My Nova 1600 Track Car Build

[stevei]

Should have started posting ages ago really. Been cracking on with this build for what is nearly years now really! Looking out for bargings from e-bay and for sale sections on this forum and mig. The car is now nearly done. I'll let the pics do the talking......

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/4478/bay2xi0.jpg
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/9838/enginegoingin3ta5.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6607/manifoldheat1vs6.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1160/img0250jp7.jpg
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1377/img0262qm1.jpg
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/1354/img0326bh7.jpg
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/5879/img0327yb4.jpg
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/181/img0328dj4.jpg
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/1213/img0334dm7.jpg
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3425/img0331nw4.jpg

I'll post some more pics as i get on with it now. Any comments welcome.

ste

[Ernie]

looking good fella.

[stevei]

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8995/img0330av6.jpg
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/6007/img0332md6.jpg

image shack is being gay, so i'll post some more up in a bit

ste

[stevei]

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/43/image174hw5.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4374/image175qs2.jpg
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4545/image176cy2.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5343/image177us1.jpg
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/7818/image178wb9.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/1631/image152oy4.jpg
That lasts ones a motorsport type LED rain light as a fog lamp in the rear bumper.

ste

[vaughanmc]

Looks good mate :)

That rear strut-brace would do me, where did you get that ?

[greg1.4]

looks very nice mate..

loving the engine bay..dont see many 8v's like that! :thumb:

[stevei]

cheers guys, rear strut brace i bought of one of the members off here. Its a MPS one.

ste

[vaughanmc]

Hmm I wouldn't mind a big polished one like that, Fearless rep lol

Keep me in mind if you ever come to sell it please

[Iain]

On the subject of your strut brace, why on earth have you wrapped your harnesses around it?

The car looks awesome though, nice work.

[stevei]

cheers but, whats wrong with the harnesses?

[belly257]

looks awsome mate:thumb:

[Ash]

cheers but, whats wrong with the harnesses?
That strut brace, which I believe it alu, was never designed to take the forces and weight of a human in the event of a crash. Also the mounting point is nothing like strong enough. IIRC the standard seatbelt bolt is 21mm, the top of a shock takes a 14mm... I'd highly recommend you change it.


Apart from that looks like an awesome build, very similar to my own and finished to the standard I was/am trying to achive. Any specs on the engine/box? Look forward to seeing it on track.

[shanemc]

looks very nice,nice attention to detail,keep up the good work

[Iain]

...

Yeah what I was thinking, and the cage looks to provide a harness bar also?

[stevei]

got you, the brace is steel and the sparco harneses have a fixed loop. so i can't put them onto the cage. Good point about the shocker tops. I have got a new 6 point Luke harness to fit to the drivers side which i can mount to the cage. I'll fit that when i get it back from being setup.

cheers

ste

[Rickyb]

looking good i cant belive this is nt that far from me and ive never seen it yet. :thumb:

[Matt GTE]

Car looks great but I wouldn't want to be putting my life in the hands of those harnesses mounted like that.

[Adam]

Definently move the harnesses off that brace.
The threads on the top of the shock is like m10, and no where near strong enough to with stand the force of a crash.

Car is looking good though, bay looks cool.Nice work

[stevei]

thanks for the input.

had a problem with the oil cooler pipe blowing off and decorating the workshop! so i changed the clips for some big gripper ones......same happended again:mad:
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8093/image179th3.jpg
so off with the pipes and i'll take them to the hydrolic workshop tommorow to get crimped propely.

couple of interior shots..
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/7691/image180yw2.jpg
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/7694/image181zg0.jpg

I'll post the full spec of the car tommorow

ste

[stevei]

got the hoses sorted today, nice stainless braided ones
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/9618/image184bm1.jpg
now fitted...
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/5559/image185bk0.jpg

Heres a run down of the current spec:

Chassis/Shell
-'89 SR shell. replaced doors, wings and bonnet. New rear arches and re-spray in Flame Red. Seam welded front inner wings and stitch welded everwhere else. All unwanted seat brackets removed and Seat rails welded in. Chis Astley plating kit fitted. Removed spare wheel well and plated. 6 point Saftey Device roll cage ( door bars yet to be fitted ) Re-movable slam panel.
-MK4 astra side repeaters, rear spolier removed
-Perspex rears and front quarter lights
-Bumper Bars re-moved and pinned
-Rain light in rear bumper

Interior
-Floor painted matt black, cage in satin black
-TRS helmet hammock
-Corbeau Pro Bucket seats, Alloy side mounts
-Sparco 3 point harnesses ( soon to be Like 6 point )
-Momo steering wheel
-Quaife Gear knob
-Mark 2 dash conversion
-Rally style switch panel, FIA cut off
-Auto meter oil gauges
-Co drivers foot rest
-Sparco pedals

Engine
-E16SE blcok
-ARP rod bolts Fitted
-Big valve, Ported and matched head to inlet and exhaust
-Kent AST2 Cam
-Piper Vernier
-Twin 40 Webers
-Facet Red top pump, malpassi reg, in-line gauge
-Autosprint Heavy Duty lifters and followers
-Autosprint Dual valve springs
-Later rocker cover with oil catch tank system
-Omex rev limiter
-ITG filters
-Facet slim fan
-1400 SR dizzy setup
-Janspeed manifold and Piper exhaust sytem, all heat wrapped
-Gearbox is F13CR with 4.18 cwp fitted
-AP racing Clutch

Suspension
-Spax RSX front coilovers
-Compbrake Eccentric Top mounts
-G-Max rear shockers
-PI 60mm rear springs
-Deflex poly bush kit ( every single bush on car is polly )
-Box section lower arms
-GTE front and rear anti-roll bars
-Cesaro Alloys in satin black - 19545r15

Brakes
-GTE master cylinder and servo
-Astra GSi front calipers
-OMP discs and mintex brake pads
-Drums at rear, all re-built
-Goodridge Braided Flexis
-Motul RBF600 brake fluid

Probely missed loads out, but theres a run down for you:thumb:

ste

[Adam]

Nice :cool:

[adam c]

very very nice car and nice spec list:cool:

[nova ian]

Very nice looking car, and an equally impressive spec list.

