This page is dedicated to discussion of the engine, transmission, suspension and rear-end..
Engine The original engine was the main reason this car was sold. Evidently there was an engine fire and everything that could burn, did. It was rebuilt and "home mechanic" wired. Everything works, just looked half-assed. The original engine was a 230 C.I., 6-cylinder. I have chosen a ZZ-4 crate motor from GM. This is a stock 350 C.I. small block rated at 355 bhp not including the intake setup and header choice. I am using a Holley 4-barrel 650 cfm carburetor with a mechanical secondary and Hooker sidewall headers. This combination should give me ~372 bhp at the flywheel. I am going with a trunk mounted battery and all aluminum pulleys. I am using a MSD 6AL ignition system. I also chose a 4-core Griffin Radiator, no worries about overheating...
According to Auto Math, my ¼ mile E.T. will be ~ 12.19 seconds
Transmission Originally, the car used a 3-speed, or "three on the tree". I decided to go with a Richmond 6-speed. I chose the Richmond over the GM one because the Richmond is designed for drag racers. I don't anticipate doing much racing, but it would be a shame to total my car because I skimped on the transmission. I picked the custom gears with 1st being 3:27, 5th being 1:1 and 6th being .52!!! Calculated speed at 6000 rpm is 192mph. We will see if the aerodynamics of this body style let me get over 150 mph.
Rear-end I decided to go with a Ford 9" over the GM 12 bolt only because the Ford was more accessible and the shop helping me restore this car recommends them. I am also doing a full conversion from 4-wheel drums to 4-wheel discs. I went with a Currie, Explorer 10" disks and 4.11 gears. The transmission and rear-end combination will be excellent for the occasional drag as well as highway speeds.
Suspension I had to modify the front end, because Novas are not user friendly. Also when the new engine was put in, the steering rack was in the way. I unbolted the front end and replaced it with a Mustang II conversion. I have extended frame rails that go all the way back to the rear end (for added stiffness). I chose Chromoly A-arms (chrome plated) with coil-over shocks. The rear-end will utilize the same shock mounts, only modified for the shorter length rear-end. I am also keeping the single-leaf suspension and adding Ladder bars.
Brakes I went with Master Power Brakes. Since I am converting to 4-wheel discs, I might as well go all the way. These guys seem to have it all under control and were a breeze to work with.
21 Jun 2006
