The Blue Bomb-1972 Chevy Nova

[Jasons72]

I've had the car since i was 15 and i'm now 20. It was my daily driver for almost 4 years and now i can finally start to do what i wanted to do to it but couldn't, build it into a pro-touring/autocross car. Its got a mild 355 in it with a Th-400 thats well built and a stock 3.08 non posi 8.5 rear (haven't installed my 3.73's and posi yet). I've got a lot planned for it but its going to take some time. We will see where it ends up.

Current upgrades: 1 1/4" Hellwig front sway bar, Global West 1/2" drop solid aluminum body mount bushings, Competition Engineering subframe connectors, Hotchkis front and rear springs, poly bushings all the way around, Wilwood master cylinder, SSBC adjustable proportioning block, other odds and ends.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/0928091630-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/0928091724-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1215092259-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

Made some block off panels for the gaps in the inner fenders but decided i liked the paint on them more than the inner fenders and radiator support so i'm going to pull them and smooth and paint them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1213092049-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1213092048-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

Disassembly

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1215092252-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1215092251-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1216092111-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/1216092115-1.jpg

[sick63nova]

car looks good. im in the same boat im 21 and i have had it sence i was 16. i have a 63 nova used it as a daily driver for 4 years and now im going building it for autocross. ill be starting a thread when my parts show up keep us posted

[Nessumsar]

Not too shabby, pretty dang similar to mine. What do you have for rolling stock?

[Jasons72]

What do you mean by rolling stock :p

[CruizinKev]

looking good :twothumbs

[SamHatco]

What do you mean by rolling stock :p


Wheels, tires.

Sam

[Jasons72]

Lol thats what i thought, right now it has 15x6 and 15x7 rally's with 185/65's up front and 225/60's in the rear. Those will be gone and i will be replacing them with 17x8 rally's up front and 17x11(will have to get the 17 by 9's widened) rally's in the rear with NT05's 235/40 up front and 315/35's out back. Kind of going for old school looks with the fairly stock looking body but with modern performance.

[bonecrrusher]

What color is that blue? Looks clean & great!

[twosaturns]

no heater, I guess it's not your year 'rounder, huh?
there is so much more available now for the nova compared to when I built my '70 in the early '90's. all we had back then was addco 1" sway bars and urathane A arm bushings.
enjoy!

[Jasons72]

No heat for now, it will eventually get an aftermarket a/c kit which will move everything under the dash anyway and i will run a bulkhead under the fender so that it will be out of sight. I wrecked the car earlier this year when the stock proportioning valve developed a leak while driving and left me with no brakes coming up on a red light(long story, a guy saw the rears locked up and pulled out right in front of me purposefully and i hit him). While the car was in the shop we smoothed the firewall and painted it body color so that I wouldn't have to do it down the road when i get ac. Besides, i really don't drive it when its cold out.

My daily is now a 2000 Jetta VR6 so i get to drive the nova when i want to, which is in nice weather.

[Jasons72]

Pulled the leafs and the front springs today. I need to pull the headers in order to pull the upper control arms so i can clean them up and make them look nice.

[spoilersbyrandy]

Nice project. I like the color.

[bonecrrusher]

What color paint is that? Looks awesome!

[torino420]

love that blue, nice car!

[Jasons72]

Thanks guys, its a form of Cloisonne Blue.

[Jasons72]

Well i finally got most of my parts ordered. My quick ratio steering box, solid motor mounts and rear coilovers are here. Still waiting on my QA1 front shocks, circle track springs, spring adjusters, and solid lca bushings to get here. Just need to save up a bit more to afford adjustable uca's and tall lower ball joints.

[Jasons72]

Springs, adjusters and solid lca bushings came in, just need to order the uca's and tall lbj's.

[LS1NOVA]

Looking good. You will want tall upper ball joints, not lowers on this chassis. Tall lowers are only for the A-bodies unless Im mistaken.

[John Wright]

Thanks guys, its a form of Cloisonne Blue.
Great color on that car...love it.

[Jasons72]

Thanks, got the new steering box in, still waiting on my spc upper control arms and i need to press out the old lca bushings and get the new ones pressed in so i can get the springs adjusters, springs and shocks in.

[Jasons72]

SPC upper arms shipped today, hopefully will see them tomorrow or saturday and i ordered my front spoiler from Randy today.

[Jasons72]

SO MANY UPDATES!!! I haven't been on here very much lately but i've been up to a lot.

AGR 12:1 steering box
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0411002104-1.jpg

Parts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0428000023-1.jpg

SPC upper control arms
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0427002229-1.jpg

Had to grind down some high spots and prime most of the rad support.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0503002046-1.jpg

Rad support in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0506001858-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0506001912-1.jpg

Front spoiler from spoilers by randy
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0511000005-1.jpg

Patriot shorty headers
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0509001648-1.jpg

Solid motor mounts in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0505002058-1.jpg

Control arms, springs, spring spacers, shocks and solid lca bushings in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0505002057-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0505002056-1.jpg

Headers in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0512002347-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0512002348-1.jpg

Hotchkis 3 inch drop leafs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0510002341-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

On the ground but too low
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0512002236-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0512002234-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0512002233-1.jpg

Block off panels in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0520002109-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0520002110-1.jpg

Wheel wells in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0520002110a-1.jpg

Moved the battery to the trunk, i routed the cables through the car and through the body mount bushing cavity.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0529002130-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0602002255-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0602002254-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

Driveable!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0520000739-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0520000739a-1.jpg

Took it to the dmv and the guy who checked it refused to check the emissions because he didn't agree with the turn downs that are even with the axle. Plus he tried to say that it was to modified for the antique status, what about the car other than the exhaust and the hood from outside the car screams modified?

[Jasons72]

I picked up some Dynomax ultra flow ss mufflers in 2.5 inch and will hopefully get them and the new exhaust on within the next week or two.

