View Full Version : "Pop" goes the...Nova :(
Some may recall a post I made a while back about how I didn't have mch confidence in my Nova. It had spent the best part of 18months at CP's workshop having minor bits and pieces done to it such as;
-Removal of electric windows that were replaced with polycarbonate windows all round.
-Installation of a quick rack
-Brake bias box installed
-Flocked dash installed
-Willwood brakes fitted
-New front coilovers
-Bit of a tidy up
Through a combination of time/funds and enthusiasm, the work that should have originally taken a couple of months eventually got finished.
The car was MOT'd and Taxed and ready to be driven home. CP had kindly offered to set the geometry up and make sure everything was ok before I came to collect it. This is how it stood just before it's test drive:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/1889299376_8bf75a767c_o.jpg
So there I was, the morning of the collection in Tescos buying CP a 'thank you' for allowing me to have the car in his workshop for such a long time. After literally just leaving the beer isle, I get a phone call from CP:
"Well Jim, you were right to be worried about the engine, it's just let go on me BIG TIME!"
At first I thought he was winding me up, hoping that he enjoyed driving the car so much that he wanted to keep it for himself. I carried on listening to what else CP was saying and it soon became apparent that he wasn't winding me up.
So later that afternoon I get to the workshop. The car was there, bonnet open. I couldn't really see a lot apart from a lot of soot around the front of the car.
It turns out that whilst CP was driving it (and no he wasn't thrashing it before you say anything, lol) there was a catastrophic failure of one of the bottom end components (we think it was a big end bearing) this resulted in the con rod being thrown out of the engine via the front of the block, just behind the exhaust manifold. When this happend, CP recalls a "whoomph" noise as the oil that was once in the engine sprays over the manifold and subsequently catches alight. After getting the car to a halt as quickly as possible, CP jumps out, lifts the bonnet (with flames licking out from underneath) and has then been able to waft the flames out with his cap. Without his quick thinking there is no doubt that things could have been a lot worse - especially with the twin carbs and fuel lines only inches away from the flames.
Later that evening I drown my sorrows with a bottle of wine, lol.
During the next few days and several discussions with CP and MC, we decide to see what the exact damage of the engine is. Bear in mind the engine was about as modified as you could get on a non-motorsport budget I was very anxious about spending the same money on getting it all repaired.
So we begin stripping it down to assess the damage. You can see the soot all over the manifold and in the distance a small crack:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2349/2191447153_34854ef0de_o.jpg
Close up of the crack (I say crack, I mean chasm lol):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2232/2192234228_c6c311b704_o.jpg
There seems to be something missing:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/1886593168_acc0546f68_o.jpg
So that's what a knackered piston looks like:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/1886592066_3e5225737d_o.jpg
Now it's pretty obvious the bottom end is a write off and I accept that. The deciding factor whether or not the engine was to be rebuilt was the damage to the head. Some may not believe in karma, I'm not sure if I do or not, but I've either been very, very lucky, or there is a higher force at work as it turns out the head was undamaged bar a slight blemish on an exhaust valve. Had the head been written off to, chances are a for sale post would have been put up many weeks ago.
So with the head safely tucked away, the rest of the engine is dropped out of the car and a new one sourced:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/2112849350_ff9de06f9d_o.jpg
It came from an Astra, but it's the same as the very late spec GSi engines from Nova that came with the fancy coil pack, plus it has only done 43k miles; well, according to what the guy had written on the engine, lol. Either way the mileage isn't important as it's getting stripped down and rebuilt anyway :)
With the engine out I was left with another dilema; do I quickly replace the engine or go all out on the car and get it much more track prepared? I know that prior to the engine going, this was the most powerful N/A 1.6 8v going that I'm aware of. Seeing what other people have acheived with their similar specced engines I couldn't just do a quick fix and not have what I had before...and more. The decision was made to strip the car down to a bare shell (not that there was much on it before) and build an out and out track car.
With the engine out of the way, removal of everything else in the bay was pretty easy and with some help it was soon looking like this:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2112072401_033b9aaed0_o.jpg
This has given me a chance to poke around with a screw driver and wire brush to see how the car's been holding up and prior to some surface rust a small patch behind the passenger headlight it's still all good and in pretty good condition considering it was alight at one point, lol
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/2191447271_1676466c79_o.jpg
The rear beam was next to come off; this hasn't been off since the car came off the production line so whilst my enthusiasm was high I thought I'd get it off and will give it a going over before it goes back on:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/2191447417_6e06ffe780_o.jpg
The interior took all of 5 mins to remove; 2 seats and a rear strut brace don't really take much time, lol. The dash will be the next thing to come out:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/2112073231_db9f404c35_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2401/2112868486_4dd66b3ded_o.jpg
And this is where I'm up to at the minute; the obligitory bench of removed items and the car looking very sorry for itself:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/2191447537_1d1201c033_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/2191447623_e536583db7_o.jpg
I've not had chance to work on it recently due to christmas and my girlfriend organising something for us to do pretty much every weekend from now until the middle of february, so progress has been slow, but I will crack on with it at the earliest possible moment.
