Plans for your Novas over winter and in early 2015

[Southie]

I've really enjoyed plenty of the threads and wips on here this year so far, so I'd love to know what people are planning on there wips over the winter to show for 2015?

What are you Guys and Gals aiming for in 2015, I know it's a bit apprehensive but hey it's good to see the love on a Nova forum ;)

[bazzap8389]

Agreed, lots of cracking threads on here at the moment.

My aim is to have the spaceframe on mine finished and get the car rolling for the start of next year.

[dgbnova#1]

Hope to have yellow sr painted at the least got a few other projects mk1 Astra and mk2 estate at the min plus a mk2 sr to finish and sell so busy busy I will be

[blue_peg_16v]

I'm gonna just leave he van it's pissed me off plus I want the sr done so that's the focus this year need a track toy now

[turbojolt]

100+hp small block build for under 500 quid

[chris gsi]

The plan for mine is to get it running and stop spending so much money on it

[Scottcooper85]

When mine gets back from the respray plan is to change all steering parts, bearings, shafts, hubs, etc. then wax oil the **** out of it and look at re trimming the seats in black suede. Then mot in spring ready for shows:)

[Edd]

Actually get the thing working properly

Hasn't moved for 2 years now

[Andy]

Reshell and new cage new paint scheme for 2015 season whicha starts in march.

[Benn]

Handling correct-ments. (see bump steer)
Poly bushes and RARB set up, beef up shock/coilover mounts on rear beam. As both have snapped and been re-welded on.
Bigger brake disc/bell and rotas set up.
New wheels.
Remaking my engine loom.
Check out what i hope is a bit of filler sink in bottom of rear quarter where arch repair was done... Hope it's not hidden rust.
Want more retrimed bit, really into interiors at the mo...

[Iain]

New cross member
Engine bay cracks repaired and strengthened
Engine refresh including a few cheeky upgrades ;)
Replace windscreen
New equal length shafts

Probably a few other bits I find along the way.

[Benn]

Heated screen? Nice upgrade for a chilly track day morning....

[Iain]

Wasn't planning on just got a standard replacement. Putting my efforts into the engine for now

[Benn]

Fair enough, tbs over glass.

[mr sri]

I need to get my finger out and get looking for a garage to rent so I can get started working on the SR and get the engine in her and interior sorted out then hopefully get her on the road :-) plenty of work to do

[Royston]

My winter project is to get the second sport into a run-able state for Billing 2015, bodywork will be pretty much as is, but looks like a full engine rebuild is required due to head gasket failure, heyho!

[toymex]

New carbon kevlar bodykit ,new front brakes new brake cooling ducts ,bore,stroke the engine to 1800 fit TB,s Airbox with ducting to front ,new gearbox ( hopefully sequential) .that is the wish list ,just need to find a sequential for sensible money !!!!!!!

[Maddukeman]

Strip and Redo car candy apple red , and hoping to get a let in it and back on road for April :cool:

[Andy]

Candy apple red will look so cool!!!

[Maddukeman]

80s pimp my ride lol

[novarally]

New carbon kevlar bodykit ,new front brakes new brake cooling ducts ,bore,stroke the engine to 1800 fit TB,s Airbox with ducting to front ,new gearbox ( hopefully sequential) .that is the wish list ,just need to find a sequential for sensible money !!!!!!!


Sounds good Jezz, do tell more please.

[totalnova]

Finish the welding get it painted and hopefully get the small block 1.8 16v installed

[Hobbit]

Fit a quick rack and sort out my cooling issues. Ready for some more abuse in the new year.

