Spaceframed SR20DET RWD Nova

[The Simps]

Picked up this beast a few months back for a measly £70. It was gonna be used just to swap on insurance against my turbo to get a refund then scrapped. Once I got the car back I saw how clean it was and decided to build a budget track car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/04-09-07.jpg

Its got a big dent in the quarter...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/04-09-071.jpg

A light tap up the bottom Andyracer style...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/04-09-072.jpg~original

And the roof and bonnet are riddled with dents so much so puddles actually form! lmao But it all ads to the chararcter and they will stay this way.

[The Simps]

So on with the stripping!

Clean boot floor...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-09-072.jpg

Bit of rust here to deal with...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-09-071.jpg

Whoopsie...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-09-07.jpg

Clean floor pan..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-09-073.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-09-074.jpg

[The Simps]

Completely untouched wiring loom...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-09-07.jpg

Clean battery tray...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-09-071.jpg

Clean engine bay...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/18-11-071.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/18-11-072.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/18-11-073.jpg

[Stoo]

kin hell it has got 'character' lol

[The Simps]

Let some mechanics begin!

Front suspension all stripped out and bottom arms sent off to be modded along with tie bar brackets...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/24-11-077.jpg

Cleaned up my f16cr which might be used..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/24-11-075.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/24-11-076.jpg

Acquired some vectra v6 rear hubs to fit to go 5 stud but compared to cav items the handbrake cable is on the bottom not top but with a little shaving of the conversion plate they will fit...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/24-11-07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/24-11-074.jpg

[The Simps]

And thats where I am at the moment!

Once the bottom arms and brackets are done the front suspension can go off to powder coaters. The 5 stud machined fronts have been ordered so will hopefully tie in the bits back from the coaters then front end can get back on wheels.

The car will then go to mates where we will convert the rear beam and do all the shell prep.

Happy days! :D

[The Simps]

kin hell it has got 'character' lol

Thats what I love about it!

When finished it will look exactly as the top pic but slammed on turbo rims.

But under the bonnet, underneath and inside it will be immaculately presented.

[Stoo]

looks like its gonna be mint - in a good sort of way, not concourse stylee lol

[The Simps]

lol

[craig green]

Loving how bent the rear panel is.....

great to see the project over here too mate!

[The Simps]

great to see the project over here too mate!

I've been umming and arring over it as my red one was over here but I always forgot to update it! lol I spend more time in here now so shouldn't happen with this one.

:thumb:

[The Simps]

Got some more boring jobs done yesterday, but neccessary jobs.

Rolled this old heap out the way...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-07.jpg

So I can stick the gearbox in the booth along with my V6 calipers...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-071.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-072.jpg

[The Simps]

Got the satin black lashed on the g unit and I thought I'd go gold on the calipers as it "might" look good behind the anthracite wheels. Gonna give it a try and will go black if it looks like bottom...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-073.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-075.jpg

[The Simps]

Next up was to mod the rear mount. Took lots of pics of this so people can see what's involved, sorry if its egg sucking for the big block pro's out there! So here's one mount...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-076.jpg

With one of the spacers lined up you can see which bit needs notching out...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-077.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-078.jpg

[The Simps]

Marked out then in with grinder...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-079.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-0710.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-0711.jpg

[The Simps]

Do the same on the other side and a little bit of finishing and it all fits together nicely...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-0712.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-0713.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-0714.jpg


The mounts now in the ever building box of bits for powdercoating! Until next time kids.

[saloonwoody]

you gonna weld that mount too ?? looks like the start of a good project tho .

[The Simps]

I had thought about it yeah cos the one I converted from my sri has extra bracing on it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Mechanical/28.jpg


But does it really need it with the 2 tubes on there?

[Paul]

They can crack withou that extra top brace.

[Paul]

How rude of me, Top work mate, nice little how to there for that mount too!

[peester]

sound as a pound here, liking the in-depthness... like trade secrets.

[The Simps]

They can crack withou that extra top brace.

I'll get something welded in then.

Cheers for the replies.

[Paul]

Mine cracked like this:

Since, I have either used ones with the bar, or welded mine together

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/lashednova/mount1.jpg

TOP TIP: IF welding plates and mount together, then screw bolts into g'box first, tack it together (anything that can move). Otherwise you could weld it all together, then realise its was too close and bolts dont go in as nicely as they should do, putting excess strain on gearbox casting, or worse still not go in at all!!!

[mikey14sr]

I'd just box over it with some 2/3mm plate.

[The Simps]

Made a trip up to see Mr Astley yesterday afternoon to infect the workshop with my flu! muhuhahahahaha

Picked up some goodies aswell as having a catch up. Got my new 5 stud front hubs, plating kit, top plates, rear disc conversion plates and an f28 mount kit.

Seeing my mate tomorrow night at our christmas lunch and hopefully he's finished my bottom arms and tie bar brackets. I can them give him the rear mount to beef up then all can go to the powder coaters in the new year.

Its coming along, just slowly.....

[BIGS]

im going to look forward to this being finished

[The Simps]

Been staying at my folks over the festive period so it gave me a chance to have a little mince!

Main aim was to get the f28 mount welded in while my f28 was out of my other nova. So armed with my new air tools I set about removing the old mount! Considering it was my 1st time with a spot weld drill I was quite pleased. I missed the spot welds a couple of times lmao and went a little too deep but this will be covered up by strengthening plates anyways.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-12-07.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-12-071.jpg


Grinded it smoother and just put a little paint on it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-12-072.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-12-073.jpg

[The Simps]

Shaun, Steve and welding Chief Marty came round today and we set about lining the mount up!

This was made considerably easier for the fact I had a bare block to move round. So we slid in the engine 1st on the jack and got it on its mount. We then supported it with the engine brace. Gbox on jack next and slid under and a couple of bolts through the bellhousing to the block. Engine brace was then moved to support both engine and gbox better.

The rear mount was then bolted up and then we looked to adjust it level ready to tack the mount.

We found that the engine mount sat too high and was gonna sit on the bonnet. You can see in the pics how the end caps are higher on one side. When we done Shaun's nova we had to put a spacer in the mount to lower it down so we're gonna do the same on this one. I'll have a word with Chris next week about it and see if its right as both mounts are from his kit.

Anyway, mount all tacked in, engine and box out then finish welded.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-12-075.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-12-076.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-12-077.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-12-078.jpg

:cool:

[krobinson]

That your welding mate? If so its looking really well! You've come along way baby! lol

[Lee H]

You not fitting a strengthening kit to this shell then Simps, only the plate has to go on before you weld the F28 mount on IIRC?

[The Simps]

That your welding mate? If so its looking really well! You've come along way baby! lol

I wish! lol Got someone in to do it now!



You not fitting a strengthening kit to this shell then Simps, only the plate has to go on before you weld the F28 mount on IIRC?

Plating kit is to go on but I'm gonna have to custom cut a plate to go round the mount and under like on the other side. Its all in hand.

