Motorcycle Engine into my Nova

[novarally]

As some people will have read on my previous Project thread;

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?132042-985cc-Turbocharged-Nova-Sprint-Car

I've decided to convert my Nova to use a motorcycle engine, driving the rear wheels. The engine will be mid-mounted.

At this stage I am doing a lot of research, I've acquired some bits and pieces (which may or may not get used in this build), and I've been steadily selling off parts from the original car that aren't going to be required once it becomes motorcycle powered.

As a quick recap, I've owned the Nova since 2009, when it looked like this;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/49994811203/in/dateposted-public/

Over the years it got new bodywork, different paint, more power, less weight, and then it was crashed heavily in 2012;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/49634054751/in/dateposted-public/

Since 2012 it was fully rebuilt, with much carbon bodywork, a different engine, and lots of other developments.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/49995326671/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/49994423858/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/49995325746/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/49995326426/in/dateposted-public/


But it's not raced again since. The idea of converting to motorcycle engine has been in my head for a long time, and now I'm taking the plunge.

[novarally]

Don't know why the photos won't show on this Forum via those links, they work fine on others that I belong to?

[ExTrEmeOc]

As someone who done something similar i'm so looking forward to this! :thumb:

Have you decided yet which drivetrain/suspension you're using for the rear or are you building it yourself?

[novarally]

As someone who done something similar i'm so looking forward to this! :thumb:

Have you decided yet which drivetrain/suspension you're using for the rear or are you building it yourself?

Thanks for the support :)

I'm still deciding on quite a lot of the mechanical stuff.

My preference is for the Quaife/Powertec system;
https://shop.quaife.co.uk/quaife-powertec-gear-drive-system

Only problem with that is the cost.

The engine will be a turbocharged 4-cylinder. Choices are really Hayabusa, GSXR1000 or ZX10R. I want to buy an engine that has already been done, so I'm looking out for cars (or bikes) with a suitable engine, then I'd buy the whole thing and sell off what I don't need.

Suspension will be double wishbone at the rear end, at the moment the plan is to utilise the rear spaceframe chassis from a single seater race car that I have acquired. I'm picking that up next week, so I can place it inside the bodywork and see how it could all work.

Any advice is welcome, from someone who has done it before!

[ExTrEmeOc]

Maybe something i would like to adress is what a lot of builds seem to ignore or just live with the drawbacks when it comes to suspension.

Using an existing suspension from a donor car, or in your case single seater, is a nice and easy way to make progress without inventing a whole new suspension design for ones application. In some cases this can work very well altough done without any knowledge and using the wrong type of suspension it can lead to all sorts of handling problems. In the end it comes down to the correlation between the front and the rear suspension which has to be setup differently for which layout one is going for.
Going for a double wishbone suspension is a very good move as it brings a lot of adjustability in case something isn't quiet as it should be. Cutting out a FWD suspension from a car and using it for RWD may work for daily and bit of sporty driving, but may be a huge gamble to work well for a track car that is being driven on the limit.

To avoid a lot of issues there is one key factor. The corrolation between the front and the rear roll center of the suspension which mostly is determined by the pickup points of the whishbones, outer ball joints and, also by the strut tower position for mcpherson type suspension.
A stock nova, as most FWD cars, has a higher roll center at the front and a lower roll center at the back. This helps to correctly shift weight when cornering. For a mid engine or rear engine car it should be the other way round, higher roll center at the back, lower at the front. In my case the weight distribution is 46/54, which fits nicely with a higher roll center for the heavier rear. Your rear roll center could possibly be just slightly above the front roll center as your weight distribution with a lighter motorcycle engine could be nearly 50/50 when finished.

I've gone through the pain of measuring all the pickup points on my car prior to start cutting up the chassis in order to find the front roll center and work out where the rear pickup point should in order to determine the correct location of the rear roll center

Here you can see what this looks like for my car. The blue line represents the connection between the two roll centers and the axis, around which, the car will try to rotate when cornering.
http://www.extreme-garage.ch/Blogpics/correlation-rollcenter.jpg

My advise here would be to measure the pickup points relative to each other and to the ground (the car needs to be on its own wheels for this) so you can weld in the rear suspension at the correct height for your application.

