1966 Nova good for a G-Machine treatment?

[Steve1968LS2]

Thoughts? How is the aftermarket for this year? I know it's nothing like 1st gen Camaros where you can buy pre-made minitub kits and complete subframes but what are your guys thoughts on this?

Just considering my next project :)

[CAMAROBOY69]

I used to have a 66 Nova and I would like to see a lot more of them. I never got to build it into "Pro-Touring" but it sure could be a fun car. They are so light but the front end demands a lot of attention due to the fact that the suspension is one of the worst I have seen in my life. When I drove it I was reminded of a little go cart or dune buggy. Beautiful little cars. I say go for it! :headbang:

[Steve1968LS2]

I used to have a 66 Nova and I would like to see a lot more of them. I never got to build it into "Pro-Touring" but it sure could be a fun car. They are so light but the front end demands a lot of attention due to the fact that the suspension is one of the worst I have seen in my life. When I drove it I was reminded of a little go cart or dune buggy. Beautiful little cars. I say go for it! :headbang:

I thought it would make a good project car. I would like to build it for open road and other track events and still have it nice looking of course.

I am pretty sure there are aftermarket subframes available to address the horid front suspension but haven't heard it they are all that great. Everybody builds first gens so I thought this might be more interesting.

Also, I KNOW an LSx engine will fit in one ;)

[CAMAROBOY69]

You are right Steve. There are several aftermarket, direct bolt on kits for the front. Most of them come with disk brakes too and if I remember correctly they were somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500 range. You could get a lot of info from a couple other members in here that have Novas of that genre. John Parson's "Too Much" instantly comes to mind and there are several others that have very impressive Novas. Also dont forget the yellow 66 Nova that DSE worked on too. That cars is just incredible and well built. :icon996:
Novas on this forum. Pro-Touring Novas (https://www.pro-touring.com/featured_cars/Chevy%20II.htm)

[Gonzostyle]

Steve, there is a large aftermarket for these cars. There are also at least 5 subframe manufacturers for these cars (including Wayne Due). Considering their weight (typically under 3000lbs) they are a fun car to play with. The limiting factor tends to be tire size on front and a cramped engine compartment if you are using a stock subframe. If you change to an aftermarket sub a lot of the problems go away.

Feel free to email me if you have specfic questions.

-Jeremie <- owns 3 first gen nova's

[email protected]

[datsbad]

go for it . sound's really good . i know this car is one of my choices !!

[Bill Howell]

Great cars and better sleepers! I looked at a front end set up at the World Finals in Orlando last year and if memory serves me right, that particular one was north of $5000. That was everything but certainly alot of coins. Rear end tight for big rubber too. I guess this must be what you are thinking of for your "project" car? Great choice, and maybe just maybe you can find some sponsorship. :naughty:
There was a 2 door wagon (yellow) at the auction last week. It had had a tremendous amount of body work as GM never made a 2 door (66 or 67 nova)wagon, but it was one of the sweetest cars there to me.

[zbugger]

Steve, talk to John Parsons.

[nvawgn]

yes indeed, it was a beautiful car. i think it sold for close to 70k
Great cars and better sleepers! I looked at a front end set up at the World Finals in Orlando last year and if memory serves me right, that particular one was north of $5000. That was everything but certainly alot of coins. Rear end tight for big rubber too. I guess this must be what you are thinking of for your "project" car? Great choice, and maybe just maybe you can find some sponsorship. :naughty:
There was a 2 door wagon (yellow) at the auction last week. It had had a tremendous amount of body work as GM never made a 2 door (66 or 67 nova)wagon, but it was one of the sweetest cars there to me.

[parsonsj]

Steve,

My car can't really be called a Chevy II or Nova any more. The only thing stock from 1967 is the roof, cowl, and package tray. My frame, floor, drivetrain, and suspension is all aftermarket or custom parts that could just as easily been applied to a Ford or Mopar platform (or even a Camaro).

