From another installment of the "This doesn't fit either" video series...
The other day I took some measurements and it seemed like my driveline angles were pretty extreme. Here is a rundown of the setup:
'71 Nova leveled using the door sill/rocker area as reference point
OEM subframe w/stock height bushings
BBC using empty block for mockup purposes
T56 Magnum w/Quicktime bellhousing
ATS/Speedtech trans crossmember w/poly trans mount
G-link rear suspension w/Fab9, set at lowest possible ride height
Initial measurements:
Engine/Trans pointed down almost 4 degrees
Driveshaft pointed up 3 degrees
Pinion was down 1 degree
Working angle up front looks to be almost 7 degrees which is extreme, correct? Would require pinion to be pointed up 3+ degrees. Problem is that puts the pinion even closer to the tunnel and it is already close. And why do that just to make a 7 degree working angle "work". From what I've read that isn't close to being ideal anyway.
SO... today I try and reduce the engine/trans angle by raising the tailshaft. I raise it 1 1/16" which yields a new angle of 2.1 degrees. This is an improvement. Just that it comes at the cost of putting the driveshaft into the tunnel requiring a complete replacement of the tunnel on top of the already custom front section. It would also require a custom trans crossmember. In short, this sucks
OK so what's wrong with this picture? There are tons of builds using these same parts and I don't often hear about this level of fab work being required. It is true that being a Nova and having BBC is a little unique around here but does the LS sit that much lower to reduce the engine/trans angles? Are these angles just being ignored? Are they just not that important after all?
Thanks!