HC's Coupe

[hc coupe]

So guess it’s finally time to get a thread up and running. I bought a Nova SR around January 08 (a few may recall it)

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/NovaSR.jpg

Sadly this car kept going wrong and within 5 months I had spent far too much fixing it to see anything in return and I spent longer under it than in it. So once the last problem was fixed I sold it. I did want to do an engine change to this car but it was such a nice car and just losing my job I thought against it.

With the car now sold (above) I was looking for a hatch 2.0 however this little number came up on e-Bay only a few miles down the road. I went down and had a look and a week later she was mine. 23,000 miles, FSH and with only a few owners (2-3). However in that week some damage did happen.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages020.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages019.jpg

The bonnet and passengers side front arch were deeply dented. He then had the cheek to say its always been like that but I’m 100% sure they weren’t but I still got a wicked deal.
So I got the car home and started plans. My older brother sourced a mk1 “wrap-around” front bumper .

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages025.jpg

Was in a bit of a state but a bit of sanding should bring it back to it’s former glory.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages027.jpg

Errrr no……….it didn’t. So decide to spray it.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages037.jpg

With the front on and the rear bumper planed to get done within a few day’s (turn out to be weeks) I looked for the side strips. BIGGS sent me them within a couple of days, however when I received them the brown tape he wrapped them up in stayed on the rubber strips and I just never got around to cleaning the sticky bits off.

[hc coupe]

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages047.jpg

I set about looking for a 2.0 engine; e-Bay had plenty under my limit of £400-500, but I was never sure about buying an engine off e-Bay, so when a C16XE came about on here which I could see and be a passenger in it was a opportunity not to be missed. Paying nearly double what I had planned was not great but I got everything I need for it to be installed.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages018.jpg

John (JonL) did most the work getting the engine out (in fact all of it, I just watched friends on E4) until it came to moving the engine. This was not as simple and straightforward as he made it sound, but once in the boot; all but one drive shaft that was left hanging out the boot, I went home

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages036.jpg

MEANWHILE the coupe was gearing up for its MOT then welding. With a rear brake light changed and a screw pushed into the exhaust to plug up the gap she went through.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages042.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages003.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages001.jpg

I friend of a friend got the welding done…

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages005.jpg



Unfortunately Chris Ashley Motosport delivered the plates and the top mounts separately and by the time I received the top plates it had already been welded and painted. I was assured it would be all right with out….?
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages013.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages014.jpg

[hc coupe]

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages016.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages017.jpg

The engine went in and then I set about hooking it all up (I sent a PM to John asking for help lol) He kindly drew me a picture of how the fuel tank, pump and lines should go, so I set about them first as I still hadn’t got around to fitting the manifold let alone the exhaust.
I wanted a nice set of wheels at a cheap price, so I bought a set of VW G60 Winter Wheels.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages059.jpg

I found that it would look like a gypsy weapon (please don’t take offence) if I left it with those wheels on, but as cash was low I read “Adams refurbishing wheels article” and set about spraying them Polar White.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages052.jpg

And on the car…

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages068.jpg

Happy with it ! (sorry the images are massive.... and all kinda blured was off my mobile)

I can't take any of the credit for engine work. I was going to attempt to put it in and get it going but as my parents don’t know I’ve bought another car and working out of a council hired garage I felt it best to let a “friend of a friend” get it running.
(saves pushing it in and out of a garage any way)

[novasrikev]

that looks mint dude

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Dam shame that the balance weights have to go there. Looking good.

[hc coupe]

Yeah I was a bit miffed when I saw them, there really shiny too lol. I got the V6 brakes under them but its close (you can just see the yellow caliper)

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages066.jpg

Size matters

and coilovers to jam on too , (I'l get more over the weekend !)

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages.jpg

[Southie]

Looking good, fella :thumb:

I'm looking into some of the Dblias boddies for mine at some stage maybe.

Just edited one of your pictures though as it advertised other clubs :confused:

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p379/SOUTHIE01/Tomsimages017edit.jpg

[hc coupe]

I will be taking that off at some point lol.
I don't really know that much about the engine , I belive the Boddies are "Stinemetz" what ever the dicken's that is ? but it apparently makes 135-140 BHP, which is plenty for me. I think this engine has changed hands a few times on here, it was bought from Vauxhall brand new only a few years ago :D

[Southie]

I will be taking that off at some point lol.
I don't really know that much about the engine , I belive the Boddies are "Stinemetz" what ever the dicken's that is ? but it apparently makes 135-140 BHP, which is plenty for me. I think this engine has changed hands a few times on here, it was bought from Vauxhall brand new only a few years ago :D
I think this is the guy who had it originally but may be wrong. You may recognise the car!!! CLICKY
(http://www.kpautomotive.co.uk/pages.php/page/projectcar)
I think you will enjoy the sound of the Steinmetz which is similar to the Dblias kit :thumb:

EDIT: Steinmetz spelling.