Looks like top notch work, Good stuff:thumb:

[stevei]

todays mincing was driving it home from work on trade plates with engine still being needed to be setup. it was a challange to say the least. lots of pops bangs and fuel juzzeling action:eek:

defo need to get the back end lower. i had it on 40mm rear springs then changed to 60mm rear springs, removed them big polly spring supports and it does'nt look any different:wtf: I also think its a bit too low upfront.

washed the beast today aswell, so i'll post some more pics tomorrow and fit my new 6 point luke harness.:thumb:

ste

[Ash]

:cool: Have a look at my spec in my WIP - your laugh how similar it is lol

Also get to setup asap! It could be fine, but mine ran the same and turned out it was running so lean it melted a piston. Don't mean to scare and it's probably fine, but yea...

[stevei]

ash yours is very simular, Mrk 1 all the way! what have you done with regards the breather system on yours? I followed the Nova build manual and blocked of the two engine breathers and fitted a later cover with the big 1 inch breather on the left, going to a catch tank with breather filter and drain. bad news about the headgasket failure, i'm shure she'll come back stronger.

pics after wash,
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/5469/hpim0667qx5.jpg
Note the hight of the rear end in the next pics
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4903/hpim0668gx9.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7222/hpim0669km8.jpg
http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/4448/hpim0670ou5.jpg
These Auto Meter Stealth type gauges moniter oil pressure and temp, now they look good switched on in the garage but when i dove it the sunlight hits them and you can't f*** all! might have to be changed.
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1379/hpim0671ow6.jpg
Fitted my new harness, much better. gonna get one for the other side aswell. not fitted the bollock strap at the mo' i'll have to get it out the garage to get the door all the way open. sorry for the phone pics.
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2544/image187us7.jpg
http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/5440/image189ek3.jpg

oh.....i treated myself to this the other day........yes, its carbon fibre :)
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/348/carbonlided7.jpg

thats all for now, i'm going back in the garage

ste

[Jay]

Rear looks ubber high Imo..

[stevei]

it does to me aswell, gonna get the ass end up in the air and have a closer look tomorrow night.

ste

[Rickyb]

looking good pall :thumb:

[Ash]

Cheer Steve, head gasket turned out to be fine, it was a melted piston :( Just clawing the cash together for over-sized forged pistons and the work to go with it atm. Yours is looking awesome (I got a thing about red car/black wheels lol) Whens it hitting the track first?

Regards to the breather system:

This is how Nick did his. (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91096&highlight=breather+nick)

And Mine:

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8540/10062008677jf2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

with a breather coming off the cam cover, only a small one tho, to a catch tank, which I can't find a decent photo of atm.

[stevei]

thanks for the coments guys.:thumb:

Booked mine in today to have the engine and suspension set-up next wednesday ( 1st oct ) so that gives me just over a week to sort a few things out.

-investgate rear ride height
-make heater work ( its cold in blackpool )
-plug in oe dash oil pressure gauge
-higher front end a bit
-stand and admire;)

The breather system i went for did'nt send any oil back down to the block. Appantly this can cause the crank to pic it up and slow it in heavy conering aplications. I used a alloy cover on the block and the 1400 cam carrirer with no breather. So in all oil vapour goes to the catch tank. I'm also thinking of re-moving the rocker cover and having a look if there's a baffle that can be re-moved to allow more breathage..........( think i just made up a new word! )

What normal oil pressure should i be looking for?

ste

[Ash]

breathage is a good word! lol

Sounds like you've followed the 'build manual method - I seem to remember I had a good reason not to follow it, but it was so long ago I can't remember why. Also heater??? what do you need that for on a track car? Think of the extra weight! lol

[stevei]

no worries are i only weight 9.5stone and i have a light weight lid!!!!! that compensates my heaterslollol

[stevei]

right then, firstly figured out why the back end is heigher than it should be. The supposed PI 60mm rear springs turned out to be 40mm rears. I re-moved them and stood them side by side a known 40mm set i have. Looks like i got bumed e-bay style there!
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7673/hpim0673kd5.jpg
Looking at the rear i'm unsure of what springs to go for. 60 or 80mm. tried to hold a rule against the arch for opinions?? Also where can i get 80mm springs from?
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/3540/hpim0675ax5.jpg
Fitted the bollock bit of the harness too.
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6818/hpim0676up6.jpg

ste

[Rickyb]

-make heater work ( its cold in blackpool )
ste


that should have been your first priority lol but yes its defo cold in blackpool.

[Jim]

Car looks very impressive. Good to see another 1.6 on carbs out there. Looking forward to seeing the results once it's set up.

With regards to the rear springs, you could have them sent to www.coilsprings.co.uk (http://www.coilsprings.co.uk) and get them to drop them another 20mm. I wouldn't go any lower than 60mm. Failing that, you could get coilovers, but then you're looking at spending at least a few hundred quid, whereas coilsprings will charge a lot less to shorten existing springs.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Jim.

[stevei]

cheers jim, if you recomend not going lower than 60mm rear drop. I'll just get some 60mm rear springs then. should be the quickest option aswell

Big man, would i have seen your car around the blackpool area?

cheers

ste

[Jim]

No worries Stevei. One other thing though, the back will always sit high in stripped out cars as there is very little weight there. Also, new springs will need some time to bed in. It'll most probably drop a few more mm over time.

Jim.

[MC]

Jim is correct (but don't tell him I said so). We installed a 40mm kit on mine and the back sat very high, so I replaced the rears with some 60mm items we had lying around. Sits nice and level now.

With regard to dropping lower, it might look better but the springs in general won't perform as well, they'll get harsh as they'll have less coils and compression.

[stevei]

cheers for the advice, wanted add now in the forum.

Tonight i have also connected up the origonal oil pressure gauge, just for the hell of it!

ste

[SKoob]

Can't belive i've missed this one, lovely looking car with great attention to detail. Engine spec is very similar to mine but mines no where near as clean lol My breather is the same as Ash's by the looks of things too.

[stevei]

cheers for the coments guys.

Well been doing a few bits and bobs over the past week. Checked out the breather by taking off the rocker cover. The 'splash gaurd' under the rocker cover is fixed. I'll see how it goes for now.

The oil pressure gauge is doing my head in now. As soon as the engine is started it shoots right off the gauge into high pressure. Thinking the sender might be foofed as the dash one does the same. Really want this to work for when i start driving it. Peice of mind really.

