A Little About My Nova [Archive] - Performance Nova Group

The Simps

30-03-06, 07:12 PM

Been registered on here for a few months now and slowly starting to get involved! Some of you will know me and my nova from MIG but others won't have a fudgin clue who I am! lmao I thought I'd start a thread about the life of my nova, how it is now and keep it updated with progress. So here we go.

I bought the car back in August 2001 as a K reg 1.4 sri with a 20SEH lump in it. It was a very good shell but needed a little tlc and the engine was doing 14mpg!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/e31f218a.jpg

The 14mpg was the 1st thing to be resolved which was easy - FSE boost valve was fitted incorrectly. Turn of a screw and it went up to 35mpg!

Next was a full respray, replacement of front wings, doors, bootlid and part of the rear arches to make it minty mint! All GM parts.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Respray1.jpg

Next to go had to be the engine which was using more oil than petrol! The obvious progression was to an xe...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/Engine3a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/ba62a38b.jpg

A few styling mods were also made at the time. GSi bumpers added and 16" Sofstars. Internaly it was stripped and 2 buckets added.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Side_close.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/2f.jpg

Simes

30-03-06, 07:16 PM

nice fella! like it a lot keep it up

The Simps

30-03-06, 07:25 PM

Very quickly got bored of having a stripped out interior so put the old interior back in. This was then later replaced by a retrimmed GSi interior.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Interior/P1010028.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Interior/P1010027.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Interior/RedDash600x314.jpg

The car stayed as it was for a while with only a few small changes made here n there. Like 4 pot Reylands and Englemann mirrors.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/P42400408x6.jpg

I was really happy with the car at this point. It looked good, went well, stopped well, had good comfort levels and some ICE.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/P5080017.jpg

This was all to be shattered on a trackday at donington in february when it spun a big end 10mins into the day. The car spent the trackday like this..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova1_Medium_.jpg

The engine was removed a few weeks ago and the car is now sat ready and waiting for its new engine. The XE won't be going back in tho as I have acquired a Cally Turbo running phase 2 for a good price!

Along with the new LET & F28 I've got new Avo coilovers to be fit, eccentric top mounts and soon to have an ATB diff. Can't wait!

Simps.

Iain

30-03-06, 07:29 PM

Awesome work. Very impressive car you have there.

The Simps

30-03-06, 07:45 PM

I just can't believe its gonna be 5 years this August!

My boss always laughs at me because apparantly the last 3 yrs I've worked for him I've said I'm going to sell the car every summer! lol

Simps.

Col_Mk1

30-03-06, 08:03 PM

nice

JSeymour

30-03-06, 08:40 PM

top nova mate, dont sell her

Riggy

30-03-06, 08:43 PM

looking very very nice fella :thumb:

Mike.

30-03-06, 09:10 PM

looks great, its a pity it spent most of the track day on a trailor.

novamadman

30-03-06, 09:13 PM

gorgeous car good luck with new engine

shane

novamadcars

30-03-06, 09:21 PM

love the car mate

peester

30-03-06, 09:25 PM

very very good work, nice thread. respect is due.

RJM25R

30-03-06, 09:58 PM

Nice...

Benn

30-03-06, 10:00 PM

looks great, its a pity it spent most of the track day on a trailor.
only cause he killed the engine...

shy witness

30-03-06, 10:29 PM

nice one mate.............

a reall tidy example.....

good luck with the let conversion...should b a crackin car

dan16v

30-03-06, 10:30 PM

seen you on mig a fair bit mate! love the car! nice to see people doing things properly!:)

dannyb

30-03-06, 11:43 PM

That is how Novas should be. Much respect.

edwards15

31-03-06, 12:02 AM

thats fkin lovely! cant wait to get my car done now :)

Adam

31-03-06, 12:40 AM

Looks awesome mate, the Let should really finish it off :)

The Simps

31-03-06, 09:29 AM

looks great, its a pity it spent most of the track day on a trailor.

Especially when it was only 10mins into the 1st session!! :mad: My mate was happy tho as rather than waste it he got my sticker so was running 2 groups all day long - he got nearly 4hrs of track time!

Thanks for all the comments peeps. Just can't wait to get it running again now! I'm in the middle of moving house at the moment so the next 2 weekends are taken, but after that you should see some progress.

I've havn't got enough dosh for the diff yet tho so I might stick it in on my F16 for a while and run it on standard boost - see how long it lasts! :thumb:

Whats the arrangement flywheel/clutch wise to fit the F16 on the let?