[hc coupe]

Yes thats the car it came out from (well the silk violet i mean). Well found.

Yeah it did sound quite nice however it didn't feel like it was 135 BHP ,maybe less but who knows. I'l try and get to a rolling road at some point.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

For once and for all it's Steinmetz lol

[Southie]

Yes thats the car it came out from (well the silk violet i mean). Well found.

Yeah it did sound quite nice however it didn't feel like it was 135 BHP ,maybe less but who knows. I'l try and get to a rolling road at some point.
Here is another link. (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=791264#post791264)On here it gives a spec of what your engine should have :thumb: Hope this helps.

[Southie]

For once and for all it's Steinmetz lol

oops ;) Edited.

[robertdevlin69]

nice spec,love the wheels....good luck with the build

[Count Vaux Alot]

Interesting project....i'd like to see what your plans are as i'm not so sure at the moment....

[hc coupe]

Oh yeah I never said anything about my intentions at all.
I always planned for it to do the odd track day (nothing competitive really just fun), and over time I've collected a few parts (Bucket seats, harnesses, even have plastic windows being made now and a few other parts!) however as time goes on , seeing very clean and well styled saloons popping up (in particular Count Vaux's and Shaun's ,amongst others ) I'm not sure what to do,

But now I have a pile of performance parts I may just bolt em on and see where it goes, becuase to be honest, I don't even know :roll: .

[The Simps]

gonna keep an eye on this one. have some rep for doing the right thing and being a coupe ;)

[hc coupe]

/\ Thank you , and its nice to know as I've spent many hours reading over your WIP lol.

[5T1G]

Hay Hay Tom Bowler,

Looking good fella, i couldn't belive how nice this shell was when you first got it. This car's going to be quite interesting, a concuction of track spec, mintness laced with a dash of sleeper.

Coming on well and a nice selection of parts to finnish it off. Keep up the good work, shotgun when it's running aye?!?

Steve

p.s you must put me in touch with the chap that did the welding, the e30's floor pan requires urgent attention! PM me

[Prey]

looks really smart that - what offset are those wheels by the way?

[hc coupe]

LOW !! Think they are about 35, Will not work with a hatch (with out mods) as they are level with the lip of the arch (stick out a tiny bit but Shhhhh), I've turned to full lock and they clear .

However the the bore is larger than the Vauxhalls !!!

[Prey]

Thought they might be a bit far off - i guess why everyone hasnt got them on!

[The Simps]

/\ Thank you , and its nice to know as I've spent many hours reading over your WIP lol.


Well at least you'll know how to pull one apart then but not a lot else! lol lol

[KPautomotive]

Glad the engine is being put to some good use.

Never saw or heard about the car after i sold it.

Whats the plans matey?

[hc coupe]

I found this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxkOpbI_Oa8), which must have been when you owned it I guess ?. I don't really have massive plans for it. I'l keep this WIP updated but as far as the engine goes , I'm going to change the oil, plugs, filter ect ... and leave it.

May do a bit of weight saving and then thats job done.Just want to enjoy it really. I don't suppose you know the full spec as I was lead to belive you built it?

[AlexW]

Good project mate. Cant wait to see this.

[KPautomotive]

yeah matey. I had it in the red nova and the silk violet.

PM me

Rob

[hc coupe]

**Little update**

Some of the engine wiring was hocked up. I think most of it is so it’s a case of battling with the ECU over the coming days to have it running by the end of next weekend? (fingers crossed),

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages076.jpg

The rear coilovers have gone on however they sit about 50mm above the wheel when wound all the way down. They have been taken back off and sent back to get a different spring or looked at (GAZ seem like top people).
Whilst they are fiddling with that I’m going to get someone to weld the rear turrets up a bit better (seems like everyone does it for a reason).
New steering wheel has gone on, SR dials; the ones with the orange needles are in and old windows are out waiting for my plastic ones to arrive.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages077.jpg

The cage was bought off eBay .It was put in to see how it all look. As it was bought off eBay I had to get all the fitting plates made up. Safety Devices (again top people) sent me some old drawings.


http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Rollcagefootplate2.jpg

He also sent me a few stickers through for free (I didn’t even ask).

