985cc Turbocharged Nova Sprint Car

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21-12-13, 12:10 PM
rallypvc

How much you looking to spend on a full car Colin either ex let or whatever? As I often come across them as I spend hours searching the net but don't have the money to buy them myself lol but I'm sure your budget is better than mine
21-12-13, 02:12 PM
novarally

Quote:

Originally Posted by rallypvc

How much you looking to spend on a full car Colin either ex let or whatever? As I often come across them as I spend hours searching the net but don't have the money to buy them myself lol but I'm sure your budget is better than mine

Don't assume that!

If anything I'd prefer to buy a full car, so I know I have everything to get it going, and also I can recoup some money on selling off the rest of the thing in pieces.

But if I was just to buy a complete, ready to install engine, I could probably stretch to £1000, possibly a touch more. And I could part-exchange Nova parts into the deal if that was appropriate.

So I haven't got a lot to cash to work with.
21-12-13, 02:23 PM
rallypvc

Don't know if you'd be interested but there's a corsa c z20leh on Ebay cheap at the mo think it's up to £1750
28-12-13, 02:18 PM
novarally

At last, the Nova has a new home.

This was the garage as at 18th December;
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps6b4658ba.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psd8783dcf.jpg

And then on the 19th December;
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps0d641014.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps71ffed88.jpg

And then this morning it was time to move the Nova in from its resting place on the patio;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps6f3b2a80.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psda1a43f4.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps8891dacc.jpg
28-12-13, 02:21 PM
novarally

The 'new' garage, looking rather busy already, and it's only had a floor for a week or so;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...pse23c69fc.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps255e36a8.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps5bf3dec7.jpg

I need more space, already;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps127a1bc3.jpg
28-12-13, 02:44 PM
BRoadGhost

Look at that sexy 4th engine mount.

Y U NO PAINT FLOOR?
28-12-13, 02:57 PM
novarally

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRoadGhost

Y U NO PAINT FLOOR?

I have 2-pack epoxy paint waiting to go on, but the weather isn't suitable for that to dry. A job for the Summer.
28-12-13, 05:01 PM
jonn

nice work cant wait to see more progress, what shafts are you running for the wide arch setup?
28-12-13, 05:23 PM
thedjse

Awesome work pal garage floor looks good
28-12-13, 05:24 PM
novarally

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonn

nice work cant wait to see more progress, what shafts are you running for the wide arch setup?

Standard smallblock driveshafts, it's only the wheels which are wider.
28-12-13, 05:31 PM
jonn

a ok, what offset and width are they wheels?
28-12-13, 05:42 PM
novarally

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonn

a ok, what offset and width are they wheels?

The fronts are 7.5" wide, but I've never measured the offset, there are 3 sets of wheels for the car which were all custom made to suit.
28-12-13, 05:51 PM
jonn

ok thanks
29-12-13, 09:44 AM
Benn

Garage looks great, wish i had that space.
03-01-14, 10:06 PM
novarally

I've just picked up a Corsa bias pedal box from Jezz (Toymex), which will hopefully solve my issues with lack of legroom caused by the original floor mounted pedal box I had.

Further details to follow, and additional thanks to Simon (STT) who has sent me loads of details regarding modifications to the Corsa B pedal box which can be used in place of the Nova one.

If this set-up sorts things out, all I then have to do is adapt the clutch pedal to actuate a hydraulic master cylinder (as I'm on a hydraulic clutch system).
23-02-14, 05:44 PM
novarally

My garage is looking full. I sold a lot, then filled it up with more stuff...........note the Alfa 33 race car I have recently acquired;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps991d32f9.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps70f5632f.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps2f572822.jpg

I've also bought a 1400 Tigra, as I am going to fit my Nova with a smallblock XE engine, fitted with Jenvey throttle bodies and an MBE ECU/loom. As there's currently no way I can afford to get my 1.0 turbo engine rebuilt, the 1400cc 16v engine is the cheapest way to get my car back out racing (now over 18 months since it last raced).

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps87944665.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psdd69a39a.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps47167fca.jpg

Throttle body kit waiting;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psd1d57590.jpg
23-02-14, 05:55 PM
Benn

Good plan buying the tigra.
23-02-14, 05:58 PM
novarally

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benn

Good plan buying the tigra.

Even more so as it was only £130 for the whole car!