I drove the car to work today and the oil pressure gauge sprung a leak, and dripped a nice puddle of oil onto the carpet, my dad was kind enough to come fix it while i was working. Then on my way home the voltage regulator took a dump so i guess i should go ahead and get a single wire alternator.

[druzdcm96SS]

Looks awesome! I always loved that gen Nova.

[Jasons72]

Thanks, it made it down to the Ocean City, MD cruise, it took 2 sleepless nights the week before but i got it together and it drove great.

[Jasons72]

Before i washed it but a better idea of the stance, i need to get a good side shot.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0604001256-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

Well i though the voltage regulator had died on me but the alternator is fried :doh:Lame, i was going to take it for a nice drive this evening since the weather was perfect here. Oh well.

[Conrad283]

Love the stance

[796spdbu]

I dig it man!

[Chevrolaine]

Beautiful car..love it.

[Jasons72]

Thanks guys, i'm thinking of these in 18's and a wilwood disk brake package in the future.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-142-2990GM12/?rtype=7

[Gitter Dun]

Before i washed it but a better idea of the stance, i need to get a good side shot.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0604001256-1.jpg

Great stance, sweet looking Nova.

[RyanG]

nice looking nova. hope to see more soon!

[Jasons72]

GF doesn't like the new height so i have to try and compromise :crying:

[montessaj]

GF doesn't like the new height so i have to try and compromise :crying:


How could she not like that??? Looks like its time for a new girlfriend...:machine:

[Gitter Dun]

GF doesn't like the new height so i have to try and compromise :crying:

Dude, dont you dare!!!

[Jasons72]

LOL I told her i wouldn't change the ride height...so i'm gonna raise the front just a bit (it really does need to) i don't have hardly any travel and it should make the car sit just about level, i will see if she is ok with it. If she's not happy then i'm not happy lol, she is the one i drive with and she has been my best friend since before the car and before we started dating so her opinion matters to me. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices lol. I'm gonna try about a half to 3/4 inch and see what she thinks.

[Gitter Dun]

LOL I told her i wouldn't change the ride height...so i'm gonna raise the front just a bit (it really does need to) i don't have hardly any travel and it should make the car sit just about level, i will see if she is ok with it. If she's not happy then i'm not happy lol, she is the one i drive with and she has been my best friend since before the car and before we started dating so her opinion matters to me. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices lol. I'm gonna try about a half to 3/4 inch and see what she thinks.

Let me tell you a little something about women son.............LOL

[montessaj]

let me tell you a little something about women son.............lol


word

[Jasons72]

Hahaha it really is a can't live with them, can't live without them feeling lol. But in all seriousness she is going to be the one that i marry as soon as its financially possible so its rather important that i keep her interested in my biggest hobby.

[Jasons72]

Got the new 1 wire alternator on and raised the front up a bit. Thought it felt a little sloppy last time it was out and the 2 lower shock bolts on the front passenger side shock had worked themselves out completely.

My dad may have sourced some free 2.5" stainless steel piping from his work for my exhaust, we just need to see if its the correct wall thickness. The mufflers are stainless so it would be nice to have it all stainless.

[1BAGTO]

Car looks great bud!!!

[Jasons72]

Car goes in for the new 2.5" exhaust today, can't wait to hear what it sounds like!

[796spdbu]

LOL I told her i wouldn't change the ride height...so i'm gonna raise the front just a bit (it really does need to) i don't have hardly any travel and it should make the car sit just about level, i will see if she is ok with it. If she's not happy then i'm not happy lol, she is the one i drive with and she has been my best friend since before the car and before we started dating so her opinion matters to me. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices lol. I'm gonna try about a half to 3/4 inch and see what she thinks.

I know the feeling. My girl was a total gearhead. She even helped me swap engines in my 72' chevelle when I had it. I taught her how to weld and build engines.Keep her close and do everything you can to keep her. I unfortunatly lost my girl.Good luck. Car looks great!

[Jasons72]

Updates!!!

The car got a 2.5 inch exhaust with Dynomax ultraflow ss mufflers and my dad found enough stainless piping at work to do the tail pipes. Here's the problem, one muffler had a tiny dent in it when we opened the box, no biggie since i wouldn't see it, well that muffler pops at certain rpms when you let off the gas. I love the way it sounds inside the car while driving and at idle but when i hear it reverberate off walls and other cars driving down the road it sounds like its more of a "poppy, farty" sound like you hear from some dog of an old truck instead of a rumble or growl. I'm going to have my dad drive it and follow him and see how it sounds, if i don't like it then i am going to switch to borla's whenever i can afford it.

Took the car through inspection and it is now tagged as an antique so no more taking it to the dmv, meaning i can to whatever i want to it!

My buddy Mark is finishing our mounts we had to make to get a set of 2nd gen nova rear shocks to fit since they are shorter than 3rd gen shocks. He was kind enough to offer to let me use a set of QA1 single adjustable shocks until i can finally afford a new set.

I ordered a set of 18" Summit Legend wheels, 8.5" up front and 9.5" for the rears. The rears came yesterday and the fronts don't ship until the 20th. I also ordered Nitto 555 tires that got here today, 245/40 up front and 275/40 rears, these tires look huge not mounted on anything lol.

Got a new rear bumper as well since i needed one for my 4 door so i'm putting the new one on this car and then putting the old one onto it, also got a fuel cell for the 4 door as well.

Trying to get a price on how much it would cost to have my posi and new ring and pinion put it, i'm going from a 3.08 to 3.73.

[MrQuick]

LOL I told her i wouldn't change the ride height...so i'm gonna raise the front just a bit (it really does need to) i don't have hardly any travel and it should make the car sit just about level, i will see if she is ok with it. If she's not happy then i'm not happy lol, she is the one i drive with and she has been my best friend since before the car and before we started dating so her opinion matters to me. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices lol. I'm gonna try about a half to 3/4 inch and see what she thinks.
just put a 1 inch spacer under the passenger seat mounts and she'll be fine.

edit: ouch, wife smacked me for that one. LOL
Vince

[Jasons72]

Haha funny stuff.

