Monday morning coffee and great job God bless you all

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much

Goooood morning, Nick and all the guys!!! Happy (snowy?) Monday!!! Always love watching your shows, keep up the excellence!!

I love this channel. Nick is a very knowledgeable and honest mechanic!! By the way, I love the Vanishing Point shirt!!

Never give up. You are awesome Nick، This is the right mechanic 👍💯 thumbs-up to you and your staff. Cheers guys

I’m a Mopar enthusiast, but all make vintage Big Blocks sound and look good. The 454 in the 72 Nova should be a sweet combo and tough guy on the street! Keep up the good work Nick. 😎

@NoWr2Run

3 жыл бұрын

YES, ON THE STREET & TRACK. Very nose heavy other wise unless all Aluminum ?

Awesome job your shirt is pretty cool. I'm looking forward to seeing that engine back in that beautiful nova!!

That Outside Of The Dyno Room Was Awesome Thank You George For That Amazing Footage 😀😀😀😊 Amazing Work as Always Nick n Vasili 😎😀👍🏼 I Love a Big Block Chevy

I love seeing the Motor manual, my dad gave me mine 20 years ago and it's one of my most valued possessions.

I love the Vanishing Point shirt. One of my favorite movies and definitely one of my favorite cars. I enjoy watching your videos in the work that you do. Have a great day. Namaste

Thanks for showing the outdoor view during the test, I wondered what it sounds like out there, excellent.

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

You bet!

That's good to know. Definitely a learning experience. I've got a 454 that I'm going to be rebuilding and it's going to be fun. I enjoyed this.👍

This is the best movie l have watched in a long time.....Thanks to Nick's Garage.... Reverso Enfin, l'épilogue traite d'un enjeu moins exaltant. ...Thanks again....!!

Stock rockers on those heads???????

@treytucker5619

3 күн бұрын

When the therapeutic range of a 4.oo” stroke is 5000rpm why not use standard type rockers?

Tip: An inverted rubber tire valve works good to seal the dipstick. 😉

@NicksGarage

3 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@wokewokerman5280

3 жыл бұрын

...that single carb return spring makes me a little nervous, I've had a spring pop disaster!!!

@bigsparky8888

3 жыл бұрын

YEAH BUDDY...BETTER THAN MY SUGGESTION...

@victorgirouard1543

3 жыл бұрын

That tricks works well I have done it many times myself

Great stuff Nick. I'm a big fan of the 454. Had them before in my dually pickups. (1) 1986 brand new - 16 gallons of gas(leaded) used 1 quart of oil like clock work. That engine was carbed. the 1987 model was fuel injected and did the same thing burning unleaded or regular leaded fuels. I carried a case of oil when going anywhere. No leaks no smoke and the tailpipe was clean. Had a 4.2 Litre Jag that did it too. I hope the new crate engines don't have that problem.

*Nick!* Enjoyed the heck out of this episode as always, my friend! What a natural teacher you are and YT may well be the best "classroom" for you to teach in. It's uncanny how many methods of turning a wrench I can relate to with the way you do things (probably because we're of similar age groups). Looking very much forward to the next one, George! -Ed on the Ridge

Morning Nick, Vasili, and others. That 454 sounded real sweet at idle for the power you were getting out of it. I gathered you would find and fix the problem so that motors going to be one sweet number now That sound from outside the shop sounded top George what a beaut idea aye! Stay healthy and happy guys.

A pleasure to watch a professional like Nick.

Wow I’ve never heard of spring harmonics but that’s why you are the best in the business 👍please keep doing these videos I learn every time I watch you are amazing bro 👍👍👍

575hp isn’t too radical & still plenty of horsepower. Can probably use it as a daily driver. Perfect for a little street rod or cruiser. Nicely done.

Those Chevy rat motors make some big power!!

I have a built 454 stuffed in a 1973 Camaro. Loved the info of this video!!!

Glad you figured it out! Excellent video as usual!

Amazing what a good set of heads will do. Nice job nick.

The Chevy’s turning some pretty decent numbers for sure. That’s going to be one wicked Nova. Nice work Nick.👍👍

@kevinmcdonough5500

3 жыл бұрын

I had an 850 Holley with a 1” open spacer on my 468 BBC. Ran better than my old 750 Holley. My hydraulic flat tappet cam had single springs and made peak power at 5,600 rpm’s.

Respect to his knowledge and of course to his shirt!! Amazing movie!!

Mid 70's I was running a 410 Merc/30 over, in a '63 1/2 Galaxie. I could feel that nose over then back up in the top 2 gears. Mentioned it to an ol' guy that had a one car shop behind his house, doubt if he had any more electronics than a timing light. Said to bring a $10 bill and a case of PBR and he'd take care of it. Shimmed the hell out of the springs and said I had spring harmonics. Solved.

Love the sweat shirt Nick...I remember going to the drive-in in my brothers Gran Coupe to see that flick.. Geez 575hp is going to make that nova fly.nice job as always.

Sweet build Nick. That's definitely gonna be fun in that Nova.

I love that sound big block baby

Love the sound! Love the passion! Love the enthusiasm! Thanks guys for making Mondays rock!

Geez you see the setup on that Nova! 🤤 Thing can rip your heart out just looking at the beast.