'78 Nova Rear Gears?

[jude944]

I have a '78 Nova 'Hatchback', 350 with, I'm fairly certain,a 308 rear.
I'm running it on an oval track and need more power! (Gear teeth are as follows: pinion 13, ring 40, ...spline?) Without removing the gears I can't tell if it's 7.5" or 8" or better! Would it be to my benefit to change my gear ratio? Can I, in this car? I'm running 27" tires(205/75 15) and will change to a smaller tire in 14", but, that will give me a minimal increase
in power. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
PS....Track is only 1/8 mi. clay oval.

[406Elcamino]

78 should have the 7.5 inch rear end. Kinda weak. Earlier ones had the 8 inch rear. The first gen camaro and firebird rear ends are supposed to work in the late novas and such. Can step up to a 12 bolt that way if you can find one. What transmission are you using?

[jude944]

Originally Posted by 406Elcamino

78 should have the 7.5 inch rear end. Kinda weak. Earlier ones had the 8 inch rear. The first gen camaro and firebird rear ends are supposed to work in the late novas and such. Can step up to a 12 bolt that way if you can find one. What transmission are you using?

Thanks Elcomino,
I have a t350 tranny.....can't change to a 12 Bolt...car has to be 'factory OEM' for our race track. I could go to a Ford 9" as long as I don't exceed 4:11 gear ratio however, that's a bit more than I can do right now as 'race season' has already begun. Any other thoughts on this? Thanks again for your help.
Jude

[406Elcamino]

Can't run a 12 bolt but can run a 9 inch? Weird rules. Well are you using just 1st gear in the tranny? TCI makes a lower first gear kit for the turbo 350. Or change it to a manual. Can get a lower gear that way. If you want to go cheap try to find the 8.5 10 bolt from the 77 and earlier body and try and find a lower ratio gear set from a 81 and up truck. They started using the 8.5 then.

[jude944]

Originally Posted by 406Elcamino

Can't run a 12 bolt but can run a 9 inch? Weird rules. Well are you using just 1st gear in the tranny? TCI makes a lower first gear kit for the turbo 350. Or change it to a manual. Can get a lower gear that way. If you want to go cheap try to find the 8.5 10 bolt from the 77 and earlier body and try and find a lower ratio gear set from a 81 and up truck. They started using the 8.5 then.

WOW! Thanks! I'm using 1st. and 2nd. gear only....will look for a '77 or earlier or an '81 truck. You've been a great help to me.....I'll keep you
posted. I'll see what I can accomplish this week as we start racing EVERY weekend in June! Wish me lots o' luck!
Jude

PS...as if you couldn't tell.......I'm a 'rookie' and want to win Rookie of the Year at this track!

[406Elcamino]

You need the 77 and earlier Nova rear end and the gears out of the 81 and newer half ton trucks.

[406Elcamino]

I ran on an 1/4 mile dirt track and used a 9 inch ford with 4.11 gears and a Saginaw 3 speed in second. Worked out to be 6.86 gear ratio.