Rear Wheels

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0813001432-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0813001433-1.jpg

Rear Tires

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0813001436-1.jpg

Front Tires

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0813001437-1.jpg

[sebtarta]

As I said in the other thread, those are very nice looking wheels.

What is in the Summit box? :)

[Jasons72]

Fuel cell in the rci box and that is the strapping for it, they are for my 4 door, i was rearended in it the other week and the bumper creamed the filler neck so i just decided to get a cell since i don't use the trunk anyway(it leaks way too much) and the yellow box is a new rear bumper but its going on the 72 and the old one from the 72 is going on the 71. With all that was written up for the accident, i'm able to live with most of the damage so there was enough extra to afford the wheels and tires:twothumbs

[sebtarta]

Wow that sucks about the accident. Hopefully you (and any passengers) were ok.
But from the looks of it you seem to be ok, hahaha

I hear you on the fuel cell. I was thinking about it too.

[Jasons72]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0817001329-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0817001331-1.jpg

[1971CHEVELLE]

Car looks great...:twothumbs

[Nessumsar]

You'll be pleased with those tires. I'm running 245/285 on mine and it sticks pretty good, even with too big of a front swaybar.

Keep the updates coming.

[bonecrrusher]

Those wheels will look great!

[montessaj]

Looks good man!

[Jasons72]

My buddy finished up the mounts to make a set of 2nd gen Nova shocks fit a 3rd gen. They are too short so we made the mounts so that they would put the shock in the middle of its travel but it will hold me off until I can afford new shocks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0824001335-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0824001335a-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0824001502-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0824001604-1.jpg

I also had to massage the inner wheel wells a bit, i had some rubbing but it was nothing a grinder and a mallet couldn't take care of. The rubbing didn't even take the undercoating off so it wasn't too big of a deal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0824001340-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/0824001502a-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

I got a new cut pile carpet put in, got the rear drums blasted, cleaned and painted, got the wheels back on, and now i just need to get the front seat in and take it for a test drive to see if the tires rub now, its going to be close:fingersx:

[Jasons72]

New single piece cut pile carpet, so smooth :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0912001337a-1.jpg

New Headlights

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0912001834-1.jpg

Wheels are finally on, the front needs lowered about half an inch and the rear is coming up about an inch and a quarter to balance the car out. The taller front tires made more of a difference in raising it than i thought, plus the front left is slightly positively cambered so the car looks kind of goofy in the pics but is much better looking in person.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0912001337-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0912001336-1.jpg

[LS1NOVA]

Dont raise the back, please please please. It will look SO good.

[jpdeuce]

Drop the front 1 1/2" and youl'll nail it.

[69projectKAOS]

^^ im with both of them, the car just needs a little lowering in the front and it will look awesome!!!! you have one sweet nova for sure.:twothumbs -Dom

[monteboy84]

I think what you're saying with dropping the front a bit, and raising the rear will get it perfect. Having more of the tire exposed in the rear will look better IMO.

That said, make sure where you put the front-end height-wise will be right with your front-end geometry.

Either way, car looks great, I love watching progressive builds!

-matt

[Jasons72]

The problem with the rear is that there is just really no room for the tire I can't fit anything between the tire and the wheel well and i don't want to tear up brand new tires. I'm going to see what an inch raise does with the front a bit lower and see how it sits. Before i do that i will take it for a test drive and see if it rubs. I don't want to raise it :banghead:

Better pic of the halo rings, the headlights aren't on in this pic or the previous one.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0912002008-1.jpg

[69projectKAOS]

looks good, where did u get them from and what bulb do they use?-Dom

[Jasons72]

Lol cheapo $30 ebay headlights with H4 headlights, I didn't even want the halo rings but they came with them and i was surprised at how good they looked.

[96t/acj]

Info please on the headlights :) pm me please will be ordering a set for sure. Are your headlights blue when they shine or white ?

[Nessumsar]

I almost ordered a set of those headlights, they do look cool....

What bulbs are you using in your running lights? Those things are bright!

[Jasons72]

The actual headlights are white and the running lights are just running the stock bulbs, it may just be my phone that made it look so bright but i took that picture in the garage with the lights off at night. Oh and that's just running off of battery, should be a tad brighter with the alt. charged up.

[Jasons72]

Here is the car with the rear end raised an inch at the wheel well (via jack) and the front is still coming down about a half inch.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0914001623-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0914001624-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0914001625-1.jpg

[69projectKAOS]

^^ ok that`s not too bad, that looks fine!! how do you plan to lower the front more, cut the springs? -Dom

[bonecrrusher]

I can understand why you want to lower/raise it - looks good either way!

[LS1NOVA]

Yeah, sometimes you have to compromise somewhere. I agree it looks great.

[Jasons72]

The fronts are circle track springs with adjustable spring buckets so i just have to drop the lower ball joint, drop the spring, and screw or unscrew the adjuster to adjust ride height(simplified version of course).

[Rebstew]

The fronts are circle track springs with adjustable spring buckets so i just have to drop the lower ball joint, drop the spring, and screw or unscrew the adjuster to adjust ride height(simplified version of course).
How about some pics of the front spring adjusters when you take them back out. Where did ya get them from? Being as they are circle track items I'd say they are good for the budget rodders?$$

[sebtarta]

Jason you want the car to be parallel to the ground, or have the front lower than the rear?

[twosaturns]

'68-'72 Novas really should have the rear wheels tucked a bit, it's not a big opening like a 1st gen Camaro. of course, then it looks like it's dragging its tail a bit if you dont have the front height dialed in.
but the biggest mistake IMO is raising the back end too tall on them.

[LS1NOVA]

twosaturnsaid it, go to any car show,its rare to see a nova not jacked up.

[96t/acj]

LOL thats so true very few nova have that stance you had before the new wheels... i loved how your stance was... get it back there.