[cavlad]

Nice Progress Mate Cant Wait To See It With The Turbo Rims On Never Seen A Nova Wit Them On B4

[ade]

looks really good! Love the welding - hope mine's as good as that when I start. Love the air tools too!

[The Simps]

Not a massive update but got some bits back I've been waiting for from a mate who'd welded some plates in and I just needed to finish them off with a file etc. They can go off for powder coating this week and I'll get the poly bushes ordered so sometime over easter it can be put onto its wheels and moved to its new home where work can commence!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/02-03-2008.jpg

[Count Vaux Alot]

Looking good, cant wait to see it moving on! Keep up the good work.

[The Simps]

With the front suspension parts back from the powder coaters I set about getting a bit of bush action!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/21-03-082.jpg


Put together the new hubs!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/21-03-083.jpg


Pre-assembled in the shed while it was raining.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/21-03-084.jpg


And threw it all on!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/21-03-085.jpg


Car is no ready to be trailored over Mr Launder's who's kindly offered to store it for me so I can work on it a little closer to home. Hopefully it'll move this weekend and we can then get the bum in the air and set about converting the rear beam to disc & 5 stud.

Onwards and upwards!

[craig green]

Nice one dude.

Having it nearby helps with getting the hours in!

[Adam]

Nice work Simps

[The Simps]

Its been a nice day today so took advantage. Car is now at its new home at Larnder manor..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-04-08.jpg


I removed the rear beam 1st and got it stripped down ready to fit the vectra hubs..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-04-083.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-04-084.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-04-085.jpg

[The Simps]

I love how clean this car is underneath!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-04-081.jpg


Fuel tank out next followed by brake & fuel lines. Underneath is pretty much ready to go for welding. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-04-086.jpg

[Adam]

Nice, looks a solid shell :)

[R1CH]

I removed the rear beam 1st and got it stripped down ready to fit the vectra hubs..

Hope you have as much fun fitting them as i did !!
Looks like its coming on anyway ... crack on !!

[The Simps]

yeah, read your guide and how you mounted them upside down.

I've been eying it up tho and really can't see what difference its gonna make having the cable run along the bottom? astra gsi cable should be more than long enough and looks as if just a little needs shaving off the conversion plate.

[R1CH]

Aye, i'm sure it'll be better with the Astra cables, i'm 1/2 tempted to re-do mine, one of my cable guides have snapped off so might have a go with the Astra cables ... i'll see how you get on.
Biggest pain imo is making anough room to get the nuts on the 4 studs.

[The Simps]

what cables are you running at the moment then?

The stubs do look like they are gonna be an ass. Not my worry tho. Handing it over to my mechanic/welder mate with a rough description of what I want and he'll sort it! lol

[R1CH]

Nova long cable, MK2 Cav short cable, same as whats used on most rear disk conversions.
Aye always easier to give someone else the hassel of getting things to fit !! lol

[The Simps]

Dropped the beam off to mate today who is going to get the conversion plates welded on the set the whole beam up in a jig and reset it so the hub face has 1deg -ve camber each side :cool:

So with not much to do I set to my rear inner arches with a brush to see what they were like and I'm pleased...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/19-04-08.jpg


I then got bored and started messing around...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/19-04-081.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/19-04-083.jpg


Thats on 205/45 tyres which is what I'll probably run and its hitting the top of the arch. looks like I'll be tubbing the rears then! lmao

[Rick Draper]

Are u going 2 sort out the bodywork or leave it as it is?

[The Simps]

leave as is :D

After owning my red one I want a car I can drive hard on track and not worry about knocking it.

[Rick Draper]

I understand where u are coming from but why not get a cheap blowover?

[The Simps]

but why waste money?
the whole car is riddled with dents

[The Simps]

remember, its not a show car. its a pure track abuser!

[Rick Draper]

I know but even that i think i would have to have looking nice and tidy.

[The Simps]

I just don't see it as an important part of the budget. Its very bottom of the list if on it at all. Doubt I'll even bother washing it!

My biggest spends will be £5-600 on the coilovers and the cage I want is £600. Everything else will be under £50 parts mostly or free.

[Rick Draper]

Is that a weld in cage?

[The Simps]

will be yeah.

[DW-Nova]

yeh keep it looking like a nail, or maybe add some stupid chav bits like a motorsport sunstrip, chrome strips and some diy peeling window tints lol, make it really embarassing for the people who try to race it lol.

[The Simps]

yeh keep it looking like a nail, or maybe add some stupid chav bits like a motorsport sunstrip, chrome strips and some diy peeling window tints lol, make it really embarassing for the people who try to race it lol.


That would just be sad and wasting money!

Gone are the days were I'm gonna spend money on cars unneccesarily.

[611rbx]

im with you on this one,who cares what it looks like!!! as long as it goes well!!! looks are the last thing to worry about!!! once you get it looking tidy like you say caution comes to mind and thats when the fun starts to stop!!!

[The Simps]

im with you on this one,who cares what it looks like!!! as long as it goes well!!! looks are the last thing to worry about!!! once you get it looking tidy like you say caution comes to mind and thats when the fun starts to stop!!!


:thumb:

[The Simps]

Got the vectra hub converted beam back today!

The usual weld on plate malarky and notch out the top left of the axle as below for the top left nut...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-08.jpg


The vectra hubs have the handbrake cable along the bottom so moved the guide round and welded a tube section in for the astra cable. I might have to cut this into the beam more yet as it sits cose to the chassis (too high)...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-082.jpg


Not going to paint it all up etc to last minute incase there's a few other bits to change so onto the car it went!

[The Simps]

I had about 1deg -ve camber put into the beam when the plates were welded on and with the 205/45 tyres I had to pursuade it past the chassis. This will be sorted when the turrets go in...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-083.jpg


This is as high as they go touching the top of te arch...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-084.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-085.jpg

[The Simps]

This is what you need to run the astra gsi handbrake cable...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-087.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-088.jpg


And then I started to remove the tar deadening. Luckily the rusty bits is where its just started to get damp so is only surface!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-089.jpg


Until next time :D

[Austin_Nova16]

Nice progress.

The cally T wheels really do look the part on the saloon! :cool:

[The Simps]

Suit them don't they.

Gonna have to copy you and go for a side exit out passenger side. With no fuel tank there's plenty of room for a silencer so rather than trying to bend around the beam.

[Adam]

Aye, im liking the rims too.

Good work :)

[The Simps]

grabbed all my old xe engine bits out yesterday to see whats missing/needed etc. I'm gonna just do a quick rebuild on that and run an XE this summer until I can afford the LET. I want the rest of the car to all be ready and spec'd before I go turbo.

Anyway, I was pleasantly suprised to find the spare head I had (when I bought the LET for my red nova I swapped heads fo my gas flowed one) is actually COSCAST an has the mounting brackets for DISPACK which is something I wanted to convert to. Billy bonus. So I got that all skimmed yesterday and dad should be getting all the valves all lapped in etc and rebuilt the next few days.