If you're willing to go through all this and have an analysis PM me. lol

[The Simps]

Maybe something i would like to adress is what a lot of builds seem to ignore or just live with the drawbacks when it comes to suspension.

Using an existing suspension from a donor car, or in your case single seater, is a nice and easy way to make progress without inventing a whole new suspension design for ones application. In some cases this can work very well altough done without any knowledge and using the wrong type of suspension it can lead to all sorts of handling problems. In the end it comes down to the correlation between the front and the rear suspension which has to be setup differently for which layout one is going for.
Going for a double wishbone suspension is a very good move as it brings a lot of adjustability in case something isn't quiet as it should be. Cutting out a FWD suspension from a car and using it for RWD may work for daily and bit of sporty driving, but may be a huge gamble to work well for a track car that is being driven on the limit.

To avoid a lot of issues there is one key factor. The corrolation between the front and the rear roll center of the suspension which mostly is determined by the pickup points of the whishbones, outer ball joints and, also by the strut tower position for mcpherson type suspension.
A stock nova, as most FWD cars, has a higher roll center at the front and a lower roll center at the back. This helps to correctly shift weight when cornering. For a mid engine or rear engine car it should be the other way round, higher roll center at the back, lower at the front. In my case the weight distribution is 46/54, which fits nicely with a higher roll center for the heavier rear. Your rear roll center could possibly be just slightly above the front roll center as your weight distribution with a lighter motorcycle engine could be nearly 50/50 when finished.

I've gone through the pain of measuring all the pickup points on my car prior to start cutting up the chassis in order to find the front roll center and work out where the rear pickup point should in order to determine the correct location of the rear roll center

Here you can see what this looks like for my car. The blue line represents the connection between the two roll centers and the axis, around which, the car will try to rotate when cornering.
http://www.extreme-garage.ch/Blogpics/correlation-rollcenter.jpg

My advise here would be to measure the pickup points relative to each other and to the ground (the car needs to be on its own wheels for this) so you can weld in the rear suspension at the correct height for your application.

If you're willing to go through all this and have an analysis PM me. lol

Really useful information that!

What roll center balance would it be for a front mounted rwd car? I’m guessing higher rear still?

[ExTrEmeOc]

Really useful information that!

What roll center balance would it be for a front mounted rwd car? I’m guessing higher rear still?

There is a rule of thumb, the roll center should be higher at the heavier end of the car. But that's not the whole story to be honest as it depends on your weight distribution, suspension travel distance in general as the roll center isn't static and is moving around during cornering.

Best approach in the end would be to make multiple mounting points on the chassis for the most influential wishbones in the suspension.
I've made de upper wishbone adjustable with a choice of 3 roll center heights, here you can see the unfinished wishbone mounted in the middle position.
The holes don't need to be far apart 15-20mm center to center is enough to make a big difference. (that is why it gets even worse if you are 5-10cm out of the needed range for your application)
http://www.extreme-garage.ch/Blogpics/IMG_6631s_zps8ywe3iyp.jpg

Same for the front, where the original mounting point is located i've drilled another set of holes above to raise the roll center if needed
http://www.extreme-garage.ch/Blogpics/IMG_0134h_zpsbe78e47f.jpg

Something that is also very useful to know for mid engine conversion based on a FWD car:
Front caster, usually for the nova is around 2° if i remember correctly. For a non driven front axle try to achieve at least 4-5°, will help to improve front grip drastically :thumb:

The more things are adjustable the better lol

[novarally]

There is a rule of thumb, the roll center should be higher at the heavier end of the car. But that's not the whole story to be honest as it depends on your weight distribution, suspension travel distance in general as the roll center isn't static and is moving around during cornering.

Best approach in the end would be to make multiple mounting points on the chassis for the most influential wishbones in the suspension.
I've made de upper wishbone adjustable with a choice of 3 roll center heights, here you can see the unfinished wishbone mounted in the middle position.
The holes don't need to be far apart 15-20mm center to center is enough to make a big difference. (that is why it gets even worse if you are 5-10cm out of the needed range for your application)
http://www.extreme-garage.ch/Blogpics/IMG_6631s_zps8ywe3iyp.jpg

Same for the front, where the original mounting point is located i've drilled another set of holes above to raise the roll center if needed
http://www.extreme-garage.ch/Blogpics/IMG_0134h_zpsbe78e47f.jpg

Something that is also very useful to know for mid engine conversion based on a FWD car:
Front caster, usually for the nova is around 2° if i remember correctly. For a non driven front axle try to achieve at least 4-5°, will help to improve front grip drastically :thumb:

The more things are adjustable the better lol

Thank-you, very useful information.