The bottom end is currently away being worked on. Once the rest of the shell is stripped I then have the lovely task of removing all the silicon sealer that Vauxhall and the last bodyshop kindly used all over the car. The whole car will then be stitch welded. The sideskirts will be coming off and the bodykit shall be no more. I've purchased a custom cage that shall be getting welded into the car along with some mounting points for the subframes. I've got a fibreglass tailgate to go on and will be looking at sourcing some 15" wheels at some point. I know I've forgotten some other bits that will be happening, but I'm sure they'll come to me as and when the car gets rebuilt.
I'm not going to set a date for when it'll be finished as I won't stick to it, so it will be done when it's done. Ideally I want it done sooner rather than later so that I can actually drive it and enjoy it. It's only a matter of time before it simply won't be practical to own the car.
So there you have it. I will try and keep the thread updated when work is carried out on the car, but don't hold your breath, lol.
Jim
Blimey, odd that it would set light to the oil, i guess its because the block didn't completely blow out, but instead squirted it out of the gap it created. Im damn lucky that didnt happen to me as the first time i didnt have an extinguisher handy, and the marshalls didnt seem too bothered lol
Anyway, i know exactly how you feel Jim. Just make sure you drive it more next time lol
bad luck that jim, hope its back better then ever, seems every1s engiens ae givin up atm
F**king hell. :eek:
I didn't know yet another high power small block had destroyed itself. :eek:
Sounds like you were mega lucky only the bottom end needs replacing.
"about how I didn't have mch confidence in my Nova"
Why was that???? :confused:
Perhaps the flames were caused by fuel being forced out the crack(if the valves were shut), and onto the manifold.....
Good to hear it not going to die as were the rumours. Always loved the look of the car, but for an out and out track car it's un-needed wieght. Look forward to seeing it out on track (this year?) I trust you will be keeping the N/A setup?
Flocked dash looks ace btw :thumb:
Fook me Jim! Thats some proper unlucky shizzle!!
Although the plans for the rebuild do sound pretty ace :D
Not good news, glad it'll be back :)
shame to see you take her apart jim one of the first novas i had a good look at when i first joined novaload, good to see your staying small block
Cheers for the comments.
It'll be staying small block and N/A. I'm hoping to increase the bhp too, but will have to wait and see how things turn out.
I'm wanting to get it on track this year.
Jim
revving to 10k to get more power? :D
I do like CP's totally relaxed response to fire... "oh something is burning, I shall waft my cap at it and swear to make it go away"
revving to 10k to get more power? :D
I do like CP's totally relaxed response to fire... "oh something is burning, I shall waft my cap at it and swear to make it go away"
I had to laugh when he told me he was on the side of the road in just his socks (as my pedals are so close together he can't drive the car with his shoes on, lol).
It won't be revving to 10k, maybe 9,999 ;) Nah, not that high. Looking at trying to find a few extra bhp where possible. The handling will be the main objective. My plan is to let CP do all the geometry tweaks and testing to his car first, then copy him, lol.
Adam, can't explain why I had no confidence with the car. Most likely down to the fact that I hadn't driven it for such a long time. Prior to it going bang, CP said it was handling well after he set it up, which probably would have given me more confidence with the car knowing he was happy with it; it's all psycological with Novas, lol
Adam Moran
15-01-08, 10:39 AM
Oh thats crap news....
Get on track this year and you'll be wanting an xe ;)
Why prolong the inevitable Jim :D :D :D
gutted jim , but glad to hear your sorting it :thumb:
craig green
15-01-08, 11:48 AM
Unlucky, big shame too.
Glad it will be returning though Jim.
Rick Draper
15-01-08, 11:59 AM
Get a big block in there jim!
The only big block I'd stick in there is yours Rick, so if you fancy a swap let me know ;)
mikey14sr
15-01-08, 01:02 PM
I think the moral of this story is don't let CP drive your car without setting the limiter to 6.5k rpm...lol
Good to hear it's being rebuilt though Jim.
:eek: I'm gutted for you mate, although not having seen the car i am well aware of it's spec and would agree that the engine must have been one of the most powerful n/a 1.6 8v's in the club. (i was aiming my engine to be a little like yours and using it as a target to work towards)
Still these things are sent to test us and i'm really pleased that your not giving up and coming back better than before....we'll show these big blocks lol
Chin up mate, she'll be a cracker when done plus you've got a nice looking shell, at least you haven't binned it, so once engines done you'll be "nearly ready" to rock n roll:wisewood:
Steve
krobinson
15-01-08, 07:08 PM
Glad your sticking with it Jim.
Solid lifters will add 85.4bhp, Highly recommended ;););)
Keith
smcgsi16v
15-01-08, 07:41 PM
Thats rotten luck Jim, glad your sticking with it tho.
I'm wanting to get it on track this year.
You'd better do.:thumb:
Mikey; CP said he was only up to 5k when it went, so the engine wasn't being stressed at all. There were no marks on the bores and the wear looked good all round. Still, that's not to say that CP didn't jinx it some how, lol ;)
Steve; indeed these things do test us. Whilst the shell is solid, it needs to go backwards in order to go forwards, so unfortunately that means some paint work which means expense, but I'm trying to convince myself it'll be worth it in the long run.
Keith; if you want, you can treat me to some solid lifters ;)
smc; I'll try my hardest to get it on track, lol
Rick Draper
15-01-08, 11:01 PM
Jim wait a few months and i can do you a deal on the ultimate big block!