As soon as the corsa I've taken in as p/x against the nova has gone I'll order my cage and the major welding can commence on the shell!

Happy times.

[craig green]

You took P/X on your other Nova?

LOL I didnt realise you were trading now....

[The Simps]

You took P/X on your other Nova?

LOL I didnt realise you were trading now....

neither did I!! lol

chap gave me a deposit to hold the car for him for 4wks until he sold his car. He wasn't able to sell the car and knowing how much he really wanted the nova we done a really good deal where we were both happy. I got a wedge of cash, kept my coilovers and gave him a fair price on his corsa which i should get back selling it on.

Selling it on has been tricky tho - I've been enjoying driving it and decided to put a full 60mm suspension kit on it! lmao Been riding around in it but will stick a sign in it monday. Really clean little car. 1.6 16v sport on R plate with only 70k, immacualte interior, 3mth old sofstars and now a brand new supsension kit! lmao

Here's a pre-lowering pic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/P4260100.jpg

[The Simps]

Been generally mincing this weekend eyeing things up and gathering bits.

I've got a cav shifter but also got this one from a tigra which is already the correct length but does have a dip in it and the wrong end type. I'm gonna look to see if it will fit and just swap over the ends on the gearbox linkage on the swivel ball thingy to accomodate the wrong end type.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/P5050114.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/P5050115.jpg


Only prob I can see compared to the cav one is that the dip in it will obviously mean the hole will need to be cut differently which means if it doesn't work I'll have to patch it to re-cut for the cav shifter.

Any gen anyone on using the corsa/tigra shifter?

[The Simps]

Needed to get some front suspension on the nova tonight so we can get it down to the workshop.

We started like this:-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-05-08.jpg


Found some old struts that came off a corsa and some old 60mm springs where 1 of them had rusted a coil off the bottom. Only prob is that I left my spring compressors at home which meant couldn't get the top mounts on. So oh sod it and out came the grinder!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-05-081.jpg

[The Simps]

All fitted up:-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-05-082.jpg


And onto the car (bearing in mind no engine and box weight yet! lol)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-05-083.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-05-084.jpg


Obviously not a permanent fixture and not really any progress but a jolly good laugh none the less! lmao

[Adam]

Looks pretty cool at that height too :cool:
Lol

[The Simps]

Now at its new home...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/30-05-08.jpg


Stripped the wings off and was pleased to see it was all clean underneath...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/30-05-081.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/30-05-082.jpg

[The Simps]

Stripped all the suspension off and put it on stands...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/30-05-087.jpg


Pulled out the completely unspoilt, unchopped loom...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/30-05-083.jpg

[The Simps]

And while having an icecream I offered up my tigra washer bottle. I've bent the tab down to clear the wiper linkage and will weld a bracket in with captive nut and it will be accessable through the motor hole...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/30-05-084.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/30-05-086.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/30-05-085.jpg



Next will be out with the grinder to get ready for the plating kit!

[The Simps]

little update.
thought I'd treat dad on father's day and let him work on the engine. He got the pistons and crank in and bolted up I painted the head he'd put together during the week. I actually remembered to paint the exposed cap on the dizzy end this time too! lmao

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-06-08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-06-081.jpg

[TheStig]

This saloon is going to be mad if it was anything to the standard of your LET
:)

Keep up the work

[The Simps]

really can't wait to get the engine in! Its gonna look like a pice of crap from the outside and its making sure it stays that way! lmao

[TheStig]

Yeh we will see how long that lasts lol

[beef@novadose.net]

Only prob I can see compared to the cav one is that the dip in it will obviously mean the hole will need to be cut differently which means if it doesn't work I'll have to patch it to re-cut for the cav shifter.

Any gen anyone on using the corsa/tigra shifter?

I'd be interested to know too, we had a Corsa one left over and we've straightened it a bit, hoping to get the hole cut this week and offer it up.

[trackdaynova]

You've asked for this now Simps...

"Wanna sell me your front wings?" lol

[The Simps]

£5,000,000 and they're yours ;)

[trackdaynova]

Sold! lol

Help me find some :(

[The Simps]

can't be that hard surely!

http://www.crashrepairparts.com/panels-lamps/parts/markid/844/vauxhall_nova_1983_1989_mk1?prs=7a4ef99db49013f574 850611a94494fa

£39.07 each new.

[trackdaynova]

lol nahhh not hard, but not wanting new ones, as they'll only be man handled by www.archenemy.co.uk (http://www.archenemy.co.uk) lol

[Switch_]

paaaa

[The Simps]

Apologies for the slow progress. Put a few hours in the last few nights in prep for Sunday when Shaun's welding mate is coming to do the plating kit etc.

I started on the corsa brake assembly. The old assembly sat like this (albeit the pedal has been slid over)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-08.jpg


I wanted to retain the clutch pedal and the rear bracket on the bulkhead. So first job was to seperate the rear panel from the brake pedal support.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-081.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-082.jpg

[The Simps]

I could now offer up the corsa alternative...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-086.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-088.jpg


It straddles the contours quite nicely.

Next job was to remove the battery clamps and drill the holes for the servo unit. I officially hate spot welds and I'm gonna have to weld the holes up! lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-0812.jpg

[The Simps]

Then was chopping the top 2 lugs off the support plate so it fits.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-0811.jpg

[The Simps]

Then its all in!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-0813.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-0814.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-0815.jpg


I'm happy with the position of the pedal unit. It will need heating up and straightening then chopping and shortening and I think it will be perfect.

I'm not 100% happy with the battery tray area. I'm concerned the drainage channels might leak water into the car through the servo. Seeing as I've got the spot weld holes to fill I might just cut the hole section out and put a flat piece in.

Got to sort the clutch support out next. I started by chopping the old brake pedal which can be up turned to use as a bracket but need to carry this on on saturday.

BIG thanks to Craig Green for his pics and help. :beer:

[The Simps]

Also got the gear linkage bits chopped out, again bloody spot welds!!! Grrrr

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/03-07-0810.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Looking good progress :thumb:

Well done for using the spot weld drill so neatly, I got fed up with mine and got t'grinder out lol

[The Simps]

i went for a combination of drill bit & grinder! lol

[trackdaynova]

lol sounds familiar, everytime I tried... i either didn't get the centre of the spotweld, or i did... and went through both skins of metal ffs lol

[burgo]

i used a bit of the old bracket to support the clutch pedal ;)
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a226/sclurgess/nova12.jpg

[LEWI007]

Looks really sexy the wheels are class ;)

[Nick J]

Nice work simps! :)

[The Simps]

So carrying on from yesterday! Although maybe not very interesting, I've enjoyed doing this metal work fabrication melarky!