Cheers :thumb:

Tom

edit:Here is also the engine spec that I found from a previous for sale thread:


SPEC
Engine

C16xe Corsa GSI Lump
Kent Cams
SBD Uprated Steel Rollers
Steinmetz Throttle Bodies with custom induction hoses to locate filter under bonnet vent
4-1 Custom Exhaust manifold
Custom lower alternator bracket to allow TB's to clear alternator
Ashley Compeition Exhaust System 3" Tail pipe
Ported and Polished head
Sachs Performance clutch
F16 Gearbox
Bailey oil breather tank
Samco competition hose kit
KV85 Competition HT leadsHC Coupe

[AlexW]

Looking goood. When are you hoping to have it finished?

[The Simps]

Looking good mate - nearly there!!

[hc coupe]

Yeah, I've book the Castle Combe track day so thats the deadline (25th april).I want it up and running before then to iron out all the little niggles .

I hope someone is coming down in the next week to weld in the bucket seat rails, roll cage plates and extend the exhaust about a foot.

Then its just a case of getting it all put in.

Thanks a lot for your comments :thumb:

Tom

[scott.parker]

Cool saloon dude! look really nice, hope it goes well.

Scott

[bowman]

liking the rims matey!;)

[Jay]

Bhp on the engine?

[hc coupe]

Thanks for all the comments. Jay the engine should be producing around 135-140 BHP.

Cheers Bowman and Scott.parker !!

[Riggy]

just seen your thread fella :thumb: very nice work , and that engine is a little beast for a small block lol

[hc coupe]

Small update,

All the windows have been removed and I picked up the plastic replacements a few weeks ago,

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages079.jpg

Think they will be put in after the cage has been bolted in so they don’t get too many marks on them. I did offer them up and they appear to be a perfect fit so really happy with the work from Plastics 4 Performance.

The GAZ suspension sat really high so they were sent back to GAZ to get adjusted. The turned them around in under a week so really happy and they now sit mucho better with an option of going a lot lower or higher.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages078.jpg

Whilst the rear suspension was out all the plates were welded in for the Safety Devices cage

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages080.jpg

Cheers

Tom

Edit: Really sorry for the poor quality photos, I am meaning to get a new camera at some point.

[The Simps]

that is one sexy coup!!

[hc coupe]

Just a few more ,

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages084.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages083.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages082.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages081.jpg

Can you be in the small block group and the saloon group?


:thumb: Tom

[hc coupe]

Just a few more pictures of it comming together ;) . Its all been done before so no need for words really !

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages085.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages086.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages087.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages088.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Tomsimages089.jpg

[scott.parker]

Looks nice mate, really like the look of track saloon..

One thing, adjust the bonnet pin so it keeps the bonnet sitting flush with the wings etc.

Scott

[hc coupe]

Cheers :thumb: ,

There are a few things that need tidying up like the bonnet pins, window rubbers, cables ect...

There was a problem with the gear box which has been resolved however I can't get it into fifth, but that’s down to the gear stick (need to cut a bit of plastic off) and its leaking water from somewhere but I can’t find out where. Doesn’t appear to be losing a lot of water, which makes it difficult to locate.

I need to get a set of GTE dials as I'm missing off two dials with the SR clocks ; there just blanked out :confused:

Tom :)

[AlexW]

Dont they have little lights in for the SR ones? Speak to asa james about some 6dial clocks. He has some :)

I do love the look of your car, makes me want a saloon!

And how bad is the water? Im presuming its not the T piece that comes off the inlet/block that would usualy go to the TB, just needs putting to the header tank if its that one.

[dj_wudgey]

looks fookin ace matey!! good work!

[hc coupe]

Thanks. Needs a good clean as it hasn't been washed in over a year, then it should make some fun summers driving.

[The Simps]

Looking cool.

I like the holes in the side windows for breathing - might have to steal that one! lol

[hc coupe]

I don't like them lol , think I'm going to re-cut them all the same size and all straight !

[hc coupe]

Small update,

The car seems to run perfect however the gearbox has been causing a few issues. I’m still not happy with the gear changes and the overall smoothness, so have ordered a new rose jointed gear linkage.
Second gear feels like an extended first gear, as it doesn’t seem give much more revs (drops around 500rmp). Its nice for slow corners as it jumps onto cam (infact its always on cam) so quickly but pulling away from stand still is becomes increasingly annoying, as you have to change up so quickly and often.

The car sounds very nice however I fell that the air filter is being quite restrictive. I’m planning on changing that item but haven’t decided the best option for it yet…. The current filter looks like a max power free-bee lol.

