"Plain Jane" 1970 Nova Build

[Arrowsmith]

If everyone here doesn’t mind, I’d like add some info. I researched every available manual transmission and spoke to many folks in the industry before converting the car to an automatic. First… the likely candidates that don’t fit the stock tunnel: A T56 won’t fit in the stock tunnel. A Lenco is the almost perfect solution but it requires considerable tunnel mods along with seat modifications as well as a fabricated trans mounting arrangement.

Next, the transmissions that more or less fit the tunnel: I spoke with the Syracuse Muncie folks (the company that actually builds the new Super Muncies and all of the parts for them). They were very reluctant to actually sell me one, based upon the engine and car specifications. Next I tried to contact Jerico. The original designer and manufacturer of Jerico was an old acquaintance of mine (sadly Jerry Hemmingson passed away a few years back). In truth the new owners of Jerico have placed the company into a place where it may not exist in the future. So then I called Craig Liberty (Liberty Transmissions). Liberty five speeds are the only gearbox used in NHRA Pro stock today. I asked Craig about a modified TKX. He should know because his company modifies and sells them for bigger power applications. When I told him the specs of Jane, he actually laughed at me. Bottom line here is the case isn’t sufficiently strong. I’d be driving over the transmission (pieces). Two good options from Liberty are Craig’s in house clutch type five speeds, but they’ll be noisy and perhaps not much fun on the street. They also require a custom trans crossmember. Next is G Force. They offer four and five speeds. The four speed 101A pretty much bolts in, and as Big Gearhead has pointed out, even with a road race slider, there are some compromises on the street.

Bottom line here though (at least for me) was the only reasonable option was to use the 101A if I decided to use a stick. Now all of you know why the car was completed with a Turbo 400. The problem with any big power street car with an automatic is that it is next to impossible to get enough converter in the car and still have it streetable. And those aren’t only my observations. My old racing partner Mike Pustelny (and the guy who actually designed, prototyped and built the chassis components -parts- for the modern Cobra Jet Mustangs, the Drag Pack Challenger and the five and six gen COPO Camaros) echoed my statement on converters. . Add a reverse pattern valve body with a trans brake and “enough” converter to Nova Jane there would likely be no talk about stick shift transmissions. L-O-L . But streetable modified cars are full of compromises and the Nova I built is certainly no exception.

With all of that said, it’s not my car anymore. It Tim’s. And I’m absolutely positive he can select the best transmission for his needs and desires. Thanks for the opportunity to add my two cents. Wayne

[EZ Nova]

Here is the bolt in T56 kit from American Powertrain. Should call them and see what tu nel mods are needed?
https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...-nova-ventura/

[L72Chevelle]

Legend LGT-700 5speed?

[cheveslakr]

If it's the same tunnel or similar to the '64-'72 chevelle, you basically have to raise the entire tunnel over the trans an inch. I did this twice and used another tunnel "cap" out of a different car and fully welded it. This actually helped the loose carpet from ACC fit a bit better. If you've got a rubber mat, no clue.
I have a Jerico roadrace trans used in Michael Wallace' car in the Watkins Glen course. IIRC, it's a 2.78 first gear 4 speed. I ran it in my '55 chevy for maybe 1000 miles. It's a beast, and I had to learn the tricks of adapting it to street use. It also saw several 1/4 miles bouts, dropping the full metallic clutch at 7000. It's virtually perfect inside and sitting, waiting for a future project. Had no idea Jerico was under new ownership. Makes me a bit concerned of ever needing parts. The heim joiint linkage would likely need a bit of messaging on the left side tunnel.

[big gear head]

This is my '69 Camaro with big block engine mounts and big block transmission cross member. The first picture shows the size of the hole needed when I installed the Ram Rod on a M20. The next pictures are of a Super Shifter, the Ram Rod and the Long inline shifter. The next pictures are of the hole needed to get the Long shifter to fit. I was able to bend the side of the tunnel enough to get enough clearance for the rods to clear without having to cut anymore out of it. The next one shows the difference between the M23 with the Ram Rod and the G101A with the Long shifter. Notice the vent on top of the M23. If you don't want oil on your transmission when drag racing you need to fix your vent like this. The last one is my car with the M23 on a high 10 second run. I picked up .200 when I put the G101A in it with no other modifications. I know this is a lot to add to the original post, so have it deleted after you look at it if you want. I don't know how close the Camaro and Nova tunnels are in size and location, but hopefully this will help.

[Arrowsmith]

Originally Posted by L72Chevelle

Legend LGT-700 5speed?

I believe they went out of biz a while back. The FB page hasn't been updated in eight years.
W

[Arrowsmith]

Freddie (Big Gear Head) This is awesome information and equally great pix for anyone with a similar car (floorpan)!...above...

W

[EZ Nova]

I think the TKX will be "ok" if this is 90/10 street to track time car? And without slicks, that would help too. Also, look at a clutch tamer to help the trans live at the track

https://grannys.tripod.com/clutchtamerdiy.html

NAPA, are you going to take this car to the dragstrip and race this car? Reason I ask is MY '69 Nova SS396 has been 10.40's with a mildish 396/402 and the Polishing Sneakers 427/433. Those were accomplished with a M21 over about 3/4 years, mostly a streetRACED car. Traded for a built PG with 5500 converter. I lasted another 5 years on the street in a '69 Chevelle with a nice 406.

I launched the car @ 5500 with 4.56 in a 12 bolt with GY 9 x 30 slick. I used a Ram 3800 lbs B & B pressure plate with a Ram 3 disc clutch WITHOUT springs.

IF your just racing the car, Ya the TKX won't live, then go with a Liberty LSC5?00 trans.

[napa68]

Originally Posted by big gear head

This is my '69 Camaro with big block engine mounts and big block transmission cross member. The first picture shows the size of the hole needed when I installed the Ram Rod on a M20. The next pictures are of a Super Shifter, the Ram Rod and the Long inline shifter. The next pictures are of the hole needed to get the Long shifter to fit. I was able to bend the side of the tunnel enough to get enough clearance for the rods to clear without having to cut anymore out of it. The next one shows the difference between the M23 with the Ram Rod and the G101A with the Long shifter. Notice the vent on top of the M23. If you don't want oil on your transmission when drag racing you need to fix your vent like this. The last one is my car with the M23 on a high 10 second run. I picked up .200 when I put the G101A in it with no other modifications. I know this is a lot to add to the original post, so have it deleted after you look at it if you want. I don't know how close the Camaro and Nova tunnels are in size and location, but hopefully this will help.

Thanks Freddie for the pics and the insight, as well as the rest of you that took the time to toss in some thoughts / experience. I've got some information to digest now. A call to American Powertrain may be in order. I'm a little skeptical that they can raise the torque rating 50% with what looks to be the same case. I'll follow up!

Tim

[EZ Nova]

Tim, what is the Hp and Tq rating on this engine?