wide arch mid mounted nova

[jonn]

changed suspension idea again. going to convert vectra b suspension to coilovers.

waste cut off
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1929.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1931.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1933.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1934.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1935.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1937.jpg

[jonn]

i got everything together and dropped it on its own wheels and i am happy enough with the ride height. i just need to pipe up the rear brakes and then start fitting the seat and start making up a gear linkage next.

should have the rest of the welding finished tomorrow.

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1940.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1941.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1942.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1939.jpg

[The Simps]

Good work! How thick are those plates?!

[jonn]

thanks, 5mm a bit heavy but plenty strong i think!

[jonn]

bit of an update...

next on the list is to pipe up rear brakes
make tunnel up the middle of the floor
gear linkage
fit throttle cable

then it should be ready to drive :D cant really do a lot with it because i have to run in the engine which will take a good few hours. then i have to start the body work. i will have to modify the rear arches a bit because they are not wide enough.

still not sure on the colour. i was going to go white with black bumpers but dont know yet

have the box in for the seat rails and one seat mounted
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1994.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1996.jpg

bush made for the springs
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1997.jpg

i got the kill switch pull cable and throttle cable aswell
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1998.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_1999.jpg

the dash
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_2003.jpg

[calibra-keith]

coming together now, seams a few of use cant decide on colour at the moment

[jonn]

collected these polycarb windows today and i have the gear linkage started aswell might have it finished tomorrow.
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_2095.jpg

[jonn]

got the gear linkage tacked in place to try it. it seems to work. still need to clean it up a bit and fully weld it.

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_2096.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_2098.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_2100.jpg

[jonn]

got some bonnet pins today in the post off novarally thanks

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_2134.jpg

[pie]

looking good buddy :)

[jonn]

brought this out for a quick play around a few weeks ago and all i can say is its some yoke to go! i thought i would never say this about a car but the exhaust is way to loud. set off a neighbors house alarm a few hundred feet up the road! really cant wait to get it built now.

here is a quick video i got of the ecu on the laptop. i couldn't get the mic to work so no sound. i will get a better one up in a few days.

don't mind the weird noise at the start! its boring without the sound.

best to watch in full screen and HD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM9UuHwJAIw&feature=player_embedded

[Mazz]

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/SAM_2098.jpg


Is that gear link out of a Halfords tool box!!

[jonn]

not a halfords one but it is out of a socket set. i am using universal joints out of a steering column now so they will be a lot stronger!

[BRoadGhost]

And have less deflection. Are you sure it'll work with such angles?

[jonn]

small update! spent most of the day cleaning out the shed and brought the nova back in will be starting work very soon again on it and it will DEFINITELY be finished in the next 3 months.

a few pics to show its still alive

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0474.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0480.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0478.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0481.jpg

[jonn]

got a good few bits done to this over the last few days. have the front end nearly finished. you would not believe the amount of hours it took! had to make all new brackets for bumper and wings. i will be fitting the headlights back in it. got the inner arches made as well.

started to do a bit of filling on the rear arches. it is mainly just body work left and tidy up the wiring. i still have to bend out some side skirts out of light sheet, and the rest of the firewall and tunnel up the middle. need to do a small bit with the gear linkage to.

Have a good christmas :)

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0570.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0576.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0574.jpg

standard arches compared to the wide ones! still have to do a bit of filling.
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0566.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0564.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0575.jpg

gsi spoiler, it is heavier than the bootlid itself!
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0568.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0578.jpg

[jonn]

some more done, got the sills made and fitted, i have the shell nearly fully rubbed down now, starting the doors, bonnet and boot lid next. spoiler fitted as well, also smoothed out the indicators.

it is going to be sprayed white but i am not 100% sure to do bumpers a different colour. i will have to wait and see what it looks like. i would love to fit nova sport decals but they expensive.

i kind of like the astra nurburgring decal in the last pic.

cant believe after nearly 3 years i am getting it ready for paint!

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0588.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0587.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0589.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0590.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0591.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0593.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0594-1.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0595-1.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/rickardosturboterror.jpg

[Benn]

Arches are looking great. All the front frame/subframe looks good.

[jonn]

Thanks Benn.
small update, have the bonnet, boot and the other door prepped now.

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0600.jpg (http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0600.jpg)

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0597.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0598.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

Love the work on the sils.