Carried out a front brake service as the pads did'nt seem to be using all the disc surface. Made sure the pads could move freeley in the calipers, as the red paint was quite thick. Used wurth super high temp grease on them ( upto 1100degC ) Came across a problem when the caliper carrier bolt snapped, b*st*rd:mad: gotta get this sorted as it booked in for setup on wednesday. Had a spare V6 caliper so nicked the bolt out of it. Just need to get the snapped bit out now. I'll give it a blast at work tommorow.
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2270/hpim0677ke0.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5025/hpim0678vs9.jpg

Not yet touched the heaters, that can be done after its setup i think.

cheers

ste

[stevei]

quick update -

Nova's still at the garage getting suspension and engine set-up.

I've been collecting a few things ready for when she comes back. Got the 60mm rear springs i was after. I also did a deal with my mate for this oil catch tank.
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9215/image195nl5.jpg
Just on the basis it looks better than the one i already have fitted. It has ha 500ml capasity and level guide. The breather ports ontop are not as big as the 1 inch size on the oil tank. so i'll have to 'T' peice the two together. I will also have to drill a take off into the top for a filter, so it can vent to atmos.

Got an adapter sorted for the Auto Gauge oil pressure switch aswell.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4783/image196xt2.jpg

Thats pritty much all till i'm re-united

ste

[Jim]

Funny you should mention the problem about the pads not using all of the brake surface, I had this problem too when I had V6 brakes. If I hadn't have been offered some Willwood 4 pot brakes I would have gone back down to the Astra GTe brake set up as this worked much better. Might be worth considering this should you still have issues.

Let us know how you get on.

Jim.

[Pistol Pete]

Smart looking car. Will be a serious small block track weapon.

[stevei]

MOT day today.........
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3899/image201da7.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4052/image202sg4.jpg
:thumb:;):thumb: wayhey!!! She passed!!!
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/7546/image203en0.jpg

Noted there way some play in the n/s eccentric top mount. strange as these are brand new:confused: I'll investigate that at home in my garage at home. The weather here in Blackpool today is pants. sideways rain!!

The car drove well on the way to and from the testing station. Held a healthy 80psi of oil pressure. Did spot a gearbox oil leak from the top turret so i''ll get a new gasket from vauxhall on monday as there only a quid.

The engine/webers have been setup now and i had the garage set the suspension up aswell. It feels good, like the harder you push it the more it grips. Gonna book airfield day at elvington, so i can find the limits of the car and play with ride height and tyre pressures.

I'll get some more pics up after weekend when i've got tax and hopefully no rain.

ste

[adam c]

looking very nice!if you do a trackday at elvington make sure you've got a spare set of wheels with you or that your tyres are new(thats if your driving there and back?)as the surface is very rough!i nailed a pair of 2 week old toyo's there when i did onelol !

[nyabinghi]

awesome car!!
Where can I buy a safety devices rollcage like yours (fit well with mk2 dash) ? What's the part number ?

[Adam]

Nice one mate, does look very cool.

[Rickyb]

happy days congrats on the MOT cant wait to see it about :thumb:

[stevei]

cheers for the comments.

The cage was purchased 2nd hand and it was a nasty blue colour. I've re-painted it in satin black. The cage is beleived to be either Saftey Devices or Custom Cages one. The legs are bolt in fixing. Yes it does fit pritty mint with the mark 2 dash but the door bars are a bit gay. They sweep in and then out to the door from the B piller. This causes a problem with them hitting my seats. Granted my seats are wide as buckets seats go, but it is anoying.

If it stops raining I'll post some pics of them tommorrow, because i would like to fit them. Maby you guys will have some great ideas for me. Its funny watching people getting in and out my car as it islol

ste

[MC]

Noted there way some play in the n/s eccentric top mount. strange as these are brand new:confused: I'll investigate that at home in my garage at home. The weather here in Blackpool today is pants. sideways rain!!



Bet the play is in the coilovers not the top mount. When you jack them up and the shock is fully extended they wobble. Cp's does it and when I took Jims for its MOT they commented so I made them investigate and we found that his coilovers did the same.

MC

[stevei]

i've now got some tax, so went for a spin today:cool:

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3052/hpim0682wb8.jpg
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4347/hpim0683nv0.jpg
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4436/hpim0684da2.jpg
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9457/hpim0685qv2.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1829/hpim0686jj2.jpg


got a problem with the gearbox leaking fluid. It comes out and sits behind the turret as pictured below. I put a new gasket on last week. That did'nt work so i put on anther gasket and some really good sealent. Can't understand where its coming from now. Any body else had this problem?
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2176/hpim0688wd9.jpg
Apart from that the car feels really tight and responsive. The brakes are really impresive and it sounds awsome. I love it! :thumb:

[philip]

have you checked for any hairline cracks? if positive the sealents done its job, then casing may be split....how? i wouldnt have a clue just an idea

[stevei]

sorted the oil leak. was an easy one really. dumd ass here forot to put the plastic bung in the back of the turret...........do'h.

Went for another spin today before the F1 was on. now gearbox leak free!!

ste

[pug-boy1]

very very nice!!!

[Jim]

Excellent stuff Stevei. You'll have to take a trip down here some time :)

[stevei]

cheers for the comments.

get this for irony....second day with tax on the car. went to get it out the garage and the garage door springs broke! can't open the garage door.................b***ard:mad:


just had a guy round to fix it now:thumb: thank flip. panic over

ste

[small-block]

very nice!!!

[stevei]

Went to work in the Nova today. Plan was to sort out a front towing eye as the standard one was damaged during towing it with a bar to the garage to get setup.

My plan was insired from going to the BTCC and watching the Clio Cup this year. All the cars were sporting Nylon Fabric type tow eyes. Being unable to buy one, i set about making one from a Ratchet strap.
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/3638/image206kw7.jpg

The ratchet strap i found on ebay. £5.00 for a red one with a 1.5tonne breaking stregnth. When it arrived it was yellow. not too bothered as its still a bright colour.
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/9351/image207rf7.jpg

So what we did was put the strap in a loop, burn two holes in it and drill 2 holes in the chassis leg. Two 19mm bolts hold it in sandwhiched with a peice of steel ontop.
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/2997/image208ej6.jpg

Well pleased with the results. The Motorsport look, function and leight weight i was looking for. I'm glad they sent yellow aswell. Excuse the mud as i went down the lanes on the way home:thumb:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9639/img0371yr2.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/434/img0372gg4.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6826/img0373ci2.jpg

Comments welcome

ste

[MC]

One of my favourite builds. Top stuff!