Simps.

NickWalliams

31-03-06, 10:05 AM

Especially when it was only 10mins into the 1st session!! :mad: My mate was happy tho as rather than waste it he got my sticker so was running 2 groups all day long - he got nearly 4hrs of track time!

Thanks for all the comments peeps. Just can't wait to get it running again now! I'm in the middle of moving house at the moment so the next 2 weekends are taken, but after that you should see some progress.

I've havn't got enough dosh for the diff yet tho so I might stick it in on my F16 for a while and run it on standard boost - see how long it lasts! :thumb:

Whats the arrangement flywheel/clutch wise to fit the F16 on the let?

Simps.

Top job on the nova bud, we seam to have alot in common with these novas this is my old one:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/clawsk/RedNovas%2005/33a572ec.jpg

And my new nova is getting its LET fitted as we speak and Im moving house on friday! lol

Cant wait to see yours once you get the coilovers fitted :thumb:

morley

31-03-06, 01:40 PM

Lee H

31-03-06, 01:49 PM

I've havn't got enough dosh for the diff yet tho so I might stick it in on my F16 for a while and run it on standard boost - see how long it lasts! :thumb:

Whats the arrangement flywheel/clutch wise to fit the F16 on the let?

Simps.

Use XE flywheel and clutch on F16, will need different friction plate when F28 fitted. Will blow the F16 up in no time IMO. Might as well fit the F28 in the first place and then take it out to fit the diff as the whole lot will have to come out again whichever way you do it.

graham kirkbride

31-03-06, 07:58 PM

nice nova mate!!! looks realy clean and tidy you,ve done well

The Simps

01-04-06, 11:52 AM

mint mate looks mint.

I am in the process of putting an XE engine in my Nova and a LET engine in a mates, we were advised to cut the front panel like you have done to help get access to rad etc in future but yours is the first i have ever seen acturally done.

Again looks awsome, hope its back on the road soon.

It does make things much easier to work on! I've just purchased a new front panel tho to re-do mine. Where we cut it it was a little too far out towards the wing. I want to bring it in a little to where there's 2 bumps either side on the slam panel.

If you look in the pic below I want to cut the panel just after the bumps where the blue lines are, then cut my current insert bit down to where the green lines are. I can then use 2 bolts to hold it in place where the bumps are and it should be a little stronger. Also, I'll be loosing the strip that runs top to bottom to fit the intercooler. If that make sense?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/P1010052-EDIT.gif

Simps.

The Simps

01-04-06, 11:56 AM

Use XE flywheel and clutch on F16, will need different friction plate when F28 fitted. Will blow the F16 up in no time IMO. Might as well fit the F28 in the first place and then take it out to fit the diff as the whole lot will have to come out again whichever way you do it.

Very true. But also before I can fit the F28 I need the mount changing then the gear linkage will need fiddling with and the tie bars modified. At least by sticking the F16 in, the car will be running.

I won't be doing any trackdays, Pod etc with the F16 its just to take make the car mobile. As I don't drive it like a c*nt either and it barely sees an hr of road time a week it should last a little while.

Simps.

The Simps

16-06-06, 02:53 AM

A little update on this..

Engine and box are now all built up and bolted together and I've just realised something.... I'm using my f16 box and I've used the LET flywheel and pressure plate with XE clutch! Reading above, Lee H has said use all XE stuff - can someone confirm if what I've done is ok? Box has bolted up ok?

The coilovers are now on front and back to.

Weather pending, engine gets bolted in on Tuesday! Pics will follow then!!

A Very Excited Simps.
:)

Benn

16-06-06, 08:14 AM

come on,come on, i'm waiting...lol

Lee H

16-06-06, 08:49 AM

Mike

16-06-06, 09:02 AM

Factory MINT Nova that is! And theres me thinking my lowly SR was mint as it could be! Now im jealous! lol

The Simps

16-06-06, 09:45 AM

That combination will work but you won't be able to change the clutch without removing the gearbox therefore taking away the only benefit of running an F16 or F20 on a LET.

Phew thats a relief! Was thinking I was gonna have to pull it apart again!

Not worry about having to change clutch - next time box comes off it will be to fit the F28 (hopefully xmas if the f16 lasts that long!! lmao).