Even when I was running the Nova as front wheel drive I was using 4 degrees of positive castor, so that’s good to know.

[novarally]

Expert help is coming to me, as Bill Chaplin, constructor of ultra-trick single seat hillclimb cars has offered to get involved with the project. He’s going to pay me and the Nova a visit and offer his proposals on how best to go forward.

Bill is ‘Empire Racing Cars’;

https://www.empireracingcars.com/

He’s also convinced me that the Hayabusa engine is the only choice.

[ktown]

Expert help is coming to me, as Bill Chaplin, constructor of ultra-trick single seat hillclimb cars has offered to get involved with the project. He’s going to pay me and the Nova a visit and offer his proposals on how best to go forward.

Bill is ‘Empire Racing Cars’;

https://www.empireracingcars.com/

He’s also convinced me that the Hayabusa engine is the only choice.Good luck mate hope you have very deep pockets

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[novarally]

Good luck mate hope you have very deep pockets

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I haven't, but the advice is free.

[ExTrEmeOc]

Expert help is coming to me, as Bill Chaplin, constructor of ultra-trick single seat hillclimb cars has offered to get involved with the project. He’s going to pay me and the Nova a visit and offer his proposals on how best to go forward.


Sounds good, would be interesting to know what the advice for such an undertaking will be. If you could share some of it i would greatly appreciate it, maybe something i could learn from as well. :)

[mowgli]

Hi Colin, what are you thinking for the front suspension?

it basically sounds like some crazy modsports or special saloon type thing. What class restrictions on the bodywork are there?

[novarally]

Hi Colin, what are you thinking for the front suspension?

it basically sounds like some crazy modsports or special saloon type thing. What class restrictions on the bodywork are there?

Great to hear from you Mowgli �� I didn’t realise you were still on the Forum. Hope all is good with you, it’s been a long time.

For the moment I may leave the front suspension as it is, just to keep costs and work down. It’s obviously a compromise if I do that, and ultimately I’d like to go for a double wishbone set-up at the front as well.

All up in the air though, and any other suggestions welcome.

[The Simps]

Would it be possible to use an "off the shelf" double wishbone front set up by incorporating mounting points for an mx5 front subframe? Minus engine of course! As funds allow, you can later upgrade the subframe for a custom tubular version?

Great aftermarket support too for upgraded mx5 uprights & arms and still 4x100!

[Southie]

Looking forward to your progress on this Colin, I wanted to do something like this back in the day which reminds me of ZCars, tbh I didn’t think they were still going but they are surprisingly:

https://www.zcars.org.uk/hayabusa/

[novarally]

Looking forward to your progress on this Colin, I wanted to do something like this back in the day which reminds me of ZCars, tbh I didn’t think they were still going but they are surprisingly:

https://www.zcars.org.uk/hayabusa/

Yes, Z Cars have definitely been a big inspiration, I too was always a fan of their creations. They did go bust some years back, but the company was resurrected by one of their customers, and I believe Chris Allanson (the original owner) is now a consultant.

They’re now in Kent having relocated from Yorkshire.

[novarally]

This is still a Project in planning. More to follow.

Current thinking is to utilise 2 x Hayabusa engines in the back (fairly standard, naturally aspirated units). This seems to work well in Autograss racing.

[novarally]

Work commences. Difficult to go back from here.

As it was this morning;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50237521966/in/dateposted-public/

and as it is at the end of the day;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50236874038/in/dateposted-public/

[The Simps]

Yes!! More of this please [emoji4]

[House]

I don't think you cut enough out Colin!! Hahahaha

This will be awesome when finished. Can't wait

[Iain]

I don't think you cut enough out Colin!! Hahahaha

This will be awesome when finished. Can't wait

Half of it was already missing when he started to be fair!

[novarally]

Yes!! More of this please [emoji4]

There will be much, much more.

