Thread: 1974 Nova manual trans. conversion

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I wanted to post a question. I am trying to convert my TH-350 auto. to a T-5 manual trans. in my 74' Nova. I have never converted this way and not sure of my parts needs. New trans. mount/crossmember, driveshaft adjustments, tailshaft, bell housing type, clutch conversion kit, etc. I am running a 500 hp blown small block 350 L-82 and don't plan on running this at the drags that often. Can anyone help me with the set up, I appreciate any response. Has anyone tried this? I am opting for the Camaro 5-speed in lieu of the muncie so I can freeway it more often. Thank you.

Many 1974 Novas had manual transmissions in them. Find one in a boneyard and buy all the parts off it. They'll bolt right on your car.

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

Also remember to put a jumper across the neutral safety switch.

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

Also remember to put a jumper across the neutral safety switch.

To elaborate on this you also need to hook that same type of switch up to the clutch pedal ,so it will not start unless the clutch is in.Some of the newer cars and trucks have this switch on the brake pedal ,so ignition will not work unless the brake is depressed and most will not go drive without the brake pedal depressed.A little tooo much safety for me ,but you really need the switch for the clutch.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Many 1974 Novas had manual transmissions in them. Find one in a boneyard and buy all the parts off it. They'll bolt right on your car.

Thank you, do you think the stock one will handle the HP?

Originally Posted by Henry Rifle

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

I have seen the clutch conversion kit on classicindustries.com, would that be all the pedal assembly I would need? I gotta say, I am an amateur with clutched rides and I am just so tempted to put the 700R in and call it a day. With the 373 gears, it should do the trick, but the thought of banging gears is hard to pass up. Thank you for all the help. I have a source for a t5 who told me it is in great shape, what should I look for or what should it have to be worth the $?

Originally Posted by projectnova

Thank you, do you think the stock one will handle the HP?

If you're refering to the tranny, the answer is no.

With a 500 hp blown SBC, you won't get out of sight of home with a T5.

A guy that has a 500hp small block........and doesn't know that a "stock" tranny will not hold up.........................................Why do I have doubts here?

That is what I have heard from a few other guys too. I think it is becoming clear that the 700r is the right choice. Thanks for the help.

My stock th350 has held up just fine for the last year, but thanks for the input bro.