tater-
I am working on a similar set up. The earlier Nova's offered the first generation GM set up. I would go back to the basics, checking links and bushings, alignment and the steering box. I'm assuming you have power steering, but I recall that some did not. Are the linkages tight? Is there a lot of freeplay in the steering?
If all these are sound and you're still not satisfied, a more expensive possibility is to upgrade to second generation power steering (74 and younger), available rarely in junk yards. Brake upgrades to discs are also possible here.
