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View Full Version : Engine choices for Straight Axle AWB 60's


SAUSAGE
12-16-2007, 11:30 PM
Hello:

Would all Altered Wheelbase Straight Axle 60's drag cars been only Big Block powered?

If not, do you know of any Small Block powered AWB Straight Axle cars? Preferably first generation Novas.

Thank You.

Schonyenko2
12-17-2007, 02:00 AM
There was a guy in a couple of towns over, when I was in high school in the 60's, that had a straight axle 66 nova. Wheelbase wasn't altered, just a straight axle from a ford econoline I think. He had a 302 from a wrecked Z in it. It was impressive. Scared the hell outta a lot of Detroit muscle.

Salvatore
12-17-2007, 02:14 AM
A few guys in this area ran 409's in those years. They were before the BB was introduced. There is a guy in Perkasie, Pa. rite now that has a tunnel ram small block straight axle 63 or 64 nova. Its gold and pretty nice.

SAUSAGE
12-17-2007, 03:15 AM
Thanks Guys.

In addition to weight savings there may be an advantage with going SBC in not fighting clearance issues such as Master Cylinder, Wiper Motor, Distributor, Headers, and Heater Box however I do want this Nova to be believable as well.

Belair62
12-17-2007, 05:09 AM
[ QUOTE ]
A few guys in this area ran 409's in those years. They were before the BB was introduced. There is a guy in Perkasie, Pa. rite now that has a tunnel ram small block straight axle 63 or 64 nova. Its gold and pretty nice.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually they were the first BB !

Stefano
12-17-2007, 06:11 AM
No clearance problems with one of our "Funny Car Kits".

Small Block, W-engine, or Mark IV BB and beyond, will all fit!

Dog427435
12-17-2007, 07:20 AM
I ran this '55 in the mid sixties with a 348 - it had a straight axle with an unintentional AWB!

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SAUSAGE
12-17-2007, 07:27 AM
Hi Stephano:

Do your kits have motormount pads already located and welded in place?

If so, are the engine size specific or multiple Chevrolet?

indyjps
12-17-2007, 07:32 AM
8000 rpm 327

markjohnson
12-17-2007, 08:28 AM
People tend to blur the line between straight-axle Gassers and straight-axle Altered Wheelbase Match-race cars. There's really a world of difference between the two. NHRA Gas-type classes were based on CID/weight formulas and required stock wheelbases. Small blocks were very common engines of choice in Gassers. Now AWB Match Race cars.......anything goes. Altered Wheelbases, straight axles, Big Blocks, Blowers, Nitro, etc. In fact, NHRA didn't even know what to do with them for a long time, so they traveled the country usually Match-racing against other similar built cars or racing in the AHRA. Truly, the Golden Age of drag racing.

WI_W30
12-17-2007, 11:34 AM
[ QUOTE ]
There was a guy in a couple of towns over, when I was in high school in the 60's, that had a straight axle 66 nova. Wheelbase wasn't altered, just a straight axle from a ford econoline I think. He had a 302 from a wrecked Z in it. It was impressive. Scared the hell outta a lot of Detroit muscle.

[/ QUOTE ]

My dad did something similar one state over from you. 66 Nova with the 302/4 speed/ rear end out of the 68 Z28 (bought new) he totaled out in 69. This Nova didn't have a straight axle though. Car ended up with a tunnel ram/holley 660's, roller cam, etc in the early 70's before being sold off the family dealerships used lot. The buyer killed himself in it a month or two later near Boscobel WI street racing it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Last I heard, about 20 years ago, the 302 was on a stand somewhere around Dodgeville WI.

Stefano
12-17-2007, 05:27 PM
[ QUOTE ]
Hi Stephano:

Do your kits have motormount pads already located and welded in place?

If so, are the engine size specific or multiple Chevrolet?

[/ QUOTE ]

Tell us what you want AWB or Stock location,trans type and we can weld them up for you.