So on with the clutch pedal and support. After several cups of tea, digestives and oggling I decided to chop down the spindal but leave it with the spring clip in place...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-07-081.jpg


I then started chopping away in small incriments (in fear of taking too much away!) on the old brake pedal until it was in a position I was happy with. I also used some of the cut-offs to make extra supports. Once welded in place you'll just need to remove the retaining clip, undo the 2 bolts and the clutch assembly will slide out :D (in theory lmao)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-07-082.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-07-083.jpg

[The Simps]

Looking at how the pedals now all line up I just need to heat up and straighten the brake pedal, maybe a slight kink to the right, then shorten it a little and it should all sit nicely :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-07-084.jpg


I'd been looking at the height of the reservoir and I was convinced it was gonna catch on the bonnet...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-07-086.jpg


...and funnily enough it did! lmao. But looking at the contours of the bonnet if I move the servo and mc round by 90deg it should clear. Didn't want to do that today but will check it all tomorrow when its pulled apart for welding.

[The Simps]

As we're hitting it with the welder tomorrow I marked out the chassis leg where I wanted it boxed for the alternator and extra clearance for the bottom pulley. This is how I done my red one and the bottom pulley clearance was very usefull.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-07-085.jpg


I then got the call that lasagne would be on the table in 30mins so it quickly gave me time to mock up a template for the gear stick hole...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-07-087.jpg


Hopefully some pretty welding pics tomorrow!!:nod:

[The Simps]

Another good day of progress :D

Shaun's mate Michael came over with his welder and got busy! I'll let the pics do the talking. It was so nice to basicaly see no rust that needed repairing. I never had much on the red one but this ones ace!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-081.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-082.jpg

[The Simps]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-083.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-084.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-085.jpg

[The Simps]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-086.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-087.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-088.jpg

[The Simps]

And welded up my clutch pedal support...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-089.jpg


After Billing I'll get busy cleaning up the rest of the seams in the bay and the floorpan of the car. I'll also get all the materials needed for the rear turrets and I'll get Michael back in for the day!

[The Simps]

Carried on with the washer bottle fitment for a little while today.

Decided to utilise the old battery clamp bracket I'd drilled out for the servo...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/11-07-08.jpg


Drilled a couple of holes for spot welding and done a bit of grinding to make it more "motorsport" spec and lightweight...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/11-07-081.jpg


All in place and clearance is close but clears...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/11-07-082.jpg

[The Simps]

And from a different angle. Just need to tack it in place and weld in a small ledge for the support on the rear.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/11-07-083.jpg

[peester]

wooo tricky trick stuff..

[The Simps]

wooo tricky trick stuff..


lol

I know, hardly a tough days work! lol

[Courtnova16v]

Another great project you've got there.

Where do the pumps fit on the tigra washer bottle? Will they connect up to the standard nova wiring and do both front and rear wipers without any modding?

[The Simps]

Another great project you've got there.

Where do the pumps fit on the tigra washer bottle? Will they connect up to the standard nova wiring and do both front and rear wipers without any modding?


Cheers dude :beer:

pump fits on the back near the rear support on the left in my last pic. Wiring is just 2 spade terminals so same as nova. My washer bottle came off a tigra so is a dual pump for front and rear combined. Being a coupe I only need front so will probably just use the pump on my old nova bottle.

[Courtnova16v]

Cheers mate thanks for your help. Thinking of doing something similar on my XE project.

[The Simps]

just to update this a little.

i've not had much time nor money to work on the car and been struggling as to what to do engine spec wise.

I wanted another turbo but at the same time don't wanna spend that kind of money on the car, same goes for TBs. Didn't really want to keep the standard induction so I've decided to go with R1 bike carbs as its a pretty cheap cool mod.

The XE & F28 are now ready to get bolted into the car to start the dry build on the engine bay, hopefully it will happen before I go to America for 3 weeks in early september.

By end of september I had to have the rear arches tubbs and my coilovers fitted all round so I have an idea of ride height.

[Benn]

Sounds good dude.
Bring me back a prezi?

[dan16v]

An idea!
sell it and buy a proper nova!lol

[The Simps]

An idea!
sell it and buy a proper nova!lol


slut

[The Simps]

Got the little jobs done this weekend I wanted to before going on holiday.

Removed the rear seat panel. With all the bracing, cage etc going it I don't think its needed and just in the way tbh

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/24-08-08.jpg


Removed the last of the sound deadening from the drivers footwell.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/24-08-081.jpg


And with help from Shaun, got the engine and box bolted in.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/24-08-083.jpg


Should have my coilovers back towards end of september when shaun takes his nova off the road. I can then build the front supsension up and drop it as low as it can go then see how much needs trimming out at the back!

[wilkogsi1]

good going mate :thumb:
have you any better pics of the modding you'v done on the rear axle for the -camber?

[The Simps]

good going mate :thumb:
have you any better pics of the modding you'v done on the rear axle for the -camber?


Cheers dude.

I didn't carry out the work. A mate took it to work and set it up on the jig then chopped the supports, bend the ends over to -1deg then welded it all back up again.

[wilkogsi1]

Cheers dude.

I didn't carry out the work. A mate took it to work and set it up on the jig then chopped the supports, bend the ends over to -1deg then welded it all back up again.

sorry abit confused, bend which ends over? so it's the axle its self i'll need to shave off? or the back of the disks? cheers

[The Simps]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-083.jpg


You cut an incision down the triangular supports that mate with the back plates. You can then knock in the end plate then re-weld. Make more sense?

Be careful tho on standard inner arches as they will catch like mine above.

[The Simps]

Or if you're putting disc conversion plates on for the first time you can tack the top in flush and pull the bottom out a little then beef with weld.

[wilkogsi1]

Or if you're putting disc conversion plates on for the first time you can tack the top in flush and pull the bottom out a little then beef with weld.

arr i see now matey. cheers for ya help. will do it this way i recon :thumb:
or maybe even take it to a machining shop and get some taken off the face where the hub bolts the the beam :thumb:

[The Simps]

u running discs or drums? machine shop sounds a good idea.

-0.5deg would be nough on standard arches. As long as they aren +ve! lol

[wilkogsi1]

lol
its on a corsa mate so turret space is'nt as bad, running disks yes. running cut slicks on the back and they catch on harsh bumps and the noise goes through me. lol so had an idea of putting abit of -'ve camber on the back should stop it. not really into hammering my inner arches or cutting them.

[The Simps]

fair do's lol

[The Simps]

Had some free time tonight and had a fairly productive hour or so.

First job was to mount the rad and drill the new holes bearing in mind that although I'm fitting an XE I'm also doing all the prep now for if/when I go to LET saving having to respray etc.

So turbo into place...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-081.jpg


Take a couple of the original mount rubber and chop the little bits off...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-08.jpg


Put the rad into place in the middle and drill two respective holes...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-082.jpg

[The Simps]

Its hard to see from the pic but I drilled a whole in the slam panel and put a long bolt thru that goes to the old fan shroud mounting point. This will then pull and hold the rad as far forward as it needs to be...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-083.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-084.jpg

[The Simps]

On then goes the fan and as you can see it all clears...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-085.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-086.jpg


Next I drilled the hole for the cav shifter to go thru. Just need to chop and straighten it now...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-088.jpg


And then I attacked my front wings. I was gonna roll then but saw both OllyH and Spanish had just grinded there's I thought sod it! Grinders are more fun anyway! I didn't take it all the way flat but can always take more off if needed. Shaved top, original bottom...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/29-09-087.jpg


Getting there :D

[belly257]

looking good mate, how have you mounted your cooling fan?