[Jasons72]

The problem with the before stance was that i could only get away with a 185 front tire and still have a turning radius, plus the rears weren't nearly as wide as they are now.

Sebtarta its going to have the tiniest bit of forward rake(front being lower)

My biggest mistake was keeping the side trim, it creates an optical illusion that is really hard to work around in making the car look parallel or raked.

[69projectKAOS]

jason, those springs in the front with the adjustable buckets, how much do they lower the car in total and is it where you can just set it at what ever height you want or is there different height settings? im interested in a set for my 1st gen. thanks-Dom

[Jasons72]

You can set them to whatever you want, there is about 2 inches adjustment plus a 2 inch spacer on top that i cut an inch out of, i still have about an inch and a half that i can lower it though.

[69projectKAOS]

do you have a link for them? thanks-Dom

[sr73bu]

Love your car!... AS for the stance, do what is practical... you are the one driving it, who cares what other people think. Either way it looks great.. nice work...:cheers:

How do you like the AGR steering box?? Did it bolt right in with no mods?? Hows it drive??... I just got the same one, but havent installed it yet.. any info would be great... thanks

-Sean

[Jasons72]

do you have a link for them? thanks-Dom

Adjusters
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/AFCO-Adjustable-Coil-Spring-Spacer,23948.html



Love your car!... AS for the stance, do what is practical... you are the one driving it, who cares what other people think. Either way it looks great.. nice work...:cheers:

How do you like the AGR steering box?? Did it bolt right in with no mods?? Hows it drive??... I just got the same one, but havent installed it yet.. any info would be great... thanks

-Sean

Thanks, I really like the feel of the new box. I didn't replace the pump so it takes a bit more force to turn the wheel but i like it a lot. It feels more like a new car's steering does. I couldn't stand how sensitive the steering used to be, you could sneeze and go across 3 lanes of traffic. Fit was a little tight, two of the bolts went right in, the third took a lot of "jiggling" and persuasion to get in, overall i like it a lot though, I would definitely recommend it.

[John Wright]

I didn't replace the pump so it takes a bit more force to turn the wheel but i like it a lot. It feels more like a new car's steering does. Look into the KRC pumps, your new box will thank you for it....plus you can adjust the pump to deliver the feel you exactly like you want.

http://www.krcpower.com/

[Jasons72]

I did look into them and i want one badly but its out of the budget right now, its not a struggle or anything to turn, it just feels more like power assist steering.

[Jasons72]

I went ahead and made the new shackles tonight, they are an inch and a half longer center to center than the other ones.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0917001946-1.jpg

Took it out and took my girlfriend to get some icecream after i got them on. The car drives great! even though it still needs an alignment terribly. The new lights worked really well, a nice bright white. The front still hasn't been messed with and needs to be lowered maybe a half an inch.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0917002220-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0917002101-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0917002101a-1.jpg

I also pulled all of the spark plugs, cleaned them and regaped them since they were pretty bad. I leaned out the idle mixture after seeing how bad they were.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0917002035-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

I lowered the front a bit but the driver side ended up about an 1/8 inch higher than the passenger side even though i lowered it more than the passenger to compensate for it being higher before. Hopefully it will compensate for me getting in the car.

I took the car and dropped it off to get aligned today, i will be picking it up tomorrow.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0919001219a1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/09190012201-1.jpg

[LS1NOVA]

Looks likr the front should be right in the sweet spot with the geometry at that ride height too.:cheers:

[96t/acj]

I know that it has been asked before but im getting ready to order the same circle track adjustment. And i wanted to know how simple is it to adjust the height in the front ? My car sits much lower on the drivers side, and im trying to correct that...

[Jasons72]

Its "as easy as" taking the spring out and screwing in or screwing out the adjuster.

I got it aligned at just tires today, i was a bit skeptical of how good of a job they would do but it is exactly what i wanted. Exactly -1 degree of camber, 5 degrees of caster driver side and 5.5 passenger, and 1/16" toe in total. The car feels so much better now and i can't wait to start thrashing around some cones.

The last thing i have left for it this week is to get the posi and gears in by thursday night for the pocono good guys show this weekend, its going to be close with me going to school teusday and thursday nights and never having done it before lol.

[mihc45]

Car looks great! Wish i finished my nova before i sold it now

[Jasons72]

Thanks, i'm working on getting the new gears and posi in but its been fighting me every step of the way and in two days i just now have everything out.

[John Wright]

I know that it has been asked before but im getting ready to order the same circle track adjustment. And i wanted to know how simple is it to adjust the height in the front ? My car sits much lower on the drivers side, and im trying to correct that...Be aware that if you are trying to get the front level, it may take a couple of shots at it to get it level....but to get as close as you can in one shot, remember that if the car is sitting 3/8" low, then you need to add 3/16" spacer on top of the spring(or use adjustable spring cups)...basically half of the amount that is required to raise it to make it level....due to the 2:1 ratio at the control arms:wheel.

[96t/acj]

Be aware that if you are trying to get the front level, it may take a couple of shots at it to get it level....but to get as close as you can in one shot, remember that if the car is sitting 3/8" low, then you need to add 3/16" spacer on top of the spring(or use adjustable spring cups)...basically half of the amount that is required to raise it to make it level....due to the 2:1 ratio at the control arms:wheel.

Thanks, my car is 23 1/2 on driver side and 25 1/4 on passenger side. Its funny cause you can see almost the same amount on the rear end looking at the bumper. but when u lift the drivers side up everything goes pretty even. or if you push down on the rear passanger side it lifts the drivers side also. i got the adjuster listed above, along with a 2inch spring spacer to try as well.

[JerseyNova]

Love the car. What did you do with the rallys?

[Jasons72]

They are on my 4 door now, i'm going to try and sell that but i want to keep those ralleys for cruising tires and maybe just use the 18's for autocross and race use.

Going out to put the cover back on the rear, fill it up and see how it feels!

