63 Nova Suspension

[bigkaboose]

Hey guys I recently purchased a 63 Nova Wagon and I have been looking around for different suspension setups. I want to run 4-link with air suspension does anyone have exeperience with Hartrods http://www.streetrodparts.tv/nova-rear.htm it seems so cheap it makes me weary about it. If not Hartrods what about stitz where you run leaf springs and air suspension http://superchevy.com/tech/04a1sc_novarear/ this one is pricy I was just curious on how low it will actually go down with the leaf springs still being used. I have about 475 HP right now and it runs 12s but I want to drive it on the back roads and feel like I am not going to die at any moment.

[wendell]

What ever you do, don't buy either of those "systems". I'm not sure which is worse but I'd hate to find out. Pick a reputable leaf spring company call them up, tell them what you've got and you'll be astounded with your cars handling. Depending on what your car 60' now, you may even see an improvement with the new springs. If you want a little more performance / bling add a panhard bar or watts. Neither will negatively effect your drag capabilies.

63 chevy II wagon is a very cool car. Have fun with it.

[bigkaboose]

Thanks Wendell I am suprised you feel the second one is so bad seeing Super Chevy Mag gave it a great review. I will do some more investigating and I am sure you will see me posting all kinds of stuff once I actually make a purchase.

[wendell]

I usually take the word of a magazine as gosple just like everyone else but in this specific case I'd steer clear.

Thinking harder about the '63 chevy II I remembered (helped build a 64 in high school) the terror inducing spring over A-arm front end. WOW, that this was scary. I don't know what your options are but tha's where I'd spend my money. I might even go so far as to suggest a hot rod-esque mustangII front clip as an improvent.

I'll probably get my PT license revoked for suggesting the MII but I've read dopier things here. The stock front end is REALLY scary.

[darren@ridetech]

I am not crazy about the leaf spring kit. Adding a lowering block is going to induce wheel hop. Plus the air spring will just increase the spring rate, probably won't ride the best. It will go up and down but it you want the best performace and ride I would definitely suggest ditching the leafs and going with a 4 link.
What do you think about our AirBar kit?
http://www.ridetech.com/productinfo/airbarstang.asp

[bigkaboose]

I definitely like the airbar kit. The one problem with that system is that my leaf location stays stock and it is too close to the wheels so I will still need to move the leaf spring location. My biggest concern is getting those wheel wells opened up and the leaf springs atleast moved so I can buy a set of wheels and they will fit. I have 235s with a 15" rim and they rub if I get more than myself in the car. If I get a leaf relocate kit can I bolt up the airbar setup in the new location and will geometry of the system still work? I figured relocating the bar and air shock might not work as well as it was originally designed to do. Wendell I am definitely changing the front that seems to be an easier decision for me I dont know why. I guess cause there is a lot out there. I probably will go with what slow4dr is doing with the c4 setup which seems incredibly easy. Everyone is talking about what they are doing with the front ends but you dont see too many people talk about what they are doing in the rear with novas. I see the truck bar could work but right now renting a 1 bay garage I dont have room to do that much work.

[wendell]

What problems does a leaf spring pose that a 4 link will solve?

With out a vested intrest in air bag/link suspensions I can't come close to advocating them from either a price or performance stand point in this application.

[wendell]

You posted as I was writing. If there are leaf spring relocation kits available for your nova I would look at that as a viable option. I'm a big proponent of keeping it simple. I'm not a big proponent of 4 links, airbags, or truck arms. For anything less than a full blown race car I think leafs are the way to go.

If they make C4 clips for your nova and they're in your budget then go for it. They look better than the Mustang II stuff and some of them even handle better.

[bigkaboose]

I could just go leaf spring relocate, mini tub, and be done with it. I just like the air suspension it adds a cool factor to the car. I have no complaints about how the car handles in the rear it just doesnt have the look that you pro-tour guys have with the low stance and the deep dish rims. I am close to just doing the easy route but I feel I wont be ultimately happy until I have played with air suspension on atleast one car. I am an electronic/gizmo type nerd so when ever I can add something that is just a little more than the avg I dance around the idea till I eventually just go all in.

[bigkaboose]

The C4 is something that has to be fabbed up but seems not to complicated. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20842

[bigkaboose]

Actually openly discussing this instead of just writing my ideas down has made me think maybe simple might just be better especially with my budget. So change of topic anyone know of a good company that does leaf spring relocations for 63 novas?

You persuaded me Wendell :)

[dendrizzi]

I called DSE and they said that their offset shackles should work with the 1st gen Nova.



http://www.detroitspeed.com/Product%20Pages/INDIVIDUAL%20%20PRODUCT%20PAGES/REAR%20SUSPENSION/offset_shackles_prod.htm