Few Questions Regarding Power Increase?

[devilsadvocate]

Hello

I want to purchase a project nova and gradually up the power. I am going to stip the engine down to start with and replace the piston rings and give it a good clean. I will then obvs replace the head gasket.

I then want to upgrade the cam and followers (Kent or Piper?) and replace the valves. I will add a straight through exhaust system. Finally i am hoping to add twin webber carbs and throttle boddies.

Basically i have a few questions if i may as i am a bit of a novice to all this:

1. Will this work?
2. Can i get an uprated Head Gasket and if so where from?
3. Is it worth replacing the pistons and conrods as i already have the engie in pieces?
4. What would be best model to buy for this.....i am thinking the 1.4SR?
5. Any idea on the BHP increase (estimate obviously).
6. Is there any other Mod i am missing which will help increase speed.
7. Do i need to remove the bottom end from the bay to replace the rings?
8. Is it worth looking at a turbo?

I dont want anybody saying 'get a 2ltr redtop' because i dont want to go in that direction.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

LAurie

[mowgli]

1. of course
2. don't need one
3. only if they are worn
4. a 1400 gives about 85hp std, it is ok.
5. 10hp over new, but 20 over worn
6. yes, fitting bigger brakes & decent suspension
7. no
8. only if you are very competent as an engineer

I am concerned that you say you have an engine in bits, then you ask if a 14sr is suitable, then ask if you need to remove the block to do the rings....

for a decent diy mechanic with access to a haynes book, it is possible to sort a gm 8valve engine easily

[devilsadvocate]

Thanks for your reply

I dont actually have the car or engine yet. I meant once the engine is stripped down (and in bits) then i would replace the pistons and conrods if required.

So a piper cam, throttle bodies, twin webbers and straight through exhaust will only give me 10bhp increase?

[mowgli]

the problem now is that throttle bodies are, put simply, a fuel injected version of twin webers, & you can only fit one or the other, and not both.

without a decent head job, you will not get big power,

the thing about novas is that you need to get everything except the engine sorted out first before you try to put some high power engine in.

the brakes in standard form are rubbish & need upgrading with astra/cavalier/vectra ones...
the suspension needs stiffening & lowering
the wheels usually need replacing & get some wider tyres, then modify the rear arches.
the bodyshell will usually be rusty & need strengthening.

then the suspension bushes will be worn out & need redoing.

if you do all that, you get a decent motor, then think about modifying the engine. and the cheapest way to get more power is to put a larger, but standard engine in.

[craig green]

Sounds as though you dont have much mechanical know-how judging by your questions. No reason why you can't carry out the work though, a small block 8v Nova is the easiest place to start.

As above, try to find a good base car to start from & modify the brakes & suspension/steering etc & then when used to it create more power via a better engine.

[AlexW]

I 1.4Sr is a good choice IMO cheaper tax, cheaper insurance and with the fuel prices it makes sence. Im presuming you have large pockets too, But if doing all this work why not do a overbore? And Im thinking about a turbo for my 1.4, even though i dont plan to run much pressure.

Edit: Where you from?

[mowgli]

the max you will get is 1450cc from an overbore

[tom_beverley]

the max you will get is 1450cc from an overbore

Strictly speaking thats not true as I've bored out a 1400 block to accept +0.5mm 1600 pistons resulting in 1625cc.

If you use the forum's search function you will be able to build up a decent knowledge on a variety of relevant subjects, and coupled with a Haynes manual theres nothing stopping you dismantling and rebuilding to your hearts content.

[mowgli]

Strictly speaking thats not true as I've bored out a 1400 block to accept +0.5mm 1600 pistons resulting in 1625cc

ok, but there are 2 sorts of 1.4, the carb versions generally only go up to 1450, the 1.4i will go up to 1625 its all due to 18mm or 20mm gudgeon pins