[wrenchead]

I have a 66 Nova with a 350 sbc and a TCI front clip. I am having a problem installing the stock Z-bar clutch linkage using a 309 bellhousing and a Muncie 4-speed. The Z-bar hits the left frame rail. I tried a hydraulic set-up using a Novak slave cylinder on a 9:00 style GM bellhousing with a Wilwood clutch master cylinder mounted on the firewall and the clutch pedal pressure was massive. Does anyone have a solution for using the Z-bar?

[AutoGear]

If you don't get much here; head over to Steves Nova Site, or call Church Boys. If we can't help you here, please let us know what you find.

[vinniekq2]

did you use a chevyII bell crank?

[wrenchead]

Yes, I'm using one purchased from Chevy II Only for a 66-67 Nova.

[vinniekq2]

what are you using on the block side of the bell crank for support? chevyIIs had different blocks. I first used a bellhousing from a 57 belair then up graded to a scatter shield with the support mount holes

[wrenchead]

Chevy II Only sells a bracket to convert a late model block to accept a ball stud where the original (66-67) ball stud was located. Problem solved on the block side. The Nova bell crank is at least an 1" too wide. The 66-67 Novas had their engines offset 1" to the drivers side. TCI mounts the engine in the center without an offset.

[vinniekq2]

can you trim the bellcrank and or use a shorter ball stud,or can your ball stud bracket be reshaped slightly closer to the engine. 1 inch isnt much of a mod

[wrenchead]

The bell crank could possibly have an inch cut out of it to shorten it up. Those Z-bars take a lot of torque. The re-weld would have to be strong enough to hold the modification. I am looking for anyone on here that has ran into the same situation and solved it. Are there any other bell cranks out there that will work?

[vinniekq2]

sorry chum, when I converted my 65 Acadian in high school I found enough stock G.M. parts to get it done.
I used a 57 chev bell housing ( before I had the scattershield)The bell crank support bolted to the bell housing. The frame mount support can be moved to the left. The clutch rod was made from a shock absorber shaft because of the length. my situation was a little different,same problem,,,also had to change throttle linkage because the extra heavy clutch that ended up in the car would torque the engine enough to bring up the rpm when in stopped at a stop sign.
good luck,its not that difficult really