71 Nova

[LS1NOVA]

Heres some updates on my Nova project.

Replaced lots of sheetmetal, DSE tubs, finally got the filler work close. Ready for some primer now.

Drivetrain is all ready to go: forged 6.0 with a 70mm single turbo. Homebuilt kit, 4L80E, Yank converter, 12 bolt stock length with 3.42's

Wheels are Vintage Wheel Works v48's. 17x8 with 235/45/17 and 17x11 in the rear with 315/35/17 (should have squeezed 335's)

Front suspension is SC&C stage 2 Plus, Hotchkis springs, 1 1/8 sway bar, stock spindles with LS1 brakes.

Rear is Caltracs split monos, Speedtech offset hangers.

Hopefully it will run 10's in the quarter, get 20mpg, and eat up those freeway onramps on the way to work!

Thanks for looking.

[LS1NOVA]

I know everyone likes pics!

[LS1NOVA]

More

[craigs73]

very very nice i also went with DSE mini tubs what is your backspacing on the rear wheels i have the same size and it looks like i will need to shorten my rear end let me know

[67 ls1 vert]

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=31127&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1246683881 (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=31127&d=1246683881)

Really like the coil placement.

[70Nova4dr]

That is the perfect engine for my 1970 4 door Nova , people wouldn't know what beat them... Badass dude. Have any 68-72 fenders sitting around ??

[LS1NOVA]

Rear spacing is 7 3/4"
No fenders laying around, sorry.

[72novadriver]

Looks Great!! Should be lots of fun with that motor.

[NOPANTS-68]

I loved my Nova when it had those wheels on it. Motor looks awesome dude. Thanks for sharing.

[srh3trinity]

Very nice, the turbo layout looks great. Can't wait to see it sitting in the engine bay.

[LS1NOVA]

Sprayed a couple coats of epoxy primer yesterday.
Got it scuffed this morning and going to spray high build this afternoon.

[BritishGreen68]

i like where you mounted the coils, clean.. nice work so far sir:yum:

[BossaNova]

Good choice on wheels.

What kind of heads are you running on the 6.0?

[Code Red]

i think your turbo is too small ;)

[LS1NOVA]

stock heads with 918 Comp springs for the LS6 cam.

Got the 2k primer on today.

[LS1NOVA]

The turbo is a little on the small side. Probably upgrade to a 76 later.

[NvrDun71]

Nice lookin build, looking forward to more updates & pics

[MrQuick]

awesome work.

[DJW32]

Very cool!

[Code Red]

The turbo is a little on the small side. Probably upgrade to a 76 later.


lol i was just kidding

[syborg tt]

subscribed - awesome project.

[Part Time]

Very nice! Keep the updates coming.

[Jasons72]

looks awesome, this really makes me want to get the minitub kit and the quadralink rear since i'm putting the same tires on my car.

[WILWAXU]

Sweet Nova!

Keep us up to date!

[Chevy406]

What manifolds are you using? What size pipe for turbo inlet and downpipe?

[LS1NOVA]

(2) left manifolds from an LS4. Found in the the Monte SS, Pontiac GXP, Buick Lacrosse Super. 2.5" on the hot pipes, 3.5" on the downpipe all the way back.

Will be making some good progess in the next few weeks, temporary satin black paint, install drivetrain, interior etc. More updates SOON!

[ssmike]

Any updates? WOuld love to see some more progress pics.

[LS1NOVA]

Well I get a little sidetracked with snowmobiling in the winter. It should be going in for paint in a couple weeks, then on to assembly.

[Tiny]

Maaaann. This looks like a killer project, I am definately going to have to keep tabs on the progress.

[71SlammedCam]

Could you elaborate on the frt. brake set-up in detail please? Thanks, good looking build.

[LS1NOVA]

98-02 Camaro/Firebird 12" rotors, calipers, and caliper brackets. Machine the OD of the stock drum hub down until it fits inside the rotor. I bought the brackets to mount the caliper bracket to the stock spindle on the net somewhere, I cant remember where. You can make you own out of 1/4" plate steel.

[sebtarta]

maybe from www.kore3.com

Great build up.