[spoilersbyrandy]

Hey Jason, what color blue is your car? Thanks Randy

[Jasons72]

Its Dark Cloissone blue alternate 1 i believe. I'm running your spoiler if you want a good picture of it for your website.

[sr73bu]

It was nice meeting you yesterday Jason!... your car looks great! Great job on the autocross too! I'm only an hour away, so if you ever want to meet up or need help with the car, shoot me a PM with your number...

:cheers:

-Sean

[Jasons72]

Yeah it was great meeting you too Sean, i'm sorry i missed you guys afterwards, my girlfriend and i went to her dads place to take her puppy out and i crashed on the sofa for a few hours. We will definitely have to catch up some time soon.

I will have a video to post some time, i met someone who happened to take a quick video of my car running, i don't know if it was a good run but i didn't get to push it as hard as i wanted. The passenger rear tire ended up rubbing pretty bad on the wheel well lip enough to take the lettering off the sidewall so i had to call it a day very early. All i have to do is remove about a half an inch of the lip and i should be fine to push it as hard as i can. The fastest time was a 29.9 and i ran a 32.4 with only three passes and i had plenty to improve on. On a good note i got to go for a ride with Kyle and the DSE Nova and it was the greatest ride of my life, even though it was only 30 seconds, what an amazing car!

[Jasons72]

Ugh the video ended up being another blue 72 but it had 15" chrome wheels. I was watching going jeez i look slow, i thought i was faster than that, because i was lol like 6 seconds faster.

[bryster]

Man the paint looks electric.....Love the smooth fire wall..

[Jasons72]

Here are some pics from Good Guys show from my buddy Mark Sartori

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10035-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10020-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10043-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10021-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10039-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10013-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10042-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10045-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10049-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10056-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10040-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10059-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10063-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/GOODGUYS10064-1.jpg

[sr73bu]

Awesome!

I've got to get in next year!

checkout Youtube... search: 2010 Pocono Goodguys Autocross... That sick red firebird "Code Red" posted some videos of his runs... what an awesome car.

:cheers:

-Sean

[69projectKAOS]

car looks great jason, i wish my car was ready for good guys, i am deff going next year!! how much was it for autocross? and do you know when it is next year??? thanks-Dom

[novaman69]

car looks great jason, i wish my car was ready for good guys, i am deff going next year!! how much was it for autocross? and do you know when it is next year??? thanks-Dom

Supposedly next year they aren't doing Pocono because of the low attendance the past 2 year. :banghead:

[Jasons72]

The autocross was included in the price of the show, I really hope they have the show next year!

[69projectKAOS]

they better have it again there!!! lol i want to go soo bad haha, by then my car will be good to go, how much was it get in to the show?-Dom
Supposedly next year they aren't doing Pocono because of the low attendance the past 2 year. :banghead:

[Jasons72]

40 to join good guys for the year, which gives you the gazette and i think 30 to preregister. Not too bad.

[Jasons72]

Well I took the car to an autocross about a month ago and did ok, it was in the 30's by the time i ran so i couldn't get a lot of grip out of the car. The biggest problem was that the car was stumbling and popping terribly by the end of the day and its something that has been getting worse and worse. I did run like a tenth faster than my buddies chipped/turbo back exhaust/aftermarket suspensioned 01 Audi TT 225 awd:rotfl: that was great because he talked so much smack about how he was going to run circles around me.

So back to the car, i checked out the fuel system after i got home and every bit of rubber line was soft as can be and had a black goo coming from the insides. I decided its time to replace the fuel system this winter, add a cell, aeroquip fuel lines, electric fuel pump and a new carb. I'm going to cut out a section of the trunk floor to build a drop base to fit the cell into to keep the weight low and to keep my trunk space(not that i ever really use it).

Then i decided you know what i'm sick of this thing being so slow. Added to the list is AFR 195 heads, Lunati solid flat tappet cam, roller rockers, stud girdle, double roller timing chain, new harmonic ballancer, rpm airgap intake, ignitor 3 ignition system, 3500 stall converter, and for kicks and giggles a NOS powershot kit.

Other than the motor and fuel system the other things i would like to get to this winter would be to lower the front a bit more and to build a pan to go under the front end to minimalize air flow going into the engine compartment from underneath.

Deconstruction has been underway.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/20101219_161535_68-1.jpg

The gas tank has also been removed as well as the old fuel lines.

[sr73bu]

nothing says: "i'm over you" like a solid lift cam... haha...

This is going to be an awesome winter update!

-Sean

[DFRESH]

Jason, while you are that far into it, invest the money for another Power Steering pump. Get AGR's, or another brand and get rid of that factory one. Sounds like you are getting a bit more into the Auto X thing---that stock pump will eventually leave you stranded or worse. They can actually come apart from the heat of sawing the wheel as much as you will be. I have the same box you do and used their type II pump along with their mount--was easy to put in and made the steering even better. You've got a great car there and I love the mods you are making to it--and the build as you go along mentality. Keep it running and get to the events like you are doing now---looking forward to the motor mods you are making.

Doug

[srh3trinity]

I missed the Goodguys pics of your car. The wheels really fill out the wheel wells perfectly. Great stance.

[Jasons72]

Thanks guys, i appreciate the comments. Its going to take a while to get the motor put back together as i'm a broke college student lol but it'll get there, i'm saving as much as possible(severely lowered my alcohol intake budget hahaha, just had almost a hundred dollar bar tab a week ago), yeah i was thinking about that power steering pump too, i don't know how much longer this one would hold up. I was also thinking about building a custom set of subframe connectors to weld to the floor and rear frame, my dad just picked up a welder so my mind is going a million miles an hour about what i can do now lol. Since im lowering the front end back down lower i'll probably have to cut up the inner fenders for more clearance so i'll have to patch those accordingly.

[Jasons72]

Well i ordered the cam, lifters, rockers, carb, and stud girdle last night, my poor credit card lol, gotta get this thing moving or im going to run out of time.

[sr73bu]

Nice Jason! What are the specs on the cam?

