View Full Version : Nova 1650 Sport/Track car - ongoing
xxspudxx
11-02-09, 07:27 PM
give us a good update then mucker, give me some inspiration please!!!
Nice to see your cracking on again Ash! :)
Thanks again lads. I'm hoping I remember where all the bits go as I was pulled apart in a rush last year. It's all got to come apart again next year to be sprayed anyway lol Just hoping to get a season out of it.
The small update for today is this:
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0348.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0352.jpg
Took 6 b4stard coats in the end lol Engine crane is booked for tomorrow morning ;) and don't worry I'm nicking the water pump and various other bits of the old engine, it just made a good 'mask'
Oh and Mike: PULL YOUR FINGER OUT :D
James: Thought yours was done?
xxspudxx
11-02-09, 08:21 PM
it was, but then drove it and few things werent as i wanted and now i got dash out and redoing all the wiring, gearbox needs to come out, engine running rich, and few other niggly things, i hate wiring.
Engine looks nice, why red though? lol Did you ever finish your dash off nicely?
'coz red makes you go faster, yo! I haven't had room to do the dash with the car in the garage. Now it's out and moveable then hopefully I can start it.
xxspudxx
11-02-09, 10:15 PM
ive always been told "red cars go faster" so maybe there is some hope?
As promised the short block was dropped in yesterday without a hitch. No photos sorry as it was a busy day.
This is what welcomed me this morning (2.30pm lol)
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0358.jpg
Started cleaning and fitting all the lower pipes/hoses, starter motor, gear linkage, clutch cable etc. Then got round to the head..... :(
I thought it was fine from the 'meltdown' but on closer inspection I found this
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0359.jpg
Normal:
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0365.jpg
Melted cylinder:
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0364.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0361.jpg
Is this worth worrying about? I assume the underside of the valve is the same :cry:
EDIT: Pics aren't as clear as I hoped, the little white specs (I assume fragments of piston) are quite firmly attached to the valve, little bit of emmery paper or new valve? :confused:
Head is now out with my engineer and should be back for the weekend. Shouldn't need a skim as the water jacket should of saved it from warping - happy days. He's also going to book me in with Pete Lander at Sigma Engineering to have it setup on the rolling road. Pete is famous round here for setting up carbs and is a specialist in Mini tuning. From seeing his Mini's at hillclimbs and other events they all seem to give that little bit more :D
craig green
18-02-09, 01:14 PM
Good work Ash.
Looking forward to seeing you out in it again.
Bad news I'm afraid. Cylinders 2 & 3 are cracked between the valves, no pics at the moment as the head is with a precison welder, but will need to got to Ivor Searle to have the valve seats removed, maybe they can do the full repair.... if not it's just shy of £700 to have the equivalent work carried out plus finding a new head! :cry:
Seriously considered breaking the whole car, and then selling all the engine parts and putting a 1.8 16v in, but in light of what I eventualy want to do with the car, I'm going to keep the 1.6 8v. A non standard engine would put me in a differant class, in which I wouldn't be any where near as competitive.
Better start digging deep.
gutted for you Ash!You dont seem to have much luck do you:(
And dont you dare split it or the engine!you've done so much work to it it would be a shame to throw it all away and if you do put the 1.8 in you will regret not putting the 1.6 in that you have done all that work to!
whats so special with the head?(i thought it was basically a b+ head?)
scott.parker
28-02-09, 07:06 PM
**** dude that sucks!
Dont split/break it, get a new head/repair (if psos) and keep at it.
hope your luck picks up mate.
Scott
Luck - that ran out a while ago lol
The head is currently with Ivor Searle, or should arrive Monday. They seemed fairly sure they can do it, but I'm not so sure. The crack on cylinder 2 (the good one) is about 8mm! :eek:
The head is a reworked B+ with differant valves, double Ti valve springs and I got a mate making up some Ti spring caps at the mo. The head has also been skimmed down far enough to take the lower edge of the spark plug seat. To have the 'basic' work redone is a touch under £700 and the maybe I can use my Ti stuff :confused:
1.6 8v FTW :D
keep it up Ash.
If you get stuck on the m4 againcall me as i only live 5 mins from were you broke down last time.
lol cheers Erine, but there's not going to be a next time ;) I learnt a few things from that breakdown.
Is it tempting fate to book a ticket for PV09? hmmm
If that was the approch from most people there would be no novas this year lol.
My head is fixed and on it's way back should have it tomorrow :D
EDIT: oh, and I've booked a track day at Llandow on the 6th April
Dunno, whats the date? I think it will be tight for Llandow TBH. Still got to finish the dash & engine, then setup. Might blag a trailer otherwise in need tax, test and insurance. Lots of little tweeks here and there ;)
Just seen the thread, best I book then really lol
Should have my head back from the valves being re-seated on tues/wednesday, so it could be back up and running at the weekend :D probably check the carbs over again tho...
