66 Nova Por-Touring project

[Sinco]

Going to be starting my 1966 Nova G-machine project this month. I'm taking the car Feb.18th up to Wayne Dues shop to get started. He is going to do a full perimeter frame with C5 front and rear suspension.

After that Ryan Butler (also located in Washington) will be handling pretty much the rest of the build. We are going with 17 inch wheels in the front and 18s in the rear, either Fikse of HRE, and Michelin Pilot Cups for rubber. Powerwise we are going to be running an LS1 twin turbo with Haltech fuel injection and a 4l65e auto trans with a TCI trans controller. We are going to run vintage, power steering, custom fabricated metal dash, hidden master cylinder and hidden wiper motor.

Body mods should include shaved door handles, one piece side glass, shaved drip rails and custom front bumper to accomadate a front mount single intercooler.

Ryan has a few cars under his belt and is very familiar with Novas. He also is very knowledgable in the packaging and engine compartment design. He will be building the manifolds, intercooler, piping and sheetmatal intake. The LS1 will probably be done by LPE, they will pick the cam heads and turbo size. Any input, thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

[MrQuick]

:cool: alright the balls rollin ahy. sounds like a killer project. What tire sizes are you going with? please keep us updated with pictures.

[Sinco]

Tires size in front should be about a 225 30r 17, rears will be 315 30r 18

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I agree with Vince, sounds like a killer project. Keep us updated. Only thing I would change is, try to get a little more tire up front, or a little less out back, 90mm difference front to back is a pretty sizeable difference.

[cudadidawheelie]

Can u give more detail bout the turbo engine package. Iam doing one myself for a 73 cuda , was wondering what issues youve run into along the way and what kind of hp this thing will crank out

[Sinco]

I agree with Vince, sounds like a killer project. Keep us updated. Only thing I would change is, try to get a little more tire up front, or a little less out back, 90mm difference front to back is a pretty sizeable difference.
Ok sounds good maybe I'll try and get like a 255 in front and maybe a 295 out back??? I have heard that too about to big a difference between front and back can affect handling.

[Sinco]

Can u give more detail bout the turbo engine package. Iam doing one myself for a 73 cuda , was wondering what issues youve run into along the way and what kind of hp this thing will crank out
I'm actually working with John Page at 21st Century Muscle Cars on the engine. They are part of Lingenfelter(LPE). After telling him what I want to do with the car he is recommending a 383 LS1 TT. He is going to pick the cam and heads and properly size the turbos so they are not to big or to small for the motor. We should be at about 700 rwhp with a boost controller. I will be getting more details and specs on the engine next week and I will post the info as far as cam size, heads and turbos size with internals.

Since we are doing a stand alone computer we won't need a MAF. According to my tuner he has done quite a few LS1 turbos with the Haltech fuel injection with great success. I think they are along the same lines as Motec.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Ok sounds good maybe I'll try and get like a 255 in front and maybe a 295 out back??? I have heard that too about to big a difference between front and back can affect handling.


Too big of a difference can definitely affect handling. It tends to cause the car to push. I'll have 60mm of difference front to back on my car (275/335) and some guys like to have even less than that. 255/295 should work really nicely. If you're havine Wayne build you a frame, I'd try to have him build the frame to accept some wide tires front and back. Jp is running a 265/315 combo on his '67 Nova. You may want to contact him to see what his experiences were when he had his frame built. www.iimuchfabrication.com is his site.

[MrQuick]

ahh hell don't let Ralphie scur ya...I like 255's and 315's. I think if your working with John, he can do 275/315 no problem

[Sinco]

I'll definately talk to Wayne about tire sizing and placement. I do know it's hard to put a big tire on the front of a Nova.

[parsonsj]

Hi Doug,
Glad to hear your project is kicking into gear. I love the sound of what you're doing. :cheers: Be sure and keep us informed via pictures!

jp

[harshman]

you guys and your novas, what do they typically weigh?

[Project6T9]

I'm actually working with John Page at 21st Century Muscle Cars on the engine. They are part of Lingenfelter(LPE).

Hey, he's here in Texas. I believe he married Lingenfelter's daughter? I met him once at the Texas Motorplex when he had his Impala SS. I think he owned a stereo shop then (maybe still does?) When you talk to him, ask him about a run-in with a Busa on the tollway. Then he can tell you how well his twin turbo setup works!

[Sinco]

you guys and your novas, what do they typically weigh?
I'm building a drag race 66 Nova to race in the PSCA..I think we've got the weight down to about 2650.

I'm guessing my pro-touring 66 Nova should weigh in around 3100#

[Sinco]

Hey, he's here in Texas. I believe he married Lingenfelter's daughter? I met him once at the Texas Motorplex when he had his Impala SS. I think he owned a stereo shop then (maybe still does?) When you talk to him, ask him about a run-in with a Busa on the tollway. Then he can tell you how well his twin turbo setup works!
Yes he's married to John Lingenfelters daughter...Kerri. After he met Kerri they eventually opened 21st Century Musclecars and authorized Lingenfelter dealer. I think he sold the stereo shop.

John Page and 21st sold me a 427 TT package for my vette about 2 years ago. Then John being the good guy he is, got my vette selected to compete in the 2004 Car and Driver Supertuner Challenge.

I know all about his hiway runs with the busa...used to be on racing flix. Before I purchased my TT package John gave me a ride in the famous yellow vette. That car won the 2002 Car and Driver shootout. It was one scary ride, especially the way John drove it!!

[Sinco]

[QUOTE=parsonsj]Hi Doug,
Glad to hear your project is kicking into gear. I love the sound of what you're doing. :cheers: Be sure and keep us informed via pictures!

jp[/QUOTE

Thanks John your project has been a big inspiration for mine. How long before your beast is done? Any thought or input from you on my car would be appreciated.