69 Nova opening can of worms
 

Hello
Question so I have a all numbers match 69 Nova 350 2 barrel th350..10 bolt 3.08 posi. The rear was replaced before I got it. So the question. ..does upgrading to a 12 bolt huert the value any more than not having the original rear would ?

If I was looking at it to buy I would be more interested if it had the 12 bolt. If someone replaced the 8.2 10 bolt with a '72 or later 8.5 10 bolt then that is an upgrade, all though the 350 with the TH350 probably never would have broke the 8.2 rear end.

I would say no, if anything I would think it`s a big plus. JMO

I don't think so. It's not significant to the value of a 350/2bbl car, unless it's some kind of incredible survivor with that as its only deviation. I'd call it a push value wise-I wouldn't add or subtract for a factory style 12 Bolt installation if I was appraising it.

I know your question was on value, but what is the code on the rear?With the "right" code, the rear might be worth a good penny.

I think a 12 bolts helps its value somewhat...especially when a guy comes looking for something to hot rod. :)

My 69 has a “BM” coded 12 bolt. 3.31 open carrier. I’m pretty sure it’s original to the car. I have bought a set of used GM 4.30 gears. Also buying a 4 series carrier from a friend. I was disappointed to find out it was a non posi but that’s how they came.

Seems like a waste of a good 12-bolt for a 350 2-bbl L65 / TH350 combo. That engine will never, ever hurt a 8.2 10-bolt unless you are planning in SEVERE abuse.

Seems crazy to 'upgrade ' to a rearend that would be visibly 'wrong' for the application when you ain't never gonna actually need the additional beef. Save your $$.

You said that the rear end was swapped before you got it, but you didn't say what was swapped into it. What rear end is in it now?

Right now it is a 71 3.08 open. ..switching to 4 speed and building up to 350 to lt1 specs

I would definitely install the 12 bolt. it'll be there when you add more power later. I think it will add value too. I pulled the 10 bolt in my matching numbers Nova in favor of a 12 bolt too.


Tommy

Any Nova is cooler with a 12 bolt !!

I couldn't afford a 12 bolt for my Nova. So I unstalled a 8.5" 10 bolt w/12 bolt 30 spline axles. Used a truck posi unit (30 spline axles) with appropriate bearings/races. Sort of a "poor mans" 12 bolt. Ya' gotta do what ya' gotta do ... TAZ

Its an upgrade to the car.

If you are going to modify the car in this way then a numbers matching rear end isn't going to make any difference anyway. With more power and a 4 speed you are going to need a better rear end. Put the 12 bolt in it so you can have more fun with the car and not worry about breaking the rear end.

An 8.5 10-bolt would work just as well and be more economical.