[toymex]

Sounds good Jezz, do tell more please.
Nothing as exotic as yours Colin ,I have just made some wet lay carbon kevlar wings and front bumper ,hopefully they will take a knock better than the fibreglass ones ,they engine is going 1800 with a few more tweaks here and there ,the gearbox I am keeping an eye out for a sequential ,but they are just so expensive for a fwd ,the Sadev looks favourite but I think it is going to cost around 8 k to get it in the car so I might just end up with the F20

[toymex]

Finish the welding get it painted and hopefully get the small block 1.8 16v installed
If you need the 1800 rebuilding or tweaking for a bit more power ,I know just the man and he is very local to you

[novarally]

Nothing as exotic as yours Colin ,I have just made some wet lay carbon kevlar wings and front bumper ,hopefully they will take a knock better than the fibreglass ones ,they engine is going 1800 with a few more tweaks here and there ,the gearbox I am keeping an eye out for a sequential ,but they are just so expensive for a fwd ,the Sadev looks favourite but I think it is going to cost around 8 k to get it in the car so I might just end up with the F20

Excellent, I shall look forward to seeing progress as it develops. I must have a word with you about gearboxes anyway. Did you speak to Ben Spencer regarding Sadev's?

[toymex]

Excellent, I shall look forward to seeing progress as it develops. I must have a word with you about gearboxes anyway. Did you speak to Ben Spencer regarding Sadev's?
No I didn't speak to Ben ,has he got a box or know of one ? ,I saw Ian And Kevin the other day at a local sprint. That is a very nice car ,only a 1600 though ,how is yours progressing ,you have been quiet are things ok with you ?

[BRoadGhost]

Bin the projector headlights, wheel alignment & back on the rollers to have the mixture set since the engine changes. Other than that just glad it runs after a spate of fuel leaks & a coil throwing its final spark literally as I reached the top of my road after a ten mile drive at night.

[novarally]

No I didn't speak to Ben ,has he got a box or know of one ? ,I saw Ian And Kevin the other day at a local sprint. That is a very nice car ,only a 1600 though ,how is yours progressing ,you have been quiet are things ok with you ?

I'll drop you an e-mail Jezz and we can catch up.

[Peredur]

Get a few bits sorted on the new shell, get it painted, start building the 1400 screamer

[totalnova]

If you need the 1800 rebuilding or tweaking for a bit more power ,I know just the man and he is very local to very interesting go on.........

[toymex]

very interesting go on.........
If you are serious then I can put you in touch ,he builds my race engine and lots of oval engines ,he has built a few 1800,s I can't recommend him enough ,look in the video section at my race video,s to give you an idea of what my 1600 is like

[totalnova]

If you are serious then I can put you in touch ,he builds my race engine and lots of oval engines ,he has built a few 1800,s I can't recommend him enough ,look in the video section at my race video,s to give you an idea of what my 1600 is like

Ok cheers once I've got the engine I'll pm you for his details.

[toymex]

Ok cheers once I've got the engine I'll pm you for his details.
Ok no problem ,what sort of spec are you after ,he might be able to source a donor engine

[totalnova]

Nothing crazy to start with, I think about 150bhp should do me, I'm still in the rebuilding the shell stage at the moment so this will be at least a few months down the line and when funds allow. The long term goal will be ITB or a supercharger on low boost.

[toymex]

Nothing crazy to start with, I think about 150bhp should do me, I'm still in the rebuilding the shell stage at the moment so this will be at least a few months down the line and when funds allow. The long term goal will be ITB or a supercharger on low boost.
Ok just give me a shout when you are ready

[raf24]

It will be Getting sorned at the end of the week,sit in the garage for the next four months being started occasionally and driven back and forward to keep everything moving..back on the road again on the 1st of march then going to a bosch specialist to be set up properly by somebody who knows older cars as it is running ok but tickover is a bit lumpy,also have new shocks all round to fit and a few other little jobs...then when i get the cheque back from the dvla for the four months tax in the post i'm going to spend it all on beer lol

[BRoadGhost]

I'd rather drive a GTE for four months than get drunk a few times

[bazzap8389]

Why would he want to drive his mint nova about in the winter months?

[Alan lig]

After 10 years building it I just want it finishedhttp://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/10/26/36a7834b0b11fcb8ab92436489e894ef.jpg

[dgbnova#1]

10 years omg that's took some time you got more pics

[Alex J]

Mine just needs burning out, no one wants to buy it, so track days next year and maybe a few before this years out!

