I just bought a 74 nova myself, I paid $500.00 for it. The kid I got it from had no idea what he had. The body is streight and has no rust. The 350 is strong and sounds great with headers and 3" pipes and flowmaster exhaust. I was offered $1500.00 as soon as I got home. The interior needs some help but thats easy.

As for your car...insted of going with a stick shift try a B&M shift kit and a rachet shifter, you can get both for around $200.00 and you can install them yourself in an afternoon. I would also do the motor before the body. That way you don't mess up the paint with dirty hands. Besides when all people see is the cloud of smoke from your tires who cares what it looks like. Good luck