Nova track day build history (56k warning)

[nova---chris]

Ok alot of people already know the car. But ive not done a full progress thread on how the car came to life.
Firstly i owned my first ever car Nova 1.4 sr which after only 12 months turned into a 2l 8v twin 45 nova. Then had all the usual upgrades until i found a nice place called velos. Rolling road place which i then paid to build my first ever valver. Ran 200bhp once done. not bad considering id only been on the road about 3 to 4 years. lol. But after so long the shell started to have its problems coping and a few mates cp/dan/stu kept having to peice it back together. After so long i decided to break it. Someone pointed me towards a very mint shell which already had a roll cage fitted. a few phone calls later and it was purchased. Went up to fetch the shell. It was totaly bare. no running gear nothing. completley naked! the nova project was born! Went and fitted my old rear beam and front struts and transported it home

http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/thenova/body/CAR1.JPG
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/thenova/body/CAR2.JPG
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/thenova/body/CAR3.JPG
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/thenova/body/frontshell.JPG
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/thenova/body/insideshell.JPG

As you can see the base was perfect for the project i had planned. No rust on the shell. It had the HH kit already plated in. Also seat rails had been pre welded and all boxed in. Just had to finish a few ends of which my mate did quite easy with the welder.

The roll cage is 6 point and has been tagged to the car body for extra stength. Also rear brace was pre welded . nice!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010278.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010277.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010279.jpg

[nova---chris]

Next was deciding which way to go with the car. Decided it would still be a 2 litre so the engine was kept. (come back to that later) Decided a fully stripped out racer was on the cards due to the nature of the shell. So work started.

Firstly decided a dash was going to be needed due to the wiring that needed to be hidden. So opted for a corsa dash. We had the luck of finding a nice nova gte in a scrap yard and decided we needed the full loom. Only problem being car was on the top pile. but we wasnt to be beaten. We also opted to go with the corsa epas column. So we purchased those and set about fitting them.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-p1010201.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010209.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010204-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010183.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010202.jpg

[nova---chris]

Fitting the epas is a bit of trouble as the cylinder on the column sits where the nova fuse box is. So decided we would relocate the fuse box to cancel this problem out.

The column bracket had to be cut of and re welded with extra support. Bit of hassle as you need to get the dash in to make sure it all fits well and lines up. But we got there in the end. (also the corsa epas needs a modded ecu to work correctly on the nova) Again this will be mentioned later in the thread. We also made a start on the loom wiring ect.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010184-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010218.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010219.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010214.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-rail1-1.jpg

[nova---chris]

As you see above the dash fits just right after much messing about. Alot of the dash has to be cut out and also reshaped to fit against the nova window line.

We also started bolting in the seat brackets. Made sense at this point so everything could be tested for reach ect and correct heights. Oh the joys of mods. nothing ever fits !

Anyhow the wiring started coming together. A new fuse box was orderd and lots of crimp bits ready to relocate the fuse box.

Anyhow with the dash fitted and fusebox re wired this was how it looked. we used a acewell motorbike dash for a display. works quite well tbh. had to modify the fuel tank sender but not that hard.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010263-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00043.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010299.jpg

[nova---chris]

On the inside i also opted for a hydraulic handbrake instead of the usual cable operated. Should make for a touch more fun in those tight twisties.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-rail2.jpg

On the suspension side i opted for front leda coil overs with camber bolts and stuck with my avo rear ajustable shocks ' Had some custom springs made to 90mm for the rear.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/leadas1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/leadas2.jpg

On top of this i opted for solid top mounts (concenctric)
The rear beam has the rear disc conversion fitted so that didnt have to be touched. Brakes were piped in using internal copper brake lines with end flexi hoses. And stuck with a standard master for now until a bias box becomes available.

[nova---chris]

The next step was to sort out the brakes . what calipers to use and what pads and discs.
Decided to go with the v6 setup but use some ferrodo DSC-2500 race pads and went for some fiat coupe 16v discs which were grooved. All together it worked out quite well.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010154.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-p1010150.jpg

goodridge braided hoses were used with the calipers too.

[nova---chris]

Anyhow with suspension fitted and brakes all on the shell was rolling. complete with dash in and column.
We also used a quaife quick rack with the epas column. 2.5 turns lock to lock i beleive.

So next the attention turned to the engine bay. The engine was fitted and car ran for a short while but the engine was later pulled out for a rebuild and decided to alter the bay as you will see.

first things first the battery wall was removed. But carefull not to cut to far. saved having to weld it back together.
Grinder did it fine and quick. then just a touch of smoothing. Then it was of round the unit to blast over the engine bay. this was done around midnight. lol!

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010183-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-nova6.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-nova5.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-nova3.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-nova.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-nova2.jpg

[nova---chris]

so the bay was blasted clean. And decisions to be made on the engine were next. Rebuild it / what spec / xe or let / but to be honest it just sort of happend . And cost me more than i ever imagined lol!

http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/novaload/mini-P1010202.JPG

so first the engine was taken out and stuck on the stand and work started. Strip the thing to death first and see how it was.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/break5.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/thenova/oldengine/blueengine.JPG
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/thenova/oldengine/blueengine3.JPG
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/engine%20strip/mini-P1010166.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/engine%20strip/mini-P1010165.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/engine%20strip/mini-p1010162.jpg

When the engine was stripped we found the bores had shined and the previous rings hadnt bedded. looked like bore wash had taken place. The engine had previously given of oil smoke which looking at this isnt suprising. But everything else had held up well considering. So the rebuild started.
We stripped the engine right back and got a new block. Block was bored out to .5mm larger and re honed. The carbs were sold on with the dta ignition management leaving me without any induction! lol!

[nova---chris]

The block was taken to the engineshop in birmingham for the work. Also the head was taken to be overhauled and tested. Anyhow the block was fitted with accralite 86.5mm intruder pistons and rings. The rods were already shot peened and deseamed . All shells and seals were replaced. The crank was checked over and seemed fine. That was balanced of.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-block1-1.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo56.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010190.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010182.jpg

As you see the engine came together rather quickly. Vernier pulleys were purchased .
The Head was machined earlier on by velos (no longer going) and ported ect ect.
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo3.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010178.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo14.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo16.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo6.jpg

To be continued

[Martin]

Mint,


Nice shiny block what paint isit?

[rc]

very nice mate! looks a detailed build! wot power are you hoping from the engine now then?

[Adam]

Excellent thread, some nice work has gone into that nova, liking the corsa dash.

The big question is, t45s or TBs? Whats better in your opinion? TBs worth the extra over 45s?

[nova---chris]

Continued from earlier with the engine almost together pyper cams were fitted ' oil breather mod sorted on the cam cover ' Was going to do a solid head but after weighing up the options it just wasnt worth the gains. So opted to stay on the hydraulic lifters .

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010195.jpg

Anyhow the time came with the carbs gone which way do i go. So i went silly and purchased some qed direct to heat throttles and dta management. Complete with dta loom and sensors . Yum!

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010167.jpg

These went on a treat . Got them all fitted up nicely to the engine. And sorted out the cam cover.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010187.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo18.jpg

How slutty.! Throttles on and proceeded to fit the extra bits onto the engine ready to be installed. Blanking plate was bought for the dizzy and a nice mount to hold the dispak on. But better was to come.
Dan rang to tell me he had found a nice add in a local motorsport place. after a few phone calls this turned up on me drive.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/2160big4.jpg
one straight cut f16 quaife gear cluster. I had this rebuilt onto a 3.94 cwp. So we set about cleaning up the box ready for the cluster to be fitted
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/2.jpg
But there was still one bit missing a diff. So for this i opted for a 90% plate gripper diff. made this decision based on dans car and the way that handled with the plate diff.
Only problem i had was the diff would not fit the box due to the standard speedo pickup holder inside the box. so this i had to modify with a dremel tool.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010193.jpg
As you see that was all sorted and diff and cluster located in the box with all new seals ect
Just here was one of the biggest mistakes of the build. I left the cream injectors on the rail and forgot to fit the yellows i had purchased. this will become apparant later in the thread.

[nova---chris]

Next was what clutch to fit. With the engine expected to produce a nice healthy figure we thought a decent clutch was needed. So from the clutch specialist (many thanks) we purchased the following.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-p1010169.jpg
That should be fine for the application.

So the time came and it was time to offer the engine up to the car. Would the hard work pay of. lets see. lol!
The clutch was fitted first then the gearbox was attatched up to the engine.

http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo20.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo21.jpg
As you see the front mounted alternator was also fitted with a braket made and attatched to a spare place on the engine mount.
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo23.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo24.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo25.jpg

And with everything attatched we was all ready for action. well not quite. Me mate was froze but with a spare coat i managed to convince him to help ! lol!
Note the ice on the drive. yes it was feckin freezing. But not being the usual garage fannys we continued with our mission!
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo26.jpg

[nova---chris]

Next the car was hoisted up to about 6ft lol! overkill.
Then the engine was placed under and the car lowerd. Then used the hoist to pull the engine up and into place.

http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo29.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo30.jpg

It was like the blind leading the blind. mind that paint work. Oh feckkk! lol
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo33.jpg

As you can see from the following pic. it was late by the time we had finished mounting the engine. we bought the mount kit from valvers.com which was fantastic peice of kit.worked a treat and the engine finally laid rest in the bay.
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo34.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo35.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo36.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010210.jpg

At that we was quite happy with the days work. Engine in and bolted and fitted well. quite happy with that. :thumb:

[rc]

stunning!

[nova---chris]

Next we sourced a alluminium rad . used a rst rad fan front mounted instead of the usual gsi stuff. Did make a difference tbh leaving quite alot of room behind the rad.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010215.jpg

With the rad fitted the next thing was a oil cooler which we again sourced at a good price . Just a case of buying the pipe work from a local factors and setting about fitting.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-p1010293.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010294.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010296.jpg

At this point i decided to fit the cossie regulator for the throttles and get the front fuel lines sorted. I decided these would run into the car so set about it.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010295.jpg
We used braided line into the car and round to the pump as you can see
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010298-1.jpg
A fse motorsport pump was aquired. THis can run to 180LPH so easily good enough
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/74_1_b.jpg

Things were rolling along. Alot of the main bits fitted inc engine. ect. still alot to do tho! the joys of projects.

[nova---chris]

http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo42.jpg

An ITG filter was purchased for the throttles / eco tec strut brace for the front. The rear has a welded in strut brace / Some lowerd tie bar mounts were orderd very simlar to the ones chris astley sells (picture from site. will remove if requested) these are rose jointed.
http://www.chrisastleymotorsport.co.uk/images/NTRLK.jpg

For the exhaust i had a powerflow stainless custom system fitted. And used a SBD competition manifold.

After debating the wiper we went for a single wiper. Using a ax wiper motor. Had to make a few brackets but soon got it fitted.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010185.jpg
as you can see it fits just fine.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010296-1.jpg
Another little job sorted. Just a case of finding the wiring which makes it work. but overall a nice little mod.

There were a few more boring issues such as 2 new wings and painting them / Orderd a gsi front bumper and painted that along with the rear bumper.
Also we swapped over the airdale polycarbonate windows of the old shell .
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010268.jpg

to be continued tomorrow

[Riggy]

you know i love this car fella , just need to bring it her for a day and let me see it properly :thumb:

[kevster]

wish i had the money to do the same :(

[nova---chris]

The oil cooler sat perfect with the front bumper fitted. And things started to look good.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010267-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010268.jpg

With everything getting close to the big startup date a gearshifter was neeeded. The normal linkage was crap. But Mr cp (rifle range motorsport) managed to come up with a direct linkage to the gearbox. More direct and much better gear change this way. The shifter was made from a cav shifter housing and a few extra bits. the pivot has to be reversed which meant i could just fit the shifter straight up.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010205.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010206.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010207.jpg
Thanks to cp the troublesome gear linkage was sorted.

[nova---chris]

Wheels were needed next. Bigruss came to the rescue and flogged me some of his RL7's . Cheers big man. I got them powder coated up and coverd with Eagle f1 rubber.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010266.jpg

The front gsi bumper was fitted and the standard mk2 rear. Both were put on quick release pins and dezus fastners. Just to make life easier if they ever need to be removed. The wheels were fitted to the car and the car then had its first clean of for months lol!
Manta mirrrors were purchased from A. Bishop which were a huge improvement on the dtm cups i had.
And k7 racing leads were purchased. i think there 10mm leads ' good stuff!
Also sourced a matching bailey catch tank to make things look nicer.


http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010262.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010261.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010261-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/mini-P1010267.jpg

Came up well after a good clean up. Starting to look the part slowly but surely.!

[nova---chris]

Has for the interior. well what interior. lol!
Not much to say. No heater / no carpet / no rooflining / no rear seats.
ALtho i did purchase 2 corbeau revolution buckets for the front

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010266.jpg

Sparco steering wheel with a spacer to bring it away from the dash were purchased. And that was really it for the interior

[Mazz]

Awesome Chris, i'll have to pop round when its done if you don't mind...

[craig green]

Great car. Some serious mods & it looks dashing too (thats not what its about however). Have you had it running & got power graph yet?

[Matt2107]

Lovely thorough build.... rep points coming your way.

[nova---chris]

So by this point im starting to get itchy knackers. i want to start it. ect ect. After making sure all the oil / water levels were fine i consulted stu on the map to make sure it would ok to be started on it. We were happy it was ok so time to get it started . Then problems struck. A real bad oil leak. Turned out it was the oil pump. Seems it had warped or the sealing surface was knackerd. so changed that and put it back together again! lol! Oh the pain!

Anyhow once we got it going again holy feck did it sound rather slutty. Real nice raw sounding. Bought a smile after months of winter graft and problems. But the car ran like a pig ' was in need of a proper map ect. but i was over the moon that my work was actually working!

The next part was find a rolling road and get it booked it. More fun was to follow on this trip lol!
After a bit of looking about Jam sport of northants was reccomended. So after a few calls it was all booked in. The car had only had a few miles put on it but was so much in need of a map we decided to cut the run in a bit short and get it down there. The drive down to northants was the first real test for the car. And it seemed to go down well. Once we got there met up with the owner 'jamie' And another jamsport worker 'Mark broster' 2 great guys and know what there on about. ANyhow let the games commence. Jamie started running the car up ' full map from scratch ' But after a few hours a oil leak became apparant. Then it spilt its guts all over jams rollers (oh dear) I thought here we go.! After inspecting seemed the sump bolts had undone themselves (probably due to being brand new and the engine doing very few miles) no chance to scrutineer it. Anyhow after all the problems id have previously i decided to leave it with jam for them to sort in there own time. Just made no sense taking it home to bring back another day.

[Adam]

Awesome thread this, awesome car.

[nova---chris]

Anyhow after mucho scratching my bollocks and head i got a call from mark telling me the car had been repaired and fully mapped. ecu updated ect . Thank the lord!

While it was there we had the full map ' diff carrier replaced ' gearbox oil replaced with some proper spec oil for the plate diff' sump gaskets replaced and some other bits. the next question of course. what power has it made.

the result was
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/jamsport.jpg

214bhp @ 6618 rpm / 173lb ft torque . I was quite happy tbh. It was quite a gain on the carbs i previously had. But then some bad news came as i noted earlier in the thread. I left the cream injectors on ' Forgot to replace with my yellows. The creams had reached there cycle during mapping so timing was backed of a bit . if id been using yellows we could have expected around 225 to 230bhp. But these things come to try ya. I could have cried. But on the other hand i was happy it was sorted and it drove totally mad on the way home. Couldnt resist the odd blip up the motorway.

Anyone needing a RR session or mapping i highly reccomend these guys. No bull**** talk ect. Just down to earth. So if you like dreaming not the place for ya :)

[nova---chris]

So with engine purring and the car all in 1 peice i was a happy chappy. Well not quite. 215bhp these days is small compared to many let owners. (striaght line quarters) On a track im sure ill be happy to give away alot of bhp and still be there or there abouts. But purely for the odd quarter mile i fancied a bit of extra Hump! Sooooo!!!!! along came

http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo55.jpg
http://www.chrisuk22.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/16vnova/photos/photo54.jpg

One wizards of noz nitrous kit. with minimax controller /
11/ Lb Polished bottle with valve and pressure gauge/ all the lines and fittings/ jets / ect. everything to make it work. The kit is not yet currently fitted due to winter months and xmas being imminent. But after xmas it should be fitted and ready to use hopefully.
Hoping to use 100bhp shot but depends on a few things. Need to get the local nitrous expert over to sort it out aka chip! FOr anyone thinking of buying a kit. check out wizards of noz web forum. ! very helpfull!

[bieransri]

awesome,:thumb: you be fitting the yellows aswell then or leaveing it on standards?

[nova---chris]

Following the purchase of the nitrous ive tried my look on several sets of fibreglass doors but not had any luck yet.
Ive got a fibreglass boot lid waiting to be fitted. And also a bonnet will be orderd early new year.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00040.jpg

Ive since aquired the add on for the epas so i can get the power steering up and running. heres a few peeks at the unit.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/epas.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010264.jpg

[Martin]

Mint!

[Mike.]

one of the best !!!

[matt_mph]

Seen it on migweb the other day, one hell of a car you have there mate :)

[london_chris]

gorgeous car, if u wana sell it let me know

[nova---chris]

Ok the latest part of the project was finding somewhere to mount the epas ecu and mod. Wasnt as bad as i thought. lots of hiding places behind the corsa dash. Few tie wraps later it was installed. !

Wired it up. really simple tbh. Think there was 2 earths and 3 live wires in total to wire up. Got this all sorted and time to test it. Normally this is where things go pop. BUt first turn of the key and the epas column finally cme to life after 12 months. Sheeeeesh!

And heres where i have to say. ' what a fe cking transformation' The car is now much better to drive. Those tight turns and awkward parking places made simple. The column assist can be alterd by a knob on the dash. Right down turns of the assist. then it increments from there on in. Slightly weird at first. But as you get used to it you realise you can do alot more with the car this way.

i reccomend this mod to anyone running a quick rack and diff. Really worth while project. http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif If anyone requires any info just pm or email me.

Cheers
Chris

[craig green]

Cool! Ive got the hydro rack from a Corsa rally car going on mine. 2.2 turns lock to lock. Ive got a really nice 12v pump too. Just need to get the tie rods turned down & make a bracket for the pump to mount it under the bonnet.

Oh & custom hoses too. I'm glad it improves the drive of the car, after driving PAS equipped cars all week the Nova can feel a tad prehistoric.

Ive tried Mark Beesons car too (power steering) & its awesome to have that facility in a Nova.

[nova---chris]

Some more progress over the weekend. Firstly needed to check oil levels in the gearbox and the engine. Gearbox been seeping a touch of oil, Found its a bit over level. So let some out and seems to have stopped it breathing all over . Engine hasnt lost any oil which is a real good sign. :)
Next i started thinking about NOZ after watching fast and furious 2. Was getting carried away so sorted out me noz kit from under the bed haha. keep it close to home! Anyhow fitted the injectors and other bits today. will sort the rest out over the week.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010266-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010269-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010270-1.jpg
Got minimax controller / 11lb polished bottle / pressure gauge / all lines to install. and find somewhere for the solenoids.
Also put the bumpers on dzus fasteners and pins to make them easier to remove in emergencys. Oh the joys!
Will update later in the week.

[draper]

absolutely stunning !!! nothing else to say

[captain ash]

Amazing :)

One of the best ;)

[rc]

:) that is just porn in an engine bay :thumb:

[NovaNeil]

Just read this from start to finish and I have to say Fantastic Work Chris!!! Look forward to seeing it at some shows/track days this year. Well done :thumb:

Neil

[nova---chris]

Thanks for the comments people. not really anymore progress as yet . Weathers dodgy and just to tired with work. but im sure it wont be long now before final bits are tidied up :)
thanks again peeps:):thumb:

[Breathe]

this project is so amazing - what has happened to it?

[nova---chris]

Its on going. have fibreglass bonnet / boot / door skins to get fitted shortly.
Also just debating loosing the spare well. would give me somewhere to fit the nitrous bottle. Also thinking about getting some wilwood 4 pots for the front.

So plenty still to do. but its currently road worthy and running very well. :thumb:

[RJM25R]

Wilwoods are really good for the money. Used to have them on my purple nova.

[Mazz]

Few recent pics from our local meet:

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/8849/tbnovasamllff7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/6080/tbnovabayat2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2419/tbnovainsideagainvi4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[jedi]

Chris, I would like to ask you what your gear linkage lever is from and what you have to do to it to fit it, and also what advantages does it give you? Thanks :thumb:

[ANDYRACER]

So plenty still to do. but its currently road worthy and running very well. :thumb:

You mean when it finally runs? lol

Found out what was causing the problem yet fella?

[nova---chris]

Yes it runs. had a host of problems but all got sorted out in the end.

The gear linkage / lever is a cav one. but its a direct lever. which means no stupid linkage in the middle which crumples. Just direct to the shifter housing on the gearbox. Lurrvly. :thumb: (courtesy of Mr CP of the famed rifle range motorsport)

[nova---chris]

not much to report lately on the build. but been buying in parts for the final clean up. Some new rear arch's (mine were ok but this gives me a chance to mod the rears how id like) also orderd a bonnet and boot hatch amongst things. Then its up to me mates to have it all sorted out. so should have some progress pictures of the body work in progress..

Just debating wether to loose the spare well also. altho unsure if thats just a load of hassle for nowt. altho im needing somewhere to mount the noz bottle.

Replacing the ruer mounts for solid finally.. just waiting for one more to turn up.

Pics will come soon i hope!

[Adam]

Removing the wheel well is just hassle for nowt, unless you want a centre exit exhaust.

[nova---chris]

Some further purchases that have turned up. still a few to arrive.
slowly getting there tho!

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010280.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010281.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010278-1.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010277-1.jpg

[Rob77]

Nice!

Where is the bonnet from? Eurorallye?

[nova---chris]

all from magnum motorsport. quite decent to be honest. just a little prep needed before painting. :)

[Rick Draper]

They dont need painting, will blend straight in to your nova chris lmao

[Mazz]

Very nice Chris (my bonnet is prittier though!)
lol @ not painting it too

[nova---chris]

few more updates. mounted nitrous pulsoids ect. also purchased a brake bias box. but yet to get it fitted. Purchased some aeroquip fastners for the fibreglass bonnet so it back be locked down for a touch more security.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00124.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00123.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00119.jpg
Also mounted the nitrous controller and pressure gauge on the dash along side the other gauges for the car.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00121.jpg
Cutting out problem i seemed to be having has finally been found. A broken wire to the ecu (live feed) . protective covering was fine. inner wire was knackerd. Lucky find really. But seems to have solved alot of problems now sorted.
not much really to do. but still trying to sort some rear coilovers for it. Will be of the the body shop soon to have rear arches repaired after my grinding session. lmao

[kevster]

looking good nice nova

[Lee]

Looking good babe lol lol

[nova---chris]

Im gonna f-u-c-k you !


With a bat over the head!

[nova---chris]

After having a wheel bearing decide to let go at around 70mph there was more work needed doing to the bloody car.
After cheacking damage it seems the bearing is the only thing to have died. It did manage to seperate the outer cv from the shaft also.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/DSC00129.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/DSC00127.jpg

So 2 new bearings fitted to both front hubs. Replaced cv circlip and got that back on the shaft. tie wrapped the boot gator back on also.

While i had the front up in the air thought may as well fit a few items i purchased a while back.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/DSC00136.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/DSC00133-1.jpg

Ill have some pictures of it all fitted shortly. just need to download images.

[nova---chris]

Well over the last week or so while work was going on i decided to fit my solid mounts and bias brake box and braided lines front and back .
The mounts were a pain to fit. But engine is solid now in the bay. No movement forward or back which was the main problem.

heres a few pictures.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00140.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00164.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010309.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010307.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/P1010306.jpg

All fitted now with bias box and braided lines throughout the car. All thats left is to bleed of the brakes and get the bias box setup. Once thats done then try using it again lol! who knows it might work this time. :)

All really to do is book it into the body shop. something ive put of for 2 years lol! so suppose i best get it in there. Oh the joys!

[nova---chris]

body wont be done for pv. to late for that. but hopefully the car will make it there :)

Will then get body work sorted after the show. and hoping to have some graphics ready to be put on! :)

[Adam]

Why whats wrong with the bodywork? Looks facking mint to me? Lol

[nova---chris]

Why whats wrong with the bodywork? Looks facking mint to me? Lol

Rear arches were rolled rally style lol! really needs new ones on and rolled properly. Its lived on the drive for 2 years and well shows little signs. nothing major. just a pissa as i aimed to have it done. but main thing is it drives. which is a huge plus lol!

Just made a investment in a 3rd set of wheels also todayf or some cut slicks.
Gives me a set of each now. road tyres / full slicks/ and cuts. Oh the joys!

weathers gash also to get owt done. looks like another soaking in the aid of pv! lol

[Mike]

looking spanky Chris :D

fancy coming round my house and helping figure out this fuel pump melarky lol

[nova---chris]

lol. have to pop over one of the weekends mate!

[nova---chris]

Right been a while since my last update so here goes.
Car was a touch rough round the edges so before my date with quarry at castle combe i booked it in for a quick splash and dash at the paint shop.
Rear arches cleaned up and totally delipped so slicks fit fine. ect.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/nova003.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/nova006.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/nova004.jpg

Anyhow car came back looking very clean. much cleaner than previous. boys at ap cowley done me a good quick job and turned it back to me a in a few days. :)

Then came billing. excellent show with the mig lads on there stand. heres a few pics.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/chrisnovaresize.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/07072007395.jpg

Anyhow next came castle combe track day on the 16th of july.
Had a great day and car went well when it went that is. seems i had a bad fuel starvation problem (fuel surge) after cornering. few other issues also came up which i need to sort. so then came the fixes.
Invested in a 2nd fuel pump /swirl pot /bullet filter / new bearings for lowerd tie bars / plus some other little bits. i shall update shortly with the pics of the swirl pot installation. still not 100 percent finished but only a few connections away now :) should be all go for llandow if all works out fine with where everythings positioned. anyhow enjoy the few pics for now :)

quick link to video of castle combe also

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8645241431996504464&q=july+16th+castle+combe&total=3&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

[Rob77]

That looks and sounds the tits mate!

Straight cut box?

Can here something whine at 4:17 on the video - I assume its a fancy Quaife box or something?

[nova---chris]

That looks and sounds the tits mate!

Straight cut box?

Can here something whine at 4:17 on the video - I assume its a fancy Quaife box or something?

Straight cut box is correcto mundo matey :) :thumb:

[nova---chris]

Swirl pot all fitted. just a few more lines to sort out.
Impossible to make these things look neat without spending stupid amounts. more function over form realy.

went for a facet redtop for a pickup pump. bullet filter . and a motosport sytec fse high pressure pump and 1 1/2 litre swirl pot and some braided hoseing.

heres the **** fitted. far to many fuel lines but if it stops the pain up the **** surgeing then im all for it. probably something wrong amongst it but practice will make perfect hopefully.

check out the fancy boot stay!

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00265.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00266.jpg

[Rob77]

Straight cut box is correcto mundo matey :) :thumb:

Sexual!

Looks like it goes very well!

[nova---chris]

Sexual!

Looks like it goes very well!

Yep it was going well inbetween problems. Still more to come from it once other things are set up properly. But felt really good considering nothing has been aligned up ect ect.

Touch wood with the extra pump and swirl pot we shall be in busniess. if anymore problems then a smaller alloy tank may be in order. :thumb:

[Rob77]

Sounds good mate!

Was that Dan on the video as well? Saw you had pretty much caught him by the end of the video!

PS; fuel setup looks spot on! Hoses are like spaghetti junction!

[nova---chris]

Sounds good mate!

Was that Dan on the video as well? Saw you had pretty much caught him by the end of the video!

PS; fuel setup looks spot on! Hoses are like spaghetti junction!

yep hate so many hoses on show but no real choice tbh. but as longs it works. lol
yes it was dan in the video. his car was going very well again. As for catching him bit hit and miss with issues. start closing in then have no power when it surges . but dans a good driver also' im slowly learning the art of track driving. but its all good fun, :)

[Rob77]

Yeh Dan seems to be a very talented track man! His lines are always silky smooth!

Hope the new fuel setup does the trick for you mate.

[Adam]

Paints looking nice and fresh now.
How much did the quick spray cost?

Strange how you were getting fuelling problems, what tank/pump setup were you using originally?

[Dan]

lol lol lol lol bitches, i had caught him and he had just let me past as i took advantage of his issues which tbh were killing his car in the twisties, although on the straights when he was ok he just toyed with me (and that was only my 5th trackday lol No experience here, just a gibbon behind the wheel)

BACK ON TOPIC

Looks awesome mate and should be the key to the problems :thumb: (if not is still looks cool lol) this car should be one of the fastest around come llandow, with all the little fine tuning changes going on i dread to think how much fun its going to be and cant wait to see it in action again as the noise is just something to be heard in the flesh

[Lee]

Looks well plumbed in there lol

[nova---chris]

Ok did llandow with new fuel setup. everything worked a treat. seems the surge / starvation issue is sorted now. just shatterd a few cvs tho so moving to the uprated shafts and hubs now!! lol
Cars also been stickerd up. might be to some of your liking and no to others but here goes. also a few pics from a track day done recently at llandow. :) hope you all like.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00291.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00290.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/IMG_0269.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/IMG_1197.jpg

[Rob77]

Personally I think that looks the tits mate!

The only stickers I don't like are the small ones (Jamsport etc) on the front bumper.

Glad to hear the fuel problem is sorted!

Rob.

[LONG~BAR]

How much has this Build cost you so far!?!

[ashjones]

imo thats looks fookin mint

[nova---chris]

How much has this Build cost you so far!?!

This i dont intend on thinking of. lol! its cost a good bit of money over the past 3 or 4 years tbh. Alot of parts have gone through the car over them years and then been replaced with uprated parts. Its also been reshelled ect.

As for looks im quite happy now the plain white has gone. stickers are so much better. The bumpers i will sort . just waiting on some more little stickers to be sorted for that.

thanks for the comments peeps :)
next is to get rid of all the little problems and get a full good track day out the thing. ! :)

[spunkymonkey]

That is absolutley stunning!
I'm sure the cost of the build is far out-weighed by the fun to be had out on the track.
It's one of the best WIP threads I've ever had the pleasure to read, top marks.

[Mazz]

I'm a bit 50/50 on the sticker's...they break up the white, but not too sure on the yellow bits.
Love the PNG ones on the wings tho :D

[nova---chris]