And probably pleas for charitable donations halfway through............. ;)

[novarally]

On the hunt for a Generation 2 Suzuki Hayabusa for a donor engine (I'd rather buy a complete bike). But ideally I want to get a turbocharged Hayabusa in there.

If not 2.

[novarally]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50254175836/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50254176006/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50254175821/in/dateposted-public/

[total_vauxhall]

Cant you just buy most the bits off the shelf for an autograss build . I know you are racing in a totaly different sport but surely it would be a good place to look for ideas as its been done to death in their sport

[novarally]

Cant you just buy most the bits off the shelf for an autograss build . I know you are racing in a totaly different sport but surely it would be a good place to look for ideas as its been done to death in their sport

No, autograss stuff is totally unsuited to what I’m using the car for.

For example their differentials are not of limited slip type.

[novarally]

More progress has been made, the floorpan has been removed as far forward as the pedal box, and has been replaced with a tube structure to support the driver's seat and a sheet aluminium (or similar) flat floor.

There's also now a rear bulkhead to act as the forward bracing for the engine and transmission.

Photos will follow.....

Currently still looking for an engine. I was offered a TTS Hayabusa Supercharger kit today, but my heart is set on the turbocharged version. I've had a quote from Holeshot Racing, not surprisingly it won't be cheap, but the power/torque is very impressive.

Power to weight ratio should comfortably be over the 1:1 range :)

[ktown]

Any pics yet

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[novarally]

Any pics yet

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Yes;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50304476038/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50305313622/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50305164206/in/dateposted-public/

[ktown]

What size is your roll hoop and backstays diameter bud

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[novarally]

What size is your roll hoop and backstays diameter bud

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Can't recall offhand, the car is being worked on somewhere else.

[ktown]

Can't recall offhand, the car is being worked on somewhere else.I know it prob is but its got to be min of 45.2 i think as it will be in sports libre

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[novarally]

I know it prob is but its got to be min of 45.2 i think as it will be in sports libre

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OK, thanks, I need to check that. I'm pretty sure the main hoop will be fine, but I should check the backstays. It's a long time since I had my head in the Blue Book!

[ktown]

OK, thanks, I need to check that. I'm pretty sure the main hoop will be fine, but I should check the backstays. It's a long time since I had my head in the Blue Book!Yeah i had to change the spec of my frame but yeah hoopand stays need to be the same.looking good so far whos doing it

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[novarally]

Yeah i had to change the spec of my frame but yeah hoopand stays need to be the same.looking good so far whos doing it

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Appreciate your attention - I did mean to check that a while back and I forgot completely. Too much going on in life right now!

The car is in the very capable hands of Bill Chaplin at Empire Racing. It's refreshing to deal with someone who is so enthusiastic about a project.

Of course it would have been easy to say 'Bill, please build me a single seater', but he totally gets the fact that I want something different to the norm. I'm very pleased with how it's going so far.

[novarally]

What size is your roll hoop and backstays diameter bud

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The main hoop was fine, but the backstays will need re-doing in larger tube. To be honest I think they were going to get reworked anyway, but thanks again for reminding me.

[ktown]

The main hoop was fine, but the backstays will need re-doing in larger tube. To be honest I think they were going to get reworked anyway, but thanks again for reminding me.No worries

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[novarally]

No worries

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Have you taken delivery of yours yet Matt?

[ktown]

Have you taken delivery of yours yet Matt?Yes buddy all here

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[novarally]

Yes buddy all here

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Great news!

[ktown]

Great news!Cracking on with ithttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200910/0c26e3ee1ee2ea504dd5fc35b6835035.jpg

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[novarally]

Really looking forward to updates on your progress, and extremely useful to compare how yours is done to mine.

[novarally]

Should have some updates shortly on this project.

I now have a Hayabusa Turbo engine in the process of being fitted, together with intercooler, individual throttle bodies, Reverie carbon plenum, Simpson manifold, Tial wastegate and a Life Racing F88 ECU and loom :)

Also AP Racing brakes, Speedline wheels and Ohlins suspension.

[The Simps]

I?m going to give it the old ?pics or it didn?t happen!? [emoji23]

[novarally]

I?m going to give it the old ?pics or it didn?t happen!? [emoji23]

At the moment it would just be photos of a pile of trick bits, which I can do if you wish.