[The Simps]

looking good mate, how have you mounted your cooling fan?


You can buy mounting kits which are basically 4 long plastic, flexi bolts that you pierce thru the rad fins and out the other side. You then put a plastic nut on and chop off the excess. I'll take some pics when I'm next up there.

[belly257]

You can buy mounting kits which are basically 4 long plastic, flexi bolts that you pierce thru the rad fins and out the other side. You then put a plastic nut on and chop off the excess. I'll take some pics when I'm next up there.

ok matw do they not melt? ive heard you can put cable ties on them lol

[The Simps]

na, no melting lol

[The Simps]

Had a bit more time up the workshop tonight.

Fitted the lowering blocks with longer bolts that Shaun kindly made up for me. The front all ready now for the coilovers and hubs to go on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/08-10-08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/08-10-081.jpg


I then put the coilovers onto the rear and got that on the ground. I took them straight off Shaun's and didn't touch the height and his wheel sat just on the lip with the tyre in the arch. It was way too high so dropped it another 30mm and it still sits like this which I'd like to get lower and can as have 100mm of thread left yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/08-10-082.jpg

[The Simps]

The coilovers bodies clear the inner arches without any bashing but they're still getting turreted and move inwards to allow for wider wheels. The RHD tyre does lightly catch on the springbut then has more arch lip clearance than the other side which will need the lip rolling, which I was gonna do anyway. Typical vauxhall tolerences!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/08-10-083.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/08-10-084.jpg

[trackdaynova]

I hear your pain Si lol

Altho looking rather shexual :D hmmm complete round rear quarters on a hatch... mmmm

[burgo]

your taking to long simps :(

[craig green]

I hear your pain Si lol

Altho looking rather shexual :D hmmm complete round rear quarters on a hatch... mmmm

I've thought of that before, mk1 Golfesque....

Si my r/hand rear wheel was closest to my coilovers, touching infact.

[The Simps]

your taking to long simps :(


Money and time mate!


The above pic it is sat low. If you look at it from the view that a normal box arch runs from the top of the bumper and in line with the bottom of the fuel cap.

Fronts will be next to go on as they need to be level with that at the end of the day, no point the back being lower.

[The Simps]

Also looking at some other slammed coupes the rears aren't right up in the arch with the fronts very low and they look level :(

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/971/pic0050mz7.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

Not liking the look of the extended tiebar mount where it bolts onto the vertical of the cross member.

Although the geonometry is improved you've now weakened that component.

bend up some sheet steel and weld it around the vertical mounting area and back down to the 45º to give it the strength it should have.

[The Simps]

Not quite sure what you mean mate? I'm assuming its in reference to the extended tabs on the bracket itself?

[trackdaynova]

Exactly that I think Si (Simps)

I think Si (BG) means he doesn't like the look of the green, as you've lost the strength.

And also you'd benefit and can get the strength back using a 45° piece of 2mm, and weld it to the underside of the mount (red)

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/SimpsTBbrackets.jpg

[The Simps]

Thats what I thought but isn't that red bit at a 90deg angle? lol

They were ok on my old turbo but admitedly those ones had a lot thicker steel on the extension.

Would the plate have to be welded in or cud it just be sandwiched inbetween? (I've already had the mounts powdercoated lol)

[trackdaynova]

lol @ angle fail, I didn't even notice either lol

Despite every best effort in lowering the tiebars & mounts to prevent diving under hard braking, obviously there is still alot of motion and force at the lower section of the mount itself, which would pressing in a forwardly and downward motion (blue).

My only slight concern would be the possibly breakage of the extended/ welded tab which would leave the horizontal bolt in situ, along with the extension... (orange) and the rest of the tiebar bracket either twisting the lower panel, or snapping bolts completely without the help of the horiz bolt.

Obviously this is worse case scenario, but maybe just a whizz around with a welder would put your mind at rest? even if its a case of rattle canning the mounts once they're done.

Sanwiching a plate in between wouldn't offer the existing metal any support at all from what I can see

Groovy pic:

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/SimpsTBbrackets1.jpg

[The Simps]

I understand completely where you're coming from and suprised I missed it :doh:

I just wished I took them to the guy who done them for me on the nova last time as I waited ages for the above ones and they still aren't right.

They're coming off again anyway so will weld something in then.

Cheers for the constructive input.

[trackdaynova]

Well I was only elaborating on what Simon brought up to be honest.

However I know of someone else that has done exactly the same there, but I'm always hesitant of bring stuff to peoples attention just incase they think I'm an ar.se, well, or even more of an ar.se that they think already lol

As you say, you might be fine, but then there is always that thought that you might not be...

[Count Vaux Alot]

hmmm complete round rear quarters on a hatch... mmmm

You are an @rse and have stolen my idea!! lol lol

Looking good there btw have you a deadline set for completion in your own mind Simps?

[The Simps]

However I know of someone else that has done exactly the same there,


Thats probably because I put it in one of the *HOW TOs* for fitting an F28! lol I'll update it once I've modded mine.

[The Simps]

Looking good there btw have you a deadline set for completion in your own mind Simps?


I'd like it ready for next spring when the nice weather comes round but depends how money goes tbh as this is last on the spending list each month and being a financial advisor in the current climate is hard work!

[Lee H]

I've modded my tie bar brackets like yours are Simps and had absolutely no problems yet. The car has been hammered up the drag strip loads this year so if something was going to fail i'm sure it would have done by now.

[The Simps]

I've modded my tie bar brackets like yours are Simps and had absolutely no problems yet. The car has been hammered up the drag strip loads this year so if something was going to fail i'm sure it would have done by now.


Good to know! What thickness of material did you use for the extended bit?

[Lee H]

Can't remember exactly, was similar to the thickness of the original bracket. Plus mine doesn't quite meet the crossmember due to how they were done so have two washers between the exteneded part of the bracket and crossmember as well which I thought might have caused a problem but hasn't.

[The Simps]

looking good mate, how have you mounted your cooling fan?


Hope this helps you mate...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-10-085-1.jpg

[The Simps]

Front coilovers are now on! And like Olly H the spring platform clearance is very close but thats without any discs on. I'm gonna pic up some discs before the weekend then I can get it on the floor and start playing!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-10-083.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-10-084.jpg

[The Simps]

The newly axquired welder then came out for a blast and tacked my washer bottle mount in place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-10-082.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-10-081.jpg

[The Simps]

So next up to pic up some front discs and get some tyres swapped over so I've got 4 wheels then it can all be put back onto 4 wheels!

[The Simps]

Carrying on from last night.