[stevei]

cheers pal

[shanemc]

excellent build there.love the attention to detail,fair play.
are those quick release bumpers by any chance?

[Riggy]

cant believe that i havent seen this build yet ,

really good matey , think you need to join the club and then come along to the regional meets ,

might have to have a detour up to blackpool and have a nosy otherwise lol

[stevei]

cheers for the comments peeps

riggy, i'm well up for some meets mate. I'll join the club this week aswell.

The front and rear bumpers are quick release. Bumper bars have been removed and lightweight alloy pins fitted.

ste

[dhdev (Oli)]

Very nice build, just read through it all. Mine used to sit high at the beck end because of it being light, custom springs sorted it though. Loving the towing eye as well :thumb:

[stevei]

cheers oli. your car has given me much insperation into the motorsport slaggy look. its awsome! :thumb: The rear ride height i am happier with now, i have them lower springs on.

Gonna order some more Perspex to make up the front window sliders this week. I have a plan in my head of what i want to achieve.

cheers

ste

[stevei]

just a quick update. Fitted some front sparco mudflaps. I've got some for the rear aswell, I'll try and get the on next week.
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/7756/image214jh8.jpg
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7899/image213jc9.jpg
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9061/image212np6.jpg
sorry for the crappy pics, off my phone.

I've now gone to look for some mud!:thumb:

ste

[stevei]

Wow, I am now a club member!!

ste

[Ste L]

nice too see your a members..

first time i've read this thread, nova look's spot on, cant wait to see it on track


will have to bring it to a northwest meet :thumb:

[Novaboi_1991]

WOW

Wickid car mate, jus read all 7 pages...

how much you spent on it if you dont mind me asking?

[stevei]

cheers guys, not really a clue how much i've spent. it's taken a while to build, as everything i've looked for i wanted it for a bargin. wether it be ebay or of the for sale section of here. i've bought and sold a lot of bits and bobs to build it.

I'm well up for a North West meet. When and where's the next one?

ste

[jimbob-mcgrew]

has to be my favourite track car on png this one.
great attention to detail mate, and maximum respect for sticking with the 8v and runnin it on carbs. also for taking the spoiler off as i think they look pants myself. first 8v ive noticed thats got an oil cooler too. top work man :thumb:
bet u cant wait to get it on the track and unleash it some :D

[t45_ste]

Only just read this thread. Thats a very good looking track car youve built.:thumb:

[DW-Nova]

Lovely car by the looks of it mate, given me a few inspirations for mine actually, really liking the idea of the towing hook that put on too, weight saving aswell hey lol.

[stevei]

cheer guys, i must admit i'm very happy with how my towing idea turned out.

Next motorsport inspired job is to make up some perspex front slider windows and cut out the inner part of the doors.

ste

[Jim]

Wow, I am now a club member!!

ste
Welcome to both clubs ;)

[dj_wudgey]

looks realy nice matey loving the bay aswell looks clean as fook!!!

[stevei]

just a quick update.

Found this single outlet washer bottle on e-bay for £2.00 - bargin
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/1858/img0380hp8.jpg
Its a lot smaller and neater than the twin one i have fitted
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/1502/img0379to3.jpg
quick, easy and painless..
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4752/hpim0698fe0.jpg
I've also got some NGK platinum plugs. The tuner recomended these when he was setting up my engine. After fitment the car feels great, deffo better than before. Really smooth, i'm well chuffed.
Just for the record they are NGK BPR9EVX and should cost you under £25.00 for the set of four. Highley recomended.:thumb:
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/8053/hpim0699sv1.jpg
I have a bit of a grave yard of old plugs i've tried now!
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6864/hpim0700uz9.jpg
Also recived my membership pack and some PNG stickers so went to sticking..
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/694/hpim0702mh9.jpg
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6692/hpim0704yb7.jpg

enjoy

ste

[stevei]

oh, i'm also trying to find a quick rack, so if anyones got one, let me know

cheers

ste

[Ash]

good to hear it's all running well steve.

Everytime I look at you car I keep wanting to paint mine red again lol

[stevei]

nice, Red cars are also faster :thumb:

[Ash]

lol Don't tell me that! *now where's those colour charts*

It's a theroy I believe in also anyway, hence the red block, seats, wheels, brace, etc :thumb:

[stevei]

ha nice, lol - been reading your build tonight ash - bet you can't wait to get it on the track?

ste

[srs1]

that is lovely.

great car and some really good idea's in there.

[stevei]

decided to take the nova for a blast this morning which included going to work. I finish work at 12:30 and wanted a to have a nice spank round the lanes after work. Well......... got to the by-pass just round the corner of my house, round the roundabout and battery light came on. 'Oh C*OCK' ( in the words of james may! ) so i pulled over in the layby, opened the bonnet to find the bolt that goes into the inlet manifold for the altenator adjuster had come out!:mad: the altenator was swinging in the breeze! so decided to turn round and go back home, swap cars and sort it out later. Had to give it beans times ten to work in the 106 instead. got there just in time. phew

So when i got home...........the problem
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2756/hpim0705zq6.jpg
so i stripped it all down, removed the altenator braket aswell as the belt just scrapes on it, so i grinded a bit off.
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5430/hpim0706ga6.jpg
these cast manifolds are a bit shi*t really. I highly recomend people to get the Irmsher one instead as there far better quality. I found a longer bolt that tightend up a lot nicer, still don't wanna swing off it as the treads in the manifold feel weak. but it nipped up nicley with a bucket load of threadlock!
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4434/hpim0707bl9.jpg%5D
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5889/hpim0708jw1.jpg

Also does anybody on here use Motul Fluids. Just to let you guys know there really good. Check out there website for deatails. They do boat loads of different oils. I think i might try some 15w60 or 15w50 oil after my first oil change. I have here some pre-mixed top quality anti-freeze and already in the car is their RBF600 Brake Fluid.
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4467/hpim0709va2.jpg
check em out

thats all for now, it's REALLY cold in the garage!!

ste

[Ash]

you leave far too long to get to work! lol

Good to see you sorted the problem tho. For oil I use Sinta Gold 5w40 IIRC cracking stuff and I only pay £20 instead of £60. How does Motul compare?

What alternator bracket are you using btw way? Mine is a bit 'bodged' atm lol

[General Lee]

Are you using flo flex bushes all round, love the car btw.

