"Plain Jane" 1970 Nova Build

[EZ Nova]

Napa, you can also call these guys @ Modern Driveline. They have a T56 package to use behind the Mopar Hellephant motor that make 1000Hp and 950 Tq.

A Hellephant make quite a good more bit Hp and Tq then your 565, and the new Challengers are what 1000lbs heavier.

[napa68]

Originally Posted by EZ Nova

Napa, you can also call these guys @ Modern Driveline. They have a T56 package to use behind the Mopar Hellephant motor that make 1000Hp and 950 Tq.

A Hellephant make quite a good more bit Hp and Tq then your 565, and the new Challengers are what 1000lbs heavier.

A T56 would require a complete tunnel replacement. Given the extra height as well as the extra length necessary, That would interfere with the bench seat. That's a no go for me.

[cheveslakr]

Good point on the length Tim. On my '66 chevelle bench seat, the tunnel mod actually created a slight interference with the center of the seat frame. It's all the way back, since I'm 6'3", and it'll only get tighter moved forward. You're going about this in a comprehensive way, which so many don't. I used an LT1 T56, which added another cost being the $400 conversion flywheel. I was lucky enough to get the clutch master and line with my tranny. You'd also need a new driveline. The speedo is another issue, which is doable on a T56 magnum, but it's not on the standard LT1 based T56, which would necessitate a GPS conversion speedo.

[GrumpyJeff]

Yep , Jody Haag is the Man to Talk Too ...

[L78_Nova]

Once you've powershifted a faceplated trans you will never go back.
G-Force for the win at that power level. G101 or GF5R

If synchros are necessary the GF3650 is the best fit for the tunnel and power level

Slipper clutch is the key to not smashing teeth even at way lower power levels.

All hardcore stuff but you get to keep the Man pedal !!

[napa68]

Originally Posted by L78_Nova

Once you've powershifted a faceplated trans you will never go back.
G-Force for the win at that power level. G101 or GF5R

If synchros are necessary the GF3650 is the best fit for the tunnel and power level

Slipper clutch is the key to not smashing teeth even at way lower power levels.

All hardcore stuff but you get to keep the Man pedal !!

I gotta admit, I've never driven a faceplated trans before. I'm sure it's addictive

[napa68]

I have one remaining thought in the back of my head about the combination in the Nova, and that revolves around Tracey. I have the unicorn of a wife that actually likes these types of cars, and wants to drive them. She could handle the 422 powered 67 Nova (600hp) I used to have, but also made it clear she was not a big fan of the ram rod when I had it in there. While this sounds kind of morbid, I wonder if something happened to me, which cars would she keep? She digs this Nova almost as much as I do. I did get a bit of a stink eye from her when I showed her the M23 with the Long "ram rod"

She can certainly handle the TH400, and can handle a trans with synchro's. The faceplated thing, that may be where the line is. I have not had a problem with finding my way around synchro tranny's before, I just have not had a car at this power level. I also have to be honest with myself how often I am going to use the car at it's potential?

[Too Many Projects]

"I also have to be honest with myself how often I am going to use the car at it's potential?"


I feel this is the first, and biggest, question you need to come to terms with and work from that.
Honestly ? I don't see you getting crazy and possibly crashing the car, so using the "potential" will be minimal.

If the current engine is not easily and economically feasible to de-tune to a more un-beastly and manual transmission friendly state, pickle it and the TH and install a healthy big block and manual that fits the tunnel and will handle that power level. The only extra cost downside will be another driveshaft to handle 600 +/- hp, torque and critical speed of the rpm the shaft will encounter at the given red line of the engine. You'll always have the beast waiting in the corner for whatever the future holds.
Good luck with your decision...

[napa68]

Originally Posted by EZ Nova

Tim, what is the Hp and Tq rating on this engine?

Originally Posted by napa68

The better part of 800hp

Originally Posted by EZ Nova

Napa, what do you figure this motor is making Hp and Tq wise?

The better part of 800

[dykstra]

Originally Posted by napa68

I have one remaining thought in the back of my head about the combination in the Nova, and that revolves around Tracey. I have the unicorn of a wife that actually likes these types of cars, and wants to drive them. She could handle the 422 powered 67 Nova (600hp) I used to have, but also made it clear she was not a big fan of the ram rod when I had it in there. While this sounds kind of morbid, I wonder if something happened to me, which cars would she keep? She digs this Nova almost as much as I do. I did get a bit of a stink eye from her when I showed her the M23 with the Long "ram rod"

She can certainly handle the TH400, and can handle a trans with synchro's. The faceplated thing, that may be where the line is. I have not had a problem with finding my way around synchro tranny's before, I just have not had a car at this power level. I also have to be honest with myself how often I am going to use the car at it's potential?

There's a joke in there somewhere.......