sc69sam's 1969 SS Nova!

[Salvatore]

Yes GM said that the 010 blocks had some high nickel contents but Blocks used were 386,010,388 and 618 for the Z/28's and the SS cars. In 67 the motors were small journal 2 bolt blocks in 68 they were large journal 2 bolt blocks and 69 is the change, large journal 4 bolt blocks. So when you see someone asking $2,500.00 for a 69 DZ block tell them they are nuts except if it is the original block from your Z/28. Sand the DZ code off and it becomes the same block that was put in that little 1 ton dump truck.

[92646]

Something else people never mention is the distributor tower in the block. At some point in either late 69 or early 70 they started machining the tower to be level with the lifter valley. Sam before we get too far off subject, that is a spectacular car you have. Most cars even from California are never this nice. Your car is truly exceptional. If you go back to the Muncie mystery shifter do you want to sell the Hurst shifter?
Mark Sheppard

[mockingbird812]

"If you go back to the Muncie mystery shifter do you want to sell the Hurst shifter?"

What is the deal with the mystery shifter?

[WILMASBOYL78]

They call them that, because it's a "mystery" as to which gear you're in The factory Muncie shifters in the Novas and probably the other cars, were notorious for jamming and for being sloppy...the shifter partially mounts to the crossmember, so there is a natural tug of war with the tranny when the engine torques these shifters were the first thing that went back in the day....we use Hurst bodies with Muncie handles on some our cars....best of both worlds. There are some guys who rebuild the Muncie units and can make them work reasonably well...still can't match the Hurst for reliability


wilma

[Salvatore]

Mark The "Mystery Shifter" is going to stay on the shelf. The Hurst is going to stay in the car. I have to give drivers ed to my wife and a couple of my kids so they can learn to drive the car to and from some local shows. An original Muncie shifter will just make driving all more a "mystery" for them to learn how to drive the nova.

[mockingbird812]

SAM,

Interesting. I have NEVER had trouble figuring out which gear I was in with Muncie linkage........as soon as I let out the clutch there is no doubt which one it is !






<---- obviously hurst linkage in this little job!

[Salvatore]

Well Sam some of these guys are not as old as you. No seat of the pants experience. Just ask that Benny Pfeiffer guy from East Penn if these shifters are a "mystery"!