[stevei]

the altenator brakets in use are a lowering one for the altenator, with a bit cut as picturered above and the aduster i use is a couple, cut and welded together.
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/200/altenatorbraketmf9.jpg
then i put a bit of string around the bottom and the altenator pulley, messured it and went to the motorfactors to see what belt they had nearest my measurements.

The bushes used on the car are from Deflex. I bought the full kit that covers pritty much everything, including the steering rack and exhaust. The bushes all fitted perfectly with no problems. The full kit if i remember correctly was about £90
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/769/pollybushescj4.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3903/lowerarmspollyvr3.jpg

ste

[Nova Baz]

do u have the website address for the deflex bushes u got them off?

[stevei]

Deflex = 01745 360070 http://www.deflex.co.uk/catalog/index.php

My dad used to run a mondeo taxi and it was eating anti roll bar bushes every 2 months. so we purchased some new ford bushes, sent them off to deflex and they made me some out of polyurethane. These bushes were then never replaced and the cab did about 80k on them.

ste

[stevei]

Hi all, about time I updated my Thread as i've been mincing like a good 'un.

First of all got my Sparco rear mudflaps fitted. I'm happy with them and love the way they keep the car and the back window so clean. Rear ones require a bit of trimming so heres a pic with the wheel off.
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6966/image224.jpg
I made up the alloy brackets that go on the bumper
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4456/hpim0725s.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8852/hpim0726.jpg
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2787/hpim0727.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9840/hpim0728w.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/227/hpim0729j.jpg

I've also been busy making my own full perspex front slider windows. I made a set out of perspex first, then my mate dropped off some Polycarb so i copied them to polycarb and fitted them using seals from lee's 'how to' thread. ( seals direct ) They work a dream:thumb: and :thumb: for lee . I got the fixings off e-bay. All stainless button heads with washers and nylocks in M4. The little alloy handle things on the sliders are off an Ikea chest of draws. Look better on my windows IMO
Then i took an angle grider to the inside of the door for some lightweight action. I removed all the handle. I then fitted a 1mm thick alloy panel and a alloy pull handle. To open the door from the inside you now pull on a tie wrap that neatly pokes through a hole in the panel.

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/1173/1234817520141.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4696/1234904952845.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/1103/1235233315231.jpg
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/5696/1235835790730.jpg


I've also rust treated the car with ACF50. In all the sills, doors quarters and chassis legs. Supposed to be really good stuff and designed for use on aircraft.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/76/1237312190756.jpg

Been at my mates bodyshop today prepping some GTE sideskirts i have. Gonna put them on to protect the sills from stone damage. I'm gonna paint them satin black, same as the bumpers.

Me and my mate also went out in is k20 powered exige when i finished my polycarbs. We did this........he was driving btw
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/6936/1235843389059.jpg

enjoy for now peeps

ste

[Ash]

ummm, I think your mate needs to give me the exige - I'll look after it ;)

Love the look of this car, it's like a merge of my old and new one.

[Matt]

Perspex windows look a top job :thumb:

You planning on bringing the rear down a bit? Still sits quite high.

[stevei]

cheers ash, going to a posh wedding next month, i'm gonna be rolling up in the noisey lotus in me suit:cool:

yeah, rear is still a bit high, i want some coilovers that will fit the standard arches.

ste

[auzzy-b]

lovin the track car builds, especially like the black and red:thumb: looks awesome bud

[robertdevlin69]

looks real aggressive,i like

[Ernie]

yeah, rear is still a bit high, i want some coilovers that will fit the standard arches

Mine fit and im on avo coilovers mate

[stevei]

cheers guys, i'll keep my eyes peeled for some avo coilovers if they fit with no mods to the arches. cheers for that ernie. finished painting the side skirts today, so i'll pop them on after i've been to vaux for them tricky rivits.

ste

[Uncle Winnet]

looking god ste when the 1st track day

john

[stevei]

as soon as i get some money!!! it will be booked - you coming?

ste

[Uncle Winnet]

yep will see if i can keep up with u

john

[stevei]

ha, yeah mate get used to this view!!
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/227/hpim0729j.jpg

ste

[dj_wudgey]

looks awesome matey just the mudflaps im not shure on but if they are there for function i supose you cant argue lol

awesome car otherwise mate!!

[corsakid]

loving this car mate! a lot of work gone in it and everything looks well thought out etc +1 rep

[stevei]

cheers pal.

been out for a drive today, heres some pics
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7483/img0416.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1125/img0417.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4835/img0418.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6262/img0419n.jpg

Also I had the car noise tested. The exhaust is at 95db at 5500rpm.

I also took the car to a weigh bridge.
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2843/1237400910366.jpg
I'm really pleased with that. I wonder if i could achive 700kg!?!

maby with the following:
box section alloy slap panel
fibreglass bonnet
fibreglass tailgate
lighter wheels
remove more metal from the rear
lighten or remove the dash
remove heater box ( heaters don't work anyway, they need wiring up )

lightweight battery
Just some quick ideas anyway. Also the car was like a greenhouse today, so i'm after getting a roof vent. I'll have a look on e-bay later.

I fitted a Stewart Warner shift light with digital tacho a couple of weeks ago. Its a tricky bit of kit. Stewart Warner's an american brand, here's some more info http://www.sw-performance.com/

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8568/img0420d.jpg

Made this rear plate up for the track. just need some white screws.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7515/1237398102236.jpg

later

ste

[Uncle Winnet]

that 1 light car ste that means with u in it it doesnt even hit 800kgs

john

[stevei]

with me in it and my carbon lid it weighs 741kg;)

and thats with me p*ss wet through!!:eek:

ste

[16v Nova Kev]

hi bud are you using fibre glass bonnet and boot

[t45_ste]

Have a go

http://www.letstorquebhp.com/calculator.asp

[Uncle Winnet]

hi bud are you using fibre glass bonnet and boot

hes not at the mo but he is thinking about loosing some more wight

I wonder if i could achive 700kg!?!

maby with the following:
box section alloy slap panel
fibreglass bonnet
fibreglass tailgate
lighter wheels
remove more metal from the rear
lighten or remove the dash
remove heater box ( heaters don't work anyway, they need wiring up )

lightweight battery
Just some quick ideas anyway.

john

[16v Nova Kev]

cool i was wondering what my 2.0xe would weigh it has fbg boot/bonnet and perspex windows just a dash and 2 buckets

[Stevo16V]

Lovely mk1 build you have there :thumb:

Awesome towing strap ;) liking that alot, attention to detail again top work!

