Project SOD²

[Johnny A]

Although the majority of MIG was excited about this project there were 2 that spoilt the projects thread on there so I had it deleted. Simps suggested I post it on here instead as your not nobbers basically

But to be clear, the car isn't finished yet. There are a few components that still require modding to work correctly, by all means ask about them but please don't slate

After breaking my old Nova Turbo (SEF) back in 2003 I lost my way a bit with various Vauxhalls but learn a lesson - FWD sucks balls. I really desperately wanted another Nova but couldn't stand FWD, project SOD² (Saloon Of Doom 2) was born.

I picked up this beut for £260 with a full tank of fuel:


A surprising lack of rust, the bottoms of the back arches (back of sill) had gone and the rear arches were bubbling but that was it, battery tray, crossmember, turrets etc.. were all perfect :D

I enlisted the help of JADE performance owner Jamie to be my technical adviser on the project as his knowledge of building Kit cars and Hot Rods for 18 years are needed.

I am a picky sod and the project needed to following certain guidelines:
1: It stays beige/Parchment
2: It runs on steelies as I am sick of buckling alloys round my area
3: Every single component will be mounted higher than the floorpan so I can run the car uber low
4: The car is a daily driver - so needs certain luxuries
5: The car will be used for 1/4 miles and track days
6: 300bhp or more
7: Every component must be of Vauxhall origin unless it's bespoke

and now it's piccy time



Solid engine bay:

Interior:

[Johnny A]

Don't need that

Hole!


RWD'ing - Serious business:

Mock XE engine used for a look see:


Corsa-C epas column is located punching through the original battery tray, removing the biggest Nova hate of mine - the angled column!



Engine out, engine bay cradle going in

N/S/F inner arch welded and sealed - RUST?

Rack being aligned and fitted

[Johnny A]

First hub fitted (Astra4 reversed)

Taking shape:

We had to see how low it will go

Custom bigwing sump


Front engine mounts:


This will be the daily ride height (if you look REALLY closely the only thing other that the floorpan you can see underneath is the ribs of the steering rack)

A favorite shot:

Tunnel skeleton construction:

[Johnny A]

How's this for a driving position?

Standard nova handbrake incorporated:

This is the tunnel currently




Cut the back out


Shame because it was mint:

Rear beam getting chopped about a bit

Weld these to it

Rear turret towers

[Johnny A]

Noice

Rear diff (Lotus Carlton)

Beam modded some more


This is with the car at max lowering:


Rear end framework:

So how low will I run the back?



Thats it for now :D

[Rysee]

Looking good mate, yours isn't the 1st rwd thread to be removed from mig for similar reasons(Cav turbo)

Keep up the good progress

Loving the parchment

[auzzy2000]

thats great work so far.will be good fun when done.love rear wheel drive.keeps you awake.love it mate keep up the good work.like to see it when done..any idea on a finish date?

[Count Vaux Alot]

Interesting.

[~~joycey~~]

Awsome! 10/10 for being different! :D

Rep +

[Johnny A]

No finish date but I do about 16 hours on it each weekend.