[rickpaw]

98-02 Camaro/Firebird 12" rotors, calipers, and caliper brackets. Machine the OD of the stock drum hub down until it fits inside the rotor. I bought the brackets to mount the caliper bracket to the stock spindle on the net somewhere, I cant remember where. You can make you own out of 1/4" plate steel.

There is a member here, I think he goes by zman1969, that sells the bracket. I bought a set from him for my 67 Firebird brake set up (from a wrecked 01 WS6 Firebird)

[71 chevy]

hi,what exh manifolds r you using?

[LS1NOVA]

both are 05 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP left side.

[LSXZ28]

Sweet car! Oughta kill the onramps lol!

[796spdbu]

Nice! Subscribed

[OnEdge]

So did you use front and rear brakes and rotors off a camaro/firebird? I'm sure that is a cheaper alternitive than using c5/c6 brakes. I think I'm going to start to search for some Camaro/firebird brakes. You have one sweet Nova there!

[LS1NOVA]

Fronts are 98-02 F body LS1-easy to adapt for cheap
Rears are 98-02 Blazer/Jimmy-easy to adapt for cheap-get the backing plate brackets from the junkyard as they can be easily adapted to a 12 bolt etc to mount the calipers.

[LS1NOVA]

Waiting for my painter to get some time. Still deciding on 69 fathom green or later model GM truck dark green.

In the meantime I setup my BUDGET guage cluster. total cost-$200
GPS is the speedo and handy for the navigation.

[jasonsnova]

lookin good!

[slownova73]

i like the idea of the gps in the dash! nice!!

[ryeguy2006a]

That's a nice looking Nova. Like the motor choice.

[WILWAXU]

Waiting for my painter to get some time. Still deciding on 69 fathom green or later model GM truck dark green.

In the meantime I setup my BUDGET guage cluster. total cost-$200
GPS is the speedo and handy for the navigation.
Hmm.. Great idea, but will the navigation work there? They usually need to be in the window to get a satellite signal.

[98ssnova]

Looking good but i have a question you said that you wished that you had went with 335 instead of 315 i though that you could only go 315 with the tub?

[LS1NOVA]

315 is what they tell you fits, but I think I could squeeze 335's. Im trying to pick up a set of junk 335's to see.

[NOPANTS-68]

I have 325s under mine- plenty of room even though the guy at DSE said no way.

[LS1NOVA]

Funny thing is I had 325/50/15's and you had VWW 48s with 315's, now its the opposite.

Heres a couple more pics. Almost finished the fuel system, fuel cell, and front drive.

[LS1NOVA]

pics

[NvrDun71]

Does that low mount alt clear the stock sub? What bracket is that? Killer build BTW

[1971CHEVELLE]

WOW, this is going to be awesome.

[turbo kid]

Nice,it's coming along nice!

[LS1NOVA]

Its the stock Camaro alternator bracket, the subframe had to be notched. The P/S bracket is custom.

The GPS in my wifes car is mounted way down low in the console and it works good.

[zman1969]

There is a member here, I think he goes by zman1969, that sells the bracket. I bought a set from him for my 67 Firebird brake set up (from a wrecked 01 WS6 Firebird)
Yup thats me I still sell them - Sweet Nova!! I just bought a 69 SS car that I'm putting together - sorry not ProTour my 69 Bird is getting that, keep us posted on this!

[LS1NOVA]

getting closer but still no paint.

[CruizinKev]

sweeeet!!!

[LS1NOVA]

Dropping it off for tuning tomorrow, I pray they dont screw it up. This will be the first time ever, someone else working on my car

[BanditDave]

Well?!?!?!?!?!? How is she doing? How did the tuning go?!?

:seizure: :seizure: :seizure:

[LS1NOVA]

Prob be a few days before I have numbers.

[Small Block LSX]

My God. That looks great!

How much did that forged 6.0 run you? How much did it cost for your turbo setup?

[LS1NOVA]

Forged 6.0 was around 2600, assembled it myself though.
Turbo setup $2000 for everything, homebuilt from mandrel bends.

[Small Block LSX]

What did you do with your manifolds? Are those just flipped shortys?