Simps.
:thumb:

benji

16-06-06, 10:55 AM

looking good matey

craig green

16-06-06, 11:43 AM

Said before

Lovely car Simps. Hope the bolt-up of LET goes without a hitch.

draper

16-06-06, 06:53 PM

absolutly mint !!

ade

17-06-06, 10:15 AM

sweeeeeeet!

Love the digi dash!

The Simps

18-06-06, 11:20 PM

Thanks for the replies guys.

I've been on a stag weekend in edinburgh this weekend but left a list of things to do for Dad lmao

He got the avo's fitted and the new ball joints but then found that one of the wheel bearings is absolutely shot! Hoping to get one ordered and in for tuesday morning then we can get on with getting the engine in!

Need to decide what to do about my guages too and where to the put them. Don't really want them ruining the factory look I've kinda got. So thinking about drilling the heater holes out on my gsi dash like I did the old one. I've got a heater fitted now tho unlike before and want to keep it functional. Not to worried about heat and blow position as I'll settle with adjusting that on the matrix but still want to keep the blow speed knob.

Was thinking on the ride up to scotland about mounting the switch in the glovebox but wasn't sure how it would look. I then bought the latest TV mag today on the journey back and saw thats what the Corsa in there has done! lmao looks ok so might do that. Also gonna look into fitting the knob where the clock is. I've got a spare clock so will play around with it and see how "factory" it looks.

Simps.

The Simps

20-06-06, 11:20 PM

Got the LET in today - yay!!

Started the day nice an early with an 8.30am start and first job was to take the n/s hub down to the local machine shop to get a new bearing pressed in. We then picked up the engine hoist on the way home.

A quick shuffle of cars on the drive to make some space and we were left with...

... an let ready to be dropped in!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/LET.jpg

Within the hour it was in (long time I know but my mobile kept ringing and it was work and I had to pretend I was at home at my desk not rolling around under cars! lmao

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/BoltedIn.jpg

Dad set to work on the engine bay getting things bolted up and I set about getting the wires I needed from the car loom:-

- Ignition 12v
- Fuel Pump Signal
- Rev Counter from Dash
- Water Temp from Dash
- Engine Fault from Dash

This was potentially a git because when I fitted my XE I used this plug..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/ConnectorXE-Starter.jpg

...which goes from engine loom to the big round plug on the car loom on a mk2 astra. It has all the wires on it needed for the car to run so I soldered wires from the car loom into the lpug and fed the plug throught were my speedo cable used to go (running digidash). This was nicely tucked out the way.

Now with the LET the wires that need joining, need joining in the drivers footwell - doh!! Now despite the fact the heater matrix was in the way and the wires were all taped up in the loom I managed to extract them without too much hassle and stripping of the dash.

I'm now left with these wires...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/CarLoomWires.jpg

...which need to be soldered to these plugs (cut out of calibra car loom)...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/3Plugs.jpg

...and I still retain a plug n play loom. :D

Slowly working through the afternoon and packing up just before the england game we got most the major parts bolted to the engine and it now looks like this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/LETIn.jpg

The amount of arguements I had with Dad this afternoon because I'd put nuts/bolts/brackets etc in special places so I don't lose them but then forgot where that special place was, was comical! lmao

Things left to do are:-

- put on all the vacuum pipes
- plumb in the last few water pipes
- finish off tidying up loom and plug in
- move radiator forward
- sort out an oil cooler and pipes
- plumb in intercooler and modify bumper
- get exhaust mated up
- chop up slam panel to fit turbo to afm hose
- and give it a bloody good clean!

I'm hoping to get friday afternoon and a few hrs on saturday and sunday to get a few more jobs done but oil cooler and exhaust will have to wait til I get paid again which is next thursday.

Simps.
:cool:

Adam

21-06-06, 12:29 AM

Nice work :)

Benn

21-06-06, 07:30 AM

good work dude...no mig post?

Mike

21-06-06, 09:18 AM

thats ace! its getting well on its way now!

draper

21-06-06, 09:50 AM

looking good matey, nice progress there in only a day !

TommySR

21-06-06, 10:08 AM

Stunning mate, my cars in the middle of a rebuild and ive had it sprayed red with anthracite GSi bumpers with Softstars! Glad i did now as yours look great in them 1st pics :)

The Simps

21-06-06, 12:12 PM

good work dude...no mig post?

http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/vauxhall/car-talk/270670-finally-got-let-into-nova-today-pics.html

Could the title BE anymore obvious?! lol was posted at the same time as this one.

Simps.

BigStan

21-06-06, 03:03 PM

Beautiful . . . . . .

Mr_C

21-06-06, 06:04 PM

imense car mate :)

The Simps

24-06-06, 11:20 AM

Got cracking on today (friday) and got a few smaller jobs done. Spent about 4/5hrs on it in total. This is what I did!

When I bought the calibra it came with a Bailey Dump Valve fitted. The vacuum pipe on the re-circ valve hadn't been blocked off tho and without taking the end off I wasn't to know if a spacer had been fitted. So I took it off!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010054.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010055.jpg

So looking at that nothing had been done to it. So know I have to decide whether to remove the Bailey and plumb in the re-circ valve or buy a new dump valve kit with the necessary parts. Hmmm.

Question - Would the above explain why in the calibra it was only boosting to 6psi?

I got the loom fitted into the bay and plumbed in. I removed all the plastic coating stuff on the loom so it was bare wires for 2 reasons. I was able to split things and route them where I wished (to make it tidy) and I'm going to wrap them in conduit (again to make it tidy).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010039.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010041.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010058.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010057.jpg

I'm now left with only 2 wires unplugged:-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010042.jpg

- 1st gear switch
- switchable live (ignition)

Just going to tuck the 1st gear switch out the way for now so its hidden as I will need it when I come to fit the f28 later. The switchable live I'm not sure. The loom had been spliced into near the ecu for a switchable live for a AFR guage so I used this wire to connect up to switchable live on the car loom. So I don't really need this other one connected, but if I can find another one nearby and it won't make things untidy I'll connect it up - 2 heads are better than 1!

I fitted up the one way valve and used a bit of coloured piping I had left over from a Turbo Chris kit for my XE. I routed it how I felt happy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010040.jpg

I'd mentioned in a Roose Motorsport thread on Migweb about depending on the type of plastic pipe used on the back of the block will depend on the hose kit you'd use on a XE/LET nova.

This is the one that was on the calibra LET..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010056.jpg

Note the 2 pipes along the back.

On the one I had on the XE (from a mk2 Astra GTE 16v) the pipe on the right on the one above comes out on the bend as it comes round the head. From my understanding most kits made up for the XE were basically all nova hoses bar one which is modded mk2 astra hose which goes from side of head to heater matrix. If you use the calibra LET one in the pic this isn't the case. The nova bottom header tank pipe needs to go to exit on the bend on the side of the head, so on the LET one above you'd have to work something else out. Does that make sense?

Question - The pic above, are these type only fitted to calibra's whether XE or LET? Or is it how all LET's are?

The Simps

24-06-06, 11:20 AM

I offered up my Pacet fans aswell today and I will be fitting tomorrow.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010050.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010049.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010051.jpg

Question - The wiring for the fans is a 2 wire plug coming off each fan. This plug then goes into a mini loom (middle pic above) which contains a fuse, a ring fitting to earth and then a switch wire. The bottom pic is of the plug from the nova that went into the standard fan. It has a black ignition wire and the switch wire. To wire up these 2 fans can I ignore the mini loom with its fuse and just join the 2 fans up to the one switch on the nova? Will it matter that the black wires on the fans are intended for earth but will be attached to an ignition wire?

The Simps

24-06-06, 11:21 AM

For anyone who wondered how much room there is in the front of a nova to fit an intercooler - here is a clue:-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010043.jpg

This is the intercooler I'm gonna try and fit:-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010045.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010046.jpg

There's just the right length in the bumper aperture for it to fit length wise. As for height I may have to either go up into the plate backing or just have it sat behind. The 2nd pick is where its postioned as far back it could sit on the front panel, so as you can see should just fit in the bumper.

Question - Does the intercooler have a correct way of fitting in respect to inlet and outlet or can you use either end either way?

Jobs tomorrow are to hack out the front panel to fit the turbo afm pipe. These to picks should give you an idea of how much hacking will be needed!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010047.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010048.jpg

I need to remove the sandwich plate for the oil cooler (temporary measure)

Fit and wire in the fan.

Adjust the ride height on the coilovers.

And give it a wash as being sat outside the last few months the little winged people have left their mark!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010052.jpg

This is how it sits now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010053.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010038.jpg

Thanks for reading and another update tomorrow! ( well it now is tomorrow but you know hat I mean!)

Simps.
:beer:

The Simps

24-06-06, 05:37 PM

Not as much done today due to the fact the Jack Daniels monkey got me this morning so I didn't start until 2pm and I'm now having to stop to attend a party/bbq!

Anyway, 1st job was to get the car washed to get all the dust off. Looks better but will need a really good polish once everything is finished.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010067.jpg

Fitted my Pacet fans next. Very easy things to work with. They just clear the front bumper with 10-20mm to spare and with the grill in place the left fan just clears by millimetres - job done :beer:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010059.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010060.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010061.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010062.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010063.jpg

The Simps

24-06-06, 05:37 PM

Next up was to alter the water hose from turbo to top of rad. The other water hose from the turbo to the header was just the right length to go to my t-piece so that was good. With the top rad one how its bolted in normally it doesn't reach. So I loosened it off and turned it to face the header tank. It now reaches comfortably to the rad top and with a cable tie through the hole where the bolt currently is (near my fingers) it will sit lovely jubbly!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010064.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010065.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010066.jpg

Temporarily fitted my boost guage until I decide where all my guages are gonna go. Ideally, as said before, I'd like them to go in my heater holes again like on my last dash but now I actually have a heater I've got to work on relocating the heater switch and still keep it looking factory.

Anyway! I had a spare clock and housing knocking around so I drilled out the housing to 52mm and fitted in the guage. Its sits in nicely and looks ok but it doesn't have the factory look I want. But I'm happy for now :D Sorry about the crap pick!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010068.jpg

Managed to clear the garage out and tidy up too so now at least the car is back in the garage. Thats as far as I got today! More tomorrow hopefully.

Thanks for listening.

Simps.
:cool:

Adam

24-06-06, 09:13 PM

Great work, really looking cool now :)

The Simps

25-06-06, 08:46 PM

Bit more today.

Started with this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010069.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010070.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010071.jpg

Trimmed it down to this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010072.jpg

Trimmed it some more and remove a large chunk of the metal bumper support and now left with this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010073.jpg

It fits but both end tanks are pushing the bumper out. It will be worse when hoses are on. To get it to fit it will need to come back more. To do that I need to start trimming back the lower crossmember! :eek:

I'm gonna get everything else done then take it down my local engineering place and ask them to cut it and plate it. I'll then give it a coat of schutz.

Simps.
:D

c'2.0lrt

25-06-06, 09:13 PM

wow f**k me thats some nice work,going to get mine booked in the paint shop and get it up to scratch,keeps us posted mate top job son:thumb: :cool:

andyrs1800

27-06-06, 03:17 PM

Urm yea, its a bit good that... can i have it please?

Mike

27-06-06, 03:19 PM

where did you get the lower panel that covers the lower crossmeber from matey? sell imperial or somewhere like that?

Edit: got it now http://www.sel-imperial.co.uk/SelectPart-part?markid=784&modelid=290&makeid=36

The Simps

27-06-06, 11:22 PM

The Simps

14-07-06, 09:59 PM

*** UPDATE ***

Finally got the welding wor done today. really pleased with the results. Got a lad at my local engineering & fabrication place to do it in the end and really glad I did as he knows his stuff and has his own drag racing team as a hobby.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010077.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010076.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010078.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010075.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010074.jpg

would like by the end of the weekend to have the wiring finished off and boost pipes made. Can then turn it over and have it running. Just the exhaust left to do then.

Simps.
:cool:

R1CH

14-07-06, 11:56 PM

Excellent work, theres gonna end up being more LET'd Novas than standard ones !! lol
Keep up the good work, can't wait to see it finished.

Rich

Adam

15-07-06, 12:10 AM

Looking excellent, get the front ARB removed! Lol

The Simps

15-07-06, 02:00 AM

Looking excellent, get the front ARB removed! Lol

Been there done that, didn't like it.

Simps.

scott.parker

15-07-06, 09:16 AM

I found my xe lifted the wheels with it on.

Scott

shy witness

15-07-06, 11:47 AM

some nice work going on there indeed

and good pictures and updates....i'll keep an eye on this build in the future

slammed saloon

15-07-06, 03:34 PM

looking very good mate, its a pleasure to see people take such time on getting things spot on rather than rushing it and it going pear shaped quickly. spot on
BG

The Simps

15-07-06, 03:59 PM

Cheers chaps.

Just popped in as watching paint dry is boring! (painting the welding work from yesterday). Luckily its nice and warm out there so drying is pretty quick!

Simps.

Wilson

15-07-06, 05:46 PM

nice nova and updates :thumb: keep us posted

The Simps

15-07-06, 10:12 PM

Got plenty more done today. Might not look like much but was fiddly and time consuming.

1st job was to lash on some Hammerite to the bits that were welded yesterday and any exposed metal. I put on 2 good thick coats and luckily because it was a nice, hot sunny day it dried very quickly which meant I could get on.

2nd job was to mount the ecu in the drivers footwell. I actually mount mine up as I don't run a parcel shelf as I found it cramps your leg room and sometimes the pedal hit the back of it. Also, it just looks untidy having the ecu on the shelf.

So 2 holes drilled and a few nuts and bolts and its firmly in place and the finished product was all cables tucked out of site.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010079.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010080.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010081.jpg

3rd job was a continuation of the wiring theme and was to lengthen the loom that goes to the drivers side head lamp so it could run along the lower cross member and out the way. All taped and then wrapped in conduit - something
I seem to have become obsessed with!! lmao

It was really pleasing when I turned on the ignition to find it all worked! ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010082.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010083.jpg

All wiring has now been finished and from what I can tell the to-do-list is now:-

- Make up boost pipes
- fit all vacuum hoses
- modify exhaust to suit manifold
- fill with oil
- fill with water

So really not too much at all! Boost pipes will be the hardest and it'll be what I'm going to attempt tomorrow. Spent ?180 today on some silicon bends of varieties (can return what I don't use) so hopefully have all the bits needed then it might get started tomorrow!! I'm sooooo excited!

Simps.
:D :D :cool:

Adam

15-07-06, 11:39 PM

Nice work, i like how you've mounted the ecu, looks factory fit now.
Have you sealed the holes where the bolts go through the battery tray, dont want water dripping through onto the ecu. ;)

The Simps

15-07-06, 11:57 PM

Its bolted down uber tight and the plastic battery tray then sits on top of that. I should think it will be ok.

Besides, if its raining it won't come out of the garage! lol

Simps.
:wtf:

Adam

16-07-06, 12:34 AM

Besides, if its raining it won't come out of the garage! lol

Lol, sorted then lol

draper

16-07-06, 12:39 AM

really like it simps, gave me a few ideas about tidying my engine bay

dan16v

16-07-06, 10:58 AM

nice work simps! realy coming along now! that i/c seems a right bitch to fit! would it have not been more practical to get a custom one made?
myne is still not running!lol

The Simps

16-07-06, 11:21 AM

In an ideal world I would have got a custom I/C and rad made up. In a real world it comes down to ???ss. I already had this intercooler so it was the one that WAS gonna fit! lol

It would have fitted without all the cutting and welding but I wanted to get it as far back as possible so I can then hide it as much as possible. I can now get a new bumper and I won't have to trim much away.

Also, its now revealed I probably could fit a taller intercooler in there for when I want to upgrade later as the only thing stopping it is the fans which now there would be enough room to have one mounted on the back in the std position.

It the boost pipes would have been considerably easier if the end tanks faced in towards the car too but oh well! There's gonna be a fair few 90 deg bends in the circuit but I'm sure I'm not gonna miss a few horses in this car!!

HOW CAN YOURS NOT BE RUNNING YET??!! :eek: :eek:

Simps.
:tard:

dan16v

16-07-06, 05:59 PM

im thinking my nova is cursed! scrap heap timelol

only probs ive found on the i/c outlets facing engine is when you use the f28 the mount is smack bang in the way lol as usual there is problems with every thing! does look alot better with the i/c right back in the bumper! myne is abit to far forward due to the dam f28 mountlol

The Simps

16-07-06, 10:20 PM

*** MASSIVE UPDATE - PLENTY OF PICS ***

Really pleased with the day's progress. Got all my boost pipes fitted which I wasn't especting to so easily. the only problem is I am 1 90 deg bend short which I'll get tomorrow.

I sorted all the vacuum lines and got all the water pipes connected up too.

Tried to fit my sparco strut brace over the turbo cover. It wouldn't quite clear so I thought a little hammering on the underside and it might clear. The weld snapped instead! (see pic below) think I'm gonna get a custom one made up at some point as it definately helped the handling.

Everything is all bolted up now and all it needs now is:-

- 90 degree bend fitted
- filled with oil and water
- mate exhaust and manifold

I also need to remove the sandwhich plate for the oil cooler as I will be running without temporarily while I weigh up my options of what size to fit and where etc.

