crosstraining

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys, I have LQ9 with a TSP cam 233/239 112 LSA, 2.73 gears, tires 225/60 15, 4l65E tranny, & a FTI 3000-3200 stall converter.
I currently have 2.73 gears. I want to change them to 3.73 in the future. I was hoping to get it tuned & drive until I get the funds to do that. Will those gears & combo hurt the tranny or converter?
What other cars have 3.73 gears rearend that could be swapped into my 1972 Nova?
Thanks

Moter

iTrader: (20)

overheating a trans will hurt it. The trans does not care what gear ratio is behind it. The car will be a dog from the start but should cruise real good about 70.

Doug G

I would try the 2.73's out before you make a swap...But watch it with your OD tranny since rpms could be an issue.
I do miss being able to cruise at 70mph and about 2500rpm or so.(350th)

As for them being a dog...I was 2.0 60's all day long and running 13.5's only using 1st and 2nd gears with an old combo I was running.

Now, for what other cars with 3.73's...You should have an 8.5" 10 bolt; so any chevy 8.5" 10 bolt "could be" a candidate for gears (including trucks.

Nova
Omega
Ventura
Appolo

Complete rears that will swap in are:72-74 (75-79 will fit but may not be 8.5")....(67-69 Camaro 10 bolts are 8.2" as are 68-71 Novas, but 12 bolts are nice if you can find them at the right price )

Here is some reading for you also...I been down this road before having a 12 bolt fall in my lap.
http://www.novaresource.org/axle.htm

JWStevens

iTrader: (1)

If its an 8.2 don't waste any money on it. If its an 8.5 everything under the sun could have one in it. Just get to looking. First gen camaro and bird rearends (with the same spring) are direct bolt in so if you find one of those with a gear you can just change the whole thing.

crosstraining

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the input guys & yes, I think it is a 8.5" 10 bolt posi.

Doug G

8.2"s are cheap and have seen a few being given away...I think they got a bad wrap.
IF built right, they'll take some abuse....I was 11.8's one mine for about 2 years when I got a 12 bolt. A buddy of mine was high 10's before an axle snapped (8.2's and 8.5 Nova and Camaro axles are the same size and will inter change).

I also know ANY axle can and WILL break IF abused.

Sooooo..... it all comes down to what your plans are and what you can afford...Rebuilding an 8.2 or 8.5 will cost the same or very close to it.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

The '75-'79 are an inch or so wider, so your current wheels may or may not work depending on width and offset.

Doug G

I haven't actually measured, but ..........

68-79 -- A= 42 3/4"......... B= 53 1/4"........... C= 60 1/4"

76larkman

I put a 78 camaro 8.5 in my 76 skylark. the leaf mounts were wrong so cut them off got some universal mounts. I put rear on new mounts with loose u-bolts, centered it , set pinion angle to 3 degrees. welded mounts. In the end I got 3:23 geared posi all for $225 investment. $200 for rear and $25 for mounts, u-bolts. I believe it a tad wider but my draglites still clear.