Gonzostyle
02-23-2006, 10:20 AM
I still have a few things to figure out (e-brake, rims), but the brakes are on my 63SS Nova and they are functioning. First and foremost to do the conversion you need to switch everything over to 5 lug if you are doing this to a 62-63 Nova. The conversion was done on a stock front subframe car.
To do the fronts, I used LS1 front calipers and discs. I used the same brackets as would be used for the Camaro conversion (flat ¼” stock). Also like the Camaro conversion you will need to turn the hub down and machine the spindle some. Other than that it is done exactly like the Camaro.
The rears, I used 93-97 F-body calipers and discs. I also followed the Camaro conversion on this. The shocks are not staggered on the early Novas so I used a left and a right caliper and bracket. The issue that would typically prevent this from working correctly is that the distance between the brake mounting flange and the spring is not enough to fit the caliper. I figured there are 2 ways to fix this, change the clocking of the caliper or move the springs inboard (there is a kit available for this). I chose to move the springs inboard. Moving the spring also allows a wider tire on the rear.
I hope to have some pictures soon of the conversion and hopefully be able to report on their performance. On an interesting side note, I was able to cram an 8in rim up front with a 225 tire on it, it is kind of scary to see a small car with that much rubber up front.
-Jeremie
To do the fronts, I used LS1 front calipers and discs. I used the same brackets as would be used for the Camaro conversion (flat ¼” stock). Also like the Camaro conversion you will need to turn the hub down and machine the spindle some. Other than that it is done exactly like the Camaro.
The rears, I used 93-97 F-body calipers and discs. I also followed the Camaro conversion on this. The shocks are not staggered on the early Novas so I used a left and a right caliper and bracket. The issue that would typically prevent this from working correctly is that the distance between the brake mounting flange and the spring is not enough to fit the caliper. I figured there are 2 ways to fix this, change the clocking of the caliper or move the springs inboard (there is a kit available for this). I chose to move the springs inboard. Moving the spring also allows a wider tire on the rear.
I hope to have some pictures soon of the conversion and hopefully be able to report on their performance. On an interesting side note, I was able to cram an 8in rim up front with a 225 tire on it, it is kind of scary to see a small car with that much rubber up front.
-Jeremie