Having said that, I think the Nova is a fine platform from which to build PT type cars. The stock suspension needs an upgrade, and there are several vendors with product for just that. It also needs a mini-tub and some tweaking up front to get some wider tires in it. Basic SBC stuff bolts right in.

They are small and light, good looking, with solid aftermarket support.

What else would you need?

jp

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,

My car can't really be called a Chevy II or Nova any more. The only thing stock from 1967 is the roof, cowl, and package tray. My frame, floor, drivetrain, and suspension is all aftermarket or custom parts that could just as easily been applied to a Ford or Mopar platform (or even a Camaro).

Having said that, I think the Nova is a fine platform from which to build PT type cars. The stock suspension needs an upgrade, and there are several vendors with product for just that. It also needs a mini-tub and some tweaking up front to get some wider tires in it. Basic SBC stuff bolts right in.

They are small and light, good looking, with solid aftermarket support.

What else would you need?

jp

Nothing :)

I was checking out the Martz site and they make a nice front and rear set-up. I don't see that anyone makes a mini-tub kit like they do for 1st gens so that would have to be done the old fashioned way.

This is what I was looking at:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

God I love that color and look.. The goal would be to make it capable of entering open road and track events. A "useable" PT car..

Thanks for the input..

[parsonsj]

Agree: that's a gorgeous car.

Is that Marina Blue?

jp

[Steve1968LS2]

Agree: that's a gorgeous car.

Is that Marina Blue?

jp

No, its listed as tourquise (sp?).. Supposed to have a very light ghost flame effect as well.

I'm sure that particular car will be sold by the time I get funds but it definetly has the look I would want, subtle and bad-ass (well more bad-ass after i screw with it for a while)

[ssx]

I am in the process of finishing up my 67'SS. This is the 4th 66-67 I've owned and finally building one the way I want. This is what I'm doing(sounds kinda close to what you are thinking about)

Heidt's front subframe with 2" dropped spindles
LS1 and T-56 out of a 99' Camaro with about 30K miles
4 wheel disc brakes
MiniTub to fit 17X7's front and 17 or 18X10's back
Full Airride system with shockwaves on all 4 corners
Vintage Air
In general the front end kits run closer to $4K, and I've heard that the Alston kit is the best. Thats what the shop that is doing my car says and they have done a bunch of Novas.
Nova's look cool when done right but the prices on them are climbing and all the work and parts to do it right (front end etc) really does end up costing a lot of money. The nice 2 tone Purple over Silver car that was on Ebay last week had $80k invested I believe, and he would sell it for $60K. Hope some of that helps.

[USAZR1]

If you really want a killer 66 Chevy II protourer,check this out.
http://www.vennom.com/ Much better platform to start with,IMO.

[Steve1968LS2]

If you really want a killer 66 Chevy II protourer,check this out.
http://www.vennom.com/ Much better platform to start with,IMO.

Call me a traditionalist but I want an OLD car.. not a new car the looks like an old car.. :)

Cool kit though.. We are getting ready to feature a Nova like this.. one with no actual Nova parts.. lol

[ssx]

The Vennom kit is really nice. The year one guys built a sweet one on Rides. But for that kind of cash $25K or so rolling you can get a nice "real" Nova to start with. Also the interior leaves a little to be desired in my opinion. Also no back seat and the thing I don't like is the rear wheel openings are higher and bigger than a actual Nova. Kinda like rounding the rear wheel openings for a gasser or American Graffitti look on a 55' Chevy. Just my 2 cents though.

[ryans67deuce]

Steve,

Another Nova guy here.... With an aftermarket front sub, and custom rear system, it can be a fantastic project. Most aftermarket subframes allow for a 245 series tire up front, and minitubbing allows for up to a 295 series tire in the rear. Relocating the rear rails inboard a couple inches, combined with the minitub, you could run much more tire - even a 335 like someone I know is doing... :naughty: My '67 has a Wayne Due clip, and am in the process of adding a C4 rear. If you'd like any more info - I'd be more than happy to help.....

Ryan

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,

Another Nova guy here.... With an aftermarket front sub, and custom rear system, it can be a fantastic project. Most aftermarket subframes allow for a 245 series tire up front, and minitubbing allows for up to a 295 series tire in the rear. Relocating the rear rails inboard a couple inches, combined with the minitub, you could run much more tire - even a 335 like someone I know is doing... :naughty: My '67 has a Wayne Due clip, and am in the process of adding a C4 rear. If you'd like any more info - I'd be more than happy to help.....

Ryan

Thanks Ryan, thats the kind of info I was looking for. DSE needs to make a mini-tub kit for these cars to make it easier (that was a hint). I mentioned this to someone the other day and they made some remark about the 66 Nove not being aerodynamic. I pointed out that neither is a 69 Camaro. :)

Also, getting a VERY clean 66 Nova is about 10-15 thousand $$ cheaper than getting a 69 Camaro in the same condition. That is a LOT of parts and upfits.

I haven't decided yet. I just know that as nice as my 69 is that it didn't turn out to be the kind of car I was looking to build. It sort of took on a life of it's own. Learn a boat load of information though and I got to meet you guys so its a win/win for me.

Here is a question.. What front sub-frame set-up is better, Wayne Due or Heits? and why..

I keep thinking of that idea for doing a "sub-frame shootout"..

[ryans67deuce]

I'm probably biased.... but I would think the WD is the better performing clip. Corvette vs. MustangII suspension. I can't testify to the performance yet, since mine hasn't hit the road. But a better comparison test would probably be the WD vs. the Chris Alston clip. CA's is considered superior to the Heidt's.

Ryan

[MrQuick]

Hey Steve, shouldn't you be finishing your Z069? just wondering??? :doh:
We used a Heits kit on a 62' it sat well but the cross member was very close to the ground. The Chris alston kit is nice but parts are very exslusive. The way the x member is constructed im not sure what headers you would use. Havent seen the WD in person but looks good in pictures.
One thing, alittle advice on the purchase...make sure you go see the car in person before you buy, and go over it with a soft magnet and look for questionable body work like misaligned panels...sure these things can get the price down but it may drive the cost of the rebuild by as much as a couple hundred dollars. Becarefull :hand: we need a tongue in cheek smiley! good luck with you next project.

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve, shouldn't you be finishing your Z069? just wondering??? :doh:
We used a Heits kit on a 62' it sat well but the cross member was very close to the ground. The Chris alston kit is nice but parts are very exslusive. The way the x member is constructed im not sure what headers you would use. Havent seen the WD in person but looks good in pictures.
One thing, alittle advice on the purchase...make sure you go see the car in person before you buy, and go over it with a soft magnet and look for questionable body work like misaligned panels...sure these things can get the price down but it may drive the cost of the rebuild by as much as a couple hundred dollars. Becarefull :hand: we need a tongue in cheek smiley! good luck with you next project.

Yea, Yea, Yea.. I know.. ;)

Actually it is in getting the final buff before going to the interior shop so it's close..

Just trying to think of projects that would interesting to people that are in or want to get into G-Machines.

Yea, the Wayne Due piece looked the best to me also.. Wouldn't it be nice to have a before/after comparison on it :)

[USAZR1]

No way you're going to get a 335 tire under a 66-67 Chevy II by just minitubbing a couple of inches.

[ryans67deuce]

No way you're going to get a 335 tire under a 66-67 Chevy II by just minitubbing a couple of inches.


Not sure, but I believe I said relocating the frame rails a couple of inches combined with the minitub (to the frame rails of course). I think Vince can back me up on this........

Ryan

[Sinco]

Hi Steve,

I noticed you live very close to me, I'm in La Habra Hts. I'm just starting my protouring 66 Nova. I'm shipping it to Wayne Due this Feburary. He is going to do a full perimeter frame with C5 front and rear suspension. After that it's going to Ryan Butler (also located in Washington) for a full build. He has just started his own shop and has some nice cars under his belt. He did a nice 62 buick and several Novas. That is why I choose him because of his familarity with Novas and stellar work. He is a master fabricator, he does intercooler work, headers, wiring, pretty much everything but paint and interior.

Were doing the full frame so we can get the car low, plus with the full frame you get more room in the engine compartment. I'm going to do shaved door handles, one piece side windows, vintage air, power steering, custom dash.

I'm going to do an auto trans with bench seat. Not sure on engine yet. It will be fuel injected though. Either a 427 NA or small block turbo of some sort.

I've got three novas, 66 drag car( motor being built now) 66 wagon ( stripped down to shell) and the current 66 going to Ryans. The race Nova has an AJE strut front end, I also have an Alston front end too. Your close we should hook up some time.

Regards Doug

[USAZR1]

Not sure, but I believe I said relocating the frame rails a couple of inches combined with the minitub (to the frame rails of course). I think Vince can back me up on this........
Ryan

A 235 tire is a pretty snug fit on one of those cars now,,right? If you think about it,a 335 is 100mm wider,,around 4". That's a bunch,Ryan.

[socalfandabodys]

Hey you guys live pretty close to me too. I am in Cerritos. Do you guys ever go to any car shows. I go to the garden grove main street car show. Anyone go to donut derelicts?

[MrQuick]

sorry I lost track of this thread cause now Steves talkin fords! It is alot of rubber but not that much...heres 345's https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[USAZR1]

Guess I better mount my 365's and show you a wide tire,Vince. :poke: just messing with you,pal.

[Steve1968LS2]

sorry I lost track of this thread cause now Steves talkin fords! It is alot of rubber but not that much...heres 345's https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I am talking TWO projects.. One mostly for the magazine (the Ford track car) and one mostly for me (I love 66 Novas)..

I told my wife that it's not my fault, it's required for my job.. :lmao:

[StRacerDuke]

Hey Steve,

Without breaking the bank, I think you could build a great little PT 66-7 without a problem. I’ve always loved the body style, and their light weight. Here’s my recipe for what I would suggest without killing the bank account:

• Hot Rods to Hell rear suspension (Not the worlds best, but it would be killer set-up without breaking the bank)
• Martz (Or similar) Front Suspension (again, not the cream of the crop, but the one of the best bang for the buck. WD is a little pricy for my wallet)
• LS1 & T-56 out of an F-body
• 4-wheel disks (Possible C4-5)
• A/C
• Home made mini-tubs (Very easy to do. Check out my vBgarage for pictures. The stock back seat will still fit in without modification. We almost fit a 17x11 w/ 315 in it without moving the stock rails)
• All the other normal PT stuff, depending on your tastes

The rear end will have to be custom cut to fit a little bit of a dish on the wheels. The only stock rear that I found is narrow enough is the 8.5 10bolt out of an all wheel drive S10. They are really hard to find and run about 8-900 at the junk yards. All your normal 12bolts and 9inchs are a little too wide.

Total cost involved, I think this can be done for around (or under) 20K. (I do my own body work and paint, so it might change depending on what areas you’ll have to shop out). The final project would be a very respectable little car, 20+ MPG, comfortable, and could be abused at open track days without to many worries.

Hope this helps in your decisions

[StRacerDuke]

Quote: No way you're going to get a 335 tire under a 66-67 Chevy II by just minitubbing a couple of inches.

It's really close. On a ZR-1 wheel you can physicaly get it in, but it will rub. Here's pictures:

[Sinco]

Quote: No way you're going to get a 335 tire under a 66-67 Chevy II by just minitubbing a couple of inches.

It's really close. On a ZR-1 wheel you can physicaly get it in, but it will rub. Here's pictures:
Very nice and clean job on the mini tub. Is that your car? I'm getting my 66 started this month.

[Sinco]

Hey you guys live pretty close to me too. I am in Cerritos. Do you guys ever go to any car shows. I go to the garden grove main street car show. Anyone go to donut derelicts?
I've heard about Derilict Donuts but never been there. What kind of show is it in Garden Grove?

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve,

Without breaking the bank, I think you could build a great little PT 66-7 without a problem. I’ve always loved the body style, and their light weight. Here’s my recipe for what I would suggest without killing the bank account:

• Hot Rods to Hell rear suspension (Not the worlds best, but it would be killer set-up without breaking the bank)
• Martz (Or similar) Front Suspension (again, not the cream of the crop, but the one of the best bang for the buck. WD is a little pricy for my wallet)
• LS1 & T-56 out of an F-body
• 4-wheel disks (Possible C4-5)
• A/C
• Home made mini-tubs (Very easy to do. Check out my vBgarage for pictures. The stock back seat will still fit in without modification. We almost fit a 17x11 w/ 315 in it without moving the stock rails)
• All the other normal PT stuff, depending on your tastes

The rear end will have to be custom cut to fit a little bit of a dish on the wheels. The only stock rear that I found is narrow enough is the 8.5 10bolt out of an all wheel drive S10. They are really hard to find and run about 8-900 at the junk yards. All your normal 12bolts and 9inchs are a little too wide.

Total cost involved, I think this can be done for around (or under) 20K. (I do my own body work and paint, so it might change depending on what areas you’ll have to shop out). The final project would be a very respectable little car, 20+ MPG, comfortable, and could be abused at open track days without to many worries.

Hope this helps in your decisions

Thanks Ryan. I like the suggestions and some of them are what I had in mind. Keep in mind this car might be used for more than open track days.. I would like to get it into some real events. Putting in a LS1 should give the Ford guys a heart attack (i can see the hate mail already) but it wouldn't be the only Ford with a chevy heart. I was thinking a nice Ford small block since you don't need a TON of power for track duty.

For the front suspension I was thinking along the lines of a stage 4 Global West set-up in a effort to keep the car more obtainable to the average guy.. But I like the idea of a new subframe. Like I said, gotta get a car first ;)

[Steve1968LS2]

I've heard about Derilict Donuts but never been there. What kind of show is it in Garden Grove?

It is VERY early in the morning on Saturdays.. infact if you are not there by 6am in the peak cruising months you will not find a spot. Oh, and its over by 9am since its in a shopping center parking lot and that is when the stores open and the cruisers need to be gone by.

There is a donut shop there, hence the name :)

Some VERY nice and unusual cars show up there, you never know what you will see.

Can't wait till the 69 can debut there soon.

[ryans67deuce]

For the front suspension I was thinking along the lines of a stage 4 Global West set-up in a effort to keep the car more obtainable to the average guy.. But I like the idea of a new subframe. Like I said, gotta get a car first ;)


For the Nova??? I think you DEFFINATELY will want to go with an aftermarket subframe if it will be anywhere near a track... JMO. As for the Wayne Due frame being too pricey - I think you'd be surprised how little the price difference is between the WD and the competitor's products. I will have less than $3500 in mine including the Baer brakes... Less than $3k if I went with C4 brakes...

Ryan

[Steve1968LS2]

For the Nova??? I think you DEFFINATELY will want to go with an aftermarket subframe if it will be anywhere near a track... JMO. As for the Wayne Due frame being too pricey - I think you'd be surprised how little the price difference is between the WD and the competitor's products. I will have less than $3500 in mine including the Baer brakes... Less than $3k if I went with C4 brakes...

Ryan

No for the Mustang.. somehow the threads have gotten mashed together.. GW makes a nice package for the stangs that use the stock subframe. Seems to fit more with the lower budget nature of the project.

For a Nova it would be aftermarket subframe all the way! :icon996:

[ryans67deuce]

LOL!! I was hoping that was what you meant.... Good luck with the projects...

Ryan

[Steve1968LS2]

LOL!! I was hoping that was what you meant.... Good luck with the projects...

Ryan

Thanks... now I can tell my wife that I HAVE to get more cars because it's in my contract :look:

:lmao:

[jannes_z-28]

Steve,

Are you selling?

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/8/9/78025989.htm


Why?????


Jan

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,

Are you selling?

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/8/9/78025989.htm


Why?????


Jan

Ha! long story actually..

I guy e-mailed me and offered $43,000 for my car. This was "almost" what I had into it and I was VERY tempted to take it and then start a new project.. why??? because at my new job I get all kinds of freebies and I could build a better car for less $$$.

In the end I decided not to do it since it just felt so WRONG to sell a car I have worked so hard on without first getting to play in it for a while. So I told him no thanks. Maybe I will regret it later but I doubt it.

So then we got in a discussion on Pro-touring.com about the value of Pro-Touring cars, Barret-Jackson and some of the low content cars that are advertised for large $$$$$$. I had a promotional cupon for collector car trader online (from when I sold my WRX) so for fun I put it on there for, what I thought, was a high amount. It was more of a curiosity than anything to see what kind of wacky offers and responses I would get.

It's been on there one day and I have an offer to trade it for a nice C5 and some guy emailed me if I would take $52.5k.. of course these guys could be full of horse **** but it's fun to play along.

But no, not selling (unless I get some crazy offer).. the car is getting final buff this week then interior next week. After that we are doing an install story on the paddle shifting system followed by a safety article where we will be installing a roll bar, harness and all that stuff. When that is all done it will be FEATURE time...

Whew!! how was that explanation???

But hey, everything has a price.. I have some crazy ideas floating in my head and I know so much more now than I did before the build of this car. Things I would have done differently.

As I always say.. everything is for sale if the right price is offered ;)

[jannes_z-28]

OK Steve that makes me calm, I though you had got insane. :-)

It is OK to sell of course if you get an offer that is hard to refuse. But as you say, you have to play with it first.

That is the goal wth the rebuild, at least for me, to go out and have fun with it. You can not compare a PT-car with what it was before the conversion.


build a larger shop!


Jan

[jr2]

Nothing :)

I was checking out the Martz site and they make a nice front and rear set-up. I don't see that anyone makes a mini-tub kit like they do for 1st gens so that would have to be done the old fashioned way.

This is what I was looking at:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

God I love that color and look.. The goal would be to make it capable of entering open road and track events. A "useable" PT car..

Thanks for the input..

I swear that's a local car from up here in WA. Pretty sure it is the same car that has been bought and sold a couple times. I personally saw it at the GoodGuys Show in Puyallup,WA and our Corvette & High Performance Swap Meet last year this time. It is a beautiful car. Last time I saw it it was for sale at Austins ProMax in Tacoma, WA. Austins ProMax (http://www.pro-max.com/vehicles.html)

ryans67deuce is correct in that Wayne Due has excellent options for the Chevy II/Nova's. Give him a call, he loves to chat with the PT guys..


JR2

[cpederslie]

I figured I would throw my 2 cents in about subframes available. I would definitely urge anyone to consider a Wayne Due clip. First of all he's a hell of a guy and is full of all kinds of ideas and help. Also, his craftsmanship is awesome! If you haven't seen one of his clips in person take it from me they are GORGEOUS :eek: .

Recently he completed the his latest subframe for the First Gen Camaro using the Art Morrison suspension and Wilwood brakes. I know that he is looking for a customer to do the same on the Nova. My 65 ChevyII will be going the way of C5 front suspension and C4 Rear.

[Sinco]

My 66 Nova is headed in Waynes direction next weekend. He is going to be doing a full perimeter frame with front and rear C5 suspension.