[jonn]

Thanks,
small update, got the paint yesterday and done a bit filling and sanding, hopefully tomorrow i will have the full car in primer.
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0635.jpg

[jonn]

got it primed today, next weekend i am going to flatten it off and give its first coat of white.

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0636.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0638.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0641.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0642.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0639.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0640.jpg

[phunkynova]

Looking good :thumb:

[Benn]

Looks very nice.

[calibra-keith]

looking good jonn been while since looked on here

[thedjse]

brilliant work mate the sills are awesome

[istf]

Also looks good in this unpainted phase! :)

[jonn]

Thanks, I finished spraying it last sunday and it came out very well for a Diy job! I Have a busy weekend planned to get it all back together.
Will put up pics next sat or sunday,

Only things that are left to get is a HYD handbrake, isolation switch for outside and a few other bits.

[jonn]

some pics.

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0653.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0652.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0651.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0650.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0643.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0644.jpg

mudflaps cut and ready to fit tomorrow.
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0645.jpg

hyd handbrake i ordered
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/T2eC16JHJFoE9nh6m-mjBQm6PWuE8g60_12.jpg

[pie]

looking good dude :)

[M Sutton]

Looks good mate! Nice progress

[Benn]

Looks good all painted.

[Balley]

very impressive mate

[skud52]

Nice work pal, love it

[thedjse]

Really impressive pal car looks great!!!

[jonn]

thanks,
some pics from last weekend.

basically just some wiring left now.

rev counter and oil light fitted.
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0655.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0656.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0657.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0658.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0659.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0660.jpg

[Mazz]

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0656.jpg


:confused:

[jonn]

:confused:

[Mazz]

(what is it?!)

[jonn]

isolation switch for outside, it needs to be fitted for the regulations. pull cables can be used but from my expierence they are not worth 2 balls of goat sh!t. the cable inside rots even when i used grease and oil inside the liner and the end can brake off, not very reliable in my opinion.

[jimbob-mcgrew]

awsome project mate, deffo unique. :cool:
i wish you kept the original mid rear setup, with the bug box, but hey, im not gonna argue, youve done a bloody good job (and your only 17, you got skills !!)
unlucky about the engine fuss with the bent rod. pisstake pulling everything out again, altho i bet it runs better now its been overhauled :)
looks like its nearly finished now, your almost there, good job ! :thumb:

[jonn]

thanks jimbob, i am nearly 20 now the years don't be long flying by!

basically finished now, after a few test runs decided it needed higher poundage front springs so have them fitted. just waiting for a new fire extinguisher and my race license and my first event will be next Sunday so i will update then, i think it will take a while to get use to. being racing a 120bhp fwd nova for the last 3 years so this will be a change!

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0697.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0699.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0700.jpg

quick video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeiY0OFTjrQ

[Balley]

You have done a cracking job mate.

[Mazz]

Awesomeness! Almost seems a shame to thrash it round offroad, almost!

[jonn]

Thanks mazz, ya I just hope it comes back looking the same!

[Benn]

Very cool and looks great too. Awesome work on it.

[thedjse]

That looks awesome pal. Bet it goes really well

[istf]

Hahaaa!!! Awesome! :D

[jonn]

small update the event last month was postponed until next Sunday so just getting it ready now. got my rev limiter today not looking forward to wiring it in. hate wiring!
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0767.jpg

[jonn]

the autocross went ok last Sunday only problem was i broke 1 cv joint but found out i bent the hub first which caught and locked up the cv joint so it just snapped. i have the back hubs off now and starting to strengthen them more. also bought some kent cams and vernier pulleys should loosen up a few more bhp :D hope to get everything setup and mapped in a few months.

here is some pics and a quick video i got.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s6vPN_54tY

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/529138_483046058416696_1693862350_n.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/547855_483046091750026_1504233132_n.jpg

photos by john delaney
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/551408_10200425695357708_662685486_n.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/61497_10200425691837620_583350700_n.jpg

[novadave24]

good work mate looks like a lot of fun :)

[jonn]

bit of an update, have my cams fitted now also had to send my ecu over to the usa to get the limiter checked as it was not working. have everything fitted now and started it today and it is running lovely. might try and get a video up later.