Totally gutted for you mate, at least you've got the right attitude and it hasn't put you off! :thumb:
Ooh, gutted for you mate, almost identicle to my altercation with the big end on the M4...
You can tell that it wasnt under a massive amount of stress, otherwise there would have been a big hole, rather than a crack...
Onward and upward! :thumb:
Will, When we removed the block there was a hole in it, which is probably where the rest of the piston left the block, lol.
Quick additional pic: This is the cage that I've purchased for the car:
http://www.customcages.co.uk/images/c7-zoom.jpg
And how it comes:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2197591684_6f2c8e8e46_o.jpg
It's going to be a bit of a challenge getting it all put together, but I've got good help at hand :)
craig green
16-01-08, 02:10 PM
Getting stuck right in again Jim.
Why no choice to go twin cam? Out of interest?
Getting stuck right in again Jim.
Why no choice to go twin cam? Out of interest?
The 8v head was undamaged. It's had a lot of money spent on it. Plus I never got round to proving what the engine was capable of, fingers crossed this one will last long enough for me to do that, lol.
Well it's been several weeks since the last lot of work, so thought it was about time to get on with some more bits. With some help from a mate at work we soon had the dash out:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/2235151526_79cef01e51_o.jpg
Then with a bit of effort we managed to get the loom out:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2235151670_0d540b3d1c_o.jpg
This left the engine bay nice and empty, ready for it to be cleaned up and stitch welded:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/2234364951_1b80f288a3_o.jpg
We then noticed that the headlining wasn't lined with all that furry crap, so that came out:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2343/2235151984_69deac8823_o.jpg
I need to think about how I can replace the sunroof. It looks like I'm going to have to either weld in a piece of metal or fit a piece of polycarb or carbon. Will look into it in more detail when i next work on the car.
So now everything is off the car. The next job is to remove the sideskirts (which should be fun).
Good work Jim, I did like the car as it was, but this is the next step I guess, always did need a cage ;)
I liked it as it was too Ash, but it was always too "pretty" for the track. At least this way i'll have no excuse not to track it.
Hmm, removing those skirts will be a nightmare!
There bonded/blended into the arches iirc??
Adam Moran
03-02-08, 04:26 PM
Excellent stuff Jim :)
Seems all the "old" guys are going for track use these days... very wise too!
krobinson
03-02-08, 09:53 PM
Good work Jimbo!
jim sell me your rear lights........ please:thumb:
peester
03-02-08, 10:22 PM
cripes, ur cracking on alright for sure...
'i get knocked down.. but i get up again'
so the 'head saved the project then, fair to say..?
Good stuff Jim, but why remove the sideskirts?
They look great and if there is no reason to take them off then why bother adding that to the workload.
Anyway onwards and upwards :thumb:
Rick Draper
03-02-08, 10:35 PM
I agree with Dar Jim, why not leave them on, it will save loads on bodywork. If one was falling off then yes i would remove them but they are not so why bother?
I want to go down to 15" wheels. The wheels will look odd in the arches with those sideskirts. Also, the rear novadose bumper is coming off, so again, cosmetically it won't look right. The main problem is getting the car up in the air. It's a mission to get a jack under there with the sideskirts and even more of a pain when it comes to getting it on a ramp, especially a 4 poster.
jim sell me your rear lights........ please:thumb:
You have a PM
Well, no turning back now!
Removed the sunroof last night:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/2247632467_da9ab9c2ab_o.jpg
There is a bit of a lip around the edge, so need to work out the best way of removing that so I can fit the polycarb:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2248427510_4a7f77f8df_o.jpg
My mate removed the exces bit of metal along the exhaust tunnel:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2392/2247632591_d4a0607abc_o.jpg
Then we attacked the passenger sideskirt :o It actually went pretty smoothly and I was pleased with how the side of the car finished up:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2393/2247632667_a1770192aa_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2248427904_e7ba756ffb_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2231/2248427828_2df4756b2c_o.jpg
And finally a shot of the excess weight that's been removed so far:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2248427772_75f809a94a_o.jpg
There is probably about 20kg of weight there. I know the roll cage is going in, but at least the car won't be gaining that much weight and it still might be lighter than it was by the time it's finished. Not that I know how heavy it was before :confused:
We sprayed the bare metal with a bit of primer for the time being, but the car will be going into the bodyshop once it's a rolling chassis.
Next job is to remove the other side skirt and cut the excess metal from the doors. Then the sealer around the engine bay and interior can be attacked before it's stitch welded :)
Rick Draper
07-02-08, 10:34 AM
Looking good jim, best progress you have ever made on it! ha.
With the lip see if CP has a air saw and just set to it with that.
good work jim
will i get a ride in it when its finished this time ;)
cant wait. have you got a bodyshop in mind for the spray work yet?
carrie_girl_wonder
07-02-08, 10:59 AM
wow ur doin all this urself?rad!uve put my little respray on the wheels to shame :( cant wait to see the finished job!
odds on Jim took the photos himself :p The rest would have been done by Rifle Range Motorsport :)
an air saw or nibbler would get that lip off nicely.
odds on Jim took the photos himself :p The rest would have been done by Rifle Range Motorsport :)
an air saw or nibbler would get that lip off nicely.
Bodywork is about the only thing I can do :p
Rick; Will see if CP has some sort of saw. If not, I'm sure we'll sort something out.
