how much is too much, and what clearance problems will await me?

I have a '69, 3-speed(no power brakes or steering, no a/c) and my questions are:




Is 435hp too much for a stock 3rd generation nova suspension??? I am already planning for the rear beefing up....

What can I do to beef up the suspension??? I know subframe connectors, what else???


And the last question: Will headers clear the manual transmission setup???

I have a '69, 3-speed(no power brakes or steering, no a/c) and my questions are:




Is 435hp too much for a stock 3rd generation nova suspension??? I am already planning for the rear beefing up....

What can I do to beef up the suspension??? I know subframe connectors, what else???


And the last question: Will headers clear the manual transmission setup???

435hp? hahah surly you jest. the 396/402 bbc nova 4sp with 375 hp option? that NHRA rated in 1968 as 450hp in stock class.. hahahah....:D

Do you have disk brakes? getting it going will be far easier than stopping in a hurry with out disk up front.

Headers and 4sp or 3sp. no problem"o" just look at the foot notes of the header co. you want to by from. There are always foot notes on headers for clearance issues and additional mods needed for install from every company.

chassis mods. sub frames are a good start as was the read up grades. But what up grades? from there the sky is the limit.


I know all the answers are vague.

Your intended purpose of the car was left astray.

no, I jest not... I was thinking a zz4 with the edelbrock top end kit:D Now that I crunched the (cost)numbers.... I'm thinking something lower:o Maybe that 260hp gm crate with some mods to it:rolleyes: All I have to work with is $8000(thanks to insurance from my wreck, plus stashed spending money)... that is for the whole car! paint and everything!

you should get Hagerty for insurance if you already don't have it. It is only like 300 bucks a year for like 20,000 coverage. and im a 20 year old with 425 horses and alot tickets. save you some cash.

I bought a crate motor only because i only had to pay half of it(thanks dad) but i would just build a motor.... look in the hot rod magizines they have alot of write ups on great combo's and a complete list of parts nuts, bolts, main components, machine costs, everything.

Paint can eat up alot money......but yo ucan get a good deal if you know someone that has done and offer to help them out.... i did almost all of the busy work blocking the car and i only paid 1800 for my paint.

hope this helps

no, I jest not... I was thinking a zz4 with the edelbrock top end kit:D Now that I crunched the (cost)numbers.... I'm thinking something lower:o Maybe that 260hp gm crate with some mods to it:rolleyes: All I have to work with is $8000(thanks to insurance from my wreck, plus stashed spending money)... that is for the whole car! paint and everything!This is the motor for you!!
http://rhinoengines.com/rhinoperformanceengines400hp445torque350engine.htm

it has some really good prices..... plus it comes with alot of the stuff you usually have to buy separate that really kills budgets....

You probably remember how I wanted to keep my 307 in the wrecked nova, right, batman09? How about getting a 350 block bored .040", and 3" stroke crank? That is a 307:eek: :D :D