I didn't bother getting any discs as I didn't want to buy new ones as by the time this car hits the road it could be wearing 4 pots anyway.

So wheels on and dropped to the ground and I hadn't adjusted the coilovers since being on shaun's car where they were on the top of the arch...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-08.jpg

[The Simps]

Naturally that soon got fixed and they were wound down. The drivers side was down around 40mm to the bottom of the thread and the passenger down around 20mm with 20mm still to go. The results...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-081.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-0811.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-082.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-084.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-085.jpg

[The Simps]

Front does still sit slightly higher than the rear tho, but not much.
The downpipe clearnace is around 110/120mm or 4-4.5".

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-086.jpg


Control arms sit nice and flat but the tie bar does sit very close to the box so I think I will bring the front mount down from 25mm to 50mm.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-089.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-087.jpg

[The Simps]

Track rod end sits at a nasty bump steer inducing angle! This can be fixed with the rose-jointed TRE now available through trackdaynova...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-088.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-0810.jpg


And finally, everytime I look in the bay it suprises how much of a gap there seems to be without any inlet on! lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-0812.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Looking good mate :thumb: I really hope you don't experience half the problems I have lol saying that, all self inflicted I may add lol

[BIGS]

And finally, everytime I look in the bay it suprises how much of a gap there seems to be without any inlet on! lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-0812.jpg
Looking good, cant wait to see this done. and nice to see this pic. never seen one at this angle before :cool:

[The Simps]

Looking good, cant wait to see this done. and nice to see this pic. never seen one at this angle before :cool:

I was right up on my tippy toes! lol :thumb:

[BIGS]

I was right up on my tippy toes! lol :thumb:

How bloody tall are you? i would need a ladder to do that and still need to be on tip toes lol

[The Simps]

Looking good mate :thumb: I really hope you don't experience half the problems I have lol saying that, all self inflicted I may add lol


I think I'll be ok spring platform wise. Its tight but once a disc is on the hub it will give me enough room and worse case I'll run a spacer.

Gearbox clearance is an easy fix as is track rods (thanks to your good self!). I would still like to get it lower tho! lol I take it that if I'm at the bottom of my adjuster platform, by going for shorter springs it will bring it down more? What poundage would you suggest for traack use? (bearing in mind its f28)

As far as arch clearance goes the fronts can be ground back further taking out the straight edge and going up to the next curve. The rears will have plenty of room when the arches are rolled and the coilovers turreted. Had 205/50s in the back there tonight and it only just squeaked on the drivers rear on the spring.

[The Simps]

How bloody tall are you? i would need a ladder to do that and still need to be on tip toes lol

I'm 5 10ish. I just stretched my arms out and clicked. Must be cos the car is so slammed it looks high! lol

[BIGS]

I'm 5 10ish. I just stretched my arms out and clicked. Must be cos the car is so slammed it looks high! lol
Yea it could be that, but looks cool either way. so whats next to do the gearbox clearance when you get the rod ends from Oli?

[The Simps]

Yea it could be that, but looks cool either way. so whats next to do the gearbox clearance when you get the rod ends from Oli?


I'm gonna weld a 50mm box section on the underside of the crossmember to lower the front tie bar brackets.

I'm gonna get some of Oli's TREs but I'm in no hurry to really spend any money yet so they'll have to wait depending on cash flow.

I'll probably concentrating on the fabrication side more now. Still got loads more spot welds to drill out. The rears need turreting. Cut out made in the sill for the exhaust. The cage fitted properly. Seats mounts to be made. The list goes on! lol Basically all the stuff I can do befre having to spend any real money.

[BIGS]

hmm i think you should do the cut out on the sill first. then i can copy the way you do it lol.

[The Simps]

The plan is to just find a piece of hollow tubing around 1/2" larger bore than the exhaust and at least a good 3/4mm thick and chop it in half. Gring out the sill and weld in place the half pipe.

Well thats the plan anyway! lol

[BIGS]

why do you make it sound so easy! but what backbox are you having? as ive got the cavi btcc backbox and the box is quite big so going to find it hard to mount it right. will you have the same problem?

[belly257]

Hope this helps you mate...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/15-10-085-1.jpg

thanks for the pic mate, so basically its cable ties through the fan holes and then through the rad fins and round the rad elements and back through, sorry for the confusion, can hardly read the writing on pic lol:thumb:

[The Simps]

why do you make it sound so easy! but what backbox are you having? as ive got the cavi btcc backbox and the box is quite big so going to find it hard to mount it right. will you have the same problem?


I've got a parts bin exhast system to go on! lol a long straight with 2 powerflow boxes that came off a xe tigra and a rage 4" universal backbox. just need a 90 deg bend of which my mate has a pipe bender :D

[The Simps]

thanks for the pic mate, so basically its cable ties through the fan holes and then through the rad fins and round the rad elements and back through, sorry for the confusion, can hardly read the writing on pic lol:thumb:


It doesn't come back through. Think of it as a flexible plastic nut and bolt. You push the nuts on and it clips up like a cable tie then you chop off the excess.

[BIGS]

Nice :D

[The Simps]

thats what i thought! lol

its a budget trackcar and more than up to the job. Th price was right too. Free :D

[belly257]

It doesn't come back through. Think of it as a flexible plastic nut and bolt. You push the nuts on and it clips up like a cable tie then you chop off the excess.

ah i see, are these cheap/easy to get hold of? otherwise i may just use cable tieslol

[trackdaynova]

I take it that if I'm at the bottom of my adjuster platform, by going for shorter springs it will bring it down more?

What poundage would you suggest for traack use? (bearing in mind its f28)Yup - you're totally correct... if you're at the bottom of your threads, say, on an 8" spring, directly changing to a 7" will lower it by a full inch respectively, so on and so forth :thumb:

Poundage - it's such a personal taste, I had 313lbs on the front of mine and yet it just didn't feel enough... so I've gone to 350lbs now on a 7incher...

I would be inclined to advise a 325lb, to take into account your F28 badboy, and the fact I presume you'd drive it on the roads too?

[The Simps]

ah i see, are these cheap/easy to get hold of? otherwise i may just use cable tieslol

Yeah, I think I paid something like £11 delivered for a new kit from rally design.

[The Simps]

Yup - you're totally correct... if you're at the bottom of your threads, say, on an 8" spring, directly changing to a 7" will lower it by a full inch respectively, so on and so forth :thumb:

Poundage - it's such a personal taste, I had 313lbs on the front of mine and yet it just didn't feel enough... so I've gone to 350lbs now on a 7incher...

I would be inclined to advise a 325lb, to take into account your F28 badboy, and the fact I presume you'd drive it on the roads too?


They're 300lbs at the mo and standard avo length of 8" at a guess. Same ones I had on my red turbo and that felt lovely and flat on track, then again it was never pushed "that" hard.

[The Simps]

What have you got in your spares box at the mo? lol

[belly257]

Yeah, I think I paid something like £11 delivered for a new kit from rally design.

ok mate thanks for the help will have a look for some now, o and smart work on the nova looking good:thumb:

[The Simps]

no probs, anytime and cheers.