[Jasons72]

Voodoo 60142
249 / 257
.540” / .560”
110 / 106
2800-7000

I have no need for vacuum lol

[Jasons72]

Well my update isn't so much on the nova, i've gotten everything except the cam pulled since i haven't pulled the grill out to give myself the room, but my dad, uncle, cousin and i just about finished drywalling the garage ceiling so i will actually have lights on my side of the garage asap. We just have a 7 inch strip left that we are picking up another few pieces for to finish up later, hopefully i can get rolling on the nova sooner than later!

[Jasons72]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/20110120_205523_271-1.jpg

[johnny68]

hey jason how you been slowly but surely getting mine done i went same route as you on the front coils and adj.
john

[Jasons72]

Hey John, I think you will like the set up, and your car is coming along very nicely, i'm very jealous of the torque arm rear! I've decided i'm lowering the front back down another inch or so, i'm sure i'm going to have to trim the inner fenders but it will be worth it, i'm hoping to just tuck wheel up front.

[Jasons72]

I got the trunk pan designed tonight, its going to be a box that sits 6 inches deep, 23 inches front to back and 23 3/4 inches wide with a 1 inch lip all the way around to weld into the existing trunk pan, then i will weld together an inner structure to bolt the fuel cell to.

What gauge steel would you guys suggest for the pan?

[Jasons72]

Nothing really to update, i loosened up the rear drums because they were dragging bad while we were pushing the car around during mudding and priming the garage ceiling, it took 3 people to move it lol, now i can push it myself. This dragging seems to be a problem that comes and goes so if extra funds are available (and my loan request goes through lol) i may look into something like a cheap ls disc brake upgrade to solve the problem and help out my braking.

I did change my design of the trunk pan thanks to Seans advice, instead of steel and painting it satin i'm going to use aluminum and rivet it together with angle aluminum on the inside to give it a more race look, then i'm going to brush it and seal it to leave it looking like raw brushed aluminum, then i'm going to build another box the same way for the battery in the trunk.

[sr73bu]

You can still use steel/ 1 x 1 angle steel for your trunk pan. If you have a welder thats just as easy. I just think if you dont have all kinds of high end breaks and fab tools.. any angle (90 degree) steel or aluminum will give you a good start. I would build it like a picture frame, weld all your corners, add bracing where necessary and close it off with sheet metal. Check out what other people have done too... Good luck with it!

As far as your brakes.. I'd probably rebuild what you got (use good Porterfield or similar shoes). I was looking into a cheap disc setup... probably no advantage over the drums. I'd wait to upgrade the entire set up to good stuff (baer/wilwood)... plus adding discs may change where the rims/ tires are positioned. If you are rubbing slightly now, I believe adding discs may move the wheels/tire outward between (1/8"-1/4")... the last thing your need is another suprise before RTTS like that...

remember, you can give me a call if you need help... i'm sure two boneheads could come up with an Idea for your trunk pan... LOL

-Sean

[Jasons72]

Well the loan is a no go, my parents didn't want to cosign and even though i have great credit i don't have enough "credit experience" to get it myself. I'm going to put it back together the way it was for the most part, maybe get my new cam/lifters/roller rockers in if i can make it fit with the stock heads, trunk pan, new fuel lines, brake lines, maybe carb. It won't be ideal at all with the stock heads but it should get up a bit better anyway.

[Jasons72]

Well looks like i have most of what i need to make this cam work. Summit just sent my harland sharp roller rockers, lunati dual valve springs, arp head bolts and some smaller stuff. Saturday i'm going to pick up a set of 441 heads that have been decked, ported and polished, screw in rocker studs, has pushrod guideplates and 2.02/1.60 valves. Motor wise i still need a harmonic balancer, headgaskets, edelbrock rpm airgap intake, stud girdles and i need to pick up a holley 750 dp from Sean (Thanks bro, you are saving my ass!). Then its trunk pan, fuel lines and brake lines...all of this needs to be done by april 1st for Run To The Shore!

[Jon Clough]

very clean build, I have always liked this generation of nova.

[robsquezn]

nice nova i have a few my self

[Jasons72]

Thanks guys, its taken a lot of work to get it here, its tough when your 21 and barely making more than minimum wage :nopity: lol, but its taken a long time as well, there has been a ton of work leading up to this thread that would take way to long to write about.

[Jasons72]

Didn't get too much done today. Got the cam pulled so its ready to start going together and i cleaned up the heads i picked up. Hopefully tomorrow i will have have some help putting the heads back together and i can get rolling on this thing!

Just some of the parts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/20110227_174119_613-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/20110227_174142_176-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

I got the cam and lifters in today but it still needs to be degreed properly. My dads friend from work is going to bring in a valve spring compressor so i can assemble the heads but that won't be until wednesday. Things should start coming together quickly now, i can't wait to hear this cam!

[Jasons72]

I figured I would post up some more eye candy, I keep getting the run around about when my grandfathers friend is going to help me assemble the heads since he has the spring compressor and lapping tool, it was supposed to be today but i think he got sick last night. I also ordered my helmet last night (that hurt the bank account quite a bit) and all new stainless brakelines, as well as new tranny coolant lines, and the torque converter should be here thursday so i can get the tranny back in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110308_163652_8-1.jpg

Cleaned valves, my dad glass beaded them and they look like new now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110305_204136_545-1.jpg

[craigs73]

hey havnt i seen you some place before lol

[Jasons72]

maybe, you seem familiar lol

[ssmike]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110308_163652_8-1.jpg



Auto parts all over the bed = CLASSIC !! :)

[Jasons72]

Oh yeah, i get yelled at that my room isn't a garage hahaha.

