Thread: 1974 Nova manual trans. conversion

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The easy way is using this:

http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/68..._Selection.htm

If you wan't to do it on your own, I'm not sure a T-5 is a good choice with 500 HP. I don't think it will take the torque of a blown motor. However, if you find the right 5-speed, here's what you need.

You might want to buy a Haynes manual for the car. It will show all the parts.

Find a standard trans Nova in a junkyard somewhere. You'll need the clutch pedal and all linkage from the pedal to the fork. In addition, you'll need:

-A manual trans bellhousing. With higher horsepower, you might consider a blow-proof housing like a Lakewood.
-A good performance clutch (McLeod, Centerforce, Zoom, etc.) If you buy a clutch set, you'll get the pressure plate, clutch disk, pilot bearing, throwout bearing and alignment tool in one package. You'll need all of those parts anyhow.
- A good steel flywheel. You might consider getting one with the clutch set, from the same manufacturer. Some folks might recommend a lightweight aluminum flywheel. With your horsepower, I don't think it's necessary.

You'll probably have to have the drifeshaft shortened. Any good driveline shop can do that for you. You may also need a different yoke on the front. I don't know what the T-5 takes.

There may be a ready-made trans crossmember for a T-5 in a Nova. If not, you can probably find a universal and fab it in.

You'll need a floor shifter for the trans, and will definitely have to do some cutting and fabrication on the floor pan.

This change is mostly a wrenching project - but it takes some fabrication.

You also might want to wander around on this forum:

http://stevesnovasite.com/forums/sho...332#post373332