So depending on work this week it may get started this week if not defo next sunday, then you can clean it for me benn :nod:

I got carried away with the camera today so plenty of pics to follow.

I'm really not happy with the slam panel and the front bumper. Gonna order a new bumper this week but the slam panel will probably have to wait until its off the road again over winter when the f28 gets fitted.

Enjoy.

Simps.
:cool:

The Simps

16-07-06, 10:21 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010084.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010085.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010086.jpg

The Simps

16-07-06, 10:21 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010087.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010088.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010090.jpg

The Simps

16-07-06, 10:22 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010091.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010093.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010098.jpg

The Simps

16-07-06, 10:22 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010099.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010101.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010102.jpg

The Simps

16-07-06, 10:22 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010104.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010105.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/P1010106.jpg

slammed saloon

16-07-06, 10:23 PM

lookin great simps, just gets better and better :thumb: when you hoping to get in running by?

The Simps

16-07-06, 10:23 PM

Really do need to get a better camera tho as the pics never seem to do it justice. Maybe its just the flash on the red paint? I dunno.

Simps.

The Simps

16-07-06, 10:26 PM

One night this week if not sunday. really depends on what appointments I have this week. Also, I'm off on a stag do in birmingham saturday so I'm not gonna be much use on sunday!!

Simps.

ajsvalver

16-07-06, 11:21 PM

..which goes from engine loom to the big round plug on the car loom on a mk2 astra. It has all the wires on it needed for the car to run so I soldered wires from the car loom into the lpug and fed the plug throught were my speedo cable used to go (running digidash). This was nicely tucked out the way.

hi simps i keep looking at the loom iam taking out of my cavalier c20xe which iam transfering to my nova, where did you power up your loom too? the old round plug on the astra loom? the diagnostic plug is also baffling me as my cavalier loom for the diagnostic plug is located in the main engine loom where now do i get my mil light info from? or do i have to bear back the old loom in the cavy to extract the diagnost plug hope you understand what iam twitering on about regards andy

The Simps

16-07-06, 11:57 PM

Andy,

The wires that come from the engine loom and go to the round plug in there will be a black (ignition) and red (live). From memory you should also have a green for your rev counter, red/blue for the fuel pump and a couple others.

ECU light wire for your dash "I think" is brown/blue. Can't remember where it is on the xe loom. Possibly with the wires above. For fault codes you then ground some other wires to get the ecu light to flash, again can't remember which! lol Was a while ago when I done my XE wiring and the LET is different.

Hope the little above helps!

Simps.

NickWalliams

17-07-06, 05:25 PM

looking very good, now go get yourself some black paint for that intercooler!

love where the dump valve is too

RJM25R

17-07-06, 05:54 PM

IMHO i prefer the ECU on the shelf and I can remove it at will to make the car un-stealable (if they get past the Clifford, snap off and wheel clamp!) but I like what you've done....

ajsvalver

17-07-06, 07:20 PM

thankyou for that will check it tommorow regards andy

scott.parker

17-07-06, 08:34 PM

Looks realy good mate,tempting me toward the let power(noooo muustt finish xetb....lol)

Shocking though how much of the front structure is now gone.god i though a crash in an ex nova would be bad :roll: :eek: lol

Scott

The Simps

18-07-06, 12:29 AM

Shocking though how much of the front structure is now gone.god i though a crash in an ex nova would be bad :roll: :eek: lol

Scott

I had thought about that but the thickness of the new bar is more so than the old crossmember. I think its more solid. TBH tho if you crash in a nova at any reasonable speed you'll struggle to walk away. Especially with a solid welded engine bay the shock gets transferred to the rest of the car I spose.

Thanks for all the comments peeps.

Got my 90 deg bend today. Sunday should be turnover day - soooo excited!

Simps.

The Simps

23-07-06, 10:32 PM

ITS ALIVE!!!!!!

started her up tonight! Only took a 5 secs max and it fired up. Idles nice and sweet too. Tappets quickly died down. Couldn't take it up the road tho as the linakge needs tweaking as I can't select reverse, 1st or 2nd. Also, I've only got the downpipe fitted.

Questions:-

What should a boost guage read at idle? Mine was showing 10-20 vacuum and if you blipped the throttle would go up to 0.

I've got a reasonably loud whistle which increases/decreases with rpm changes. Could it be the turbo? Don't recall it making that much noise in the cally???