[stevei]

cheers mate, i am really liking the way the tow eye turned out. proper motorsport stylie:thumb:

[stevei]

having figured out i have the heaviest battery in the world and in a way i was quite pleased. an easy way to shave some more weight!!
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8122/img0422d.jpg

got hold of this Integra battery as part of there spec is 'lightweight battery' . , but the terminals are different sizes. would it work if i space out my clamps?

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3352/img0423r.jpg

Think i might buy a Varley red top battery if the weight saving is good enough. do you need a special charger for them?

more weight saving to come tomorrow:thumb:

ste

[stevei]

Yo, been doing a bit more mincing and weight saving.

First of all finally got round to fitting my door bars. I had to remove the lower seat cover and trim the seat with a dremel. These seats are uber strong btw. I'm please with the outcome as you'll never really know they have been modified.
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3654/1240142574371.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/426/1240142591481.jpg

I also purchased a Fibre glass bonnet of a nice lad of MIG called Fenix. I'm well chuffed with it. It only weighs 5kg!!

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/5983/bonnet1r.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8706/bonnet2.jpg

So, as you can see in the first pics it has a gay vent. I removed this along with the decals and I'm gonna fit an impreza vent to feed the carbs. I don't really like bonnet vents but its gonna serve a propper purpose. So i also made up a template.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/4868/img0477r.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/3928/img0476gwq.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2718/img0480p.jpg

To shed some more weight from the car i've removed the side heater ducts as their now pointless really with the roll cage. I've also removed the glove box and I'm going to put an alloy plate over it. The heater controls i have also attacked with the dremel. I removed the heater direction switch so its now on a constant screen de-mist. Just need to blank the side vents of the heater matrix off with some thin alloy now. Where the switch was i blanked that off with a peice of carbon fibre.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7285/img0478b.jpg

Also in that last picture you can see the rather large oil pressure light i fitted. These are a great £2.99 buy of ebay. I figure your gonna notice a uber bright light before the gauge reading on the track.

Another thing I've been thinking about is doing something about the pedal box. I'm not happy about the fact I can't heel and toe as the throttle pedal is too high. So when I'm pressing the brake my heel won't swing round to the throttle pedal, it just hits the side of it. Has anybody else come across this? I looked at my 106 GTi pedals and i find the throttle pedal sits lower than the brake pedal. This might be the answer, but i also have to take into account the nova's longer brake pedal travel. any ideas on this guys would help:thumb:

Thats all for now folks

ste

[stevei]

going back to my pedal box idea. Heres a pick of the 106 GTi pedal box

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8606/img0481n.jpg

Now a pick of the Nova one

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1062/img0482z.jpg

So all the nova pedals sit flat. where as in the 106 the throttle pedal sits a lot lower. So the plan is make the Nova throttle pedal sit a lot lower. So i removed the throttle padal from the Nova. Firstly put it in the vise and tried to bend it. not a chance! so i'll take it to work tomorrow and put some heat in it for some getto mod pedal bending action:thumb:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6443/img0485j.jpg

I also fitted a exterior power cut off. I'll put the blue sticker on when i've finished the new FG bonnet. I'm after a plumbed extinguisher next and I'll do a pull cut off for that aswell

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7908/img0483z.jpg
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6818/img0484kav.jpg

peace out

ste

[Rickyb]

looking top my man keep up the good work.

[ward]

great build there mate. looking good!

wats the bhp and torque on ur engine?

also check out my project,
gearheads project convertable

[dj_wudgey]

its a class thread this good build mate!!

[stevei]

cheers guys, not got any figuires on the engine yet. Gonna get it on the rollers after it gets its power tune.

ste

[stevei]

yo, been doing a few bits and bobs. Finished my throttle pedal with a bit of heat and bending action and now it sits nice, like in my 106. so its easy to heal and toe.

Lowered the back end a bit more with some custom springs, i'm well chuffed with the ride height now.

Fitted some GTE side skirts, finished in satin black.

Fitted my SPA mechanical AFFF plumbed in extiguisher, just need the pull cables.

Bought a new 10.2 mega pixel camera. Polished the Nova and took some pics!!!

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/305/sdc10006t.jpg
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6379/sdc10007hhn.jpg
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5973/sdc10008gzo.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/570/sdc10009i.jpg
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/8426/sdc10012x.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/705/sdc10014k.jpg

Just in the process of sticking on a few stickers :cool:then the next stop is the power tune of the engine and rr

ste

[Count Vaux Alot]

Looking good!

[Rickyb]

im proper in love with this and cant wait to see it around top work man.
rick

[stevei]

wahey, got the Nova booked in next week to get the cam timing, ignition timing and carbs setup. Its booked in next thursday the 23rd. :d

roll on:d

ste

[greg1.4]

looks very good!

forgot all about this nova!

well done!

[buzbi]

OMG! can't belive i have'nt seen this yet!! looks mint matey! its pretty much how i'm doing mine! got some more inspiration now cheers! :cool:

[stevei]

cheers mate glad i've inspired someone:thumb:

Should have updated really after i got my car back from the rally prep boys. They did me proud an absolute cracking job. When i picked the car up it was like a different engine was in there. It turns out the cam timing was a boat ride out! Mike has now got it spot on with his gauges and checked it 3 times after. That on its own made such a massive difference. Then Iain went to work on the carbs and ignition timing. its been advanced as much as possible and the carbs re-jetted and set up properly. The car now pulls like a train:d the noise is epic:thumb:

Best money spent to date:d

New purchases have been going on aswell.
- Another 3" Luke Harness in red for the n/s seat
- A Quaife high ratio quick rack ( off the one and only dh-dev monster )
- Extinguisher Pull cables pipes and nozzels
- More Stickers
- A Longton's Northern Speed Championship Membership


I'll get some more pics up asap

ste

[LEWI007]

really nice that.

ever thought about painting the grille black ?

[stevei]

I now what your saying as i had the grille satin black at one point but you could'nt see it. it looked like it was missing the grille.

ste

[Iain]

Car's still looking great! Can you fix the rear bumper so it's not drooping though?

