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In this Discussion
- Ted W March 2009
73' Chevy Nova
-
Hello all, im new to these forums and I have a few questions for you, my new buddys
I have a 73 Chevy nova (non SS) rolling chassis. I have a 454 engine (bored out .060 and roughly 400hp / 450 ft-lb torque), the block was from a 1980 Chevy one-ton Pickup. This is my first time working on a classic muscle car. I was wondering on what I should do.
Should I buy a 350 engine and get an M-22 or BorgWarner T-5 and restore it back to original or should I use my 454 big block and buy a transmission for it?
If I chose the 454 big block, I actually want a manual transmission but dont know which would be best to choose. I'd like suggestions on other suitable manual transmissions please.
Is there a 5speed manual that will bolt up? I was thinking of using a 700R4 for 4spd which can take up to 650hp but the thing is, Im only planning to go for susension upgrades after the swap.
Answer back soon, please & Thanks. I'll be back to read replies and when I have more questions (cause im going to have lots) and also on a hug-a-noob day. :o -
The question to restore to rat-out your 73 Nova is really up to you. I suggest you pursue the direction that appeals to you the most. There is no right or wrong here.
If you plan to install the big block with 650HP, you are going to have to do more than just suspension work to make the car drivable. You will need to box and gusset the frame and beef up all the power-train attachment points.
Using a manual with that much horsepower, I suggest that to box and scatter proof the clutch area. Ballistic blanketing in the interior floor is advised. And, you will need to beef up the rear end and driveline to handle the horsepower.
Do forget about the brakes; consider going to disc brakes all the way around. Stock drum brakes are not going to cut-it.
You can go with a Tremec five-speed, I see a lot of these used with Corvette behind big blocks.
In regard to the 350 option, this would be the easiest and lowest cost option. There would not be any need beef up since you would not be exceeding factory design, given you stay under 400HP. All the parts are easy to find and reasonably priced.
Either a 5 Speed or a 700R4 would be a good option. I prefer the 700R4 myself, but if you like stirring a stick…then install the 5 speed. You can get good performance from a well built automatic too.
Hope this helps you. -
Ted W wrote:The question to restore to rat-out your 73 Nova is really up to you. I suggest you pursue the direction that appeals to you the most. There is no right or wrong here.
If you plan to install the big block with 650HP, you are going to have to do more than just suspension work to make the car drivable. You will need to box and gusset the frame and beef up all the power-train attachment points.
Using a manual with that much horsepower, I suggest that to box and scatter proof the clutch area. Ballistic blanketing in the interior floor is advised. And, you will need to beef up the rear end and driveline to handle the horsepower.
Do forget about the brakes; consider going to disc brakes all the way around. Stock drum brakes are not going to cut-it.
You can go with a Tremec five-speed, I see a lot of these used with Corvette behind big blocks.
In regard to the 350 option, this would be the easiest and lowest cost option. There would not be any need beef up since you would not be exceeding factory design, given you stay under 400HP. All the parts are easy to find and reasonably priced.
Either a 5 Speed or a 700R4 would be a good option. I prefer the 700R4 myself, but if you like stirring a stick…then install the 5 speed. You can get good performance from a well built automatic too.
Hope this helps you.
Well I believe the 454 will be more fun, so I am going to pursue that setup and thank you, this was lots of help and the reply came fast, aswell.
by the way, what I meant was the power rating on the 700R4 was 650hp the 454 has stock horsepower and was recently rebuilt. It only has about 400hp and alil less than 500 torque. Im not planning on increasing the power on just wanted to know of any cheaper setups than the 700R4 because lower power rating ones seem to be cheaper.
Yes I do plan to do on getting 8pot Brembo disc brakes all around and manual is what i prefer. Thank you for the suggestion on the Tremec transmission, that was probably my biggest milestone so far and you really helped