I did some running today and picked up a spring compressor, lapping compound and a tranny cooler and dad picked up the lapping tool. I think the best way to mount the tanny cooler will be in front of the radiator support so that the spoiler will push the air it catches through it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110309_203406_851-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110309_203438_116-1.jpg

[TheBandit]

Parts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0428000023-1.jpg

What springs did you use with the adjusters? I found a this link (http://www.speedwaymotors.com/AFCO-Adjustable-Coil-Spring-Spacer,23948.html) to the adjusters in your thread, but nothing on the springs or spring rate. It looks like from your pics that the spacer is in the upper part of the bucket. Does it weld to the frame or simply sit in place with the spring? Did you trim it to put in the helix? *EDIT* Found lots of good info here: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=28988

The car looks great and I admire the respect of your girlfriend's opinion.

[Jasons72]

I used the 9.5 inch tall 5.5 inch wide circle track springs from speedway motors, they are aafco springs, i chose 650lb springs as this is supposed to be a bit more on the radical side, they still don't ride all that bad though, i like a stiff ride. I did cut the helix into the top of the spring adjuster, as well as take an inch off the top because i couldn't adjust it low enough without that. I also had a stud welded to the outer edge which fits through an existing hole in the frame and put a nut on it to hold it in place in the frame.

[TheBandit]

Thanks a lot for the added info - very helpful. Are you sure you used 5.5" OD springs? I thought the Novas & Camaros used 5.0" OD springs.

[Jasons72]

Not too much done tonight, but a major step. After i went and talked to my recruiting officer i got the heads hand lapped and assembled tomorrow should be a busy night as i have nothing to do so i plan on as long as i have no problems cleaning the block surface getting the heads/intake/carb back on. Maybe if i'm flying along i'll get the tranny back in since the torque converter came today.

[Jasons72]

Maybe they are 5 lol, i'll be lowering the front end this weekend so i will measure them, i can't remember.

[TheBandit]

Thanks Jason. Can you also measure the free length of the spring + spacer for your current then new ride heights? It would help give me a starting point for my build. I'm currently planning on the same spring rate and Afco spacers.

What compression are you expecting with those heads, gaskets, and pistons? I used to run a set of mildy ported 441s on my 350, but they weren't decked and the chambers IIRC were 76cc. With flattops, the CR was only about 9:1, so I ran a much smaller cam than what you have planned. Also I didn't see them in your pics - what pushrods are you going to use?

[Jasons72]

I will get those measurements for you as soon as i get to the suspension but i'm probably going to be putting the motor together for the next few days, hopefully i will fire up early next week.

Honestly i have no idea what the compression its going to be, the pistons have a slight dish and the headgaskets are .020 compressed with 67cc chambers. It isn't the setup i was planning on at all, originally i was going to get afr 195's but i need to have the car finished by the end of the month for RTTS basically i ran out of time/funds so i went with these heads since they were much better off than my stock ones. Pushrods are my last piece of the puzzle, i'm going to throw a stock one in (finally found them) and see how the fit is, with the heads being decked i'm thinking they are going to be too long but who knows. If they fit i might throw it together with them for now, my budget is stretched very thin right now so if i can get away with them for now i will.

[TheBandit]

I recommend against using the stock pushrods. I'm pretty sure guideplates call for hardened pushrods and considering the size of that cam (and hopefully matching springs), you're asking a lot out of your pushrods.

Has your block been decked? Do you know how far down the hole the piston is at TDC? That also factors into the CR. Judging by what you've mentioned, my guess is you are in the 9-9.5:1 range which is pretty low for a cam of those durations and LSA. I don't think the dynamic CR is going to be very good with a 249/257@050 cam and 110LSA. I personally think your cam choice is poorly suited for what you're doing.

Don't forget to check valve-piston clearance. Very important at .540/.560 lift using decked heads and thin head gasket.

Please don't take this as criticism. I think your car is awesome and having gone through a few incarnations with my old 350, there were a few mistakes I wish I hadn't made. I appreciate you taking measurements on the springs. If you can snap pictures of the studs you welded on, that may be helpful too.

[johnny68]

hey clint ive got the same set up as jason but with 575 springs and a set of 700 for track thanks to casinova
there should be pics on my thread also jason made me do it haha
john

[Jasons72]

I know its not the combo i wanted at all but its what i have to work with, i was going off of thinking the previous owner had flat tops installed, wrong lol, this is really just a temporary setup to get me driving until i get the money for the afrs and a set of pistons, like i said the stock pushrods are mainly to see if they will work with a stock length but i do want to get hardened pushrods.

[Jasons72]

Got the heads and the timing chain back on tonight, the rockers are soaking in oil so tomorrow i will put the pushrods/rockers/stud girdle in and get started on everything else so i can hopefully start her up by wednesday

Teaser, the intake is just sitting there.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110314_213824_584-1.jpg

Here's a shot i took after i helped dad change his rear shocks on his 65 4 door.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110313_175837_403-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

Well things got behind, no one around here had a timing cover gasket/front seal in stock so i'm behind on my schedule, plus i ran around everywhere looking for red rtv high temp silicone. Got the intake, fuel pump, timing cover and carb on as well as adjusting the valve lash and getting the stud girdles on.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110316_155931_291-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110316_155948_792-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110316_172953_183-1.jpg

[sr73bu]

WOW! looks serious man!... your gett'n there bud!...

too bad the carb looks like total CRAP... where the hell did you find that thing???! LOL

-Sean

[Jasons72]

ITS ALIVE!!! Fired up the motor last night, didn't break it in since it was 9:00 but ran it long enough to get the timing set and running decent. Everything is set except for the fuel line for the cell (picking that up today) and i need to put the new brake lines on, otherwise she will be good to go soon, maybe i'll take it for a drive before tearing the break lines off. I'll try to post a video of it running tonight, just don't know how well it will sound off of my phone.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110319_211606_36-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/20110322_213601_705-1.jpg

[johnny68]

good job jason should run great love that color reminds me of something i got laying around my garage
john

[TheBandit]

Congrats on getting her going. Still love that steller paint combined with the original side trim, low stance, and wheels. Hope you like the new engine combo.