But I would prefer to show them attached to the car, along with a copy of that day's newspaper as proof ;)

[The Simps]

At the moment it would just be photos of a pile of trick bits, which I can do if you wish.

But I would prefer to show them attached to the car, along with a copy of that day's newspaper as proof ;)

[emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji122]

Looking forward to seeing this come together

[novarally]

[emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji122]

Looking forward to seeing this come together

Me too.

It's fair to say the budget has followed the same course as every house they do on 'Grand Designs'

[Southie]

So Colin, with the amount of lockdowns we’re having do you reckon this will be ready early next year ;)

My brother in law has a bussa bike and currently he’s been tuning it up to get to 200 mph.... mad sod.

[novarally]

So Colin, with the amount of lockdowns we’re having do you reckon this will be ready early next year ;)

My brother in law has a bussa bike and currently he’s been tuning it up to get to 200 mph.... mad sod.

Lockdowns don’t help me one bit, I work for the NHS mostly, so it’s just been a crazy year.

I have my first holiday of 2020 coming in 2 weeks time. Got the whole of December Off ��

How soon the Nova gets finished will depend on getting a few assets sold. I’ve a couple of cars and motorcycles to shift to release some funds.

[novarally]

21725051-3EFC-4FDE-B69A-1C685E945C56 | Colin Smith | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50653684433/in/dateposted-public/)

5BE63D53-F4B0-4531-9E07-DE0774077493 | Colin Smith | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50654423266/in/dateposted-public/)

9FF3B63C-1CDD-44CA-A55A-5F4515B2457F | Colin Smith | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50654511522/in/dateposted-public/)

91F4E28D-3FFE-403A-96F8-0F5A95DA08FF | Colin Smith | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50654511652/in/dateposted-public/)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50648347996/in/dateposted-public/

A few photos of the turbo installation progressing. And the new wheels.

The plenum and intercooler have now been done too, but no photos just yet.

[ktown]

Hiya bud looking good i take it you will be running a firewall

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[novarally]

Hiya bud looking good i take it you will be running a firewall

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Yes, everything is going to be panelled in with firewalls

[ktown]

Anymore progress buddy

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[novarally]

Anymore progress buddy

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I know the intercooler and plenum chamber/throttle bodies are all now plumbed up on the dummy engine. There’s a gear lever now, and the aluminium rear bulkhead should be finished now (the bit that the diff and all the suspension will hang from).

I am going over to Empire Racing to drop off some bits so I will see where we are.

Just picked up the new Carbon/Kevlar roof skin to save a few kgs (I hope).

[ktown]

Idealmate get plenty of pics

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[novarally]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50708357718/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50708357473/in/dateposted-public/

Carbon/kevlar roof skin, wide rear arches and side skirts.

Unfortunately the rear arches won't be wide enough to cover my revised back end, so the arches will be for sale if anyone is interested?

A very kind man is lending me some moulds to get extra wide rear arches made.

[novarally]

Rather nice AIM dash display;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746988622/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746886871/in/dateposted-public/

And a carbon handbrake;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746146918/in/dateposted-public/

[novarally]

And the latest progress on the engine/rear end;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746887051/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746887171/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746887276/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746146318/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746146418/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746146518/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746887636/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746988732/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746989582/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/50746887901/in/dateposted-public/

[ktown]

I think mine will look bargain basement compared to yours mate

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[The Simps]

Looks mental, pure mental. Love it!

[House]

I give up, I'm selling mine and going back to crochet.

[novarally]

Looks mental, pure mental. Love it!

The idea was always to do one last crazy project, and so far it's definitely going as planned.

[ktown]

Gone very quiet bud

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[novarally]

Gone very quiet bud

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Nothing new to report at this stage. I’ll update when there’s progress.

[novarally]

Had the nod from RLM Racing that my Hayabusa turbo engine will be finished by the end of the month.

And the new rear arches are being made for me by an ex-McLaren composites guy who is now retired.

That's all good news, but there doesn't seem to be much progress on the actual car.......I'll have to give the man who's doing it a chase up. Unless of course he's finished it and just forgotten to tell me.