Anyway in my boredoom I messed around on PS:
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/earlyfrontredwip.jpg
Which resulted in purchasing a bumper from Chris (which took me 3 months to collect - sorry) Anyway who said the 'old heat gun trick doesn't work?
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0414.jpg
And fitted
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0423.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0435.jpg
Still patchy in places, but nothing a bit of elbow grease want sort out. Need to come off again to repair the drivers side mount anyway.
Just need the 'plough now. This isn't being done for looks tho, I'm thinking it's the most 'aero' option I have atm. Sound funny talk about aerodynamics on a nova lol but it's fairly deep and would match the splitter I have in mind quite nicely, need to get the car on the floor for that tho.
Cool, seems like the early front end is catching on now. btw if you don't want that grill badge pm me as im after a better one :thumb:
Nice choice of bumper :cool:
Remove the badge off the grill like in the PS ;)
lol yea, there are a few early front enders around now, wanted it as soon as I purchased the shell and only just got round to doing it. Unsure about the badge atm, looks a bit gormless without it. If I remove it tho, its yours steve :thumb:
craig green
22-03-09, 07:08 PM
Man that photoshop looks cool.
Better luck with the engine this time around Ash. Eh?
Cheers CG. This time the HG will be torqued down when it's hot as well as cold and it's not being driven till it leaves the rolling road no matter how much it cost :thumb:
That should solve the main two problems I had on the PV trip PMSL
craig green
22-03-09, 07:20 PM
Be nice if you had a wideband setup to monitor it with also.
So you hoping to take it to the Combe Action day?
[edit] How do I become a smallblock club member & what number would I be allocated? lol
I have to get a new manifold to centre pipe made up at some point and I'll get a boss put in then. Not going to happen till the internal gearlinkage is in tho.
Here's hoping on the action day :)
What caused the previous melt down?
Blocked jets or something??
Yep, well so I recon. It was setup but not on a rolling road, the guy doing it was convinced the jets were wrong, but their the same (if not slightly bigger) than everyone else runs. It does seem like blocked jets but I ran all new pipe and there are 4 filters inbetween the tank and the carb jets, so honestly I don't know...
The carbs were also ultrasonicly cleaned (supposedly) hence why everyone is/was a bit stumped
Hmm, which cylinder gave way? Number 3?
Correct. Also the heat produced from it running lean is the suspected cause of the cracked head. Not only on cylinder 3 but also 2
Small update now I have the head back. Built it up last night with the studs, thermostat and inlet manifold. Just off to measure the cc's and then fit it.
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0450.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0440.jpg
Can see were they've peened it over - tidy job. Plus I think this removes a sharp edge, which would act as a hot point. Another factor that could of caused the crack in the first place.
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0458.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0459.jpg
And quite a cool shot - 'Fuel goes down here!'
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0447.jpg
Till later. Ash
greg1.4
28-03-09, 06:49 PM
looking good..
who done the headowrk?
Originally Mr Bill and the repair was carried out by Trevor at Ivor Seale. Top bloke too, was talking to him about Bill and how Bill slowly let them know more and more about how he modified the heads till the point Bill took the order and Ivor Seale did the work and sent it out. Each one was still inspected by the man himself tho.
looking good mate. the guy that sets up my carbs told me to get rid of that type of misab plate and get the gen ones. he's knows his stuff so he must have his reasons. you can get them off e-bay. can't wait to see it in one peice again.
ste
Kind of lost track of this, so here it goes...
Got the head and cam case bolted down after fitting yet more new rockers and trust pads. Pricey habit this lol
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG00142-20090402-2119.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG00140-20090402-2119.jpg
Then did some shopping. As recommended by Stevei I got some proper misab plates for the carb, much better than pissing around with what I had.
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0483.jpg
Also I swapped my Stack gauge from Oil temp to and more useful Water Temp
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0486.jpg
And still waiting for some silicon hose and Magncor KV85 leads to arrive.
Next to look at are the carbs before I bolt them back on. I was hoping to fine a big clog of dirt blocking a jet or airway, but unfortunalty not :( These must be the cleanest set of carbs in the world now - Seventh time I've stripped them right down lol
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0487.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0488.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0489.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0490.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0491.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0492.jpg
And refitted after one year sat around.
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0502.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0507.jpg
Coming along nicly. Are you going to make it to PVS this year? hehe
Not much to do now?
After working on the engine I turned my attention back to the front bumper, which is now fitted for good. With it looking near completion I wheeled it outside for a quick wash:
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0517.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0516.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0524.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0515.jpg
and one with the daily:
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0528.jpg
Final job whilst it was out was to remove the dash, which kind of fell apart on removal - it was only a 60 min rush job, but will now be made proberly from F/G :cool:
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0530.jpg
Coming along nicly. Are you going to make it to PVS this year? hehe
Not much to do now?