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0825.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN0826.jpg

[jonn]

here is a quick video, cant wait for its next event which is next month so will update then.

other noise in the sump guard vibrating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpf0J8zJ3Ng

[jonn]

got an F18 gearbox today. has a gripper lsd and Quaife 4.2 straight cut final drive kit, should give a nice whine!

had only done about 500miles since being built with new bearings and seals. i just need to sort drive shafts now and adjust the diff a bit stronger.

anyone know what way to adjust the plates to make it stronger?
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1168.jpg

[jonn]

spent today taking all the suspension, drives, gearbox and fly wheel off. should be collecting the new drives off soon so might see if i can get a flat flywheel to save a bit of weigh.

old box out
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1181.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1183.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1184.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

Engine sounds good :)

Could you get in contact with Tran X http://www.tran-x.com/ and maybe talk about a set of thicker plates? I think i'm right in believing this is how ramp angles are changed?

[jonn]

next event is in 7 days so not sure if this will be ready yet. i got my diff back yesterday with new plates and set up for me, i got the new wheel bearings but still waiting for the hubs ordered them 24th of august and still have not received them.

i have a new uprated black diamond clutch disc on the way as well. i decided to fit some blue pin strip on the bumpers and decided to fit dome decals on the side. the car just looked to plain to me all white.

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1342.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1343.jpg

gave the arms some paint
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1345.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1346.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1347.jpg

badly needs a wash
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1344.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1349.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1348.jpg

[jonn]

i got the hubs today and fitted them. the clutch was posted yesterday from the uk so i hope it will be here thursday-friday. just have to fit that, bolt on box fit the hubs and suspension and set tracking and camber. try and sneak in somewhere to test it then!

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1355.jpg

got the other decal fitted now.
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1354.jpg

[jonn]

i got my clutch yesterday so fitted that and gearbox. i just need to set the tracking now and get some gearbox oil and brake fluid tomorrow.

i got a new cv joint as well with a 2 year warranty i wont be long testing that out!

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1359.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1360.jpg

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1358.jpg

[Benn]

Looking awesome dude.

[jonn]

well i got it all together just in time and made it out, i had to make up a rear gearbox mount as my 1.6 one would not fit the f18 box. so i need one of them mounts now.

it went ok and i broke nothing for a change!
i need to get 2 new back tyres next as the ones i have are not to healthy. going to mess around with the camber and toe as well.

https://scontent-b-mxp.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1231376_10201363245115866_2005928100_n.jpg

[jonn]

i went to an autocross last week and i was going ok but the fuel pump gave up. i also noticed that the air filters were letting in dust so not good! i ordered a new foam pipecross air filter and new points for the r1 carbs which should get it going again.


i really need to get the suspension set up better as the back is a little to stiff. i have 2 choices try and get vectra b coilovers or else make 2 new swing arms and get rid of the subframe and make up new engine and gearbox mounts. a good bit of work and the best way to go.


some pics
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/1237409_10201452512547496_1845083713_o.jpg


http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/1383726_10201456091716973_777263300_n.jpg


http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/1380166_10201456103357264_429759805_n.jpg

[bazzap8389]

I like the last pic :) getting some air :cool:

[philip]

Fair play, I've not seen this since you pretty much started build and I was building my spaceframed corsa gsi. Glad too see this up + running. Last pic with the air is quality

[jonn]

thanks, it should see some tarmac next year, this year i have only really been testing it and make sure everything is working the way i want. if funds are right next year i will be going for a f20 close ratio straight cut box.

i got the air filer fitted now. next autocross event is the 13th of october.


http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1381.jpg

[8valve-craig]

Last action pic is awesome. Do you get a warning for it? or fair game?

A few of events I have been to have seen the c9/10 specials getting warned for wheelying, But the most awesome spectacle was at Birmingham Wheels (tarmac) when they were demonstrating at a Brisca event.

[jonn]

@craig we dont get any warnings for that so lucky enough.

small update, racing season is starting up again in a few weeks so getting the nova ready for more abuse. i had to fit a 2nd adjustable shock as the back was to soft.

i also need to change the front springs for lighter ones. weld a cap on the gear selector to stop a small bit of oil leaking. after that i have to fix some play in the gear linkage and tidy up some wires and a few more small bits. i want to fit a corsa b epas setup as well because the rack is 1.5 turns lock to lock so it does not take long or your arms to get tired!

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1731.jpg

need to weld it on here.
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/jonny057/DSCN1732.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

Wild!

[jonn]

it is certainly a hand full! the annoying thing is i have nowhere to mess around with it or anywhere to burn the back tyres so i only get to bring it out a few times a year, reason why i am building my track day nova now and hope i can make it road legal.

[jimbob-mcgrew]

the blue strikes look smart.

I hope your having fun at the comps in it :thumb: