View Full Version : My 2L 8V, Inspiration Required
Well i decided to write this thread in the hope it would help me to get motivated to finish my nova off and get her back on the road,
I owned the car now for 2 years, only ever had it on the road for around 2 months before disaster struck and 2 piston rings failed and basicly its been in the garage since.
I bought the car prity well modded, it had a fully (i was told) rebuilt 20ne engine astra gte big valve head with manta twin choke carb, speedlines, jmax suspension, ashley eshaust and a fully respray with new rear arches and a few nice details like the lourves on the bonnet and the bmw side indicators.
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6907/thedogcp4.jpg
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/1436/novaenginebayms5.jpg
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9164/nova004lp0.jpg
Above is a picture of how she looked when i bought her..
when the priston rings give up on me and i removed the engine i noticed that the engine bay wasnt as clean as the rest of the car as it hadnt been painted when the shell had been done, i decided that i would stich weld the bay and paint it..
In the mean time i had decided that i was going to buy my first house and as money was very tight i never sorted the nova so it has lay in my shed ever since.
In the space of the 2 years its been layed up tho ive collected sum stuff that i want to use to help restore my nova to its former glory..
gsi Interior
front omp strut brace
A steven Gault flowed seh head
Twin 40 Webbers + all fixtures and fittings
Kent fast road cam
Manta 400 mirrors
Mint MiM raffinhos
Home made euro style rear lights
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9005/enginebaydc7.jpg
Engine Bay ready for painting!
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6389/fronttr1.jpg
Lourved bonnet
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/5471/bonnetnh6.jpg
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9904/sidery4.jpg
Manta mirrors
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1986/mirrorslf7.jpg
Engine parts
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3866/enginebitsuj7.jpg
Raffinhos
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4845/raffinostx1.jpg
Ive had the engine bay welded up and have been in touch with a body man
my good mate keith robinson uses, he's gonna tidy up the stich welds and repaint the engine bay,
At this moment in time im in 2 minds what to do with the engine, I got another bottom end to use, have replaced most of the seals and gaskets, i reckon if i fit the head and get the carbs set up it will do till nxt winter when i will rebuild the engine fully, or maybe go down the turbo route.. Or should i rebuild now and save me time and hassle in the future, i really just want to get the car on the road again as it wont take a great lot to do so.
Let me know what you guys think, all comments very welcome
cheers
if youve got everything to put the original engine back in (20l 8v) and you want the car on the road id sling that in, that way you can get yourself another engine and take your time stripping it down and rebuilding etc if thats what your wanting to do
edit - car looks stunning aswell, get it done !!! lol
I agree with Mr Draper. GET IT DONE:thumb:
Matt2107
10-05-07, 02:42 PM
Side repeaters look ace... I'd always wondered how well they'd suit a nova.
craig green
10-05-07, 04:24 PM
Just get out in the garage & start whacking it back together.
I've made plenty of progress recently, yet I went out last night after tea & I recxkon I spent almost an hour just doing nothing & poking about in boxes waiting for the inspiration to kick in.
When it does you will be off! Try & draw up a timetable of when you can work on it & what you can realistically achieve. Work to it & stick to it...
Its a nice looking car & like me you just want to enjoy it. Speak to Keith R & get a hardon going over Novas again & then get in the garage & dont come out until its done! :thumb:
krobinson
10-05-07, 05:56 PM
Just give me a Call whatever weekend you want to start work on it boss! Get it out to terry houston to sort the engine bay, and two weekends would have it road worthy again!
Keith
I must call out to the body man 2day and get the ball rolling,
My problem is ive been really tempted resently by a few other cars that ive nearly bought and if i did i wouldnt have the money to sort the nova, im just gonna hvae to stay focused!!
shy witness
02-06-07, 06:08 PM
that looks like a crackin wee nova
i know what ya mean about motivation though......
i've 2 auld novas half stripped and 2bh........im finding the whole time and dedication thing a real problem(i havent even looked at either in 6 or more months)
thats why ive logged back onto this forum for the 1st time in ages ..and looked through the work in progress threads
im trying 2 get a bit of motivation back 2gether and try n get at least 1 half decent nova back on the road
hopefully we both manage 2 do so.......
good luck mate
well finally got my act together and got the car off to the body shop, work being done is, new front panel, strengthening seem welds smoothed over, engine bay painted. went over yesterday and took some pictures of the progress,
Top half of old front panel removed
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1038/ss850428tg1.jpg
Bottom half
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/871/ss850429so3.jpg
New front panel to go on
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/6836/ss850430ba1.jpg
Prep work
http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/551/ss850432iu5.jpg
Good solid inner arch
http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/8695/ss850435do4.jpg
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6523/ss850427cn1.jpg
Making decent progress now, more pics to follow on monday when it will hopefully be painted! :)
carls nova sri
09-09-07, 01:53 PM
good project carn't wait to see pics
krobinson
09-09-07, 02:03 PM
Good work Cormac, hopefully he'll make a good job of the bay for you!
tom_beverley
10-09-07, 11:06 AM
Good work, nice to see another one on its way to 'finishedness' lol Keep us posted on the progress!
bodyman just after ringing me to tell me it shall be ready to collect tonight :-) was over this morning and he had her ready for final coat, front panel has turned out a very good job indeed, alot to be said for renewing rather than patching up the old one.. more pictures in the morning!!
vaughanmc
10-09-07, 07:09 PM
Can't wait to see it Cormac :)
Nice car mate, we need more 8 valvers! new front panel should be all good once its painted up, keep up the good work.
well cars back from bodyshop and ready to be built back together, Very happy the way its turned out, new front panel has been well fitted and everything seems to line up quite well, will be ordering a new set of wings in the near future as these ones have started to go were they meet the front panel, but that'll be easy enough sorted..
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/63/ss850445zy1.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/1587/ss850448vs4.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6215/ss850449an0.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2509/ss850450xt5.jpg
Now the rebuilding work shall start, hopefully have her moted and on road again by xmas :D
tom_beverley
11-09-07, 02:11 PM
Wow, looks a very nice job that :)
craig green
11-09-07, 02:31 PM
That brings back memories.
Nice job, crack on!
Dan 130
11-09-07, 05:48 PM
spangly dangly does look a very good job just try not to scratch it putting it back together lol
raymond
11-09-07, 06:36 PM
very nice matey good little project :thumb:
General Baxter
11-09-07, 07:30 PM
to get the most out of them T40, your going to need a dizzy with a weight advance, not an injection one ;)
krobinson
11-09-07, 07:41 PM
Looks good cormac, couldnt see it very well in the dark last night. Give me a shout for help when your next working on it :)
Terri-ann
11-09-07, 08:00 PM
Looks good cormac, couldnt see it very well in the dark last night. Give me a shout for help when your next working on it :)
Providing i havent booked you first!! lol
Looking good cormac! :):)
to get the most out of them T40, your going to need a dizzy with a weight advance, not an injection one ;)
were would i get of these contrapstions??
Welsh Dan
28-09-07, 10:08 AM
A carbed engine, or you could use mapped ignition.
just vaux trev
29-09-07, 12:48 AM
my inspiration came back to finish my red top project after having a good look at other peoples projects and seeing others ideas and plans,,,
not far to go on mine (shafts n exhaust) keep it up and keep up the posts
that engine bay looks ace, very impressed keep up the good work
maccas
blue_peg_16v
03-10-07, 10:52 AM
ive got a 1.6 mk2 cavalier dizzy on my valver with carbs not sure if it will fit an 8v though
Few more update pics from 2day,Sorry for poor quality but were took on my crappy phone, Keith was kind enough to come out and give me a wee hand getting the engine built together, First jobs of the day was to get a coat of paint on the engine block and the head, keith made a very good job of polishing up the cam carrier which looks very tidy now, Lots of degreesing required to the head as i had it flowed and skimmed and was left very messy, We then got the new kend cam transfered into the 18E cam carrier, handy enough job, Then after a few coats of silver paint to the head everything was ready to be bolted together..
http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/2000/dsc003732wx1.jpg
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/671/dsc003712rn6.jpg
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2640/dsc003752lw4.jpg
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5997/dsc003792sk5.jpg
Last job of the day was to trial fit the T40's to see how they looked, me really impressed and now cant wait to get engine fitted and get her running.. Many thanks for your help 2day keith, it'll all be repayed tho when you get your engine back lol
Final pic of the unit nearly ready for fitting.
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6606/dsc003862iu8.jpg
krobinson
05-11-07, 09:36 PM
Looks brilliant, Must say tho i'm wrecked after being in the freezing cold all day!
Keith
craig green
05-11-07, 09:36 PM
BO! 8v, carbs goodness.
Glad its given you the bug to do the next phase Cormac. Keep at it!
krobinson
05-11-07, 09:42 PM
Cormac's like a Train once he get's going!
shy witness
05-11-07, 09:53 PM
super stuff mate
im finding motivation very hard 2 find thes days to be honest
i've been working silly /awkward hour recently.....anmd have had time to do naff all
Cormac's like a Train once he get's going!
Its getting me going is the trouble lol
Hopefully should have engine in place by end of week.. and thats basicly the hard work done :D
vaughanmc
05-11-07, 10:13 PM
Such a poser Keith!
Kool engine!
peester
05-11-07, 11:03 PM
good progress, onto a winner..
novacabrio
05-11-07, 11:11 PM
Nice
walker-nova
07-12-07, 07:33 PM
nice work lad cant wait to see this finished
Update Time!
Times been quite limited lately but still got a fair bit done, Re brake piped the car,Fitted new flexis, Fitted new wishbones-balljoints, Re fitted engine, Few things holding me up now, have had to order a few items which im waiting on, Eshaust manifold studs, Radiator clips, Oil cooler, cool running stat to name a few, Had hoped to have car running this week but that now looks unlikely,
Need to order up sum new discs too, Ive vecky sri calipiers so im needing 280mm(give or take a few mm) discs, any recomendations on were to buy these?
few pics below..
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/7592/ss8507352kl7.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/653/ss8507362jc1.jpg
Trying carbs on for size..
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/2084/ss8507432jb6.jpg
Nicely painted inner arches(thanks to keith for help with this) Also newly fitted wishbones and balljoints, Note havented painted tie/roll bars yet!
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9351/ss8507452xt8.jpg
Now i need to source myself an altnator adjustment bracket(carb manifold dont have a fitting for this) and also a timing belt cover, if anyone reading has one let me know..
More updates soon..
Looks good mate, pity you cant get it running yet as it looks like its nearly ready now, nice bit of clearnce even with the carbs on. :thumb:
You could try ebay shops for the dics or pads, I got my mintex 256s for about ?50 delivered whereas vauxhall or my local parts place wanted ?70 for GM ones!
DW-Nova
29-01-08, 10:03 PM
Looking really good mate, the bay looks excellent in the new paint with the fresh looking 8 valve in there, i reckon the 8v is a good choice too, nice and easy to work on and more reliable.
krobinson
30-01-08, 09:49 PM
Looking good pal!!
Cheers folks, things have been moving at a snails pace lately need to get the finger out again.. Had to wait for a few things from vauxhall which have held me back a little but all systems go again :-)
vaughanmc
03-02-08, 11:05 AM
Looks minted Cormac - Can't wait to get my front end all painted now and engine bay tidied up etc
Good inspiration this car for mine ;)
Another wee update again,
Have The engine going again, Its running far too rich so need to get the carbs re jetted and the engine set up on rollers, have a vierner pulley on the way too.. Everythings comming together nicely no, just need to get inside sorted now..
For sum reason my inlet manifold dont have any holes on it to allow me to fit the alternator adjuster bracket to it, has anyone else had simular problems? ill post up sum pics of the problem 2morra..
2 crappy cam pics of the raffinhos fitted below..
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/259/raffys2vj1.jpg
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/9030/raffysaz1.jpg
nov4801
27-02-08, 01:12 AM
looking good mate.
vaughanmc
27-02-08, 07:33 AM
Looks proper old skool with them on it mate - Need some better pics though :);)
will do later mate, Batterys died on the digi so just look a few phone pics,
The drilled/grooved 288mm discs look great behind the raffinhos..
I was planning on painting the rims anthersite, but they look great in the silver.. dunno wat to do now...
vaughanmc
27-02-08, 05:37 PM
I'd keep them the original silver if I was you - They look awsome :)
Thinking that myself now too, Got 2 new avon tyres ordered for them, one is nearly done and i may aswell change the opposite side too as its not great..
Finished off the brake pipping 2nite, had to abandon it the other nite as i couldnt find one of the rear flexis id bought, still couldnt find it 2day so had to go buy a new one..
Job 2nite is try and get to the bottom of the timming issue, ive had the belt of 4 times now but cant get the marks to match up, its deffo a tooth out, sounds a little like a scooby lol If i cant get it sorted the guy whos setting up the carbs will just have to sort it for me..
Will throw up some pics later when im home again!
krobinson
27-02-08, 07:23 PM
Lookin good cormac, cant wait to see better pics!!
Keith
vaughanmc
27-02-08, 10:13 PM
What size of tyres did you got for as the Raffino's are 17" ?
that bay looks sweet hope you get it runnin well soon
Few pics from earlyer..
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4928/ss850863fx7.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1890/ss850869tq0.jpg
Gsi vecky discs and calipers really look at home here :-)
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4156/ss850871mu1.jpg
Engine bay nearly complete, bit of tidying left to do, need a catch tank also,
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9034/ss850880pv0.jpg
Nice new 5 stud discs redrilled to 4 stud
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8366/ss850886gc3.jpg
One problem i had was there was nowere on inlet manifold to mount the alternator tensioner,
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/2408/ss850882wa1.jpg
Made myself a bracket which bolts to the rear of the thersmostat housing which is idealy located for the job.
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8286/ss850890ef9.jpg
Bracket in place with tensioner fitted, Job done!
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1433/ss850892qu2.jpg
Till next time!!:D
nov4801
28-02-08, 02:24 AM
looking good mate.
krobinson
02-03-08, 07:51 PM
Lookin really good cormac. Your bumpers done in a nice gloss black with gloss black skirts now would look great :D
Keith
that's looking really nice! Good work matey!
Lookin really good cormac. Your bumpers done in a nice gloss black with gloss black skirts now would look great :D
Keith
Aye we're deffo getting there, Anthersited gsi front and back bumpers with gsi skirts maybe, but then she'll just be like all the other gsi reps about,
Nearly forgot the 400 mirrors, much get the base plates sorted for them and get them mounted!!!
Few more pictures taken 2day, Took her down the road a run for the first time, goes very well, didnt want to go too far as its badly off on the fueling, waiting for my veriner to arrive then i can get her away to get set u properly..
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/754/untitled1bv0.jpg
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/9604/untitled4mh0.jpg
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/4030/untitled5bx7.jpg
You not put the 400 Mirriors on ???
What do they look like?
Coming along nicely, not sure about the big wheels myself but its your car.
What size discs are they you've got? Look quite cosy with the 17s on.
krobinson
05-03-08, 07:03 PM
That looks mega impressive!!!!!!!!
yeah the manta 400 mirrors will be nxt to go on.. just have to get the bases painted black again as my **** body man decided to paint them all red on me..
Steve:- I wouldnt have went for 17's but for the raffinhos, always wanted a set and after a very long search i got em, I think they look great on her..
vaughanmc
05-03-08, 10:03 PM
Looks awsome mate - Back lights really set it off, wouldn't mind a set for mine now after seeing those :)
NovaJackie
12-08-08, 10:44 PM
looks brilliant Cormac, good bita work done but well worth it!
cheers jackie, she's kina been forgot about over the summer, The engines been giving me a few problems but she'll not beat me!!
this looks sweet as i love it! :thumb:
krobinson
14-08-08, 07:56 PM
Thats the Spirit Cormac :)
krobinson
13-03-09, 06:32 PM
Get the finger firmly removed!!
Ahh dam you for reminding me about this, She's currently stored away under an inch of dust lol
krobinson
13-03-09, 10:58 PM
I think it needs a LET.....
I wondered what happened to this, look forward to the next update.
shy witness
14-03-09, 12:38 AM
yip
nice looking nova this one aswell i think.
did you have much more to do to it or anything?
it looks pretty complete to me
dj_wudgey
14-03-09, 12:46 AM
looks tidy through your thread dude any changes planned?
Nova_Tek
14-03-09, 11:57 AM
Looking good Cormac, how Nova's should be done. Subtle look, low, big brakes, nice exhaust and the best bit under the bonnet :thumb:
Good job
nice car prefered the speedlines on it though
NOVA-KID-93
29-06-09, 08:12 PM
Nice car mate, the wheels look great :thumb:
krobinson
29-06-09, 08:14 PM
Wont be sorted for a while yet folks
krobinson
03-01-10, 07:15 PM
Bump - Enthusiasum required!
I know the feeling, mines finally back on the road but im far from happy with it!! How much needs doing to it?
novalicous
03-01-10, 09:34 PM
just read threw the whole thread and it has gave me some good ideas for my upcoming project
cormac your car looks sweet with those raffinos :thumb:
cant wait to see the next updates :d
Yea mate car looks mint keep up the good work an lets see it at some shows this year.
dam u Keith... The cars been forgot this past while. ive sold off most of the engine. was thinking about going down redtop route but now the plan is to get it moted with the origional 2l 8 v fitted then take it from there.. more pics and progress report very soon
ill start my thread sometime today take a look lol its been through one hell of a ride. :) i know the feeling.
nova_niek
04-01-10, 01:32 PM
the plan is to get it moted with the origional 2l 8 v fitted then take it from there.. more pics and progress report very soon
Soon as in "months rather than days" soon? ;)
(I had better keep my mouth shut - my poor GSi has been sitting for 7 years now awaiting a new head gasket amongst other things... :roll:)
Good luck Cormac, yours is a nice one and deserves TLC. Finger officially pulled out now?
Cheers,
Niek
Definitely keep it 8v mate, not enough people want to be different and those wheels and the 8v make it that little bit different. Read my project thread if you want inspiration, I think I should have listened to everyone when they said re-shell but oh well lol
krobinson
04-01-10, 07:51 PM
Keep er lit!
krobinson
26-01-10, 06:30 PM
Sorted yet? When we doing an all nighter build?
Progresssssssssssssssssssss?
novacabrio
26-01-10, 06:48 PM
I heard its getting a hover conversion?
krobinson
03-03-10, 06:03 PM
http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141622&page=1
Zero Updates, It'll be at billing tho so i'd better get the finger out!!!!
krobinson
09-03-10, 09:55 AM
Finger + out!
My 2.0 8v will be there this year, lets try and make it 2 mate.
krobinson
23-03-10, 08:17 PM
Billing's only a few months away!
Ok well here goes nothing...
Sat down the other night and had a quiet word with myself, I've had this nova for 5 years now and most of the time its been parked up in the garage. What to do i thought? 8v, 16v, turbo even? Ok decision made, a redtop is a good comprimise. can be done on a decent budget and will give me all the fun i want.
So as of yesterday i've started sourcing parts, hopefully will have a deal thrashed out for ben parkers JP eshaust, the drivers side mount has already been lowered so just the rear mount to sort. I need shafts so if anyone readiing has a spare set then let me know
I'm going to look at a complete sri cav next wknd which will hopefully provide the donor.
Took a few pics tonight of the car looking a little sad for itself.
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3163/picture123030.jpg
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/6393/picture123041.jpg
Oh and my freshly painted garage walls lol
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/2455/picture123037.jpg
Hopefully i'll the parts required over the next few weeks then me and Mr Robinson will take a wknd and get the engine running. well thats the plan anyways.......
craig green
18-04-10, 11:24 PM
Doesnt look sad at all mate. Good luck with the XE install.
Thanks for that Craig
Thinking of a slight exterior freshen up also. quite like the idea of smoothing the bumbers and painting them grey plus adding gsi skirts.
XE (boo!!) thats a shame mate, was nice thinking that there might be more than one 2.0 8v at billing this year lol lol
Good luck with the rest of the build.
krobinson
19-04-10, 06:14 PM
Woohoo, finally!! Glad to hear you've seen the light. Hopefully this cavalier will come up trumps and we'll get the engine swapped over soon.
Looking forward to getting my hands dirty!!
krobinson
27-02-11, 04:28 PM
Almost a year later... Well Cormac, will it happen in 2011?
Royston
27-02-11, 04:45 PM
Almost a year later... Well Cormac, will it happen in 2011?
Are you shaming Cormac into completing thislol
Come on Cormac:d
krobinson
10-01-12, 07:34 PM
Will it happen in 2012??
gary_126
10-01-12, 11:04 PM
"good things come to those who wait!" ... Hopefully anyway lol
cormac81
11-01-12, 11:02 AM
Did the raffinos go? lovely wee car hopefully it sees the road again soon.
krobinson
11-01-12, 12:51 PM
Fact
novalovingned
11-01-12, 01:51 PM
Jeez I thought my 5 year build was slow ;)
krobinson
11-01-12, 11:50 PM
Cormac, extreme length nova build champion 1993.
krobinson
19-08-12, 05:57 PM
Ta Daaaaa
Ta Daaaaa
Done?? lol
Nick.
krobinson
19-08-12, 07:02 PM
He's renewed enthusiasm for another week LOL
NOV4_SPORT
19-08-12, 08:10 PM
Lol I thought there was a progress up date for a moment
Iain
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