Willhelm; Provided CP doesn't blow it up again you can have a ride in it this time, I promise. I've got a bodyhop in mind and no, it's not Dan at littlefields.
Carrie, I can't wait to see the finished job either.
Good work there Jimlad, i know exactly how much of a ballache novadose skirts are to get off. We never managed to get a good enough finish so the blue shell had to have GSi skirts to cover it up lol.
If your planning on selling the white speedlines, let me know pal, as i may be making the SR black, and i fell in love with yours on those wheels :)
And are you coming on Saturday? :)
I might be selling the speedlines. Will keep you posted.
I can't make it to Wydean this year :(
Did a bit more work to the car last night.
Decided to remove the firewall in the engine bay. I didn't just cut enough space out for air flow to the carbs either, I decided to remove the whole lot. It was a bit of a mission, but with some persistance we managed to get it all out :clap:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2133/2263959723_c08c8478e7_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/2263959505_c5471e7b20_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/2264749640_4309630915_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/2263959655_43bd1b38c1_o.jpg
My mate attacked the sealent along the inner wings, only to discover quite a few patches of rust :( It looks like it's going to take a bit more work than first thought to repair it all. Still, the key is in the preperation so I'm not getting disheartened and will get it all repaired.
Thats all for now folks. If I'm allowed I might do some more at the weekend.
ive always thought novas look better without the firewall.
Nice decision on the firewall, it opens up the engine bay nicley. Keep up the good work:thumb:
good stuff jim lad :thumb:
Cheers guys. Getting there slowly :)
wow i forgot about this.. looking good mate, helps whenyou have amtes willing to help etc...
keep it up
Nice work.
Suprising how its started to rust on the inner wings. You wouldn't expect that on a track/occasional use car.
Nice work.
Suprising how its started to rust on the inner wings. You wouldn't expect that on a track/occasional use car.
Its had 17 years to rust through. The last time it was at the bodyshop the guy didn't treat it and just put sealent over it instead :roll:
That would explain it,Lol.
karl Rowntree
14-02-08, 05:35 PM
Only just seen this thread Jim, sorry to here about the engine, these things happen for a reason though and looks as though you are making good progress.
Car should be very sorted for track use by the looks of the mods your doing mate.
Hey Karl,
Indeed, these things happen for a reason. With the help I'm getting it should be good to drive on the track.
Attacked the car again last night. Got the other side skirt off. It didn't take half as long as the first as we knew how to go about it this time:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2334/2281481804_b1aae41125_o.jpg
Unfortunately once the sideskirt was removed, rust was discovered :( I know this will come as no surprise, but I paid a lot of money during the last re-spray/build and I'm not happy with how many corners it turns out the bodyshop cut in order to get the work done. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but no one likes to be bent over (except Stuart).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2053/2280690473_e85bab6e85_o.jpg
Not really a lot I can do about it at the minute, so we carried on trying to get the rest of the sealent out of the engine bay. More rust was found lurking underneath :(
Battery Tray:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2171/2280690401_5a6f87e5ca_o.jpg
Behind passenger headlight/along the inner arch sill:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2281482146_0533dcb29a_o.jpg
Drivers side inner arch sill:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2329/2280690217_0e3c41e12b_o.jpg
At least we managed to get the rest of the firewall out from behind the passenger side turret, so there is plenty of space to bring some tubing through from the roll cage (when it gets fitted)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/2281482390_18f156df0e_o.jpg
And how the engine bay stands at the minute.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2280690083_3714615808_o.jpg
It's a bitch of a job to get this sealent off and with more rust than I was expecting, it's deflated me a little. Saying that, I know it could have been worse. I think the key is to keep convincing myself that it'll all be worth it in the long run, which I know it will, just getting there is taking longer than I would have liked.
Next job is to keep attacking the sealent with a grinder and start cutting out the rust.
Adam Moran
21-02-08, 09:06 AM
Shame about the rust Jim but like you say not really supprising.
The novas are well into the age now so its going to happen.
Gotta sort mine out at some point too :(
Anyways, keep up with the good work, will def be worth it ;)
Indeed Adam. If I don't sort it now it'll only get worse again later. Goes to show, if you want something doing right you've got to do it yourself.
bad luck with that jim, i kno how you feel, ivehad 2 projects fail because of the same thing, my new ones just as bad, but liek you say "it willbe worth it" so stick at it...
Good luck
I'd send those pics to the bodyshop and let him know how much of a **** job he did......
Stead007
21-02-08, 10:26 AM
Yeh defo stick at it cos at the end of it all you would of saved another Nova :-)
I'd send those pics to the bodyshop and let him know how much of a **** job he did......
No point really. What's he going to do, give me back some money, lol.
This time I'll use a bodyshop that doesn't opperate from behind a farm in the middle of nowhere.
craig green
21-02-08, 12:08 PM
Looks like the usual level of rot IMO & the usual standard of workmanship from a bodyshop aswell.
Only this weekend I (we) discovered more tragic workmanship from the monkeys that painted my car......
keep at it Jim.
Nasty bits of rust there.
But like you say, better to do it now, than leave it.
vaughanmc
21-02-08, 06:19 PM
Good progress mate, always liked this car since I seen it in TV
Good to see she will be rebuilt as well :)
This time I'll use a bodyshop that doesn't opperate from behind a farm in the middle of nowhere.