[craig green]

And finally, everytime I look in the bay it suprises how much of a gap there seems to be without any inlet on! lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-0812.jpg

XE's actually look really small without the inlet. I saw Andy B's without the top hat or manifolds & almost didnt believe it was a big block.

Good progress matey. :thumb:

[Mike]

^ makes my 1.0 3cyclinder corsa engine look mahoosive lol

[The Simps]

its not the size thats important, its what you do with it ;)

[craig green]

then again it was never pushed "that" hard.

It's not how big it is, but how hard you press it in. :D

[The Simps]

Not a huge amount done this weekend due to hangovers but I lowered the rear a little further and am gonna get some shorter, higher poundage springs for my fronts. I now have just over 13cm sill clearance at the back and I want 13cm or below at the front but its currently 15cm.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/02-11-08.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/02-11-081.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/02-11-082.jpg

[Benn]

Nice, shes got a great stance on it.

[The Simps]

I then continued with the boring job of removing the old seat mounts. I'm bored of using a drill so the grinder just cam out! lol


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/02-11-083.jpg

[The Simps]

Nice, shes got a great stance on it.


I want to get it down as much as possible within reason. There's loads of thread left on the rears its just the front holding me back at the moment. I tempted to even try a 5" spring.

[Benn]

Nice, my kinda style..lol and a 5"? christ thats tiny.

[The Simps]

Well Olly is running a 6" but I'd like to go a little lower but still retain decent shock travel.

[trackdaynova]

Si, I run a 4 inch spring at the back :thumb: lol

Beautiful stance, love it! :)

[The Simps]

I think 5" might be the way to go then. I'm at the bottom of the thread at the mo and with the 195/50 Yoko's they're sitting like this:-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-081.jpg


I'm gonna to roll (read hammer and piece of wood) out the down part of the lip to give me the clearance needed but to give another 20-30mm drop and move the spring platform higher to give some shock movement. so 3" is about 75mm so should be about right.

Just gotta decide on poundage.

[Benn]

Damn it, i'm gonna have to get shorter springs too...lol

Why do you run 50s? Thats huge! I'm going to 40s..

[trackdaynova]

Si, I would recommend getting as hard as you dare with regards to poundage, I'm currently on F350, R450... which leaves me with no roll even at 100mph+ cornering. which, in turn, helps clearence.

I can't recommend taking a grinder to the lips of the arches tho, rather than hammering them up on themselves, to get the ultimate clearence :thumb:

[The Simps]

Damn it, i'm gonna have to get shorter springs too...lol

Why do you run 50s? Thats huge! I'm going to 40s..


trackday tyres like the 888's or A048r's come in that size unfortunately.

[The Simps]

Si, I would recommend getting as hard as you dare with regards to poundage, I'm currently on F350, R450... which leaves me with no roll even at 100mph+ cornering. which, in turn, helps clearence.

I can't recommend taking a grinder to the lips of the arches tho, rather than hammering them up on themselves, to get the ultimate clearence :thumb:


I've got 300s at the mo, I'm sure they are. I think I will go up to 350s tho as running it that low and no real need for road comfort it seems the sensible thing to do.

I've already grinded back the lip and I could then grind up the straight bit up to the next angle piece but I thought just pulling it out towards the top might be better.

Know what I mean?

[belly257]

looking good mate, i want a 2 door saloon:(

[The Simps]

I'm also going to be leaving the rear turrets as they are for now as the avo's don't appear to be rubbing but only time well tell on that one. Reason being as when I go to rwd next year I need to considerably raise the turret tops so rather than have to do it twice and 2nd guess where they should be I'm gonna leave them and hopefully get away with it.

[dj_wudgey]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/16-10-0811.jpg
thats the turbo'd mustard yellow sr that was at pv isnt it!!!! that car is f*cking ace what a motor!!!! can you tell i like sr's lol saloon looks nice aswell though matey nothing compared to the sr though:thumb:

[The Simps]

thats the turbo'd mustard yellow sr that was at pv isnt it!!!! that car is f*cking ace what a motor!!!! can you tell i like sr's lol saloon looks nice aswell though matey nothing compared to the sr though:thumb:


Yeah thats shaun's. Rebuild starts on it soon. Will be better than ever next year - top motor!

[dj_wudgey]

Yeah thats shaun's. Rebuild starts on it soon. Will be better than ever next year - top motor!

its staying like that though yea??? i hope so its awesome that!!! the saloon is looking good aswell though matey the wheels look minty under those arches pal keep up the progress!!!!

[The Simps]

I don't think he's doing anything radical just some nice little touches and rebuilding the LET to higher spec. He might wanna think about buying some coilovers tho now I've nicked em back! lol

[The Simps]

WOW! Over a month since I last updated this thread, I've been a hungover lazy boy!

Got the whole weekend free so hoping to get a load done.

[krobinson]

Its coming together nicely mate. I still think you should paint it though :)

[The Simps]

Its coming together nicely mate. I still think you should paint it though :)

Not another one! Shaun keeps whispering that in my ear too!

We'll see once its finished. Don't hold ur breath tho.

[burgo]

WOW! Over a month since I last updated this thread, I've been a hungover lazy boy!

Got the whole weekend free so hoping to get a load done.about time you got your **** into gear :p

[The Simps]

about time you got your **** into gear :p


MOTHER... .....lol

[Nova_Tek]

Good project Simps, ws wondering when the next updates where coming. Shes starting to look very mean with that stance, like it.

Glad you are taking loadsa good pics too fella will deffo help me when I do my LET conversion.

:thumb:

[The Simps]

Didn't get as much done as I'd like. Shaun had most of the weekend free so we ended up spending it tidying up the workshop and doing some work on the place.

I did manage to grind some more spot welds out tho (oh joy of joys!) and will hopefully be done with them soon, for a while anyway!

Did take this pic tho which I kinda like...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/08122008041.jpg

[nova ian]

Looking good matey. I know what your saying about the joys of grinding out excess metal and spot welds etc, its about as much fun as removing underseal!

Takes time but every little helps I suppose, keep at it man, you'll get there!

Are you still thinking of going bike carbed xe route? If so are you going the dizzy or management route?? Im using a dizzy for mine, want to keep things simple, will probably just then get one of them omex rev limiters.

Will be good to have someone else going the bike carb route if you do :thumb:

[corsakid]

good work :) the turbo alloys really suit the car imo :)

[The Simps]

Looking good matey. I know what your saying about the joys of grinding out excess metal and spot welds etc, its about as much fun as removing underseal!

Takes time but every little helps I suppose, keep at it man, you'll get there!

Are you still thinking of going bike carbed xe route? If so are you going the dizzy or management route?? Im using a dizzy for mine, want to keep things simple, will probably just then get one of them omex rev limiters.