I've got another Tigra 1600cc as my daily driver now, they are just so cheap it makes sense.
24-02-14, 02:13 PM
burgo

I so want the alfa. One of my biggest regrets getting rid of my 33 especially as it was a green cloverleaf
02-03-14, 10:52 AM
novarally

The mock-up engine was removed yesterday;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psa5f94f0d.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psa7353732.jpg

And the smallblock XE engine I'm going to use will soon be ready to go in;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps9e0f9f47.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psbd144ecf.jpg

I'm going to paint the engine bay today so it's grey again.
09-03-14, 07:17 PM
novarally

Got a bit more done this weekend.

Spaceframe re-painted;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps98d7a288.jpg

Started work on fitting the new front brakes, requiring new caliper mounting brackets. I've got one side finished now, and just need to make a mirror image for the other side. I've done them in steel for the moment, but once they've been tested and proved I will get the brackets re-made in alloy;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psf5feaa46.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps6510881d.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps51b12988.jpg

And after lots of thought, and buying several different pedal boxes, I've decided to use a (Classic) Mini pedal box. I've started the fabrication and it looks like it should work pretty well. The Mini pedal box is nice and lightweight, and has a hydraulic clutch pedal as standard. The master cylinders are going to sit in the battery tray area, it's going to be tight for clearance against the bulkhead panel by the look of things;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psad350e01.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps8b578913.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psdd10d9d5.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps4ff59d31.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps1ca65351.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psee28c473.jpg
09-03-14, 07:25 PM
Novaload_Nick

Good work, must be a first for the mini pedal box too? Start a trend? Lol
09-03-14, 07:55 PM
BRoadGhost

I used an escort pedal box; more metal to it though & extra weight over what you have there.

BTW Colin do you have a nova steering coupling lying around?
09-03-14, 09:33 PM
_Jake

why the change from floor mounted?
10-03-14, 11:51 AM
novarally

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Jake

why the change from floor mounted?

It didn't give me enough legroom, I found the driving position very uncomfortable as the pedal box was too close.

I'm not allowed to modify the bulkhead to move it further away, so hopefully this will be the solution.
10-03-14, 01:05 PM
_Jake

Quote:

Originally Posted by novarally

It didn't give me enough legroom, I found the driving position very uncomfortable as the pedal box was too close.

I'm not allowed to modify the bulkhead to move it further away, so hopefully this will be the solution.

having the same dilemma myself, although i want to have a floor mounted one if possible!
10-03-14, 04:12 PM
novarally

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Jake

having the same dilemma myself, although i want to have a floor mounted one if possible!

Assuming you can't move the seat any further back, then you have 2 solutions as far as I can see;

1. Cut out and box the bulkhead to accommodate the master cylinders (see the Project thread that 8valve-Craig has done for his Nova to see this). I'm not allowed to cut the bulkhead in this fashion under the Regulations I race to.

2. Use a floor-mounted pedal box which reverse-mounts the master cylinders (i.e. they sit in front of the pedals). The problem I see with this is that you need a false floorpan to cover the cylinders, and obviously your feet are then raised up. Can't say I've ever seen one of these pedal boxes in a Nova, but I would be interested to have a try in one.
10-03-14, 08:35 PM
_Jake

Quote:

Originally Posted by novarally

Assuming you can't move the seat any further back, then you have 2 solutions as far as I can see;

1. Cut out and box the bulkhead to accommodate the master cylinders (see the Project thread that 8valve-Craig has done for his Nova to see this). I'm not allowed to cut the bulkhead in this fashion under the Regulations I race to.

2. Use a floor-mounted pedal box which reverse-mounts the master cylinders (i.e. they sit in front of the pedals). The problem I see with this is that you need a false floorpan to cover the cylinders, and obviously your feet are then raised up. Can't say I've ever seen one of these pedal boxes in a Nova, but I would be interested to have a try in one.

i'll be making whatever i eventually decide to use, seriously swaying towards number 2 seeing as im 6ft2 and all my height is in my legs!
11-03-14, 06:27 AM
C612DNM

I use an OBP floor mounted box in my Belmont V8 Thundersaloon. That has reverse mounted master cylinders, and requires a false floor. Took a bit of getting used to as my feet are something like 4-5" higher than they were with the old Gp.4 Escort pedal box that I used to use.

Being a Thundersaloon and built for two/multi-driver races, the seat is on runners, and I have to run it almost right back. That also meant running a longer/extended steering column, and all the issues that go with that. I still have lots more to sort in that area - going to fabricate a new column at some point to replace the "spear" (as on series organiser calls it) that I currently have.

I can certainly recommend the OBP pedal boxes. Very good - beware of fakes/imitations though -it seems that there are cheap (and poor) Chinese copies appearing in the market.

They do a wide range of bulkhead mount ones too.
15-03-14, 09:57 PM
_Jake

Quote:

Originally Posted by C612DNM

I use an OBP floor mounted box in my Belmont V8 Thundersaloon. That has reverse mounted master cylinders, and requires a false floor. Took a bit of getting used to as my feet are something like 4-5" higher than they were with the old Gp.4 Escort pedal box that I used to use.

Being a Thundersaloon and built for two/multi-driver races, the seat is on runners, and I have to run it almost right back. That also meant running a longer/extended steering column, and all the issues that go with that. I still have lots more to sort in that area - going to fabricate a new column at some point to replace the "spear" (as on series organiser calls it) that I currently have.

I can certainly recommend the OBP pedal boxes. Very good - beware of fakes/imitations though -it seems that there are cheap (and poor) Chinese copies appearing in the market.

They do a wide range of bulkhead mount ones too.

Could you or someone be kind enough to post some pics of the escort ones? i have one here im going to offer up tomorrow but im interested to see as to how other people have done it
16-03-14, 09:19 AM
C612DNM

Here's a link to eBay.... looky and see...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Escort-Mk2...-/230859697441

Mine had hydraulic clutch too, but on a Nova/Corsa you'll be wanting the cable variety I'll guess....
16-03-14, 09:23 AM
C612DNM

Having just re-read your post Jake, I don't have any pics of it in situ. It's a case of offering it up to where you want it, then bolting it in position. To get the best position it's a two-man-job and if you can, do it with the dash out so you can see what you're doing.
16-03-14, 12:19 PM
_Jake

Quote:

Originally Posted by C612DNM

Having just re-read your post Jake, I don't have any pics of it in situ. It's a case of offering it up to where you want it, then bolting it in position. To get the best position it's a two-man-job and if you can, do it with the dash out so you can see what you're doing.

Hmm interesting, thankyou! car wont be running a dash and has a hydraulic clutch so neither of that is a problem :)
19-03-14, 01:26 AM
jimbob-mcgrew

Quote:

Originally Posted by novarally

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psbd144ecf.jpg

^ can you remember what sized belt you used for the alternator mate ?
19-03-14, 08:04 AM
maddogdaz666

I used a Mk4 Astra 1.4 16v belt I think, as they're electric PAS. So no pump.
23-03-14, 09:28 AM
novarally

Still working on the brake system, took a couple of photos of the proposed pedal box (Mini) actually fitted in a Mini - the hillclimb car of a friend;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps2f85b971.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps000fa8d9.jpg

I'm not 100% convinced as to whether this is the answer, and I've recently spotted this rather impressive looking newly released pedal box, which is designed to suit sloping floorplans, and may gain me the extra legroom I need;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps1fe32ac6.png

I'll do some measuring today.

Meanwhile after a huge amount of Google-time, I found some rear brake discs which should be perfect, and at 300g each, lighter, and better looking too;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps918a6189.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psef79cabf.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...pscb418df8.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps72657316.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psf6c7ebff.jpg

I shall be ordering the new rear calipers from the USA today, they're not available on the shelf in the UK;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...psc90c7aaf.jpg
23-03-14, 10:16 AM
thedjse

Really nice brake set up matey

Be interesting to see what your thoughts are on the power output on the x14
24-03-14, 11:05 AM
Benn

Those hubs are beautiful. Bike caliper?
24-03-14, 04:00 PM
novarally

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benn

Those hubs are beautiful. Bike caliper?

The hubs are KAD (Kent Auto Developments) for a Mini. I modified the stub axle to allow them to fit, and it means I have 101.6mm PCD on the back. One day I have a plan to modify the front hubs so I can have the same PCD all round to make life easier.

The calipers are sold mostly for Karting, but they also use them on Junior Dragsters apparently.
25-03-14, 12:50 PM
Benn

Ah, so you'd have to run two different wheels then, that would be a pita. And Karting calipers... Very cool, i guess they'll give just enough effort.

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