[alowerlevel]

.

what did you do with your manifolds? Are those just flipped shortys?
.
Post #26 in this thread

(2) left manifolds from an ls4. Found in the the monte ss, pontiac gxp, buick lacrosse super. 2.5" on the hot pipes, 3.5" on the downpipe all the way back.
.

[LS1NOVA]

Well my first experience of someone else having the car not going good. Its been at the dyno tune shop for two weeks and they havent touched it. So much for thrashing it together for Car Craft in a couple weeks. Darn.

[BanditDave]

I'm sorry to hear this man...but unfortunately I have grown used to this. Whether I like it or not, I have gained a bit of a pain in the ass reputation when I let other people work on the car, but they still like me a lot because I am respectful, talk with all the guys and am never a dyck about things...I am just there an awful lot or on the phone as much as i can afford.

This may be impossible in your situation due to distance or whatever, but just be strong man...ultimately it will be so worth it.

Btw, I might as well ask this now, but I am sort of copying your build in my '69 442...it just blew me away and I love it. I will still be running a MAF tune with probably an LS3 instake but was wondering if you got your manifolds at a dealer or find them in a junk yard?

Thanks man and keep up the awesome work...you got a lot of fans!

:cheers:
Dave

[jilge71]

man that sucks but u still have an awesome build!!! i would like to see more turbo plumbing pics if you have any cause im going with the 5.3 mpt70 build in my chevelle!!! i bet it does good

[LS1NOVA]

Im a driveline tech at the dealer so I paid 10% over cost, the manifolds ended up around $250 for the pair.
Thanks guys

[BanditDave]

Im a driveline tech at the dealer so I paid 10% over cost, the manifolds ended up around $250 for the pair.
Thanks guys


Interesting...I might have to bother you when you get a chance...and slip you some cash for the mannies :cheers:

Looking great though man!

What are you using for your injection controller...don't remember reading that, but I am blind probably.

Dave

[LS1NOVA]

Low impedence 95 lbs injectors controlled by a Acceronics Versafueler piggybacked to a LS1 pcm. If thats what you meant by injection?

[350SS]

Great build, looks like things are coming together.

What fuel filters are you running before the pumps?

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=37864&d=1273107437

[LS1NOVA]

Jegs before and RobbMC after

[BanditDave]

Low impedence 95 lbs injectors controlled by a Acceronics Versafueler piggybacked to a LS1 pcm. If thats what you meant by injection?

Dude, thanks so much for that bit of info! I totally forgot about the Versafueler! So basically you hanged up your computer to read 95lb injectors and let the versa fueler take care of the rest.

I assume I could still use the DBW throttle body on the 90-deg neck but (here comes the dumb question) it does not look like you are running a MAF. Could you PM me some info about how you are tuning the car? Is it speed density or do I just not see the MAF?

I am probably WAY overthinking this but this is my first dabbling in boosted application so I am asking a TON of questions. Again, your build is my inspiration!

Thanks man,
Dave

[LSXZ28]

Well my first experience of someone else having the car not going good. Its been at the dyno tune shop for two weeks and they havent touched it. So much for thrashing it together for Car Craft in a couple weeks. Darn.

That's messed up! Where are you located?

[350SS]

Jegs before and RobbMC after

Reason I asked is, I'm running the same prefilter before an inline walbro 255lph pump. I swear when the pump is running I hear the fuel cavitating and I can see this on my fuel gauge as well (pressure fluctuates as if sucking air into line but tank is full).

Have you experienced this?

Some people say that a 40 micron filtration is too small for prefilter use and you'll get cavitation like I think I'm seeing. Anyways, just something to look out for. I'm probably going to be switching to either RobbMC filters or aeromotive.

[LT1Nova]

Sucks it won't be at Car Craft, it would have been great to see it in person.

[LS1NOVA]

That's messed up! Where are you located?

Im in Minneapolis, if you think thats messed up, it took them 5 tries to get a base tune to run it. There the only ones in the metro with E85 experience. Id trailer it to Dynotune is South Dakota (best E85 boost tuner in the states from what I hear) but my wife and I are expecting our first any day.

[LS1NOVA]

Dude, thanks so much for that bit of info! I totally forgot about the Versafueler! So basically you hanged up your computer to read 95lb injectors and let the versa fueler take care of the rest.

I assume I could still use the DBW throttle body on the 90-deg neck but (here comes the dumb question) it does not look like you are running a MAF. Could you PM me some info about how you are tuning the car? Is it speed density or do I just not see the MAF?

I am probably WAY overthinking this but this is my first dabbling in boosted application so I am asking a TON of questions. Again, your build is my inspiration!

Thanks man,
Dave

Ill just post it here so any others know too. The stock pcm is limited in the MAF tables to around 500-600 rwhp (from what Ive read, no firsthand esp). It will be tuned in closed loop speed density. Still has front 02's. Some people tune with open loop speed density and eliminate 02's altogether.

[LS1NOVA]

Reason I asked is, I'm running the same prefilter before an inline walbro 255lph pump. I swear when the pump is running I hear the fuel cavitating and I can see this on my fuel gauge as well (pressure fluctuates as if sucking air into line but tank is full).

Have you experienced this?

Some people say that a 40 micron filtration is too small for prefilter use and you'll get cavitation like I think I'm seeing. Anyways, just something to look out for. I'm probably going to be switching to either RobbMC filters or aeromotive.
Good to know! If I had to do it again I would just stick them inside the cell with stock type socks on a RobbMC or Tanks Inc sender.

[LS1NOVA]

Sucks it won't be at Car Craft, it would have been great to see it in person.

Sure does! Id like to check out your ride though if I make it.

[BanditDave]

Good to know! If I had to do it again I would just stick them inside the cell with stock type socks on a RobbMC or Tanks Inc sender.

Used the Jegs filter as a prefilter in almost the exact set-up as you and the cavitation you are seeing is correct...I got rid of it and got a 100 micron Aeromotive and the problem disappeared.

[350SS]

Good to hear someone experienced the same thing...

I'll be getting 100 micron prefilters for sure.

[BanditDave]

...but my wife and I are expecting our first any day.

Holy crap dude! Congrats!!! Make sure he/she gets some seat time in something a little tamer before they take the Nova for a spin!

[LS1NOVA]

Might as well start her off right.

[BanditDave]

Where the heck are the updates on this!?!?!?! It's been over a week since updates...how dare you???

:postpics:

[LS1NOVA]

Healthy baby girl Cora Marie born on Tuesday. We couldnt be happier right now!




Car is still in tuning jail. They have 6hrs in it so far.

[BanditDave]

Congrats man!!!!!

[ssmike]

Awesome, congrats! Sounds like it may be the first child! Have fun! Nothing like it, waaaaay better that all the hod rod stuff in the world.

Can you post a pic of your car from the rear? Id love to see how the tire width looks from behind or at a 3/4 angle. I have a 72 Nova and am considering the DSE mini tub.

[LS1NOVA]

Good news, it made 602rwhp and 573 tq on the dyno today at 14psi.

Ill get a rear shot tomorrow for ya.

First child and loving every minute of it!

[ssmike]

WOW. That motor is a beast. :spank2:

Congrats! Enjoy every minute of your little one - they grow up waaay too fast.

[alowerlevel]

Good news, it made 602rwhp and 573 tq on the dyno today at 14psi.

Ill get a rear shot tomorrow for ya.

First child and loving every minute of it!

:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:
Nice numbers, and congrats on the new addition to the family.
Whats the full specs on the motor?

[AUS.NOVA]

Congrats on the arrival. I've been following this thread, keep up the good work!

[LS1NOVA]

The motor has forged pistons and rods and lower 9.0 to 1 compression. ARP studs everywhere. LS6 cam. Stock heads

[LS1NOVA]

Awesome, congrats! Sounds like it may be the first child! Have fun! Nothing like it, waaaaay better that all the hod rod stuff in the world.

Can you post a pic of your car from the rear? Id love to see how the tire width looks from behind or at a 3/4 angle. I have a 72 Nova and am considering the DSE mini tub.

It should drop and inch or two when its fully assembled.

[slownova73]

It should drop and inch or two when its fully assembled.


looks sick! got a shot frm the side??

