'70 Nova C4 retrofit project

[racerJoe]

I am retrofitting a C4 suspension onto a '70 Nova. I have the thing mocked up but I think it needs to be lowered another 2" or so in the front. Right now the 17" rim is about 1" below the fender lip. Based on scouring the 'net looking at Nova pictures I think it would look better if the top of the rim was tucked in 1" above the fender lip.

The next phase is to make a tubular subframe to replace the existing subframe but cutting the original frame allowed me to get everything in place first.

My plan is to make a reasonably priced kit to allow anyone to put a C4 into a Nova or first gen Camaro. The next step up would be the tubular subframe. I need to know how others feel about doing all the cutting on the stock subframe to save some $$$. I have checked as I have gone along and the required cutting can be done with a sawzall if someone doesn't have access to other means (oxygen-acetylene or plasma cutter). The tubular subframe will be a lot cleaner but also cost significantly more.

At the current ride height the lower a-arm almost hits the bump stop. This means that the frame needs to be nothed to allow for suspension travel in bump. Any ideas how much bump travel is required? I am out ther today cutting and notching so quick responses would be appreciated...

Here is the link to the project:

http://picasaweb.google.com/modernClassics

Look for the 70NovaC4Retrofit12XX2007 albums. The last 6 pictures in the album show the mock up:

http://picasaweb.google.com/modernClassics/70NovaC4Retrofit12222007

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

L8R,
Jack (Hey... it's up to 39 degrees outside!!) Wendel

[Project69]

if its cheaper then a front clip id buy the C4 conversion.

Good progress.

[Young Gun]

go for it...seems cool!

[paul67]

Your problem could be what weight the engine will be, I'm running 96 vette uprights in a 1st gen with a small lt1 and with QA1 coil over conversion its nearly at max spring compersion. I would fit engine and box in + a couple of concrete block to act as other parts first then sit it down and see how it looks. I've run a car with only 3/4 of travel so it depends what there willing to put up with.

[racerJoe]

paul67 replied:

>Your problem could be what weight the engine will be,

I'm still debating between a big block and a small block... I have several of both sitting around. If I go with a big block I will probably set the engine back some to offset the extra weight.

>I'm running 96 vette uprights in a 1st gen with a small lt1 and with
>QA1 coil over conversion its nearly at max spring compersion.

But wouldn't that be due to either insufficient spring rate, shocks that are too tall or mounts that are too close?

>I would fit engine and box in + a couple of concrete block to act
>as other parts first then sit it down and see how it looks.

From what I have read the weight of the Nova and C4 are very close. So the ride height should be very close to that of the 'vette. I am assuming that and will adjust later if required.

>I've run a car with only 3/4 of travel so it depends what there
>willing to put up with.

The goal is to have the car handle and ride as well as a C4 vette when done. Can't do that with ounly 3/4 travel.

L8R,
Jack (Sometimes forget to explain first...) Wendel