Right now it is a 71 3.08 open. ..switching to 4 speed and building up to 350 to lt1 specs

I would definitely install the 12 bolt. it'll be there when you add more power later. I think it will add value too. I pulled the 10 bolt in my matching numbers Nova in favor of a 12 bolt too.


Tommy

Any Nova is cooler with a 12 bolt !!

I couldn't afford a 12 bolt for my Nova. So I unstalled a 8.5" 10 bolt w/12 bolt 30 spline axles. Used a truck posi unit (30 spline axles) with appropriate bearings/races. Sort of a "poor mans" 12 bolt. Ya' gotta do what ya' gotta do ... TAZ

Its an upgrade to the car.

If you are going to modify the car in this way then a numbers matching rear end isn't going to make any difference anyway. With more power and a 4 speed you are going to need a better rear end. Put the 12 bolt in it so you can have more fun with the car and not worry about breaking the rear end.

An 8.5 10-bolt would work just as well and be more economical.