68 SS Chevelle stocker questions

[Rory Christianson]

Thanks for the responses
I have a rule book for sure and have printed out engine blueprint specs. Will just have to do some reading again to learn what I've forgot.
I will probably have a few questions over the build for sure, and will touch base with my division tech for sure.
Thanks again !!!

[Lee Valentine]

396-325 auto,proven combo. Down side fits in tough classes lots of chances for heads up runs.

[Rory Christianson]

Yes I was kind of wondering that also but One thing is until I can travel a little more most of the reasonably local NHRA opens that I might catch close by don't get to many cars, so might be a smaller chance for a heads up.
Other choice I have is a 70 nova I could use and maybe use a different combo.
The nova I have no issues with welding in a roll bar, Frame connectors etc., chevelle was a little on the fence with doing a roll bar in it, but I guess I would, want to do a little playing with one of them.

[Mark Ruset]

Look into the S&W roll bars. They make an awesome kit that fits perfectly without hacking up the car. For ease of entry and exit I would suggest a swing out bar. A little extra money but well worth it.

[Rory Christianson]

Sounds good, have used there stuff before with good results, thx

[Mark Ruset]

I have one currently in my 1968 Camaro. The car has deluxe interior which has a more robust door panel. It fits like it was made at the factory.

[Greg Reimer 7376]

Definitely, you need a swing out bar. I built my first Chevelle when I was 29. I didn't have a swing out bar, but now at 65, I have had one for a long time. Makes getting in and out a lot nicer.I used a roll bar kit and cut it to fit and had a guy weld it together for me so that all I had to do was drill bolt holes in the floor and bolt it in. Make sure that you situate it to the rear enough so that you can put the seat in a comfortable location the first time, because it's way harder to move it later. Also, my main hoop mounting points are bolted to the frame with 1/2" Grade 8 bolts and lock nuts. Originally, the SS has bucket seats, my cars were all small block cars, so they had a front bench seat. In fact, my Chevelle wagon never had a roll bar in it because it never needed one. The 396 will definitely need one. Be sure you build it by the book, General Regulations chapter 4 has nice drawings and diagrams for roll bars, padding requirements, and driver restraint rules. I've never had a problem with tech with any of my cars, but it's important to build it by the rules in the first place. The Nova would achieve a greater degree of unit body stiffening with a 5 or 6 point bar, be sure and solidly tie the front subframe to the unit body, and the bar to both. I remember some big block bracket Novas and Camaros that displayed a bit of difficulty with doors closing properly after a time of racing because there was not sufficient lateral bracing due to the body taking on a twist. Best wishes on your new project!

[Larry Hill]

Don't know which one has the shortest wheelbase, but the 68 car has a four link and the Nova is a leaf spring.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Greg Reimer 7376

I used a roll bar kit and cut it to fit and had a guy weld it together for me so that all I had to do was drill bolt holes in the floor and bolt it in. Make sure that you situate it to the rear enough so that you can put the seat in a comfortable location the first time, because it's way harder to move it later. Also, my main hoop mounting points are bolted to the frame with 1/2" Grade 8 bolts and lock nuts.

Not getting the picture here, Greg. You welded plates to the hoop , then cut big windows in the original floor? How big is the hole? How many bolts ? How long are they?