74 NovaMan's 1979 Chevy Truck - LS Swap - 5/6 Drop

[74NovaMan]

Overdue update: Bolted on the headers. They are close but I need some clearance on the drivers side.

[74NovaMan]

These are on the way! Only $709.48 with some price matching! Saved $128.

[74NovaMan]

Gas mileage if for wussies

for DDing, you will just drive it in a higher gear around town.

The Nova was my DD last year for a couple of months due to issues with the G5. Between the gas mileage difference (16 vs 33) and the upcharge for premium in the Nova it got quite expensive, relatively speaking. My daily commute (non apocalypse) is about 65 miles and 90% of that is at 70mph. I'm tuning to run 87 octane and hoping for 20mpg under normal driving. The 3.42s spin the motor about 11% faster than the 3.08s. So I could expect a 2mpg difference between the two sets. Assuming 10,000 miles a year and $3.00 a gallon that works out to be $167 in additional fuel costs for the 3.42s. That seems like it would be worth it. I think I'll order up the 3.42s.

[cstmwgn]

... Unfortunately, gas mileage is a consideration...

Gas mileage if for wussies

for DDing, you will just drive it in a higher gear around town.

[74NovaMan]

With an OD transmission, I would go with the lower gears for pep around town. In fact, I wouldn't run anything higher than 3.5. The wagon has 3.89s and it seems to be able to maintain cruising speed.

oops ( numerical vs ratio stupid attack)

Don't fear the gear! Of those two 3.42. I don't think 3.73 (or 4.11)would hurt it.

I knew I could count on you guys to tell me to run the 3.42s! If I were not planning on using it as a daily, I'd totally go 3.73s. Unfortunately, gas mileage is a consideration. That being said, I'm leaning towards the 3.42s.

Drive shaft will be 5" aluminum one piece with 1350 u-joints.

[Russell]

Don't fear the gear! Of those two 3.42. I don't think 3.73 (or 4.11)would hurt it.

[cstmwgn]

With an OD transmission, I would go with the lower gears for pep around town. In fact, I wouldn't run anything higher than 3.5. The wagon has 3.89s and it seems to be able to maintain cruising speed.

oops ( numerical vs ratio stupid attack)

[74NovaMan]

I'm working with Driveshaft Specialties to build me a driveshaft for the truck. Because the truck is a long box, a one piece driveshaft needs to be a bit ore robust than ones I've bought for the Nova and Mustang. The first thing we determined is that the 1310 u-joint yoke on the rear end will be a weak link. I have a new 1350 pinion yoke on the way to rectify that issue. The main considerations with the driveshaft are length and rotating speed. I can't do anything about the length (without making the shaft a 2 piece assembly), but I can influence the rotating speed with my choice of rear gear. Since I am taking the pinion yoke off, it seems a very logical time to install these:



The question here is 3.08 or 3.42 gears. With my tire size and the overdrive in the 4l60E at 75 MPH the 3.08 gears will spin the motor at 2030 RPM and the 3.42 would be at 2250 RPM.

[Captain]

Just gotta say......
So I'm not the only Loose Nut that "Saves Everything" !! (Exhaust system it rafters and other treasures)
I call it my NOS Parts supply. (Never Out of Style)

[74NovaMan]

um - unlike the owner? (Sorry-had to say it.)

Dan

It’s like you know me!

[DanStokes]

um - unlike the owner? (Sorry-had to say it.)

Dan

[74NovaMan]

I picked up the block and rotating assembly yesterday. Block is honed .005 over, new cam bearings and block plugs installed and the crankshaft is balanced.

[DanStokes]

Works for me! "I already own it" satisfies almost all of my criteria.

Dan

[74NovaMan]

Exhaust thread: https://bangshift.com/forum/forum/ba...2-1-4-or-2-1-2


One option:

[Russell]

I like the bolt on idea. I will be doing this soon. Looks good!