[Jeff Lee]

283 Nova,

Don't worry, a "clutch" racing 4/5-speed will still be competitive. There's more to be gained with the right clutch than the "right" trans. I'm going to a Sportsman dual 7" from a Sportsman 10", both adjustable for base pressure and counter weight. A little 283" in SS may prefer something similar but maybe a single 8" disk with a 142T flywheel. I'd also look at transmission gear ratios. Everybody will tell you to run a super deep 1st gear but I would tell you to pay more attention to 3rd gear and compromise somewhat on 1st gear. A little 283 doesn't make enough HP to pull a high ration 3rd gear into 4th gear.

I've looked both ways, keeping my Jerico that I bought in 1997 and have not had one breakage issue, or converting the same trans to clutchless, assuming tomorrow the new rule is out allowing such modification. On the one hand, I hear about more breakage on a "clutchless" trans; at the very least more maintenance. But it will go faster just because the spread between the gears is less; less time zinging it between gear changes. A true clutchless trans will also allow for more finite tuning of the clutch by use of pressure settings and levers.
I've looked at the issue both ways. My bottom line is, if NHRA does not allow the change, I won' care at all. But if they do, I'll probably spend the money for the conversion. Jerico wants $1500 or less, G-Force wants about half. G-Force tells me you need a pistol-grip shifter / linkage for some reason but Jerico says a pistol-grip is not needed. So if you look for a used unit (and maybe there will be some more on the market at discount prices?), keep all this in mind. My advice for a newbe would be to buy a clutch trans like a Jerico or G-Force now and convert it to clutchless at a later date when funds are better. It's not a necessity today.

Regardless of the trans type, true clutchless or clutch assisted (without a clutch), the critical factor is the clutch. Too much pressure (base pressure, counter weight pressure or lever pressure) will destroy not only the consistency of the car but parts behind the flywheel. For those that shift with a clutch, it requires more pressure applied to the clutch. Nothing wrong with that but it does have an adverse affect on performance, consistency and breakage, in that order.

PM me if you need more specific help.

Good luck with your new toys!