"Plain Jane" 1970 Nova Build

[big gear head]

As I was watching the build of this awesome Nova the only thing that I was disappointed in was the automatic transmission. I believe a 4 speed will make it complete.

I don't know how much difference there is in the Camaro and Nova floor in the transmission area, but I've had several transmissions and shifters in my '69 Camaro. I started with a M20 with a super shifter. That required a larger hole in the floor, but I was able to bend the tunnel enough to clear the shifter rods without cutting a huge slot in the floor for that. I ran a M23 with a RamRod and a McLeod RXT for a while and my 3600 pound car went 10.85 with that transmission. It would have been quicker if I was a little better at shifting. The car now has a G Force G101A with a Long inline shifter, and I only had to open the hole a little bit for this shifter. I never had to cut into the floor cross member for these shifters. I have the original big block mounts and cross member in my car which moves the transmission to the passenger's side a little bit. That gave me a little more room for the shifter. I can post a few pictures if interested.

[napa68]

Originally Posted by big gear head

I can post a few pictures if interested.

That would be great Freddie. I am definitely going with a Long shifter. Not sure if I'll do the "ram rod" or the H pattern. I had a ram rod in my previous Nova, and it was a hoot. A little cumbersome in a street car, but this sure ain't a daily driver.

Tim

[big gear head]

I'll try to remember to post some pictures later today when I'm on my own computer. Is there something specific that you need to see?

[napa68]

Originally Posted by big gear head

I'll try to remember to post some pictures later today when I'm on my own computer. Is there something specific that you need to see?

Mostly interested in how close the shifter rods are to the tunnel, as well how close the shifter is to the brace. I suppose anything else you feel is of interest Freddie.

Thanks,
Tim

[tom406]

Honest question-why not just use a TKX 5 speed and alleviate the tunnel issues and gain an overdrive gear?

[napa68]

Originally Posted by tom406

Honest question-why not just use a TKX 5 speed and alleviate the tunnel issues and gain an overdrive gear?

I don't think it would live behind this motor when it hooks. I certainly agree with your point. I also know there are some guys getting a TKX to work in these scenarios. I just hate doing things twice.

[tom406]

Gotcha. I have seen that American Powertrain offers a blueprinted and upgraded TKX that is rated to 900 lb/ft instead of 600. https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...ITvOhmOMbNo3qV

[GrumpyJeff]

Originally Posted by napa68

I don't think it would live behind this motor when it hooks. I certainly agree with your point. I also know there are some guys getting a TKX to work in these scenarios. I just hate doing things twice.

I would Question the Durability of the Recent M23'S behind that motor too. I grenaded a brand New one within 100 miles of installation with 600 HP & Sticky Street Tires And I know of 3 or 4 other guys who have had similar catastrophic results. A G-Force G101a with a Long H pattern Shifter is the Hot ticket !

[big gear head]

I also broke my M23 on the street, but I think it was my fault for powershifting into second while the tires were still spinning wildly in first. I didn't break it on the strip with slicks. I would launch it at around 5500 and powershift at about 7200. The G101A is a strong transmission, but not a lot of fun on the street due to the harsh shifts with no syncronizers.

[EZ Nova]

Napa, T56 is what you would want. Just not sure if it needs tunnel work in a Nova?

Are you going to run the car at the track as is?