[ktown]

Dont think hes finished it mate seen it in the background in a post he put up about filming a old jag

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[novarally]

Dont think hes finished it mate seen it in the background in a post he put up about filming a old jag

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I wasn't expecting it to be finished!!

Interesting, where did Bill post up that video?

[ktown]

Not a vid just photo on empire race cars

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[novarally]

Not a vid just photo on empire race cars

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Facebook?

If so, I don't use it.

[The Simps]

Possibly this...?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210312/99416781ba3dfe67c69524b49575653f.jpg

[The Simps]

How wide are you going on the arches? Staying traditional box design?

[ktown]

Just see the cornerhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210312/e7f740e11479eba7b4a1cf0f78e6d4e3.jpg

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[novarally]

Thanks guys - my car is going to be on TV ��

The rear arches will be these;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51028435556/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51028536487/in/dateposted-public/

Jezz (Toymex on the Forum) has very kindly loaned me the moulds which he used to make the arches for his car

[The Simps]

Nice kit!

I need to make decision on arches on mine at some point, but its that bit more challenging being a saloon!

[novarally]

Nice kit!

I need to make decision on arches on mine at some point, but its that bit more challenging being a saloon!

Yes, I always like the way Jezz's Nova looked, very aggressive with those extra wide arches. And the rear ones should be just about perfect for the 70" track that my car will have.

Saloon bodywork is a complication, but I'm sure I've seen wide-arched saloons before? Although they may have just had the hatchback arches grafted on I guess.

[ktown]

Colin on your turbo engine where are you getting the oil feed from bud

Sent from my SM-A705FN using Tapatalk

[novarally]

Colin on your turbo engine where are you getting the oil feed from bud

Sent from my SM-A705FN using Tapatalk

Not sure on that, I'll know more at the end of the month

[The Simps]

Yes, I always like the way Jezz's Nova looked, very aggressive with those extra wide arches. And the rear ones should be just about perfect for the 70" track that my car will have.

Saloon bodywork is a complication, but I'm sure I've seen wide-arched saloons before? Although they may have just had the hatchback arches grafted on I guess.

Its a cool kit indeed! Me rear is also about 70?, think the front a touch narrower. There are a handful of widened saloons I?ve seen pics of and they use box hatch arches. They just don?t seem to flow right. I think round will need to be the way to go.

What are your thoughts on using fibreglass vs metal?

[novarally]

Its a cool kit indeed! Me rear is also about 70?, think the front a touch narrower. There are a handful of widened saloons I?ve seen pics of and they use box hatch arches. They just don?t seem to flow right. I think round will need to be the way to go.

What are your thoughts on using fibreglass vs metal?

If yours is going on the road then I'd go with metal if at all possible. I've had fibreglass and carbon fibre on many different cars and it just doesn't stand up well to the rough and tumble of real-life.

[The Simps]

Thats good to know, thanks.

[scott.parker]

Gobsmacked Colin, had no idea you were still doing anything with this car, not look on the forum in months, big surprise seeing all this, insane job, and can't wait to see it moving! Well done.

[novarally]

Gobsmacked Colin, had no idea you were still doing anything with this car, not look on the forum in months, big surprise seeing all this, insane job, and can't wait to see it moving! Well done.

Great to hear from you, and Thanks :)

I will keep updates coming when there's progress!

[nova_niek]

Good thing I checked out the forum a bit last night. Amazed by your work Colin and great to see you're still on the old hobby. Great engine choice!

[novarally]

Good thing I checked out the forum a bit laat night. Amazed by your work Colin and great to see you're still on the old hobby. Great engine choice!

Hello Niek!

Fantastic that so many of the old names from PNG are still around.

[novarally]

I'm due to collect the new engine for the Nova at the end of the week, so I should have some progress updates very soon for you all :)

[novarally]

The new engine ;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51168291040/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51168291000/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51167194631/in/dateposted-public/

[The Simps]

Can?t beat a freshly painted engine dressed in carbon [emoji41]

What?s next Colin?

[novarally]

Can?t beat a freshly painted engine dressed in carbon [emoji41]

What?s next Colin?

The rest of the fabrication work on the bodyshell and suspension needs to be completed now. It's getting there, but the man who's doing it has been distracted by a house renovation, which thankfully he's just finished.