[turbojolt]

Alex did you expect a quick sell after painting in green and yellow?

[Iain]

Alex did you expect a quick sell after painting in green and yellow?
Take your common sense and get out.

[dgbnova#1]

Dare to be different- keep forever lol

[Cooper]

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q254/Coopermans/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20140829_18_33_06_Pro_zpsf4cbb830.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Coopermans/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20140829_18_33_06_Pro_zpsf4cbb830.jpg.html)

This should finally be driven after being in the garage for around 6years. Mk2 front is going on now as it just isn't right being a J plate shell with mk1 front. Full cage now in and New engine and gearbox from this http://www.corsasport.co.uk/board/viewthread.php?tid=666461&pid=8925069 and my old comp MOs are being re painted in anthracite with some new blue center caps.
Still undecided on if I need to go the while hog and get it stickered up like my old mk1.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q254/Coopermans/05b2069e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Coopermans/media/05b2069e.jpg.html)

I'll knock up a build thread when I get it back from having the last bits painted.

[dgbnova#1]

Ahh yes the birthday surprise bet your itching to get it done now are you taking it shows

[Cooper]

Best 30th birthday present if you ask me, my Mrs is one in a million. She's said we need to show it off before it get battered at track days too much so we'll be at some shows next year for sure.

[dgbnova#1]

Yes 100% if only on try get it to billing plenty of time fur that

[BRoadGhost]

Personally I think those that refuse to use a car in winter can't bare the thought of a slightly less mint car.

[bazzap8389]

There's no danger id be using my one up here in winter. Roads are gritted for about 4 months straight.

[raf24]

There's no danger id be using my one up here in winter. Roads are gritted for about 4 months straight.

Obviously a southerner baz who doesn't know what a scottish winter is like lol

[Jack]

Probably replace the heated windscreen, then use it over winter. Then start thinking around feb time what to do with it, insurance/MOT is due in may time so depending on condition around then it may get stripped and scrapped. If not next year, then probably will the year after.

[Pistol Pete]

Break it up lol

[millworm]

I'll be driving my hatch because i'm poor and can't afford a cheapo whip to rag about in the snow, will be getting the wheels referbed while she'd on winter wheels and get some welding done on the loon and more importantly get that road legal. ish.

[Royston]

Well my winter project appears to have well and truly started!

[Nutty Nova]

Fully Refurbishing my interior throughout then full respray again to iron out any imperfections for next season

[Nutty Nova]

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd121/Pownabown/1901451_10154729590700043_1179192369615434779_n_zp sae26a531.jpg (http://s221.photobucket.com/user/Pownabown/media/1901451_10154729590700043_1179192369615434779_n_zp sae26a531.jpg.html)

[scott.parker]

Slowly rebuild the let, and get parts etc, then fit it all, and possibly some body work.. Hope it's ready for may time next year, drive it, enjoy it, then decide if it's staying long term, or time to move on..

[NovalutionGSi]

Finish the refurb of the Bilstien shocks.
Sort out Rear arches to fit the new Wheels.
Refurb new wheels
Fit the V6 Brakes and GSI servo and master cylinder
Refurb Front GSi ARB and fit.
Refurb and fit rear strut brace.

Full Paint correction early next year as well, Think that is about it really.

[rob89]

Pull my finger out and get cracking lol

Management
loom
Powdercoat all the suspension arms, driveshafts, beam etc
respray inside
fit my carbon trim
possibly fully flock the dash
new intercooler
fit alloy rad
fit all my black hoses
paint block/box
Just in general new bolts, clamps etc keep it tidy
the list goes on...lol

[ABoresta]

Fit v6 brakes
Rear disc conversion
Fit RARB
Sump Gasket
Re-fit exhaust
Rocker cover mod
Oil catch can
Oil cooler
Snap off steering wheel
Flock dash
Spray and fit new doors
Spray and fit gsi skirts
Figure out why the horn button doesn't work
Find a way to keep the speedo cable in
Good tyres

:) 90% of the above I have in the garage waiting to be fitted

[Benn]

New carbon kevlar bodykit ,new front brakes new brake cooling ducts ,bore,stroke the engine to 1800 fit TB,s Airbox with ducting to front ,new gearbox ( hopefully sequential) .that is the wish list ,just need to find a sequential for sensible money !!!!!!!

