Craig's Xe track Nova (pb fixed to page 10)

[8valve-craig]

Thanks Broad / House. Yes the car is quicker when it all works, most of the others are very well developed though so I'm at a disadvantage with such a new build. When it all comes together I'm sure it will finish higher up.

RE the shifter the main issue is the Compbrake "solid" mounts, there is far too much movement in them so the engine isn't settled when I'm shifting and it's popping out as I lift off. I'm either going to solid mount it (properly) or build a 4th mount. It won't be a gearbox dog bone at the front though, more like a 2-piece removable stabiliser higher up and through the bulkhead to the dash bar.

Only one mod at a time though, if I can keep the rod style shifter after that I will, if not it will be a cable shift of some description.

My last car was an XE on solid metal mounts and it shifted perfectly so I'm leaning towards going that route first.

[RallyMarshal]

Only one mod at a time though, if I can keep the rod style shifter after that I will, if not it will be a cable shift of some description.

My last car was an XE on solid metal mounts and it shifted perfectly so I'm leaning towards going that route first.

Hockley mounts, expensive but worth it (certainly on the Astra - I assume the Nova ones are good too)

If your going a cable route, the standard ones arent suitable for competition - I know, Ive been there. Ive ended up with a hybrid gearstick from a Mk5 Astra with different bulkhead bits on a "lift bracket" plus a modified bracketry and mounts on the gearbox end with custom cables. It gives a very precise short shift now but has taken some work to find the weak spots. FB message me if you want more details but the main bits are in my diaries.

Paul..

[toymex]

Looked like fun Craig albeit a tad frustrating with the Clio ,I feel your pain with the shifter ! I'm sure you can knock a second a lap off those times with a clear lap and a bit more circuit knowledge . We can't have that French crap beating the Nova,s

[8valve-craig]

I had this out at Mallory park last week for a little circuit knowledge. It was a good day, made better by a friends apprentice bringing his camera along.











A few other Nova's turned up with House, Iain and Andrew. Given the steady decline of them it would have been rude not to line them up by the lake for a few shots.



I only went out a handful of times as I'm not looking to put any unnecessary strain on the car. I made a new set of engine mounts the week before to try and straighten out the gear linkage and they seemed to work very well. I never missed a gear all morning. House nearly punted me off the track but i have forgiven him.

Next meeting with Track Attack Race Club Sunday 25th September @ Mallory Park. Shall be racing a mixture of Subaru's, Civic's and an M3 in race one then in with the Clio's race two.

[Benn]

Awesome photos, Nova looks great in them Craig.

[8valve-craig]

This weekend it's my last proper race of the season. The car didn't need a lot so has mostly just sat waiting. I decided to swap the wheels and have had a 5mm Lexan screen made for it, which although is not fitted yet I'll take with me and maybe fit at the track if the broken one fails scrutineering.

I think it looks good on the new wheels and should be a little quicker on them.

[novarally]

Looking good Craig.

Where did you get the screen from? The one on my car is very hazy now, and I want to get one made slightly bigger so I can bond it in place and do away with the rubber seal.

[8valve-craig]

Hi Colin. Contact Tony at ACW motorsport plastics. Mine is hardcoated so should last well. If you don't mind a little flex a 4mm one is lighter.

01275 546008

01275 546 008
or mobile 07
77 231 876

[Benn]

Wheels look good.

[Iain]

Nice flare