Nova/Camaro Ford Top Loader Swap?

Hi...

I'm thinking of running a Ford Top Loader in my Day 2.5 1969 Nova project (rat motor/Dana 60, etc.). Years ago, several of my customers ran the very same combination. I didn't have a hand in them and never thought to ask (geez, I was a TH400 and Powerglide guy). The Fords were definitely stronger than a Muncie and shifted (a bunch) better than an A-833.

The "front end" of the swap isn't too tough -- Lakewood 15060 bellhousing, Ford spline rag and so on. But I'm not sure about the back end. I'm pretty sure the short toploader is very close in length from the bellhousing mount to the trans mount.

Does anyone know for sure what is involved at the crossmember? I'll likely use a Super Shifter so that part of the equation doesn't matter (much...L-O-L).

Thanks in advance for the knowledge.

Wayne (Hotrodsled)
BTW: Happy Holiday to all of my American Pals! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[hemicop]

As I recall, many guys just made a new crossmember or added an extension to the existing. But you can do better...
If it were me. I'd add a mid-plate, &amp; make my own crossmemeber thereby limiting the leverage the torquing-over you'd experience bygoing the stock x-member/extension route. Add an input yoke to accept the 1350 series U-joint &amp; you're all set!

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm still contemplating. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif Spoke with the folks at S&amp;K last week and found someone older than me (L-O-L) who remembered how it was done and refreshed my memory. The reality is, the mount on the Ford isn't that far off of a Muncie or Super T10. So it's pretty much a matter of fabricating a spacer/mount at the back, using an OE crossmember. On the other hand, a reworked iron case Warner doesn't require any fab work (pretty much a bolt-in, aside from the driveshaft which, for me isn't an issue), and will also shift very well. So that setup is calling me at the moment... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

Wayne