Woah sounds like you're going all out! Cant wait to see it happen.


Personally I think those that refuse to use a car in winter can't bare the thought of a slightly less mint car.

That's me.... :(


I'd rather drive a GTE for four months than get drunk a few times

Cars everytime over drinks!

[Alex J]

Alex did you expect a quick sell after painting in green and yellow?people still buy delta body kits and neon lights so why not??

[Flairing Nova]

^^^i still look at your car and think if only it weren't green....
perfectly looked after! stupidly close to me! utterly beautiful...just too green :(
but the nova I did buy somes up half your quote Alex so totally agree....each to their own.

my winter project is...
new front brakes...check
new rear brakes....tomorrow

carbs to be balance...before christmas

full check on car...ASAP

start to rerun to standard(ish)...ongoing!!

[Benn]

Hang on, with how cheap paint job or even a wrap jobs is the colour puts you off buying a car? Funk me get it bought, it's a awesome car!

[turbojolt]

Car wraps are awfull looking things

[Cle]

Finish strengthing plates, seam weld shell then paint and buy lots of goodies

[Benn]

Car wraps are awfull looking things

Why?

I've seen cheap one that are crap, i've seen 1k ones that are crap. I've seen a satin blue 500£ job that was fantastic and still looks it 3 years on.
It's all down to prep.

[turbojolt]

Because you can still see the orignal colour all over the car..door shuts engine bay etc... just nasty! Cheap crap

[Benn]

lol you've not seen a good job then.

A good wrap will be done in to the shuts. (doors, boot and bonnet) Yes the bay wont be done, but you see alot of paint jobs the same... Or cars that just have a black engine bay...

[Alex J]

and if you dont like the green, paint it another colour! cost me £350 quid and took two days lol, people in the vauxhall world are getting like the anaraks in the ford world, everything has to be be o.e silk violet or jamaica yellow or its not 'scene' enough

[Kev Turbo]

Reduce it to 3k and it gives someone the option to do just that ;)

[FatRS]

and if you dont like the green, paint it another colour! cost me £350 quid and took two days lol, people in the vauxhall world are getting like the anaraks in the ford world, everything has to be be o.e silk violet or jamaica yellow or its not 'scene' enough
I'd have bought it based upon the info I've seen of it if it was a more neutral colour. For most, the cost to respray will be considerably more than £350. Another 1 on the front more likely.

[dgbnova#1]

I'm not jumping on Alex I do see your point but if you had done it yellow or violet it would be sold and gone now I'm fairly confident on that at your price but at the end of the day it not and it will sell at some point if not then you not listing anything as there only going up and up anyway

[Flairing Nova]

My budget wouldn't allow me to have a re spray on it.
my nova is my second car....not nearly half the value of my impreza!

however, top car with spec and effort that's gone into it. Someone out there will want it just the way it is I'm sure.

[Johnny A]

still a ton of stuff to do:
Replace the rear panel with a hatchback version to convert to a full sized tailgate
Replace the roof panel
Install coolant pipework
Few hours of wiring still needed
Install dash, seats, interior trims
Modify GMS side skirts to suit saloon arches and add LED's for indicators

Loads more than this but that will get it on the road at least

[TOZNOVA81]

Mine's locked away in the garage for the next 15 months as I lost my licence the other week :(
Plenty of time to sort lots out on her tho I guess..

[jimbob-mcgrew]

scrape the ice off it everyday, and hope it doesnt break down

[TOZNOVA81]

scrape the ice off it everyday, and hope it doesnt break down

Fcuking LOL

[dgbnova#1]

scrape the ice off it everyday, and hope it doesnt break down

Best reply so far

[TonySR]

Give the x16xe a gasket and seal rebuild including skim head and nova flywheel, paint engine bay and fit into my Nova.

[Nova16se]

I plan to fit my 2.0 8v turbo technics conversion into my Gte and get the rear arches welded up on my mk1 merit hopefully lol

[tiny]

Well, after two years of hillclimbing a saxo that owed me £40 I finally sold it to make me concentrate my time on my nova.

At the moment its a matt black 1992 1.2 spi in full road trim with a set of coilovers.
Last winter I did some welding on the front panel and fitted part of a chassis strengthening kit at the same time.
Fitted a strut brace a few weeks ago.
Painted a 6 point cage that I have for it.
Collected some metal to aid fitting the cage and also the bucket seat for the drivers side.

Still to do:
Fit the powerflex black bushes that I have for it
Mount the bucket seat
Fit the cage
Source some wider wheels (7 x 13)
if I have time find a new engine with more power
Tidy the bodywork up
New paintjob ( still matt black but with some gloss black and maybe some gunmetal too)

All in time for the local hillclimb season to start on easter monday. Sounds like I have a busy winter ahead and will start a project thread when I start fitting the seat and cage

[EwanG]

Dust and hoover the interior. Also start it and run it up to full temp every couple of weeks. The fuel tank is brimmed and exterior is cleaned so no need for anything else :)

[turbo-boy]

Remove my hybrid kkk turbo and fit a tubular manifold and a t34 turbo and aim for 340bhp

[Southie]

I know everyone will have projects on here but it would be nice to see progression shared in this thread to back up what people are saying once they've done things, pictures are a must ;)

[craig green]

My Nova is getting weighed-in next week. Sad times but need the space in the garage.

[cornish]

Make a start on the restoration, been garaged for 12 years :wtf:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/cornidh/photo4_zps14f2c2ea.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/cornidh/media/photo4_zps14f2c2ea.jpg.html)

[Rob H]

My Nova is getting weighed-in next week. Sad times but need the space in the garage.

fancy whipping brake servo and MC off and selling them to me before you do? :)

[jimbob-mcgrew]

Make a start on the restoration, been garaged for 12 years :wtf:

damn cornish ... haha lol

[John]

none! :P

[scott.parker]

My Nova is getting weighed-in next week. Sad times but need the space in the garage.

I feel like doing the same, just getting shot of the ****, really sick of it now... Think it might be time to get rid of these ****y cars and move on..

[Edd]

Scott, why so fed up with it? Thought you'd been get bits together for rebuild and LET?

[turbojolt]

I feel like doing the same, just getting shot of the ****, really sick of it now... Think it might be time to get rid of these ****y cars and move on..

SNAP. im seriously looking into xjr's :D

[scott.parker]

Scott, why so fed up with it? Thought you'd been get bits together for rebuild and LET?

Loads of reasons, personal health, the entire petty backstabbing that's become the now normal in the nova/vauxhall circles!
The over inflated prices now making these not cheap car to bother with, and financial I can't see the point anymore! It's just utter bollocks, I don't want to try keep up with the Jones's like most, and I'm sick of the scum who lie while selling stuff at premium prices for what turns out to be scrap!..

[Benn]

Don't give up Scott, little set backs always happen.

[Alex J]

Im doing a track day at snetterton or brands in the next two weeks!!

[8valve-craig]

I'm sick of the scum who lie while selling stuff at premium prices for what turns out to be scrap!..

Name and shame.

[Bubba]

bring mine home from work so i can actually find time to slap some fibreglass on it and get it going again.

Plus rip the LET out the cally, strip any bits off it and the scrap it :D

[scott.parker]

Name and shame.

No point, last time I did I got jumped upon by the 45% that had good experience, or low expectations of goods.

[Andy]

Should always point bad buying experiences.
Iv got no qualms naming bad sellers.
Luckily iv never experienced any from here.
plenty on ebay though.

[turbojolt]

Should always point bad buying experiences.
Iv got no qualms naming bad sellers.
Luckily iv never experienced any from here.
plenty on ebay though.


We will see lol

[Andy]

hahaha lol

[Scottcooper85]

My plans have changed to just getting it back from the bodyshop, 7 weeks and counting. I'm just happy it's getting free winter storage lol

[Rob H]

Swap out my bias box for a servo assisted setup and remove bucket seats and harnesses for some nova seats and belts. Will probably give it a polish at some point to.

ps, if anyone has any of those bits for sale please pm me and ill most likely take them off you.

[John]

Loads of reasons, personal health, the entire petty backstabbing that's become the now normal in the nova/vauxhall circles!
The over inflated prices now making these not cheap car to bother with, and financial I can't see the point anymore! It's just utter bollocks, I don't want to try keep up with the Jones's like most, and I'm sick of the scum who lie while selling stuff at premium prices for what turns out to be scrap!..

"like"

[Southie]

Scott, if you really feel that the time has come to sell everything then do so, the longer you think about it then you'll never do it.
It would be a shame to try and do a LET conversion if your hearts not in it, pointless ploughing loads of cash into it, especially if you can get decent money for yours as it is.

If you do give all up though I can guarantee you'll regret it in some way but only you can decide.

[Novasport]

Get the SCCR gear kit in the Sport rebuilt into this casing with new bearings and hopefully a Quaife ATB diff if funds allow.
The casing is currently away being aqua blasted to make it look prettier.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/NovaSport/20141104_104447_zps0sqivvfl.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/NovaSport/media/20141104_104447_zps0sqivvfl.jpg.html)

Get the SR spoiler refitted/replaced and fit the new genuine tailgate decal. Also get the headlamp washers fitted.

[Southie]

Aqua blasted Rich, is that something you usually do on cast parts?

[Novasport]

It is kind on the alloy, it is a mixture of water & glass bead.
Forgot, I am also swapping the F10 wide ratio 5th gear for an F13 close ratio fifth to alter the gearing. Trying to narrow the current massive jump in ratio from the SCCR 4th gear.

[Southie]

Looking forward to seeing the outcome on that gearbox then, it should look spotless.

[Rob H]

Scott, if you really feel that the time has come to sell everything then do so, the longer you think about it then you'll never do it.
It would be a shame to try and do a LET conversion if your hearts not in it, pointless ploughing loads of cash into it, especially if you can get decent money for yours as it is.

If you do give all up though I can guarantee you'll regret it in some way but only you can decide.

This man speaks sense! The main reason i bought a nova other than always wanting a 'turbo nova' was that id sold my clio cup and finished my fd, thus running out of projects. I'd find myself in the garage trying to fix things that weren't broken or modify areas that i was already happy with. Got to a point were i was just messing stuff up, you know what they say, the devil makes work for idle hands lol. I personally need something to keep me busy, i get to bored just watching tv etc, would rather be rolling around on the flood stinking of transmission fluid covered in grease lol.

[Cooper]

Picked up the new engine so it will have the power to match its new shiny paint.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q254/Coopermans/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20141110_20_02_34_Pro_zps3762904e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Coopermans/media/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20141110_20_02_34_Pro_zps3762904e.jpg.html)

[jimbob-mcgrew]

is that a big block 18xe, cooper ?

[Cooper]

X20XEV from a Cav with a few extras. Got it as a whole package with gearbox and management etc for alot cheaper than I could have got my C20xe up to this sort of spec. It made sense in my head but the Mrs wasn't convinced it was such a bargain.

[totalnova]

Also got my new engine, x18xe1 small block 1.8 was going to go for the later z18xe but then this came up for sale with ecu loom and chip and transponder for a good price I couldn't turn it down. Just need to get the shell sorted so I can get it fitted.