Yeh you want to be wary of outfits that work out of the back of farm workshopslol
Jims rust isn't so bad. The key point about it is that it probably isn't any worse than it was several years ago - it looks to me like a lot of it has done its worst and has stabilised. The big thing is that its largely been off the road during wet salty conditions which has stopped it progressing. Although the body shop weren't the best I don't think they made anything worse.
Quick update of the work carried out over the last few weeks:
I was sick and tired of tackling rust all the time, so started to fabricate the replacement pieces and welded in.
First off was the piece behind the drivers headlight which was very rotten, so I cut it out:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2114/2330574965_5c6885b4ce_o.jpg
I used this as a rough template for the new piece:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2331403434_a68cd77405_o.jpg
Used the angle grinder to cut it, checked it fitted ok and then CP welded it in place for me:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/2330575139_02505425b6_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2331403650_985ab7df78_o.jpg
I will neaten it up a bit once all the welding in the engine bay is done. Next up was the rust in the engine bay. Again, I cut and bent new pieces of metal to replace the bad patches and CP welded it up:
Battery tray and behind the turret (before images can be seen earlier on in the post):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/2330575483_76e3fa9d9b_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/2330575647_6b2b1495d6_o.jpg
CP also began stitch welding the rest of the bay for me (cheers Charlie) :thumb:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/2331403792_621cc8dfca_o.jpg
I reckon with a couple more nights spent on it, all the welding will be sorted. Only problem is I'm only getting to spend one night a week on it at the minute, so everything seems to take ages. Hopefully I will have some more free time in a few weeks so I might be able to work on it during weekends.
craig green
13-03-08, 05:09 PM
Sounds like you need to take some holiday Jim..
Good to see your sorting it all.
Cheers guys.
CG: taking holiday is tricky; if i don't work, I don't get paid and therefore can't afford bits for the car, lol.
glad to see the rust hasnt put you off jim
Jim, You make us out to sound like monsters! Don't listen anyone he does get AL, he's just running short of excuses!
A few more pics of woks Jim's car:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/cpnova/20307005.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/cpnova/20307004.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/cpnova/20307003.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/cpnova/20307001.jpg
those welds look spot on and youve done an excellent repair job on the engine bay rust! Well done fella!
Nice welding, should look good all painted up.
Thanks for doing the welding and putting the pictures up Charles :)
Quick update, just to let those that are interested that this car is still in progress. Picked up my bottom end and all ancillaries from Jamsport last week:
Roose Motorsport hoses:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/2473943688_4701e87c92_b.jpg
Balanced crank, flywheel, clutch cover, etc. (Opted not to have it lightened. My previous engine wasn't lightened either and it performed well):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/2473124843_966661cc33_b.jpg
Gasket set:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2473124289_4835190815_b.jpg
Shotpeened and de-seamed conrods:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2473941510_86d82b1688_b.jpg
+1mm oversized Mahle pistons:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2473940874_33a76c3827_b.jpg
New Oil Pump:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2473122019_91b3dcbef4_b.jpg
Bearings:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2473121113_32e08d198a_b.jpg
ARP Bolts:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/2473120355_7f276c0fda_b.jpg
Block has a +1mm overbore, skimmed to raise compression (and to match previous block) broddled (to aid oil flow) and will be getting a damn good clean and a lick of paint once I'm ready to start building it up:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/2473766829_fbe45823b3_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2473768885_17336d7c77_o.jpg
Ignore the orange dots on the bores, it's just bits of cardboard from the box it's stored in.
Jim.
Top stuff :)
Did Jam source the ARP rod bolts? £££?
Cheers Adam. Yes Jam did. Can't remember the inividual price, paid for it all in one go, which hurt a lot, lol. Give Mark at Jamsport a call.
Fantastic! Should be some spec engine then Jim :D
Should be. Will be about the same as the last one, just hope it lasts a bit longer.
Should be. Will be about the same as the last one, just hope it lasts a bit longer.
lol aye! Although you probably do as much milage in yours as i do in mine (5k miles in 2 and half years! lol
Forgot to add, also got my new wheels. Will get some pics of them next time I fish them out.
lol aye! Although you probably do as much milage in yours as i do in mine (5k miles in 2 and half years! lol
Hehe, yep. Although I'm hoping to do more mileage as I'll use it to drive to work in the good weather which is a 50mile round trip.
Forgot to add, also got my new wheels. Will get some pics of them next time I fish them out.
Tell us more :)
Tell us more :)
You will see soon enough. Muhahahahhahahahahhaha ;)
Nothing too special, but will do the job nicely :)
Good work Jim, some good prep going on. Did 'Jam carry out all the work? ie. decked block and bore.
Jam sourced out most of the machining. They bought in all the components for me though.
Just seen this thread jim, Sorry to hear about the engine but i suppose it will be better in the end.
Did the old engine ever get 1/4miled?
broster
10-05-08, 02:38 PM
is it done yet?
Just seen this thread jim, Sorry to hear about the engine but i suppose it will be better in the end.
Did the old engine ever get 1/4miled?
I went up to Santa Pod just the once during the cars lifetime. Managed 4 runs in total with a best of 14.6. There was definitely more to come from the car so I'm hoping I'll be able to do better with the new engine.
New (second hand) wheels:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/2492006034_29e85deea5_o.jpg
Nice choice
I hope there going white
castanhas_15td
14-05-08, 04:54 PM
good wheels!
Nice choice
I hope there going white
Whilst I did love the white wheels I had before, I really liked the anthracite and black combination I had previously. Since these are already anthracite and I now need to tighten the wallet, they will probably stay this colour.
Saying all that, I'll have to see how they look on the car before I make up my mind for definite, lol.
leave them the colour they are imo, everyone has white lol
broster
15-05-08, 06:23 AM
awesome wheels........
Broster,
I think those wheels would look really good on a red Corsa too! They come up for sale for reasonable money every now and then so I hear! :thumb:
broster
15-05-08, 09:11 AM
reasonable money............
absolute bargin you mean.
RobMarriott
27-05-08, 10:19 PM
reasonable money............
absolute bargin you mean.
yeah, don't you just know it? :(
Short answer: No.
Aim to get cracking on with it ASAP.
Short answer: No.
Aim to get cracking on with it ASAP.
finish the kitchen and other things first hun ;)
finish the kitchen and other things first hun ;)
Strangely you sound far too much like Joanna, lol. Although the wink would be replaced with an exclamation mark, lol. and the hun replaced with "you *******"
ok then.
finish the house you mutha hubbard!!!
seems a familiar story my end too lol
I can't imagine Jo swearing! :O
Stop press: Jim works on his car!
I've actually been doing things to it for the last couple of weeks, but only took some pictures last night. It doesn't look like I've done much, but prep woirk takes forever!
I've been busy cutting out rusty metal and welding in new pieces here, there and every-****ing-where. It's been a much bigger job than I first thought. Anyway; front inner arches are pretty much ready for undercoat. I've brushed on the rust preventer/eater stuff that’s supposed to stop rust from forming. Meh, if it delays the deterioration of the car for another year it'll be worth it. CP and I have also been stitch welding the inner arches along the way.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2850564872_32ce376fb6.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2849732925_549fce4b5f.jpg
I then attacked the inside of the car. It's been a mission getting all the seam sealer out of the car to provide a clean welding surface. The welding process usual involves scraping away the sealant, putting a spot weld in, allowing that to set fire to the surrounding sealant then scraping that away and applying a full 1" (ish) stitch of weld. My lungs are probably ****ed with all the smoke inhalation, but it's all part of the process, lol. I've been doing the welding for the last couple of weeks but last night I was bored of looking at rusty bare metal so cleaned it all up and put some paint on. I've used a mixture of undercoat and galv spray (I ran out of undercoat, lol). The majority of it will be rubbed back before a proper undercoat is applied, I just wanted to put something on top of the new exposed bare metal. Plus it gives you a sense of achievement when you see the panel in one colour. Before the paint I put some of the rust preventer into the seams where the welding had been done before the painting:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2849732239_3f3d5f8a69.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2849731843_d91298964d.jpg
The round holes are the drainage holes, I'm undecided if I should weld those up. The other square hole is some rust that I found whilst prepping the floor. I will sort that out next time I work on the car. This has summed up this build really. I replace one bit of rust only to find another. I feel like I'm taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back. My brain is telling me to sell, break, scrap, burn the car, but there is another voice in my head that's telling me to persist (although I think that might be MC whispering in my ear, lol). What is it about these cars, why do I put myself through this much grief, :confused: . Funny thing is I will still spend one night next week plodding on with it, :tard:
Lessons learnt:
1) How to weld
2) Bodyshops are lazy ****ers
3) If you want something doing right, do it yourself
LEWI007
12-09-08, 09:34 AM
If you want something doing right, do it yourself
:thumb:
Good skills Mr Jim. Keep it up :)
good progress jim mate , still cant believe the ****ed you with the bad work like that
but you and cp and mc seem to be doin a grand job :thumb:
Nice work Jim, gettibng there.
krobinson
13-09-08, 01:06 PM
Good work Jim, keep it up :)
nova ian
13-09-08, 10:39 PM
Good work Jim, always loved this car, nice to see it progressing.
Well done on learning to weld etc... Its good fun learning new skills, just really depressing when you make a mess of it lol
Keep at it, will be keeping my eye on this one
Cheers guys. Comments like this help to keep me motivated :thumb:
Nova Ian, making a mess of welding isn't too bad, at least you can grind it back, hehe.
krobinson
27-09-08, 06:06 PM
Anymore progress Jimbob?
No Keith. Things are going to be put on hold for a while now as my other half is about to give birth.
I'm hoping whilst I'm on paternity leave, MC and CP will have finished the car for me, heh.
small-block
04-11-08, 06:59 PM
very nice need more updates!!!
Need more time to work on it to provide the updates :(
scott.parker
17-12-08, 11:25 AM
Right just worked my through each page to the end!
First off it shows how much i was absent from the site, as i had no idea none of this had happened, secondly it also shows i didn't relay speak to you Jim at karting :roll:
Sorry to hear about the engine going tits up! But I'm glad you made the decision to get straight back on it and make into the car it deserves to be :thumb:
I must also say I'm shocked at how much rot you have been finding, only as i thought your car was immaculate as i remember the respray last time, but I'm not shocked a nova is rusting as we all know there good at thislol
But good job done so far by you guys, cant wait to see some more progress.
Good luck with the rebuild mate.
Scott
Right just worked my through each page to the end!
First off it shows how much i was absent from the site, as i had no idea none of this had happened, secondly it also shows i didn't relay speak to you Jim at karting :roll:No worries Scott :thumb:
Sorry to hear about the engine going tits up! But I'm glad you made the decision to get straight back on it and make into the car it deserves to be :thumb:You know I could never go big block, plus I never got to use the engine properly so feel i have something to prove with it still.
I must also say I'm shocked at how much rot you have been finding, only as i thought your car was immaculate as i remember the respray last time, but I'm not shocked a nova is rusting as we all know there good at this lol I was shocked too, just goes to show what sealent and a coat of paint will cover up. But hey, I'm slowly getting the better of it.
But good job done so far by you guys, cant wait to see some more progress.
Good luck with the rebuild mate.
ScottCheers Scott, hopefully i might get some time to work on it over Christmas.
Jim
dj_wudgey
01-04-09, 04:23 PM
any more updates on this??
Fooking hell, almost fell over when this was bumped! lol
krobinson
01-04-09, 06:19 PM
Lol - Where's Jim????
scott.parker
01-04-09, 09:53 PM
Fooking hell, almost fell over when this was bumped! lol
lol yeah I'd like to see whats going on with this, any updates on Dans?
Scott
dj_wudgey
02-04-09, 01:01 AM
Fooking hell, almost fell over when this was bumped! lol
i was just looking miles down projects for one off my threads and ended up reading loads off this so i bumped it lol
Still here (sort of)...
Work has been very busy during the day and my 6 month old son has been keeping me even busier at night so I've had no time at all to work on it. To make things even more complicated I'm looking at moving house as well, lol.
It's still around; the shell needs a couple of days worth of work to get it finished, although I fear it's deteriorating at a pretty quick rate. The engine is ready to be built up and I have 99% of everything else. Whether or not it will get finished is another story. Our favourite saying at work is "when we get a quiet period..." however that's just not happening at the minute - which is a good thing.
You'll all be the first to know if things progress.
Jim.
scott.parker
02-04-09, 10:56 AM
Still here (sort of)...
Work has been very busy during the day and my 6 month old son has been keeping me even busier at night so I've had no time at all to work on it. To make things even more complicated I'm looking at moving house as well, lol.
It's still around; the shell needs a couple of days worth of work to get it finished, although I fear it's deteriorating at a pretty quick rate. The engine is ready to be built up and I have 99% of everything else. Whether or not it will get finished is another story. Our favourite saying at work is "when we get a quiet period..." however that's just not happening at the minute - which is a good thing.
You'll all be the first to know if things progress.
Jim.
Yes don't go wishing for them!
I'm in and out of work like a jack in a box, it's stupid, all i want/need is a full time job so i can finish the car, and just LIVE!
As for having a kid thats no one but your own fault lol You and Stu are making me feel really old, both all grown up with kids etc, but I'm sure it's all worth while mate.
Scott
Southie
15-05-09, 05:14 PM
As your sons a month older now, any nearer to some updates :D A child's recaro seat maybe. Anything. lol
novaload1992
15-05-09, 05:59 PM
i think thats what you call "kat altogether"
As your sons a month older now, any nearer to some updates :D A child's recaro seat maybe. Anything. lol
Well he's sitting up by himself now...oh, you're talking about the Nova...in short, the answer is no :( I really need to get started on it before I sell up, lol.
i think thats what you call "kat altogether"
huh? :wtf:
Jim.
Southie
15-05-09, 11:07 PM
Does he still have a annoying rattle the nova I mean lol
Are you selling in the future because of being a grown up and being a responsible adult to your young lad or you got another hobbie in mind? Knitting maybe lol
UPDATE TIME!
Well it's been over a year since anything was done to the car. So whilst I'm busy raising a child, moving house and doing silly hours at work I thought now would be a good time to crack on with the car :tard:
The main reason behind my motivation is I've enlisted the help of a friend who works at a local crash repair centre and has kindly offered to help with the body preperation in exchange for some help on his Corsa.
So first things first he started on the scuttle area of the engine bay. After rubbing back all of the surface rust that had accumulated in the last year he was able to apply some filler here and there to get the area looking a little neater:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3725728197_ef3e861b3e.jpg
Once the filler was sanded back a coat of rust preventer was painted on followed by a coat of primer:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/3726534660_1cbbfabfd8.jpg
Whilst he was doing this, I was tackling the passenger footwell. I've decided to install some seat rails. The problem when bolting the seats directly to the floor is I could only mount the seats as close as the strengthening running across the car would allow. Raising the seats slightly not only gives a better driving position but also more adjustment:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3725728385_93226eab60.jpg
Whilst I was getting on well with the welding I tackled the areas where I had chopped out rusted metal along with filling the drainage holes:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/3725728895_b4c97b69cd.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3725728607_74dcd68e3c.jpg
I will grind the welding back and apply a coat of filler to leave a reasonably smooth finish.
I was relatively happy with the evenings work, and as I'm still learning to weld I was pretty pleased with the results:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3725729127_26be55b19f.jpg
Finally to remind myself what the car may one day look like I placed the seat on the rails:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3726536202_33182651cd.jpg
Next job is to get the rest of the drainage holes filled and drivers side sorted and try and get the rest of the engine bay in filler.
