want to remove crossmember an fit something stronger

[carls nova sri]

I've seen a few projects on here but for the life of me I carnt remember where I've seen them. Basically I want to remove the thick old crossmember an fit a tube or something similar an stronger (don't fancy space framing) so I can gain extra space as things are getting tight any help most appropriated and pics thanks

[Iain]

Mine: http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?114446-Iain-s-20XE-Trackday-Nova/page323

You do gain a little bit of space by it. If you're running lowered tiebar brackets then you can drop the crossmember to the height you need without needing spacers.

You can move it forward slightly to help castor angles, but bear in mind the strain on the bush if you're not rosejointed.

Don't forget crush tubes in the box section.

[total_vauxhall]

Personaly if i was doing this i would weld 2 x 3 mm plates on the end of the legs to strenthen them. with captivated nuts and make a removable one .
I have lowered mine on the spaceframe by 35 mm makes the front end much more ridgid.

[carls nova sri]

Mine: http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?114446-Iain-s-20XE-Trackday-Nova/page323

You do gain a little bit of space by it. If you're running lowered tiebar brackets then you can drop the crossmember to the height you need without needing spacers.

You can move it forward slightly to help castor angles, but bear in mind the strain on the bush if you're not rosejointed.

Don't forget crush tubes in the box section.

thats a good guide thanks Iain. How much would I need to lower the tie at brackets is this a better set up I've heard to move it forward 10mm for better steering?

[carls nova sri]

Personaly if i was doing this i would weld 2 x 3 mm plates on the end of the legs to strenthen them. with captivated nuts and make a removable one .
I have lowered mine on the spaceframe by 35 mm makes the front end much more ridgid.

thats s good thorght to have it removeable as I already have s removable slam panel so will make it easy for engine in an out and when you lowered it 35mm did you reuse the standard mounts

[total_vauxhall]

Yea with poly bushes

[carls nova sri]

Thanks mate help most appreciated

[Iain]

I'd personally lower it to match the alloy blocks you are using a you know it works. Generally 20-25mm.

Bolting sounds scary I'd want bolts in several directions (sideways and upwards into chassis legs) and a very good design.

[8valve-craig]

Everyone will do theirs differently. I stood looking at mine for days then made it at the height of the tie bar mount. I imagine there is a fair bit of force going through it so bolt in was not something i considered.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/front%20end%201_zpshvczpqzp.jpg

[total_vauxhall]

People worry about bolting ect but look what is holding the standard crossmember in . a few shoddy spot welds at best

[Iain]

Thin metal and a few spot welds are a testament to how well it is designed, tested and approved by a huge motor company. Not made by an amateur in their garage.

[Andy]

Bolting is all well and good but most people will use bolts that aren't up to what's needed of them.
the spot welds are a bastard to get off,certainly were on the two iv done anyway.the position and shape allows for flex.If box section or tube was better im sure they would have made it rather than spending thousands on drawings/tooling/pressing etc.

[Benn]

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/front%20end%201_zpshvczpqzp.jpg

I love to drop mine that much, could run my IC under the Rad. I'd have so much room then...

[carls nova sri]

What rod setup is that you got Craig? Is the inner ones a brace of the chassis. Also that is actually the design I seen before

[8valve-craig]

I would imagine that cost effective mass production was GM's main criteria, It was after all a low powered city car. Mine cracked and bent so it had to be replaced.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/cracked_zpsnbwrdn0p.jpg

The arms and tie bars were made by a friend who has since started a fabrication shop called Hangar 30. They are top class. The brace I made myself, Its just a simple frame with a few bends in that joins the 4 lower suspension points together.

[BRoadGhost]

Yeah you can't beat a new bit of box there & welding everything.

[carls nova sri]

Will most probly use the nova set up then mounted to a custom tube. What size tube did you use, if you had to do one again would you change anything or do the same again. It's good getting info because it's always the same when making up something for the first time it's like ahh if I did that again I'd change this an do that lol

[8valve-craig]

I'm happy with mine, it drives great and everything is a pleasure to work on.

[carls nova sri]

Top man