I’ve taken the car out at my companies car park (Its quite large and open) where it felt good in a straight line and very flat with no real roll when turning. Feedback from the steering is very poor however? It seems to understeer a large amount under no real stress, which is a worry, so the car is going off to a local tuning company (Austec (http://www.austec.co.uk/)) to get the suspension set-up correctly.

Here is a few pictures … Also I know the numberplate was a waste of money, wish I went of a plane stamped one.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Picture002.jpg

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/Picture001.jpg

[let_nova]

looking good. why is the plate a waste of money?

[vaughanmc]

Looks really nice mate - It'll go well with that engine too ?

[scott.parker]

Looking very nice mate...

[hc coupe]

Its a german "D" styled one :(

Thanks for the comments, I can't wait to get it on the road and open it up. The engine should have more than enough power for me as its will be the quickest car I have ever driven so it will be nice to progress with sensibly .

Looking to change up to a C20XE with TB's next year when I can afford to do so with insurance.....But a few other engine conversions are catching my eye at the moment so I'm unsure (Ecotec or Saab). I'l see how other poeples conversions pan out. I'l keep a close eye on Pauls :thumb:

Cheers

Tom

[The Simps]

Good tuff mate!

What suspension setup have you got up front? Have you had the tracking set since putting it on the road?

[hc coupe]

Think they are just their normal Gaz coilovers. I told him what engine I was putting in and what I wanted from the car. I'm not sure what lb springs are used. I also bought some "Nova alloy spherical bearing adjustable top mounts" too !!!.

But to answer your question…. No they haven't been set up by a professional place.

Whoo 2 blobs !!!!

[The Simps]

I wouldn't waste money unnecessarily.

Set the top mounts so they are back and inwards kinda like this...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P8070008.jpg


You may need to file back the lip on the turrets to get full adjustment.

Thn take it to somewhere like STS Holburns who hve laser tracking and ask them to set the tracking for you. As tey use computerised systems it will also give you the readings for camber etc.

[hc coupe]

Thank you for the photo. I will aim to get a picture of mime tonight to give an idea of how mine is currently sitting.

Thank you again,

[The Simps]

No worries chap, cheers for the PM. Thats how mine was setup and it handled nicely. Your horrible handling in more than certainly gonna be your tracking tho.

STS charged me £25 to have my old nova done and you get a free re-check within 6mths iirc.

[hc coupe]

Heres mine :

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee225/_Tarmac_Terrorist_/DSC00213.jpg

I’ll get the tracking done as you suggested and see how comfortable I am with the handling. Then I guess go from there.... I’ve also taken the front ARB off to get the exhaust on and never put bolted it back on. Does that make a huge difference? (was told it wouldn't with coilovers)

Cheers

[AlexW]

Looks good. Get it on the road and get some miles on it.

Removing the ARB is usualy a good thing on a lowerd car, its ment to cause one wheel to lift under cornering.

[scott.parker]

HC, I'm not sure if your aware of the "top mounts which way up" arguments, but i know why you put them the way you have, it's because the cir clips underneath that way,yes?
Well allot of arguing gets said about this, and the way that allot of people run them (mine included) is the other way up.

Scott

[hc coupe]

oh, I didn't have a clue.

I just bought them from Chris Astley and the turned up in a jiffy bag with out any instructions ?. I just went with how I've seen them before.

Thank you for the heads up, I'll try and find where that thread is now !!

Thank you

[hc coupe]

Ok , I'm really struggling to see what I've done ?

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9185/dsc076291024x768ab4.jpg

[scott.parker]

Did you get my PM?

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9425/dscf0184.jpg

[hc coupe]

Thank you for your PM.

After searching for a while I have come across THIS (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64342&page=2&highlight=mount+upside) . So if anyone else has had any issues this maybe worth a read.

Tom

Thank you again for your help.

[The Simps]

How you've fitted them is fine mate and they look to be in a pretty good position.

The problem people have is that to utilise the full adjustment you have to either trim out your turret, take some metal off the mounts or run them upside down.

A lot of people run them upside down and never have any problems. The discussion point with this method is because turning them upside down puts the circlip at the top which holds them in and thus putting the strain more on that.

Leave yours as is mate and just go get your tracking done - I bet its that!

[scott.parker]

I had mine machined down to fit the nipple up way, but still got told they should be run the other way up, I'm confused though, as I'm sure rally cars have them the flat side up too?

Scott

[godfrey]

good work. very straight track tool you have there:) .

[buzbi]

looks good matey keep it up :cool: