New guy without a clue

[69sleeper]

Hello to everyone I am new to the scene and would like to hear from some Nova guys. Just a bit about my car it's a 69 Nova with a 396 small block and a TH400. The stock suspension is still there but I would like to trash it! I am like most of you on a budget so any help would be great!!!

[silver69camaro]

The best thing you can do right now is use the search tool. Everything you need to know has been discussed many times before.

Good luck!

[cheapthrillz]

Here is some good info from pro-touring's own David Pozzi:
http://www.pozziracing.com/first_gen_suspension.htm
Applies to your car as well.

If you come up with a rough estimate of your "budget", then it is much easier to help you out, but first do some research for what you are looking to do (ie. site search function)....

And of course, WELCOME TO THE SITE!

[MonzaRacer]

Band for the buck check this out, http://www.ridetech.com/products/68_74_Nova_Level_1_Package-1580-954.html

My friend bought a car with documented $7800 in handling parts not including labor to install it.
And handled like crap, made lots of noise and we installed this one, sold his old stuff and then he added ATS spindles and C5 brakes and now it runs like it should, we are now developing the engine trans combo.
Good Luck

[69sleeper]

Thanks for the info! Does the Camaro stuff work on the Nova? As far as a budget I would like to keep it under $8k on chassis, brakes and wheels. I looked at the Air Ride system and that looks great and the price really isn't that bad. Thanks again for the info.

[MonzaRacer]

Nova stuff for Novas, Camaro for Camaro. OH and as for keeping it low on price you can swap in cool ride but for handling the four link kit can really wake them up.
As for wheels heck you dont need 5k in wheels and look good, spend time looking and matching , spend smart not high dollars.
You can actually make it turn and burn good and not burn through $8k.
Just do your homework.
And if you have questions ASK for answers.

[David Sloan]

Thanks for the info! Does the Camaro stuff work on the Nova? As far as a budget I would like to keep it under $8k on chassis, brakes and wheels. I looked at the Air Ride system and that looks great and the price really isn't that bad. Thanks again for the info.


What do you plan to do with the car? ( some track, auto cross, or just show driver)?
Maybe we can get you closer to what you want.
Hope we can help.

[JRouche]

If you are ready to weld then you can save alot of money. There really are so many routes to go.

Full frame with everything attached, I like the art morrison full frames, sub frames or bolt on suspension parts. For the sake of money I would look into an over all system that can be done in stages as money comes up. Thats sortta the way I went.

I started with an art morrison rear clip, 4-link. It came with the ford housing (bare) and all the suspension components. I added disc brakes and filled the rear end housing with some stuff from reider racing.

Then I looked at the front as more money came. Ripped out the entire front except the two frame rails. Welded in a M-II cross member and used TCI tubular arms. Stock M-II springs. Picked up a rack and pinion steering and some GM disc brakes.

I tied the front to the rear with some 2x4" steel tube like what the rear is made from and some homemade cross members.

Now that was in 1995 I did all that.

Now stage two, more money is available. I am changing the whole rear end, ART shockwaves inplace of the AME "coilovers", watts link in place of the panhard bar. Adding a splined sway bar. Similar stuff with the front, minus the watts :) .

But if you start with a system that you can build on that will make it so you can update what you want in the future.

Total cost to now???? Umm, dont ask.. LOL JR

[novaderrik]

i used to have a 71 Nova with just a mostly stock front suspension rebuild- all stock replacement Moog hard parts and bushings, with chopped Moog 6041 springs as recommended on David Pozzi's site- with the Guldstrand mod done to the upper control arm mounts.
in the back were some 5 leaf springs i found in the trunk of another Nova in the junkyard.
with some $20 NAPA gas shocks and a set of junkyard GTA wheels with new 245/50/16 Fuzion tires it handled really sweet without being rough.
and with the 12" C4 Vette front brakes, it stopped pretty well, too.
including the brakes and tires, i might have had $1500 into the whole suspension and everyone that ever drove it thought it was every bit as good as anything they've ever driven.

[72novadriver]

Heres a simple list that will make a night and day difference and put a big smile on your face.

-DSE rear leaf springs with Poly shackle kit.
-Aluminum body bushings
-subframe connectors
-1" front sway bar
-DSE front sbc drop springs
-Do the guldstrand mod for the upper control arm mount
-If you want get some aftermarket upper A-arms to increase caster
-A new quick ratio steer gear
-Piece together some corvette brakes and get some mounting brackets from Kore3
-wheels and tires

This should keep you well under your 8k budget.

[69sleeper]

Thanks for the info guys! I just really got confused reading all the options on what is best. I am wondering on the rear I don't want to backhalf the car because I want to keep the back seat for my daughter to ride she really loves helping daddy! I was looking at the Hochkis TVS kit and it looks like a good choice, but everybody is running mixed parts. Like I said I am glad to have people to ask guestions.

72 your car is unreal bro!!!!

[cheapthrillz]

The problem with the TVS is that it doesn't correct the Nova's bad front end geometry. The reason most of the people on this site mix and match parts is to achieve the right suspension setup and design for the proper handling ability.

[69sleeper]

Thanks JC!! I appreciate the information.

Billy- What year Corvette do I need to look up the parts for? I work at a wholesale parts warehouse so I can get that stuff easily.

Thankx All!!!

[72novadriver]

Anything from the C5-C6 so 97-present day. If you are going with 17" wheels base model vette brakes would be your best bet for fitting. If you go 18" or bigger you can use the (05-09) Z51 or the z06 brakes<---these ones will depend on what brand of wheels you want run, because the z06 brakes need a good amount of caliper clearance. Hope this helps

[ProdigyCustoms]

It is really about requirments and budget.

We have 5 suspension lines and do free Pro Touring Project Planning for members.

Feel free to call if your to confused.

With 5 product lines, we can make non finacially bias suggestions and provide what is best for you, not what is best for us, and still keep the doors open

[69sleeper]

Thanx guys!!!

Hey Billy- Will my stock drum spindles work or do I have to change those as well?

Like I said I am very greatfull for everyones advice and knowledge!:hail:

[72novadriver]

Yep! you can still use your drum spindle.

[69sleeper]

Thankx Billy you are the man!!! Looks like I am about to have 4 wheel disc for cheap. Like I said I work in a automotive parts warehouse and if you need any thing just ask.

[1badchevelle]

Post some pics. We love pics

[69sleeper]

I will post some this afternoon as soon as I get home.