Should she stay or should she go? Nova, not the Missus!

[Cassie-Nova]

Just got my Nova through its first MOT under my wing, 54k on the clock, C Reg Mk1 spot on condition.....its a 1.2 Carb Merit. same cool looking front bumper as Benjis one.

Recently I have had to remove my TSW Venons due to the wrong offset and MAJOR rubbing! Need new rims! Got a fairly ok sound system in it. Got a 1.4SR Carb, 1.3SR Inlet Manifold to fit-possibly, K&N for both a 1.2 Carb and a 1.4SR carb. And a GSi spoiler to fit

Im considering whether or not to spend out for some nice 15"s or just some standard SR nova alloys and maybe an exhaust and leave it at that and sell in a few months.....OR should i broaden my horizon in modifycation and spend out on a flash kit, tasty rims, mirrors, bonnet vent etc etc?

What i REALLY need is some advice on what to do please guys!?

Thanks in advance!

Jim

[Chris_W]

As you've probably read in other threads recently, no matter what you do it's going to still be a Nova at the end of the day, so think wisely on a long term plan of where you want to be. I mean do you want to be driving your nova in 3 years time? Would you be better off getting another car, be it a higher spec nova, like a GTE/GSI etc. or do you want a bigger/newer car? You need to ask yourself these questions, and answer them, once you've done that, then come back and ask for some advice ;)
If you decide to stay with your nova I'd personally keep it simple and subtle. Leave the fibreglass to the Saxo boys.

Chris

[Cassie-Nova]

Heya Chris, long time no speak mate - its Jim, from FM @ Red Lion Court ;) Hows the Beetle coming along? And the new job?


do you want to be driving your nova in 3 years time?
Hopefully the GTE 1.6!

I did consider opting for the Nova GTE but the insurance would kill me so i wouldn't be abled to afford it for about another 2 years :( Don't want to waste the money on a newer car! Been thinking about it this all day long! I am majorly leaning towards keeping it....It would be a shame to get rid of it, gawd bless Cassie!

So bodykits and big wheels - are they the way to go?

[Mike.]

nope body kits aren't the way to go lol, iff you want a GTE turn it into a GTE replica lol

[Chris_W]

Well I haven't seen your car, but if it's in good nick bodily, then I'd say keep it and mod it, but personally big wheels are a pain in the arse, and I was forever buckling wings to start with. Depends what you like, but personally I'd go for keeping it subtle, less chance of it drawing attention to it from theiving scum, but like minded people will know what it's about. Take a look at someone like Dec Burkes car, thats the way I'd go if I was you. If your car is crap bodily, then I'd say just buy parts that are transferable, and then buy a GTE/GSI in a few years time.

Chris

PS. Jobs going well and the beetle is for sale, funny how things go isn't it.

[Cassie-Nova]

Will a Mk2 GTE bumper fit onto a Mk1 w/o having to do a front end conversion?

As I have one of the single moudled bumper/grills (Thin strip bumpers), will i have to drill into the body for holes at the bottom of the bumper?

Would slapping a set of 14"'s on it be too small, or should i aim at getting 15s on?

Cheers, advice needed! :)

Jim

[Chris_W]

MK2 GTE? If you mean the GTE's seperate grill and bumper they will fit fine. If you mean a GSI bumper, you need to use MK2 bumper irons from memory, otherwise you end up with a big gap. I'm sure someone else will post about it. As for wheel size, I'd look for 15", maybe 16", because in the long run I would get either 16V brakes or V6 brakes, as the stock solid discs on the 1.2 are just shocking, and 14" won't clear those brakes.
As a rough guide, I'd go for late model SR bumper and grill (same as GTE items, just grey) I'd put the SR wrap around spoiler on, a set of Cav GSI 15" rims, and lower it. That should get your a smart, not OTT runaround, then you can decide on the next round of mods. (Cough * brakes * cough)

Chris

[NovaloadedAgain]

I think you should spend some cash n turn her into a Nova sport replica. U got a mint C-Reg so take advantage, Get the twin 40's too, You will smile all day.
I DO!!! Ahh...apart from when I look at the fuel gauge! Lol.

[Cassie-Nova]

Extra fuel costs are something I could do with out ;)

Im hoping that the Pierburg 2E3 will make a bit of a difference!?

The brakes, front pads/discs were done by my girlfriends dad when i first got the car, I am not 100% sure if they are Nova or Corsa brakes, is there a way to tell? Part number on the item?

Out of interest is it possible to fit a Novadose kit to a Mk1 Nova with no modifications needing to be done to the front end?

How much hard work is involved in changing the dash/steering wheel please guys?

Jim

[NovaloadedAgain]

Yeah fuel does get silly at times. I reckon Pierberg are all shite, Im sure alot of people will agree with me on that. If possible opt for weber. They are very reliable & longer lasting, Can usually be re-built easily too.

What you need is a twin choke manifold, For instance a 1.3sr manifold from the scrappie & then get a 32/34 dtml on there, Then you will have aslightly higher fuel consumption but more horses & alittle bit more fun.

You can usually get a carb off ebay for anything between ?30 or upto ?100 for a newish one with manifold.

[Cassie-Nova]

Another question please guys, just been looking at a new set of rims -15" ET45's - whats the lowest i will be able to lower my nova w/o any rubbing at all?

Cheers

Jim

[Jack]

Whats the wheel width? Are you planning on carrying rear pasengers? et45 should be ok for 60mm, best to roll the arches just to be on the safe side.