[LS1NOVA]

Its painted!
Found a local shop that did it with Dupont materials for $1569.00 out the door.
Put the windshield and quarter windows in today.
Changed around the front part of the SC&C for more wheel clearance, thanks Marc!!
Ill be assembling the rest of the car in the following couple weeks and taking the first test drives, then off to the dragstrip and hopefully an autocross before it gets too cold.
The rear will settle another inch.

[MoonMan]

Congrats on the baby and the paint! Looks like we joined the green car club the same week. Is that the Ford Dark Highland you mentioned you were going with?

$1569 painted out the door...that's what I paid in materials :rolleyes:

[LT1Nova]

Looking good.

[Jasons72]

Its looking great! How do you like your steering wheel? I'm looking at the grant wheel that looks like that with the wooden handle and the chevy bowtie in the middle

[DriverzInc]

Its painted!
Found a local shop that did it with Dupont materials for $1569.00 out the door.
Put the windshield and quarter windows in today.
Changed around the front part of the SC&C for more wheel clearance, thanks Marc!!
Ill be assembling the rest of the car in the following couple weeks and taking the first test drives, then off to the dragstrip and hopefully an autocross before it gets too cold.
The rear will settle another inch.


Looking Good. And Marc from SC&C is the best!

[LS1NOVA]

Today - installed a rear seat firewall (NHRA rules) and installed the sound deadener (RAAM audio). I also reinforced the center of the package tray and added a child seat tethor anchor as my little girl will be riding back there (a long way from the cage!). Started laying down the insulating pad (RAAM too). Carpet and interior in the next few days.

[HectorM52]

Looking good...

How did you like the STICKINESS of that RAAM mat? I had that black crap on me for days!!

[LS1NOVA]

Well car is pretty much finished up for now. Still have to do the headliner and wet sand/polish the paint over the winter. Took it out for 15 miles today, boost comes in HARD. 55mph rolls just smoke the 315's.

Going in on Tues to get an alignment. Brainerd has an open track day in Oct, Hmmmm. Prob take it to the strip to see what it does in the next couple weeks. Id like it to be about an inch lower all around, hoping the springs settle a little more.

Thanks to all the sponsors on this board that helped with parts and advice.
Driverz Inc, SC&C, SDPC, Summit, American Autowire, Speedtech.

[BanditDave]

Awesome job on the car man...you wouldn't even know what lurks under the hood looking at that picture.

Best of luck with it! Your car was the inspiration for my 442.

Thanks!
Dave

[LT1Nova]

Looks great! Have fun driving it!

[1985fiero]

is the rear end still stock length with tubs and what gear did you got with

[DJW32]

What kind of torque converter are you running?

Great to see this car looking as good as it does.

[LS1NOVA]

Gears are 3.42 in a stock length 12 bolt. Torque converter is a Yank PY3600.

Dragstrip results: 10.70 @ 131. Should be able to drop that a little more with consistent traction. Now off to the auto x!

[LT1Nova]

Excellent run I would say. Hope your happy with it and enjoy the autocross.

[BayouSS]

Need some updated pics and video of the Nova. Have a good time at the auto x.

[LS1NOVA]

Heres a pic from the track. I have to relearn how to post videos.

[ssmike]

Heres a pic from the track. I have to relearn how to post videos.

How was the auto-cross? We'd love to see more pics of the car.......:fingersx:

[LS1NOVA]

autocross is in two weeks.

[brans72]

Sweet ride there! Never would of guessed your from MN. Glad to see decent amount of pro-touring cars there since might be moving the in couple years. Wife is from right outside of St Clound in Foley. Love the weather still below -10 there,fresh air,farms,green green grass and people from state of MN. Brandon

[ssmike]

autocross is in two weeks.

Cool, please post an update after the event! Have a great time.

[BanditDave]

Hey there,

Congrats on your times man!!! Great build! I have a quick question for you, where did you route the tube coming from the front of your valley cover?

Thanks!
Dave

[LS1NOVA]

valve covers are both plumbed to a vented catch can for PCV fresh air inlet under vacuum and vent under boost. Valley cover goes to a one way check valve and into a sealed catch can then back to the intake.