TBH when I finally made it too PVS last year, I was dissapointed and the storys I hear from the happy campers arent helping the case. I've just paid for a trackday on the 6th June at Llandow and hoping to attend Billing 09. Went a couple years back with Astra-mk2.com and really enjoyed it. Nice and laid back atmosphere :cool:
Oh and thanks :thumb:
Just an update to keep the thread alive. The car never made it to the trackday at Llandow because of some useless monkeys at my work cocking up the MOT twice and the car failing once :mad:
To make it pass I had to fit the standard rear springs as the -60mm avo ones fall out and also the 1.2 carb and manifold off my old engine lol
The HC with the T40's were 1745 instead of the 1200 max for the test :eek: This was because the carbs appear to be jetted and choked completely wrong for my engine, despite lots of research on the internetz.... never trust the internets. This is probably the main reason the last engine died TBH. It was sooo rich on idle and then couldn't flow fast enough when reving due to the large chokes...
Anyway, I had to take some pictures for the insurance people so took these as well.
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0982.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0928.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0941.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0951.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0954.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0917.jpg
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/graphicgrafter/IMG_0959.jpg
As you can see a few other changes to get it through MOT such as the dash and wheels. When I have a second to scratch my ass, I'm going to use it to book this back in for an MOT and hopefully get some mileage out of it this year.
I'm loving the standard steels on it at the moment and think I'm going to switch my black 15" OZ's for some wide 14" lightweight wheels. Once the MOT is done and I have a few miles on it with the 1.2 carb I'll switch back to the T40's and have it setup at the same time, might put the -60mm spring back on, but the dragster look it very differant.... could be next seasons 'look' haha
Since the last trackday at Llandow was a wash out (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=127345&id=517620629&l=4630c7c912)anyway we are organising another, maybe closer to home (Castle Coombe) in September. This car will be on track
Shouts: NE Motors - Rolling Road and Carb expert
Nice to hear its still going but a shame about the MOT and trackday going t!ts up!
scott.parker
07-07-09, 12:25 AM
Nice mate, slowly getting there, i know how it feels though...
Oh and they Tesco flat wiper blades? i bought some for my passat, they are spot on for £3!
craig green
07-07-09, 10:20 AM
Keep at it Ash. Looking good anyhow.
Looks quite good on those steels actually!
How the hell does it run on the 1200 carb?? lol
cheers for the comments as always.
Should be MOT'd this month, it really is a struggle to find time to do 'the one little job' on it and take it somewhere. Kicking myself for not being able to make Billing this weekend too, that was the big goal for this year :(
Wiper blades are eBay flat blade specials - never used them so can't comment. I have some proper bosch ones for the Leon tho and there **** hot.
The steels are awesome, could make things interesting with 18 year old Preilli P2000 on and 140bhp lol The carb runs suprisingly well, it's really strangled but it's only temperaroy till the engine is run in and my other carbs are ready. It's very lumpy on idle, but I think thats because the cam's not timed in yet.
More updates as and when
Any interest in this, if it were for sale? As a project or up together? with or with out spares. Poss some 15" Mo's included
scott.parker
19-01-10, 11:50 PM
Dont be a bellend, get and finish it, if you dont you'll hate your self for years..
Sell it and I slap you :)
Horizon
08-04-12, 04:18 PM
Any more progress on this Ash?
Yes, loads seeming half the thread is missing - cars near complete and did a track day end of last year at Keevil (search "keevil 1650 nova" on youtube). She made 105 whp and same in torque throughout the range when on the rollers @ NE Motors.
Car currently looks like this:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540291_10150834117315630_517620629_12016134_199889 2156_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/534935_10150834117630630_517620629_12016139_100037 9406_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/578824_10150834117800630_517620629_12016142_214327 4307_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/526787_10150834117950630_517620629_12016145_112412 5801_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/538913_10150834118230630_517620629_12016150_169453 8740_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319710_10150834145150630_517620629_12016257_916077 297_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/529184_10150834145860630_517620629_12016259_127005 9078_n.jpg
However, once the last few jobs are done, she's sadly up for sale. Offers invited
Looks very nice
I would been interested in buying it, PM a ruff price of what your looking for :)
looking good, thought you'd giving up on it as of a alck of an update!!
Shame to see your selling it, whats planned next?
PM'd you Edd.
Steve - Did you have the red 1600 T40? I've not given up, just life is too busy to be near a computer! lol I'm currently working on two caterham projects (well mk indy - pinto and Westfield - zetec) for friends but once the Nova is gone I 'acquire' my Dads Ginetta G15 which is in a sorry state. Still - 120bhp 998cc in something that weighs the same as a photo of itself can't be bad :)
Thought a current spec would probably be required as this is/was a built thread!
1988 1.2 Merit shell fully stitch welded bay and chassis right back to the back panel. All unused brackets, etc removed. Rear windows (3) and front quarter lights are polycarb.
Safety Devices 6 point cage (without door bars) with camera mount
Novatech 1650cc overbored bottom end with ARP Bolts (1000 miles)
Blydenstein B++ Head with 2mm oversized exhaust valves and 1mm inlet. Ti double valve springs, wasted valves rebuilt 200 miles ago
Kent AST2 Cam (300deg duration) with adjustable (Kent) vernier pulley
Twin Weber 40 DCOE Carbs with genuine twin cable linkage
Ashley 4 Branch and 2.5" system (93Db from memory they took it at the track day)
1.4SR ignition system with Magncor KV85 leads and OMEX rev limiter
Lightened and balanced crank and flywheel (matched)
Sprung 4 paddle clutch plate and OMP 20% Rally housing
F13CR with 4.18 FD and 5th gear from the same box (F10WR)
Rose jointed gear linkage
Solid engine mounts (Home made)
Custom oil catch tank
OMP strut brace
valeo 1.6gsi rad with spal electric push fan
Chris Astley rad hoses (red)
Facet Redtop fuel pump
Filter King 85mm FPR with bowl
Polybushed tie rods
Rose jointed and plated wishbones
new hubs and bearings
AVO shocks and springs (standard top mounts)
Polybushed rear beam with GSi anti-roll bar
Brand new (200 miles) 2.0 16v ATE 256mm brakes with Mintex 1144 pads and standard discs
Completely rebuilt rear drum brakes (poss need adjusting)
RD braided line ran inside the car
Group A rally Revolution RFX 14" wheels (one currently sprayed red)
Corsa 60 tyres (recommend replacing! Good tread)
SR Steel wheels
Astra GTE Digi Dash
OMP deep dish 330mm(?) wheel
Cobra Clubman seats on custom frames (drivers on runner)
Stack temp gauge
Corsa stalks
Cut down dash
I have all the paper work for all parts and work carried out including the rolling road printout - the car was built to last and eventually compete in hill climb or sprints.
It weights roughly 700Kg and 130 BHP at the fly - 105 BHP at the wheels. It's a proper giggle :d
More power to come as that wasn't run in and on a 6500rpm limiter. The engine felt a lot freer and more willing on the way back from the track day. I'd imagine another run on the rollers will see 140bhp
Now on the bay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1989-VAUXHALL-NOVA-1650cc-T40-Race-Rally-Track-car-/190686737833?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c65d0b5a9#ht_1837wt_922
Would prefer it to stay in the club tho :)
novarally
04-06-12, 09:02 AM
PM'd you Edd.
Steve - Did you have the red 1600 T40? I've not given up, just life is too busy to be near a computer! lol I'm currently working on two caterham projects (well mk indy - pinto and Westfield - zetec) for friends but once the Nova is gone I 'acquire' my Dads Ginetta G15 which is in a sorry state. Still - 120bhp 998cc in something that weighs the same as a photo of itself can't be bad :)
Ash.
I don't suppose you would be interested in selling the G15? A good friend of mine in Bournemouth is looking for one. Drop me an e-mail if you want to have a chat. Thanks, Colin
Hi Colin,
When are you at Gurston again? I would love to have a look around your engineering master piece.
The Ginetta is kind of a family heir loom, so will be staying put for the near future. Strangely I did clear some of the garage out today and caught a rare glimpse of it. Then promptly filled the space I cleared with the spare engine stored inside it...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/564869_10150996538470630_1716998039_n.jpg
I did see a red one competing at Wiscombe hill climb a few years back now, probably a different class to yourself tho.
novarally
06-06-12, 08:39 AM
Hi Colin,
When are you at Gurston again? I would love to have a look around your engineering master piece.
The Ginetta is kind of a family heir loom, so will be staying put for the near future. Strangely I did clear some of the garage out today and caught a rare glimpse of it. Then promptly filled the space I cleared with the spare engine stored inside it...
I'm at Gurston on Saturday 23rd June (couldn't get an entry for the Sunday meeting as it was overbooked, sadly). Come along and say hello.
Colin
Oh, not far away then. I should be there with dad and will make sure I pop over to say hi. By the way, I'm sure your friend has seen it, but there is a red g15 project on eBay a the moment. I can't really see what the project part of it is tho? Looks pretty up together.
novarally
06-06-12, 08:04 PM
Oh, not far away then. I should be there with dad and will make sure I pop over to say hi. By the way, I'm sure your friend has seen it, but there is a red g15 project on eBay a the moment. I can't really see what the project part of it is tho? Looks pretty up together.
Yes, he's seen the EBAY one and is keeping a close watch.
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