So I'm hoping we will have some rapid progress now.

After that it's got to be painted, or more likely powder coated.

I've got a friend of mine making new rear quarters in carbon fibre. As far as I know I have every part needed to complete the build stockpiled and ready, so it will then need final assembly and a trip to the rolling road at RLM Racing to do the final set-up.

The engine has already been run in on the dyno, so it's basically ready to go, the map will just need a little bit of tweeking as the exhaust system and intercooler set-up is slightly different to the set-up it ran with previously (which was all installed in a Caterham).

The ECU currently has 3 maps at 280, 320 and 400 bhp, so that will be a good start.

Ultimately 550bhp is possible, but may not be useable!!

[The Simps]

Sounds like you?ve got it all planned out!

I would imagine 400bhp will be lively enough! Are bike engines very torquey?

[novarally]

Sounds like you?ve got it all planned out!

I would imagine 400bhp will be lively enough! Are bike engines very torquey?

This one at 1340cc and with the turbo makes 200 lb/ft torque.

Very good for a bike engine. I seem to remember my 1400cc 16v Vauxhall motor on throttle bodies was about 140 lb/ft.

[novarally]

Finally got some progress, to where it has an actual wheel on it!!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51207999450/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51206219662/in/dateposted-public/

[The Simps]

[emoji41]

Definately going to need the bigger arches! [emoji23]

[novarally]

[emoji41]

Definately going to need the bigger arches! [emoji23]

Yes! I believe the rear track is 71 inches.

The rear wheels are 10.5 inches wide.

[novarally]

New dash display and shroud;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51214540421/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51214757943/in/dateposted-public/

And I'm contemplating a change of pedal box as well. I'm not a big fan of floor mounted pedals, so I may revert to bulkhead mounted 'hanging' pedals, so I've got these;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51213827497/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51214758093/in/dateposted-public/

[House]

This looks badass Colin!!!

[novarally]

This looks badass Colin!!!

My plan is coming to fruition then :)

[ktown]

Anything happening

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

[novarally]

Just been for a visit to Empire Racing today. First time in 3 months!

There's been some progress, so an update will follow soon.

[novarally]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51594011612/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51595490594/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51594011232/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51595490089/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51595489924/in/dateposted-public/

Now there's a diff (Quaife), rear dampers and the beginnings of driveshafts.

The rear uprights have been machined from billet and it's all ready for assembly at the back end.

[The Simps]

Pure porn Colin!

[novarally]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51605857532/in/dateposted-public/

A batch of CNC parts just completed, and paid for!

[toymex]

Just seen some pics on Facebook, looks lovely Colin

[novarally]

Just seen some pics on Facebook, looks lovely Colin

Hi Jezz.

Really? I’m not on Facebook so I wasn’t aware!

I did know there was some progress as Bill Chaplin from Empire Racing was in touch with me yesterday. He sent me 4 photos.

[novarally]

There's been a decent amount of progress in the last few months;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51831038887/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51832334209/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51831984566/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51832101798/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51831042232/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51837511356/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51837864339/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51837620738/in/dateposted-public/

[novarally]

I had some new rear arches made (much wider than before) with the moulds that Jezz (Toymex) kindly lent me. Unfortunately they are still not wide enough for my rear track (71 inches).

So now I've got to decide whether to modify those arches and have new moulds made, or whether to go in a different styling direction.

Any suggestions welcome, but I'm inclined to go full 'Pikes Peak' with the bodywork, and I'm liking these rear arches;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51978826571/in/dateposted-public/

If anyone knows the owner of that car I would love to be put in touch with him. Thanks.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fengineswapdepot.com%2F%3Fp%3D307 51&psig=AOvVaw2D9zB0Cl9pgd6FiBOFKKMS&ust=1649059156303000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCJDmqJy29_YCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

[ktown]

I had some new rear arches made (much wider than before) with the moulds that Jezz (Toymex) kindly lent me. Unfortunately they are still not wide enough for my rear track (71 inches).

So now I've got to decide whether to modify those arches and have new moulds made, or whether to go in a different styling direction.