Will be good to have someone else going the bike carb route if you do :thumb:


I want to go bike carb route on Emerald management, but its looking like I'll be tunning it on the standard gubbins initially while I save up for the setup. Another possibility tho is Shaun should be getting some T45s which he might let me use for a bit until he finds a use for them. He also has a spare LET laying around. Hmmm... lol. It all comes down to money basically. I definately want the car running by April/May.

[The Simps]

good work :) the turbo alloys really suit the car imo :)


Cheers dude.
:thumb:

[craig green]

Nice pic /\ but take it in focus next time!

[trackdaynova]

never noticed the damage on the NSR quarter before, whats happening that? gonna bother fixing it? or run it as it is? :cool:

[The Simps]

Nice pic /\ but take it in focus next time!

Its auto-focus. The blur is because the lens was misty due to it being friggin cold down there! lol

[The Simps]

never noticed the damage on the NSR quarter before, whats happening that? gonna bother fixing it? or run it as it is? :cool:


Will leave as is. Car is riddled with dents, ripples etc. Just no point wasting money fixing it. I'll end up having the same probs I had with the red turbo and just not pushing it hard enough in fear.

[trackdaynova]

thats what I wanted to hear :D :thumb:

[LEWI007]

That thing looks so beautiful :eek::eek: :thumb:

[The Simps]

Just for you Oli, the back end has had a 'slight' tap too...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-09-07.jpg


But its all so minty fresh underneath...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-04-081.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Wow - certainly is minty underneath hey! :)

Rear knock isn't bad at all is it, think I had similar on my white one where Reece drove into the back of me lol

So whats the plan with this then? please forgive me for not knowing already... out and out track car?

[Benn]

Love that pic, it looks perfect on the turbo rims, they really are wheel of kings!

Grreat work.

[The Simps]

So whats the plan with this then? please forgive me for not knowing already... out and out track car?


Budget trackday car yeah. Will probably be road legal so I can take it to shows/drive to trackdays but it will be very uncomfortable on the road. Budget is the key word tho. I won't be having a fancy TB'd engine or high spec let. The std XE will be in there and maybe Shaun's T45s if he lets me for a while but I like the idea of R1 carbs & management. I am then just hgonna look to improve handling, lose weight etc on the way and maybe rwd next year if I can pick up an axle & type 9 box cheap enough.

[The Simps]

they really are wheel of kings!

Never a truer word spoken!

Looking forward to catching up and mincing next week dude :thumb:

[Benn]

Hell yeah, have a bag of harbio in the cupboard for your drive home again..lol

[The Simps]

Hell yeah, have a bag of harbio in the cupboard for your drive home again..lol

Well it will be my birthday :D

[Count Vaux Alot]

love the saloon with the turbos on good choice imo, can't wait to see it on the track!

[The Simps]

Me too!! I havn't been on track since about sept 07 I think and then I only got 3 laps!!

[trackdaynova]

Si - remember our outing at Donny back in the MIG days with Total Vauxhall? I believe this Sunday will have a larger Nova turn out, especially all in one session anyway...

I still have the video I made, the external, where I paused it where users drove by the camera etc lol

[The Simps]

Yeah, I remember that! I wasn't actually there with you lot that day I just happened to be on the same trackday with my mate in the red evo. Benji got quite a good vid where he was behind me then I'd leave him on straights then he'd catch up on corners then on back straight I left him and went passed an astra.

Wasn't that the same day the olly stuck his mk1 astra in the gravel on the 1st bend on the 1st lap? lol

[trackdaynova]

lol Yup! got that vid too

[The Simps]

Finally! No more bloody spotwelds to do!! Might need a little hoover tho lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/11122008042.jpg

[jimbob-mcgrew]

spotwelds.. ppftt. tell me about it, there a pain, especially if your grindin em out. u can kick back and chill for a while now tho, good going.

edit: oh somet i forgot, you know the hole youve made for the new shifter.
to do this mod, does it require chopping out the surrounding metal support under the dash ? or can u get away with drilling thru it too ?

[~~joycey~~]

The cav turbo rims look really good on a coupe :thumb:

[The Simps]

edit: oh somet i forgot, you know the hole youve made for the new shifter.
to do this mod, does it require chopping out the surrounding metal support under the dash ? or can u get away with drilling thru it too ?


Not quite sure what you mean mate?

[The Simps]

Question:- Why do people go through the trouble of welding up all the drain holes?

[trackdaynova]

because harry hockley once did, so they followed lol

apparently it stiffens it up, can't see how personally :confused:

[nova ian]

I regret having mine welded up! as A) theres more metal to go rusty! lol and B) There is no where for anything to drain out, whether it be liquid or in your current state Grinding Dust! lol

[trackdaynova]

There is no where for anything to drain out, whether it be liquid or in your current state Grinding Dust! lolor drill holes from mounting your fuel pumps in your battery tray area, causing rain water to drip in lol

[The Simps]

or drill holes from mounting your fuel pumps in your battery tray area, causing rain water to drip in lol

lol

I just know that I'm gonna get leaks from where I've done the corsa servo mod.

[trackdaynova]

lol i hear ya, passenger side is from my cossie pump and filter bracket, drivers side is from my swirl pot :D

got a proper full blown water cycle through my car :D lol

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/OllyWaterCycle.jpg

[The Simps]

^^^ lol

[Mike]

because harry hockley once did, so they followed lol

apparently it stiffens it up, can't see how personally :confused:

There is perfect reasoning why he did it though ;) in a lot of rally cars, the force of gravel/water hitting them literally pop's them out. After several stages you end up with a floor pan swimming in water/grit/mud/gravel.

Normally it sprays all up the rear screen in a Nova (on the inside).

[ben doodar]

hmmm complete round rear quarters on a hatch... mmmm

strange that... i thought this the other day to, has it ever been done?

top project this one mate, have got to agree with everyone them cav turbo wheels look ace on the sedan. some real work gone into it.

i personally would get a cheap respray sorted, i think its got such potential to be a real good looking car with them rims, dosnt have to be mint, just a bit of shiney white paint and itd look sweet.

also has anybody else noticed how many white cars are about nowadays, lol white cars rock!

[Matt]

strange that... i thought this the other day to, has it ever been done?


I've seen one with full round arches posted on here before. Sure it was blue with red wheel or something? Looked pretty cool anyway!

[The Simps]

Been busy again tonight!

Got the welder out and had a go. Welded in the anchor point for the harnesses on the tunnel...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/14-12-08.jpg


Question for all you competant welders out there - No matter what I adjusted it kept spitting and I couldn't get a decent run. Tried upping the gas, wire feed and finally the amps (blew thru a hole! Grr). Any gen?


Next up was onto the wiper motor again. Still havn't managed to get round to finding a battery to see if its location would work but thought I'd make the bracket for it anyway!

Take one Corsa C assembley and chop out the mount bracket...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/14-12-081.jpg


Because I'm mounting it the wrong side I need to chop this bit out...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/14-12-082.jpg


A little bit of filing later...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/14-12-083.jpg