68 - 72 Nova SS GT manual trans combinations

[Tony Curcio]

Here's something different- look at a Pontiac 455 from the smogger era, 1971-74.

It's GM, so you can use one in your Nova for GT classes. The ratings look low for such a big engine with a big carburetor.

The aero issues are undoubtedly a challenge, and the indexes are typically a tenth quicker than the corresponding SS class. But a favorable factor could keep you in the game.

Remember, you asked.

[Dragsinger]

Alan,

with the 402 what weight & what class? Which clutch and which trans?

[Dragsinger]

Tony, Thank You for the suggestion and I will consider all options. However, with 50 years of Chevy experience most likely a Pontiac engine is not a good choice for me.

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

Alan,

with the 402 what weight & what class? Which clutch and which trans?

It's a natural 8.5# car @ 405HP with aftermarket aluminum heads. That makes it a SS/F car. It can also run SS/E or SS/G. Still pretty tough classes.

There are others more versed in the stick shift side of it than I am. It also depends on how much you want to spend.

[Dragsinger]

Alan,

what about small block packages, what about 300/350 package in SS?

[Eric Merryfield]

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

Alan,

what about small block packages, what about 300/350 package in SS?

Dragsinger, my two cents for you and anyone doing package research:

#1 get yourself a nitro Joes subscription it $50 and money well spent. You can see what everyone else has run and is running across the spectrum of SS and GT car and trucks.

#2 You are talking about building a STICK car for GT. You are in Texas so you will likely never have any heads up runs if you put what seems to be the motor of choice in the car of a 66 chevy 283 rated at 230, and if you run it in GT/L or GT/K, with indexes of 11.3 and 11.1.

#3 Just have fun, you don't need to go .90 under the index to go rounds. You will get the clean tree(thats the good news), you will get run down by the FWD converts and the AH cars, etc, and have to judge the stripe with your opponent in the rear view. But life is about decisions and choices, get out their and have fun! I have a blast in a 11.30 GT index.

Papp's d-1 stick GT nova was for sale if you want to speed up your time to the track.

Good luck

Eric

[Lee Valentine]

LT-4 is probably a killer combo, stick only.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Lee Valentine

LT-4 is probably a killer combo, stick only.

The '96 LT4 Vette engine is absolutely a killer stick-only combo. That thing has been given a hp reduction, yet I could make some tuning adjustments in the computer and make more power at the tires on my chassis dyno than the original factory rating. Many virgin LT4 Vettes topped 330 at the tires. Add the 15% loss through the drivetrane........