[BanditDave]

Thanks for the reply man...you wouldn't be willing to snap a few pics of that system would you?

Thanks!
Dave

[LS1NOVA]

Well time for a little update since Ive driven the car 1000 miles now. The autocross was a blast! It was a little intimidating since I was the only pre 80 american car there I think. I ended up getting third in the novice class. Im going to try to go to a bunch next year.
Im really happy with the SC&C suspension setup. It handled great, even with the extra weight over the front with the turbo setup and all.

Bandit-I built the PCV setup using two breathers built from PVC pipe. It goes like this:

LS6 valley cover > sealed catch can > one way valve > intake. This provided the part throttle vacuum to scavenge the crankcase and remove water vapor etc while the one way valve closes under boost to prevent pressurizing the crankcase.

Both valve covers > vented catch can. This provides two things, filtered air to the engine on part throttle scavenging and venting under boost.

[LS1NOVA]

I know I know two hands on the wheel!

Heres a pic of the pcv setup too.

[TheBandit]

I read someplace that you notched the frame for alternator clearance. Do you have any pictures showing this? What alternator did you use? An f-body, truck, or?

Car looks great. Congrats!

[ssmike]

Nathan:

Congrats on the auto-cross. It sounds like a lot of fun. I will be trying my first event this spring, hopefully.

On behalf of the Nova guys, we'd love to see more pics!!!

I thought that you previously mentioned an intent to daily drive the car? Is that still the plan? That's my goal, so I would love to hear feedback on any issues you have found from doing so.

Mike

[DJW32]

Where is the video from the auto-x?

Your Nova looks great!

[1985fiero]

I read someplace that you notched the frame for alternator clearance. Do you have any pictures showing this? What alternator did you use? An f-body, truck, or?

Car looks great. Congrats!

x2 would like to know as well

[LS1NOVA]

Yes, notched the subframe and used a truck 105 amp alternator. No pics but the notch was about 1" deep and about 3" back. Sorry no videos from the autox, I was there by myself.
I drove the car almost daily for two months. All different kinds of driving, stop and go, freeway 80mph cruising etc. I am really pleased with the overdrive and gear ratio as it allows easy cruising with low rpms. Im kind of bummed though that I didnt ever run into any "players" on the freeway. The thing just pulls. One annoying thing I would change is I would concentrate more on insulating ALL components to eliminate squeaks. I know it has to be hard to do on a 70's car.
I plan on bumping up the boost and maybe trying to get it out to Suoth Dakota to Dynotune for a three bar tune. I plan on running real street eliminator at Car Craft next year and a little more dyno power would be nice. I am also planning on changing the tires to something stickier to try to get in the nines and grip more at autox.

[Mark_Lide]

Nice car!

[johnny68]

good job on phr spread cant wait to get mine going great build
john

[Jesse72]

Dude Ive been drooling over your car in the PHR april'11 mag for months now! This is the kind of build I look forward to doing someday, keep it up! That thing is beast!

[80 MONZTA]

Sweet car, wish I could have checked it better and talked with you more before the gates opened at CFR Saturday. But I had to get back to work.

[Hotwhilz]

Nice car for sure, this engine in mine would the cherry on the cake! Good luck getting the squeaks dampened, the easier would be ear plugs!! More pics would be a cake topper.

Cheers

[craigs73]

wow that car is saweeet!!!!! love the green whats the color

[Driver X]

MAN I want a lift in my Garage too-- very cool project

[baswinfo]

I have a 1970 Nova with a 10 bolt rear end and leaf springs how do I get the stance that you have on your Nova? I love that looks awesome and also like the front end stance. Any suggestions or can you point me in the right direction.....dont want to tub it want to keep rear seats just need more meat back there and for the tire to fit inside the fender. would also like to lower the front without rubbing anything of course

[LS1NOVA]

Thanks for the compliments guys.


Sweet car, wish I could have checked it better and talked with you more before the gates opened at CFR Saturday. But I had to get back to work.

It was good chatting with you. I really raises some eyebrows running in the low tens with a pro-touring type car on 17" wheels and street tires.


wow that car is saweeet!!!!! love the green whats the color

Thanks, the color is 03 Ford Dark Highland Green Metallic. Ive seen you over on Steve's Nova site quite a bit.