Jim.
scott.parker
16-07-09, 05:01 PM
Nice to see it's still getting worked on mate, i did ask some one (cant think who now) at billing if you were still doing anything with it.
So are you finally going big block too now?
Scott
So are you finally going big block too now?
Scott
Cough, splutter, choke...No Scott. Not going big block. I will never be turned to the dark side :p
As your sons a month older now, any nearer to some updates :D A child's recaro seat maybe. Anything. lol
Oh, I do have a recaro child seat now btw. Although it's in the Signum at the moment.
Good to see some progress at last Jim, keep it up!
craig green
16-07-09, 08:15 PM
Good work.
No matter how long it takes, it will be worth it.
Glad its getting worked on.
yeah was still good to see it the other day mate , just amazed me though as i remember it coming out of the bodyshop only a few years ago and to see it now was weird lol , you'll get it done mate ,
but since i owe you all one , ever need any help and its here lol
I've been working on the Nova every now and then for the last few weeks. Been concentrating on getting the engine bay ready for paint. I won't bore you with loads of images of patched up areas, so will just show you the bay as a whole.
Below is a timeline of what it used to look like with progress shots and what it looks like now:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/109/300268456_4293d90786.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/2234364951_ebd78a3f3f.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2280690083_78db4944dd.jpg
As it stands now:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3993053111_0a71a563cd.jpg
Yes, I know I should have taken a picture of the bay at the same angle, but meh, lol.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3993054735_c0ea133ea7.jpg
It's not quite ready for paint, but I can see the light at the end of the engine bay tunnel.
Just the interior and exterior to go, lol.
Jim.
Nice work dude, always loved your nova. But never seen it :(
good to see your still plodding on with it mate
I loved this nova when I first saw it in total vauxhall and im glad you've still got it. So many others have broke their's for parts but its nice to know you're still going with this one. :thumb: When do you want it done for?
Nova_Tek
08-10-09, 10:57 PM
Just read the thread from start to finish mate, such a shame she went pop. Looks like you have put in a lot of time and effort getting her right. So much rust though. Glad you decided to get her sorted rather than sell her off.
Can't wait for this to be completed, all the best :thumb:
Cheers guys.
Benn: You will see it one day I'm sure :)
Steve: No deadline date. It'll be done when it's done. I don't have to buy anything for it (he says optimistically), so once the shell is painted it should be a case of bolting everything back on.
scott.parker
09-10-09, 05:24 PM
Cheers guys.
Benn: You will see it one day I'm sure :)
Steve: No deadline date. It'll be done when it's done. I don't have to buy anything for it (he says optimistically), so once the shell is painted it should be a case of bolting everything back on.
Jim you know it wont be that simple! lol
Another one glad to see it's still going,all be it slowly, but i understand mate. :thumb:
Scott
good to see you cracking on with her jim.
knowing your approach, it be worth it in the end and the quality will be fantastic again.
this time you'll have to take me out in it before cp gets his hands on it. lol
burch1990
25-12-09, 12:43 AM
guna b sweet when ur done, keep it up
guna b sweet when ur done, keep it upless of the text typing
Well its been a while, but I've actually been working on the car. Pics to follow...
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n7RltmTdk-g/SjT98R8-c-I/AAAAAAAAJrI/fKNP8jhStnc/s400/Flying+Pig.jpg
/\ FPMSL lol
good to hear you've started on this again jim
M Sutton
01-04-11, 12:05 PM
:thumb:
kevster
01-04-11, 06:29 PM
looking forward to seeing the pic's
krobinson
01-04-11, 06:48 PM
Jesus, 18 months ago! Welcome back Jim!!
cant wait to see some more pics just read thru the whole thread looks sweet
Don't get too excited, there isn't much to see in all honesty. I've lost some pics during the work :(
After working on the interior over 18 months ago, for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to try and work on the underside of the car. Clean up any rust and cut out areas that were really bad. So I made a crude frame that allowed me to get the car on it's side:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5580333674_5862987695_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5579746659_f68451c7c2_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5579747203_a6e2e4dda4_z.jpg
You know when you start something and really wish you hadn't? Well that was the situation with this task. What I thought would be relatively straight forward has turned into a nightmare. There was a lot more rust than expected and a lot more work involved. This is what's caused the delay. After patching up one area and then finding another larger bit really pissed me off and I soon lost patience with it.
Persistence is the name of the Nova game and I can almost see the light at the end of the 'underside tunnel'. I just need to patch up a few areas inside the offside rear arch, however this means flipping the car over first. Once that's sorted I've got some nice under seal to go on then I can get the car back on the deck and get on with the cage that's been sat against the wall for over 3 years!
it might seem like its taking forever mate but if you stop now you will wish you had finished it, bare with it it will get there in time
Looks like Marks roll over frame lol
scott.parker
01-04-11, 08:55 PM
Bloody hell, was only thinking if you still had this the other day, glad you still do, she's a survivor mate, most of us have scrapped an reshelled!
Keep motivated tho dude.
Scott
Hey Scott, long time no speak. It's been tempting to throw it on one of CP's bonfires, but for some reason I can't let go, lol. CP has been very kind in letting me keep it in his barn for so long, although he keeps eyeing it up every time he takes a trailer load of metal to the scrap yard, lol.
scott.parker
01-04-11, 10:10 PM
You'll go round one day and find a big block dropped in it! lol
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