Simps.

slammed saloon

23-07-06, 10:48 PM

my 300zx gives the same boost readings mate minus figures at idle and goes up when u blip the throttle, then right round to 15 psi when u boot it lol so sounds about right, the whistling maybe the turbo or you may have a boost pipe loose or split? great work mate :thumb:
BG

Ojc

23-07-06, 10:51 PM

Looking good, may I ask where you got the plastic wire cover from? I'm after some for my car but can't find it anywhere.

The Simps

23-07-06, 11:37 PM

Local auto electrical place mate!

Cheers for the gen BG. Will check all the boost hoses. Its all new stuff so possible I've not tightened something!

Simps.

Adam

24-07-06, 12:19 AM

You shouldn't really get any +boost in neutral.

The Simps

24-07-06, 12:30 AM

Why not?

revs are going up, more fuel going in and being burnt, more exhaust gases and turbo spins faster.

Adam

24-07-06, 12:44 AM

Not sure why, the guage shouldn't go above 0 till your driving.
Think its because the engine is not under load when you revving it in neutral.

Ste L

24-07-06, 01:11 AM

it should boost in neutral...

hence when you give most turbo'd cars with a d/v a hard rev, you get the wootish etc etc

Aamir

27-07-06, 10:09 AM

The Simps

27-07-06, 12:16 PM

Awesome project, hate to state the obvious but why didn't you use RED silicone hoses instead of Blue ?

Chargecooler would of maintained the front end look you had (which was ace)

How much has it cost you so far to LET this nova ?

I think red hoses would have been too much. Blue contrasts nicely with the red. I had blue hoses on there with the XE albeit they were a little darker.

Could have gone chargecooler but already had the intercooler and the ??s were adding up already.

I reckon I've spent around ?3k going from XE to LET.

Simps.

ANDYRACER

27-07-06, 03:38 PM

That looks so cool, so factory fitted, but what happened with the front panel and that pipe at the top? Looks like the front panel isnt even attacthed to the centre part.

SRlew

27-07-06, 05:05 PM

does look wicked buddy! good stuff

The Simps

28-07-06, 12:31 PM

That looks so cool, so factory fitted, but what happened with the front panel and that pipe at the top? Looks like the front panel isnt even attacthed to the centre part.

The top panel is what I'm very unhappy with.

It was originally cut and bolted in place each side from when I did my XE conversion. For this conversion we had to cut so much of it away and remove the middle bar that runs from top to bottom. The panel is now very weak.

When the car comes off the road again over winter to have the f28 fitted I'll be fitting a new top panel which I already have in the shed.

Simps.

ANDYRACER

28-07-06, 01:35 PM

The top panel is what I'm very unhappy with.

It was originally cut and bolted in place each side from when I did my XE conversion. For this conversion we had to cut so much of it away and remove the middle bar that runs from top to bottom. The panel is now very weak.

When the car comes off the road again over winter to have the f28 fitted I'll be fitting a new top panel which I already have in the shed.

Simps.

Glad ur sorting it, not to sound like a dick but it looks a mess. Love ur the nova tho as ive always said on msn :thumb:

The Simps

30-07-06, 01:07 PM

Well its been on its maiden voyage!

Got it all running and setup the gear linkage which is now lovely and precise, still would like to get a short shift kit on there tho.

Had to drive it gingerly tho as its only got a sawn off downpipe for an exhaust lmao so its a little loud. I didn't want to boot it as I had visions of a big flame popping out and sending the whole car up! So kept it under 3k and 50mph.

Had a 30 mile trip to make from my parents place to my gaff in the city where its got to wait until the exhaust place down the road can fit it in.

Apart from being noisy it drove very smoothly. Engine idled nicely showed no signs of hesitation etc. Didn't really test it much on boost for the reasons above but I couldn't resist giving it some welly in 3rd coming off a roundabout onto the dual carriageway. WOW!! When the boost comes in you know about it!! Only took it to 5.5k but it left me grinning :D

It was also the first time I'd driven it with the avo coilovers on. I've got it sat quite low and set the damping rate to one from softest setting. I obviously didn't throw it around but compared to my bilstein kit there is a lot less roll and it felt more firmly planted. I also think the stiffer suspension might also help combat some of the wheel spin (don't know whether I'm in fairlyland with that one tho!). I did get a little bouncy on the front on some of the back roads but thats the comprimise I suppose.

All in all well chuffed! :D

Simps.