I have a 1970 Nova with a 10 bolt rear end and leaf springs how do I get the stance that you have on your Nova? I love that looks awesome and also like the front end stance. Any suggestions or can you point me in the right direction.....dont want to tub it want to keep rear seats just need more meat back there and for the tire to fit inside the fender. would also like to lower the front without rubbing anything of course

I using Caltrac split mono leaf springs with a 3" drop. You just have to ask when ordering from Calvert. They ride nicely and perform well. I was a little nervous running corners with a split spring but it is working good. The front is a Stage 2 plus from SC&C. I love it but wish I could put some Speedtech spindles on it to get it down another inch. Im on stock spindles. The front springs are 2" drop Hotchkis that have had the coils cut 1 1/2. It doesnt bottom out but its very close to the bumpstops. I would like to upgrade to SC&C lower a arms also to improve that. Driverz Inc can hook you up on wheels. The sweet spot on the front is a 8" wheel with 5" backspace. Its tight but it fits.

[craigs73]

Thanks for the compliments guys.




Thanks, the color is 03 Ford Dark Highland Green Metallic. Ive seen you over on Steve's Nova site quite a bit.



yeah im over there quite a bit lol...

[Steve68]

Any update on the Nova, I'd really like some more info on the turbo, I'm going to do a 5.3 in my Nova with a 76/88 or something,

[LS1NOVA]

I sold the 6.0 turbo combo to a guy that wanted it more than I did and built a new single turbo 5.3. It made 823hp on the dyno. Im putting some forged pistons and rods in it now so we can turn it up more without worry. Looking for 800rwhp. I just posted a little of the build thread over on LS1tech in the FI section. If you have any specific questions on the turbo stuff you can call me to chat about it. 763-221-175Five. Nate

Doing some front suspension stuff as well similiar to the Tru-turn.

[Steve68]

Cool, Nate, I'll check out the tech site, I'm on there too, Did you add some motor specs??

[DJW32]

I didn't see what kind of motor mounts you used...? Also, did you need to do any tens tunnel clearance to get that 4l-80e in there?

[TattooedSgt]

Very awsome build. I just read the entire thread. Any new updates??

[LS1NOVA]

I didn't see what kind of motor mounts you used...? Also, did you need to do any tens tunnel clearance to get that 4l-80e in there?

The motors mounts I made using plate steel.


Very awsome build. I just read the entire thread. Any new updates??


Cool, Nate, I'll check out the tech site, I'm on there too, Did you add some motor specs??

The engine is a 2005 L33 5.3 alum block, stock crank, Wiseco pistons (9.5 to 1), Eagle Rods, stock 5.3 799 heads, 224/228 114 cam, LS1 intake and fuel rails, 5.3 MLS gaskets, ARP head studs.

It hasnt made it on a dyno yet but I did take it to the dragstrip recently and had a new best of 10.39 on 17" drag radials. No suspension adjustments, stiff shocks, sway bar hooked up, etc. This was on 19 pounds of boost.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PVHyb6O4E&feature=player_embedded

I also finished up the front suspension stuff with AFCO adjustable spring buckets, 650lb springs, 2" dropped spindles, and Chevelle steering arms mounted backwards. I relocated the center link tie rod mounting points upward around 2 inches. Lots of room for 10" wide wheels and tires now but I'll have to wait for the budget to allow different wheels, tires, and narrow splined swaybar. Went a little more aggressive with the alignment and have the camber at -1.75 now. Feels great! Hopefully will be running RSE at Car Craft Nats next weekend.

[LS1NOVA]

Had a great weekend at the Car Craft Summer Nationals. Ended up with a Editors Choice award, a Publisher's award, and finished 2nd in the Real Street Eliminator contest. Short little autox track was tight and fun. All the new suspension mods turned out great and the car felt good.

[LT1Nova]

I think I saw you running the autocross Saturday afternoon when I got there, then you disappeared. I was hoping to get a better look at your car. Congrats on second place and the other awards.

[Wheel Werkes]

Awe man when i opened the thread and saw the motor and turbo setup, all i thought was, absolute win. Nice build man.