Ok had a few weeks of work and thought i best tackle the drive shaft issue.
Anyhow went for the uprated hubs and bigger shafts finally.
Sourced the hubs from a migweb user and orderd shafts from chris astley. also bought a pair of calibra shafts from a mig user so i can rape the cv joints and use them as either trade in or if there in decent condition stick them straight on.
Anyhow work started i stripped old hubs and bearings. got the new hubs and then bought new bearings (again) . built the shafts up all ready to be fitted.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00328.jpg
I purchased a new inner from partco which turned out to be wrong amount of splines. they had boxed it wrong. finally got that sorted and got the shafts on the car. There a huge improvement over the 1.6 shafts i was running previous. touch wood this is the end of shaft and cv issues so frequent.
Next was what oil do i put in the box. after a bit of research i went for the silkolene silktran sync 5 oil. reccomended by many different companies so thought id give it a go. finally purchased it from opie oils(thanks) just over ?35 for 3 litres deliverd to me door!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/White%20nova%20build/DSC00329.jpg
All thats left to do is fit the accelerator cable which decided to snap ! arghh! shouldnt be to bad tho. And seems i might have a leakey input shaft seal on the long shaft side. So that might have to be fetched out at a later date and a new one put in.
When i finally put the suspension together again and hubs ect. i noticed my tracking to be a mile out towing in by about half a foot. lol!!! wtf!!!!!!!! then realised the top camber bolts were a mile out on the shocker. (rubs forehead) lol all sorted and back in 1 peice for now.
bring on the next update lol!!!

[tom_beverley]

Looking good Chris, really liking this car!

[paddy138]

expensive oil there. we sell the engine oil in that make 80 euro a gallon

[nova---chris]

Just a few pictures . Just started it up to make sure everythings still ok and thought id get a few shots. :thumb:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/Latest%20Car%20Pics/DSCF0273.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/Latest%20Car%20Pics/DSCF0272.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/Latest%20Car%20Pics/DSCF0266.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/Latest%20Car%20Pics/DSCF0261.jpg

[Ste L]

looking nice, any pic's of the rear?

[Iain]

Well that looks rather sexy. :D The door handles look flat, any more info on them?

[Adam]

Awesome.
Should be even cooler with the nitrous. :)

[nova---chris]

Door handles are flat. just a nice flat peice of metal painted basically.
tack welded onto normal handle workings. :)

[Lee]

This car is a lost cause, id break it personally.


................ MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA make sure them bolts holing the engine in are tight, i know where you live!

[nova---chris]

This car is a lost cause, id break it personally.


................ MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA make sure them bolts holing the engine in are tight, i know where you live!

Hahaha!! No your not having it. well not just yet anyhow !!! lol

[ashjones]

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/Nova---Chris/Latest%20Car%20Pics/DSCF0272.jpg


is it just me or is this tyre the wrong rotation

lovely nova though mate

[125scouse]

racelines = PERFECTION

[Mint FRST]

Any gen on the alternator reposition? Please preety please!

[Welsh Dan]

is it just me or is this tyre the wrong rotation

Its not you.

[nova---chris]

oh dear the tyre thing again. Wheels were just on so car can be moved. dont worry about the rotation issue. I use slicks on track :)

[Plug]

lol

[nova---chris]

Time as come . Project is over. broken for parts.

Came to my senses finally and nova had to go. but will be replacing it with something ok -ish i think! :thumb:

Parts for sale on the forsale section and across on migweb.

cheers all
Chris

[craig green]

Big shame, thought you'd use it in anger properly a few times first?

[Mazz]

oh dude :(

[Adam]

Big shame, thought you'd use it in anger properly a few times first?
What he said/\

The track days you did manage to do, you had a few problems on iirc too? :(

[Plug]

shame to see yet another nova broken

[nova---chris]

it went to llandow twice / combe and a few other places.
But agreed we never did fully iron out the issues.

But lee did have a chance to take it on track and give it beans. And might agree that with the issues sorted out it would have been one hell of a track slag. We gave some strikers and westys a good whoopin while at combe. (got some good comments afterwards too) enjoyable day.

Just a case of me changing . wanting a nice everyday car. wanting to pay bills of. and just a change . Cant be botherd anymore messing with it.
So while i had some good offers on the table i took the chance to make decent money and get rid.

Next power could either be jap or german. 4.4 v8 or 2litre turbo. we shall see. decisions decisions! :thumb:

[nova---chris]

well over a year past and do i miss it. nah not really lol!!
In a way i sold out at the right time. paid of some debt before i lost my job (made redundant) altho i got a nice payout for 10 years service. so left me in a decent situation tbh!

Bought the beemer which has been nice ! not quick but just nice !! glad the everyday issues have been left behind. altho i still do have hopes of buying a e39 m5 at some point. see what happens!!


anyhow as i noticed the date on my thread just thought id post up!! :thumb:

happy days all you nova modders :)

[Lee]

Dont bump old threads! lol lol

On a serious note, I hope you can come out in mine and get to use the engine properly. i know I want to lol

[Ernie]

no you did that to the last one and broke it lol.