[stevei]

yeah been meaning to do that. I'll do it it this weekend i think

ste

[g111mds]

Nice build. Its given me some inspiration to get on with my red Mk1...

Jamie

[stevei]

Right guys update time. Quaife quick rack fitted and WOW, what a difference. People kept telling me to get one and now i have i wish i'd done it sooner:thumb:
Rack removed and my mate warren at the other side looking scary! cheers for the help mate:thumb:
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2131/qucikrack.jpg
New quaife rack with some fresh paint and new track rod ends. I put the new rod ends on for the sake of a tenner what the hell, you gotta love the price of nova parts.
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/738/qucikrack1.jpg

Fitted the other Luke harness i got and also fitted some proper FIA harness eyelet mountings.
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4813/img0520s.jpg
Treated myself to a rather nice new OMP dished 350mm steering wheel. Feels much better. Purchased of ebay for £60 brand new from tialand, arrived in 4 days. Bargin!!
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9275/img0521z.jpg
Finished the plumbed in AFFF extinguisher kit. all the pull cables fitted and nozzle in the engine bay over looking the carbs. Gonna wait till i get my new bonnet to fit the 'E' decal on there.
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5383/img0522t.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/6137/img0523c.jpg
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/235/img0524x.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9039/img0529hw.jpg
Cars had a mini diet aswell. Lightened the door handles and boot handle.
Also satin blacked the filler cap.
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/511/img0525iz.jpg
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/2528/img0528u.jpg

Sorry for the dark small pics but it was such a nice day today i went out for a blast. took the pics about 10mins ago.

I'll be going to the North west RR day. Looking forward to it.

ste

[srs1]

cant wait to see this car in the flesh.

looks like a top build stevei and all credit to you

[Slippy]

Very nice mate credit to you

[Martingsi]

always liked this car, did you get a power figure when it was set up or are you waiting for the rr day?

[stevei]

not had a power figure yet. the old school rally boys i use to setup my engine and carb do it all by roadtest, putting the car through its paces round the local country lanes, testing it under different loads in different gears..etc. looking forward to the rr day as i'm interested more than anything in a power and torque figure.

ste

[Rickyb]

looks spot on ste has it been on track yet or are you planning an outing for it?

[stevei]

not been on the track yet mate. me and my pal are gonna do elvington when he's got his lotus finished.

ste

[Rickyb]

you will have to let me know when it is mate i might come and get some pics and that

[mk3-fezza]

that's a lovely car u got there mate :thumb: nice to see a 8valve for a change, looks proper mint too.. where'd u get your mudflaps from?

[stevei]

you might have seen my mates lotus around blackpool mate. its a black exige with yellow stripes.

The sparco mudflaps are of ebay mate. you buy them in pairs and trim them to fit.

ste

[stevei]

couple of updates.

Done a stud conversion. So much easier putting the wheels on and off now. I'll recomend these rally design ones to anyone. cheap too at around £25
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6618/studs.jpg
Also got myself some rather spanking Wilwood calipers of matthew172 off here, cheers pal
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/8913/wilwood1.jpg
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/6783/caliper2.jpg
In need of i bit of paint i set about stripping them and cleaning them up
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/9334/caliper31.jpg
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1655/caliper32.jpg
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8274/caliper33.jpg
http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/9940/caliper34.jpg
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/1482/caliper3.jpg

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/9693/caliperwilwood.jpg
So i painted the outer part of the caliper as the inner bit was alright. I took it down to metal, etch primer then satin black. I used a dremel to take the pait back of the 'wilwood' logo, polished then panel wiped. The finially a acrilic based laquer. Bit of polish and i'm chuffed. they've come up mint. The brass bits and pipes i also cleaned up with the dremel.

I've got the rolling road day next saturday so i'll fit them after that. Don't wanna come across any bleeding or fitment issuies last minute.

Carried out a Oil and filter change using Motul 15w50. It now holds more oil pressure when the engine and oil is upto temp.
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4792/motuloila.jpg

Went out for a blast round the lanes today. car feels great! I must remember to tighten the steering coloulm to the rack next time! felt a bit weird when i came out of a tight right hander and the steering wheel movedlol .......its defo tight now!

Couple of phone pics when i got back
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4089/novasun.jpg
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6528/novasun1.jpg

got some more bits and bobs on the way aswell

ste

[Martingsi]

nice work, calipers look the nuts!!! got them on yet?

[Rickyb]

any updates ste?

[stevei]

Blimey I've not updated in a while, but don't worry its still all go!

Car is now SORN so I can crack on with some bits and bobs over the crappy weather winter. Had it re-moted before the tax ran out. just a couple of things to look at like leaky exhaust centre section need re-fitting with some paste and slight play in the n/s essentric top mount, might need a spacer.

I've been after some little race mirrors for a while now. I found these little gems from Buddy Club in Leyland. They are real carbon fibre!!

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4287/mirrorug.jpg
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/4724/gpmirrors.jpg

Also made up the covers on the doors where the old mirror used to be out of some carbon fibre to match. With race spec black rivits. I'm well happy with the outcome. Sorry for the poor pics.
Got some new plug leads aswell. Went for the Magnecore KV85 competition ones. The quality of these leads is truley awsome. hence the hefty price...but you get what you pay for i guess.
I've also replaced the standard coil with a Micro Dynamics Mega Spark 2 coil. Retro fitted the black plastic top bit back onto the new coil. with a little help from my demel!

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/1476/magnacore.jpg
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/3339/coilt.jpg

Wilwoods are now fitted with Wilwood polymatrix pads. I have to now run a 5mm spacer to clear the inside of the wheels.
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6519/wilwoods.jpg

So the plan is this week to remove the interior and get cracking with streghtening the seat rails that the scuteneers picked up on. Also some more stitch welding inside the car on the floor and speader plates for the cage. While the interiors out I'm gonna run the fuel and brake lines inside, also a hydroulic handbrake. I've just purchased a Twin cylinder bias pedal box and i have the rear brake setup of a Astra GSi with twin pot ATE calipers to go on.

So I'll keep you posted

ste

[Count Vaux Alot]

Looking good mate - i like the sound of the plans to.

[greg1.4]

very nice..

just read most of the thread..

its been very tidily built, well done!

[Nobby]

very nice matey

[Rickyb]

wooow steve this is getting better and better every time i look at it top work.

[gary_126]

just read the whole build, fantastic car!

