69 Nova 408 LSX with twin turbo track debut

[chevy406]

I'll send you a PM about some parts I have...

[496BLAZER]

Off topic but I'm sure you can answer this question. Will the center caps you are running on your wheels work with 3" long wheel studs? I am think not, but I figured I would ask. Thanks.

[chevy406]

I don't think the center caps would clear the 3" studs....

Over the past couple of weeks I upgraded the stall converter to a 9½" PTC race converter. Much better than the light weight 10" street version. So last Sunday I drove out to the track only to find they were closed due to wind. Yesterday I drove the Nova the 50 miles to work. Just before leaving for the weekend, I took a co-worker for a test drive. He ended up towing me back home after I popped a couple teeth off the pinion gear.

So my plan is to replace the ring/pinion in my 8½" 10-bolt and then start saving up for a bullet proof differential. Time to start chasing the "weak link".

[67SSMN]

Nice car, looks like a looooooot of fun

[72 MUCH]

Sounds like your on the right track. The only thing I'm concerned about is the rear end holding up if you get hooked up.

Definitely a contender for some fun!

[RadialNova]

Put a spool in the 10bolt and 33spline moser axles with c-clip eliminators, Ive been 5.90's@116mph with that set up in my nova, been 1.30 60ft and carries the wheels past the 60ft clocks, its on radials and leafsprings too. Nice nova you got there

[chevy406]

Originally Posted by RadialNova

Put a spool in the 10bolt and 33spline moser axles with c-clip eliminators

Thanks for the advice. What is the general consensus about using a spool in a street driven car? It is certainly a cheap and strong setup but I don't want to make it a chore to drive on the street.

[72 MUCH]

I have been running a spool on the street for the last 22 yrs. Not to bad really. Just make sure your going straight when you get into it. Definitely don't jab the loud peddle going around a corner unless you want to go back the way you came.

[chevy406]

Originally Posted by 72 MUCH

...Definitely don't jab the loud peddle going around a corner unless you want to go back the way you came.

That's funny... So the 10-bolt housing is adequate strength wise for 1.3 second 60' times and upper 5 second 1/8 mile performance? Sounds like RadialNova's recipe would be my most affordable option to eliminate c-clips, upgrade the stock posi, and increase axle size.

[fasteddie]

Originally Posted by chevy406

That's funny... So the 10-bolt housing is adequate strength wise for 1.3 second 60' times and upper 5 second 1/8 mile performance? Sounds like RadialNova's recipe would be my most affordable option to eliminate c-clips, upgrade the stock posi, and increase axle size.

10 bolt will live but I think you would be better off putting ford ends on the housing instead of c clip eliminators!!!

[RadialNova]

Originally Posted by chevy406

Thanks for the advice. What is the general consensus about using a spool in a street driven car? It is certainly a cheap and strong setup but I don't want to make it a chore to drive on the street.

I dont have issues driving it, but moving slowly and turning is a pain at times. I have an LPW cover on mine and I probably should have the axle tubes welded. My car is on the footbrake and leaves at 2000RPM, it's an N/A 467sbc 15deg motor making 815hp at the crank and 3310Ib with me in it.

[chevy406]

RadialNova has a wicked SBC for sure!

Well, a friend on a local car forum (and this forum too) offered to sell me his 12-bolt from his 72 Nova. He has already built it with a Strange 33-spline spool, Moser axles, c-clip eliminators, and Richmond 4.56 gears. While it was briefly installed in his 72 he never drove it. Now that his build has escalated he has moved on to a 4-link setup and new differential. I should have the "new" 12-bolt later this week and then work on swapping those 4.56 gears (along with the 4-series spool) for some 3.08 gears and 3-series spool that will work better with my turbo engine. So it looks like I'll get a good opportunity to add strength for not too much money, and get this thing back on the road soon. Just maybe I'll still be able to get an 1/8 mile time before the track closes.

[procharged67]

i like the car , keep those photos coming

[fastasselco]

very nice car i have a 70 ss big block 4 speed 12bolt car im going back and forth about selling or putting my lsx in..it would be sleeper style like ur with rallies

[chevy406]

I love it how a forum thread will just sit there and wait for you to earn some money, collect some parts, crank on some wrenches, and report back later. So here is my March 1 update.
I bought a 12-bolt housing with 33-spline Moser axles, c-clip eliminators, 4.56 gears and a 4-series spool from John (member here). From the advice in this thread I decided to install the 12-bolt as purchased to evaluate the characteristics of a spool driven on the street. I knew the 4.56 gears wouldn't stay long - they are crazy in a street car. My experience with the spool was more positive than negative. It is pretty un-noticeable while cruising. About the only time I feel it is maneuvering in my driveway or parking. It does increase the turning radius, and it does make it more difficult to roll the car with the steering turned. But for the cost and reliability, a spool can't be matched.
So this past weekend a friend helped me swap the 4.56 gears and 4-series spool in favor of 3.08 gears and 3-series spool. I also added a cast aluminum cover/girdle. Now with my 28" tall street tires it cruises 2,300 rpm at 55 mph. the car is much more enjoyable to drive than either the 3.73 or 4.56 gears.


I also recently installed a boost controller that is time based so I can progressively bring on power as my small tires can handle it.


Huntsville Dragway will open up next weekend (depending on weather) so my next update with actual performance numbers should be coming fairly soon.

I want to thank the many people who gave opinions, advice, and personal experiences in this thread. As you can tell, you were instrumental in helping me through the rear differential decision process. Also thanks to John for selling me his "cast off" 12-bolt assembly.