Any suggestions welcome, but I'm inclined to go full 'Pikes Peak' with the bodywork, and I'm liking these rear arches;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/51978826571/in/dateposted-public/

If anyone knows the owner of that car I would love to be put in touch with him. Thanks.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fengineswapdepot.com%2F%3Fp%3D307 51&psig=AOvVaw2D9zB0Cl9pgd6FiBOFKKMS&ust=1649059156303000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCJDmqJy29_YCFQAAAAAdAAAAABADMine is 73 inchs it was a nightmare to get archs https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220413/1c7e36995edeef71c8af8b8e0231bef0.jpg

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

[novarally]

Continuing the rear arch saga, I haven't managed to get contact details for Steve Porter who was building the 4x4 Nova many years back, and had the moulds for the Hot Rod bodykit.

But I have now managed to find a chap in Norfolk, Boss Mouldings who has a set of similar Nova Hot Rod moulds, and he sent me this photo of a car from back in the day with the kit;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52021459083/in/dateposted-public/

I'd like to see more photos of the rear end of that car/kit and decide if it's the style I want, before I commit to getting a set made. Of course it was a lot of years ago when Novas were competing in Hot Rods, so photos are thin on the ground.

[The Simps]

Continuing the rear arch saga, I haven't managed to get contact details for Steve Porter who was building the 4x4 Nova many years back, and had the moulds for the Hot Rod bodykit.

But I have now managed to find a chap in Norfolk, Boss Mouldings who has a set of similar Nova Hot Rod moulds, and he sent me this photo of a car from back in the day with the kit;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52021459083/in/dateposted-public/

I'd like to see more photos of the rear end of that car/kit and decide if it's the style I want, before I commit to getting a set made. Of course it was a lot of years ago when Novas were competing in Hot Rods, so photos are thin on the ground.

Whereabouts in Norfolk is he Colin? I?m in Norfolk too.

[novarally]

Whereabouts in Norfolk is he Colin? I?m in Norfolk too.

Hi.

Chalk Lane, Norwich NR16 2JZ

[The Simps]

Hi.

Chalk Lane, Norwich NR16 2JZ

Boss Motors in Snetterton. I?m actually at Snetterton for a track day on Monday, so if time I could also go by his unit for a chat.

[novarally]

Boss Motors in Snetterton. I?m actually at Snetterton for a track day on Monday, so if time I could also go by his unit for a chat.

Mark Skitmore is the guy I've been speaking to there, if you get a chance to visit. Cheers.

[novarally]

Half an hour with some cutting equipment yesterday and I’ve turned this;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52261433002/in/dateposted-public/

into this;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52262678439/in/dateposted-public/

[totalnova]

Looks a bit lighter now, new front end to go in I assume.

[novarally]

Looks a bit lighter now, new front end to go in I assume.

Yes, I’ve done the easy bit by cutting it all out, Empire Racing are now designing and building a front end.

Will be similar to the rear end with double wishbones, CNC alloy uprights, AP Racing brakes, Ohlins dampers, Centrelock wheels.

Not sure yet exactly where the dampers will sit in the design, and the steering rack needs to be agreed upon too.

I’ll have a selection of bits for sale from the original front end which are no longer needed. LEDA front struts, Quaife quick rack, Wilwood brakes, Hangar 30 lower arms etc.

[novarally]

Some progress recently - this was about 4 weeks ago;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52488543603/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52488543528/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52488543418/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52487497497/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52487497412/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52487497362/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52487497252/in/dateposted-public/

There's been more progress since then, which I will update a little later..................

[novarally]

And this was last week, we're using a Caterham steering rack in the end;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52488465805/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52488276829/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52487503822/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52488549438/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52488276564/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186148378@N05/52488549248/in/dateposted-public/

[_Tomiboy]

Wow

[The Simps]

Not logged into here since the Spring - boy has this moved along! Cool stuff Colin [emoji2]

[novarally]

Not logged into here since the Spring - boy has this moved along! Cool stuff Colin [emoji2]

Thanks! It's actually moved on a fair bit further as well, I must update with more photos and detail.

[novarally]

Must get a proper update on this done shortly.

All the fabrication work is now complete, the firewalls are installed and all of the CNC components have been anodised.

Final assembly is now ongoing. Suffice to say it's taken a lot more time, and a huge amount more money than I allowed for. But it's going to be a weapon.