74 apollo subframe swap????

Discussion in 'The "X" bodies' started by korys-apollo, Dec 12, 2009.

  1. korys-apollo

    korys-apollo New Member

    Hey, Ive seen some threads on here about swapping 75-79 nova / skylark subframes into 73-74 apollos. Has anyone done this? we are building a stout 455 and want to install it in a 74 apollo with minimal clearance issues, sounds like the subframe swap is the way to go if its not to much trouble, anyone have any experience with it?:confused:
     
  2. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    Not certain as to skylark Xbody frames, but the later frames on Novas were called 'metric' frames. They WILL bolt up to the body, but there are significant differences in suspension components used, and the front end of the frame is different, having different design bumpers amd mounts and core support areas.think there was an additional brace in front also. Remember this from old car craft or hot rod mag looking through a few weeks ago. If i find it again, will post further info
     
  3. korys-apollo

    korys-apollo New Member

    Thanks any info would be a big help :grin:
     
  4. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    Found it! May 2006 Car Craft pages 62 & 63... condensed version: 3 different subframes bolt up. 67-69 f/x (camaro/firebird/nova/ other X bodies); 70-74 f/x and 75-79 f/x. 75-79 has improved suspension geometry due to taller spindles and longer upper and lower control arms, and better disc brakes, and 'front steer' linkage (steering components are in front of axle centerline). moves the steering box forward for better header clearance... other than the other radiator support mounts, a fairly clean conversion...
    75-79 f/x subframe steering linkage MOOG part numbers are idler K6186; outer tie rod ends ES441RL; inner tie rod ends ES443L & ES442L; connecting tube ES2004S; centerlink DS829...
    These parts and info are what was in the magazine, and I have no way of verifying this info; I DO know that the Camaro's "front end" was based on the Nova's, and a lot of parts interchange... Caveat Emptor?
     
  5. RAMKAT2

    RAMKAT2 Randy

    The 75-79 subframe is different than the 68-74 subframe. Here are a couple of subframe dimension sheets for a camaro and a nova. Hope this helps you out. Later, Randy
    P.S. you are correct that most of the suspension parts interchange (hubs, brakes, & steering components).
     

    Attached Files:

  6. gsdave

    gsdave FAST WITH CLASS

    73-4 x body cars with the steering box behind the cross member will not allow headers to bolt up, but the 75 and up x bodies with the box in front of the cross member should work fine.

    I am looking into putting a 79 ta subframe in my 73 apollo, that way I will not have to make custom headers. Plus more brakes options.
     
  7. buickapollo455

    buickapollo455 Well-Known Member

    Here is a trick, if you use a 455 in the Apollo use an Electra stock cast iron manifold, with concave at back end on driver side. Then move the motor / trans forward 2.5 inch. and use rear 455 mount holes on block. This give the front end subframe with the gear box in rear to fit a 455 no problem to the exhaust. Now the next is to use a early 430 /455 with short water pump set up. Or if long water pump cut off nub to pump axle and use a flex fan with only 1/4 inch nub left on for centering.

    The newer 75-79 x cars have a quicker and shorter radius turning. Also now all 71-81 camaro brake parts interchange. I do agree, the front bumper area may have to be adapted. Always wanted to do a FOOSE front end suck in bumpers and cut side to fit car shape and re weld and rechrome , to get rid of huge bumpers. I have also pondered the fit of 68-72 nova / ventura bumpers to get short bumpers. 73 suncoupe hatch 455 apollo craig minneapolis
     
  8. AZApollo

    AZApollo AZ Apollo

    Seriously considering swapping a 455 into my Apollo. Sounds to me like the nova subframe is the way to go with the swap. Am I correct? And yes, I'm aware that there are a lot of "alterations" and other parts that will be needed. Anything you guys think I would miss??
     
  9. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    Bump- I know this is an old thread, but there are still some active members on it...

    I am trying to gather some info on this swap. Has anyone pulled it off? Seems like making core support mounts would not be very difficult.. I've got all sorts of half baked ideas here.

    Googling the nova sites, it seems this swap is too good to be true. No one is doing it.
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2023
  10. XmeUP

    XmeUP Well-Known Member

    good bump. I agree. I’m new to apollos and x body’s and this sounds pretty awesome
     
  11. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    So I stopped into the local salvage yard this morning. There are a dozen or so 2nd gen F cars and two 68 Camaros. I measured a bunch between the two cars and I can verify that these will swap with minimal work. The core support mounts will take some fabbing but thats easy enough. I made a deal to buy a sub frame in the spring. I guess we're doing it...
     
    Tankinitup and Daves69 like this.
  12. Gibby 1967

    Gibby 1967 Member

    Hi guys, it's been a long time since I've been on the site, I didn't do the sub frame swap but I did swap a 455 into my 74 apollo, what I ran into was I moved the engine forward about 1 inch, put a 1 inch space between the oil pan and sub frame , used the rear mounting holes on the block, cut original mounts completely off and fit my own into place, and put a 6 degree tilt to the passenger side, to get a 1/4" clearance on the rear steer sector, also had to notch the ac box to clear the back of the head, I still have to modify the fan shroud to accommodate the fan blade being raised, might just do an electric fan, I used stock manifolds, no room for headers, note; I wanted a 4 speed so I got a BOP bell housing, and put a np440 4 speed overdrive in it, and a clutch pedal kit, it had the provisions in the frame for the z-bar, just had to modify it to fit, next is building a 9 inch to fit and a fuel system, I do have it running and drivable just enough to go around the block, it been a head scratcher but it was fun, if I did it again I would do the subframe swap just for the headers hope this helps your choices thanks
     
  13. Gibby 1967

    Gibby 1967 Member

    Hi guys, one thing I forgot to mention was I do have to cut a hole in my hood, I have a SPX intake so no chance of fitting an air cleaner, I am also putting a stage II hood scoop on it, we'll see how it all turns out.
     
  14. Tankinitup

    Tankinitup Well-Known Member

    I currently have my subframe pulled on my 74 Apollo, I was planning on using the smith race craft rack and pinion kit which moves the steering to the front. The two biggest negatives with it for me is losing some of the turning radius and no sway bar. I found a complete subframe from a 79 T/A and I’m strongly considering using that instead.
     
  15. newmexguy

    newmexguy Well-Known Member

    Have a reasonably decent fourth generation core support if you’re in need of one. Minimal rust under battery tray, it’s a desert piece and good quality.
     

Share This Page