[stevei]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I've also got some rose jointed lower arms. I wanting to fit them with some rose jointed caster brackets aswell so gonna be looking at getting some fabricated. I'll post some pics up tomorrow.

cheers

ste

[scott.parker]

Good update dude, like the brakes, not sure on mounting the mirrors on the door though, but if it works all matters, plans sound good too.

Scott

[stevei]

i know what your saying about the mirrors scott. i thought this at first. but they have really grown on me now. The thing is my roll cage is the type that goes infront of the dash. so when the mirrors are mounted in the original place you can't see them as the roll cage obscures the view. so fitted where there are is super practical.

I will get some better pics outside the garage when all the other bits and bobs are sorted.

cheer again

ste

[mad-driver]

I'd be interested to know what power it made Ste, as mine is a similar build, but for some reason won't pull power after 5k, think i've got a dodgy coil or something lol.

How is the engine getting on with the group A breather system, which is mostly blocked off, and using only the top rocker cover outlet to a catch tank? Surely that will want to build up crankcase pressure, and probably isn't something i'd want to be doing on a road car?

Nice thread btw
Sam

[stevei]

engine made 122bhp on the rollers without the ignition upgrades. The breather system is fine. Not the best for a everyday road car becuase it does collect a lot of condensation. so as a daily drive you would be emptying it quite a lot. My catch tank is only one litre, could do with a two litre one as per the build manual. So i'm gonna get another one made up.

cheers

ste

[mad-driver]

engine made 122bhp on the rollers without the ignition upgrades. The breather system is fine. Not the best for a everyday road car becuase it does collect a lot of condensation. so as a daily drive you would be emptying it quite a lot. My catch tank is only one litre, could do with a two litre one as per the build manual. So i'm gonna get another one made up.

cheers

ste

Cool, i see.

Reckon i'm gonna just keep the pipe on the back of the block to the cam housing, and use a large bore pipe from the rocker cover to a catch tank.

So yours made 122bhp prior to you changing to the uprated ignition coil? Mine pulls 115bhp at about 5k, then refuses to pull more power, and we don't know why. Going to try an uprated coil, playing about with the timing and vernier again, and re-positioning the fuel pump nearer to the tank.

Can't think what it could be apart from that

[stevei]

check the cam timing. my mate has a mark 3 golf which would only rev to 5k as when the cambelt was fitted, it was few teeth out.

ste

[richsmith]

looking nice man :)

[connor c]

this car is looking mint i want a mk1 front on mine so bad

[stevei]

Blimey I've not updated in ages. At christmas i stripped out the interior ready for the cage stregthening inside the car. Then it went really cold outside so i waited for the weather to warm up abit. now i'm re-motivated and back on it.
heres the stripped inside pic
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/3316/strippedout.jpg

So on such a nice moring we had to go out on the drive. With me ryan but mainly Andy ( the welder ) doing all the work. Thanks again to andy. he's a welder by profession and its shows.
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/6342/50412859.jpg
So, the welder of choice. Warrens brand new Snap On Mig, cheers for lending it woz.:thumb:
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5659/28877177.jpg
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7054/r12x.jpg
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9751/r16v.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/899/r20m.jpg

Here follows some whoreish fabrication pics, enjoy. The plates we used were 3mm steel plates on the A piller and rear wheel turrets. Andy made up box section out of the 3mm steel for the B piller feet. The seat rails he removed and re-fitted with 3mm steel plates to strengthen them. then a 'classic' nova boot floor repair with some thinner steel.
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5994/21433427.jpg
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8062/29004330.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7606/r17q.jpg
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/6633/r13.jpg

[Count Vaux Alot]

Good work mate

[stevei]

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6576/r24d.jpg
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6277/r21sh.jpg
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8485/r10u.jpg
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/6724/26195616.jpg
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/3750/r18j.jpg
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/1434/r14e.jpg
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/7636/r22o.jpg

A bit of red oxide primer afterwards.

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/2655/r25l.jpg
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/5904/r27z.jpg

[stevei]

While the Nova was outside had a wash and a hover. Why do garages create so much dust?
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4674/r23l.jpg
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/710/r19i.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/2007/r15j.jpg
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/4486/r11vn.jpg

HHmmm, need to trim out that tailgate!

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/8351/31822365.jpg

Better outside pic of the carbon mirrors and blanks. Real carbon looks awesome in the sun:)
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/786/r26.jpg

So after watching a lot a motorsport here and there when having my car off the road makes me want to leave it open to doing many other events. not just sprints. I would love to rally the car. maybe doing some night rallies next year.

No with the welding out the way i'll spruce up the inside with some satin black, new stickers on the cage and crack on with the mechanical stuff!

Anyway guys. I'll keep you posted

ste

[dj_wudgey]

this car is looking mint i want a mk1 front on mine so bad
Id agree good build this mate!

[scott.parker]

You planing to weld the cage into them plates then?

Scott

[stevei]

no scott, i'm gonna keep it bolt in so i can remove it if need be. I want to get the dash flocked at a later date so to remove the dash, i'll have to unbolt it all. ordered from ebay new stainless bolts, washers and nyloc nuts. Theres 23 M10 bolts that bolt this cage to the shell.

ste

[Adam]

Really like the look of this car, v.v. nice.

[Iain]

I assume the cage will need high tensile bolts, you ordered the right ones? Just checking for your safety :)

The car does look ace, very purposeful, nice work.

[stevei]

yeah got the hi breaking strength bolts. all nylocs and washers A2 stainless steel. i find ebay great for bits and bobs like this. although it did cost a bit for the bolts.

ste

[dj_wudgey]

yea i love this dude! And it is f*cked how much dust garages make lol

[mk1nova_rich]

Brilliant build thread, just read it start to finish lol you may have to put some interior back in to make it elegible for road rallies, but good luck with whatever you decide to do and will keep any eye on future updates :thumb:

[sr jack]

rearly like this one. nice work dude

[stevei]

Thanks for the comments guys

I've got the cage bolted in now so its time to get the Nova up in the air on 4 axle stands and start with the mechanical stuff. i'll just do a quick fresh coat of satin black inside. Internal braided steel fuel lines I'll do first. Then on with the brakes.

ste

[OllieKing]

Any updates???

[Rickyb]

Im pretty sur ethis got broken up its a shame as it was an awsome car.

[Liam]

Yes it did get broken as I had the front bumper and grill off it.