[Jasons72]

The front still needs to come down another inch and i will get you those measurements Clint, thanks guys for the compliments, last night was a disaster for getting it broken in, spent all night running around trying to find the last little things i need, went to bend the fuel line i got and apparently my bender doesn't like 3/8" line and kinked it so my dad is bringing home a nice roller bender so i can hopefully knock that out tonight so i can break it in without using a container of fuel sitting under the pump.

[Jasons72]

http://s399.photobucket.com/albums/pp72/snakeman71289/?action=view&current=2011-03-26_17-53-14_451.mp4

Got her broken in and then discovered the front oil pan seal was leaking, its a one piece thick reusable gasket so i probably got something out of alignment when i put the timing cover back on, i'll get a better video once i get the bugs out of it.

[mplecha]

That car looks great!

[bg5512]

Love the color

[Jasons72]

Run To The Shore was fantastic, the most fun i've had in a long time! I only have a few pics i took on my phone, more pictures to be updated.

I was working on the car until 2:30 friday morning buttoning up all of the loose ends to get it ready. Left in the morning for a quick test drive to get gas and then i left for jersey to the hotel. The front right tire ended up catching the fender lip and folded it out from under the car but we fixed that once i got there. What a stand up group of people, within minutes i had a jack/stands/hammers and everything i needed to get it back into place and out of the way of the tire so that it wouldn't be a problem again. Cruised great, makes way more power than it did before, on track it felt great with the exception of the brakes which faded very quickly but i think i may have a bubble in the line because they never came back even after cooling down. Got it up a tad over 120 on the front straight, felt great in the turns but i was advised shortly after my car was crabbing in the straights, took a closer look and a u bolt nut came off and the rear shifted about 2 inches forward on the driver side which ended my day but i still had a blast! Fixed that today and she's back in action, can't wait for next year!

Heading out Friday morning
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/20110401_093943_8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/20110401_150438_61-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/20110402_091556_14-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/20110402_150328_5-1.jpg

[sebtarta]

Jason that is awesome that you have your car running and having fun.


Don't ask about mine :(

[The Stickman]

Jason it was great meeting you at RTTS. That is one beautiful car that performs equally as well.

[Jasons72]

Thanks Neil, it was great meeting you too, that battle cruiser wasn't so bad either, it really surprised me how well it did! Thanks for the hammer again, the fender didnt' give me any other problems!

Sebtarta thanks, don't worry, you'll get it together, i've been working on mine for 6 years and it is still far from where i want it. Get that thing running and enjoy it, then build along the way!

Here are some photos from RTTS, they were taken on a point and shoot camera so not the greatest but i'm trying to find out if Sean's friend got any decent pictures.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04781-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04783-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04786-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04788-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04793-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04796-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04800-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04805-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04831-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04833-1.jpg

Dad, my pit crew man lol
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04839-1.jpg

Goofing off
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04840-1.jpg

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[The Stickman]

Thanks Neil, it was great meeting you too, that battle cruiser wasn't so bad either, it really surprised me how well it did! Thanks for the hammer again, the fender didnt' give me any other problems!

Sebtarta thanks, don't worry, you'll get it together, i've been working on mine for 6 years and it is still far from where i want it. Get that thing running and enjoy it, then build along the way!

Here are some photos from RTTS, they were taken on a point and shoot camera so not the greatest but i'm trying to find out if Sean's friend got any decent pictures.
Goofing off
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04840-1.jpg


Thanx Jason, I too was surprised how well the wagon did, just wish I could have had the chance to push it to it's liimts. Never did get full use out of the race pads and shoes. But things are already in the works for a better engine. Glad you didn't have any more issues with the fender. That paint is just to nice to get messed up.

[Jasons72]

Lol you wouldn't believe me how much i paid for it if i told you.

[bonecrrusher]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC04833-1.jpg


I spy sacked stig?

Car looks good!

[Jasons72]

It was The Stig's younger american cousin lol! I actually had my "I am The Stig" shirt on under that hahaha, next year i'm going to save up for a white racing suit and i'm going to pull off the whole look, and thanks for the compliment.

[bonecrrusher]

They shot white stig somewhere in Virginia - not sure if you've seen the new season yet.

[TheBandit]

Any updates on the Blue Bomb? How is the ride with those 650lb springs and QA1s? Have you played with shock adjustment? Is the adjuster reasonably accessable?

[rfalker1]

I love your nova, great build too. And the helmet is awesome too!!!!!!!!

[johnny68]

hey Jason hows the car doing also how much do you have the front coil adjusters turned up aka to lower car we have the same set up man i wish mine was coming along quicker
john

[craigs73]

lol john yours could be coming along as slow as mine hahaha lol

[Jasons72]

Hey guys, haven't been on in a while, hadn't really done anything with the car except drive it a few times.

The Blue Bomb strikes again!!!

Last wednesday my mufflers decided to take a crap on me with maybe a thousand miles on them. I really didn't know what to do since i was leaving today for the Ocean City, MD car cruise and i had drill weekend this past weekend which left me with no time to get around to fixing it since i worked late every night last week. Since the exhaust shop that put them on did such a hack job on the tail pipes (drivers side hit the axle and the passenger side had a hanger that stuck out so far it would rub the inside of the tire) i cut the tail pipes off as well as the mufflers. My solution to the already loud exhaust...8" glasspacks with turn downs This thing is LOUD now and i freaking love it! There was no way in hell i would have time to get the mufflers i wanted and try to fab something up so this is going to hold me off till i can afford nice mufflers like split flows or something...idk it sounds awful sweet, don't know how soon i will be messing with it it hits hard enough now you can feel the exhaust pulse through your chest outside of the car and a quick rev of the engine in the garage left my ears ringing...i couldn't even tell what it sounded like lol.

Here's a crappy cell phone video, p.s. i don't have a southern accent at all, i don't know why i do in the video lol. http://s399.photobucket.com/albums/pp72/snakeman71289/?action=view&current=2011-05-19_10-02-47_77.mp4
__________________

[mplecha]

I like it! It sounds really mean, now.

[Jasons72]

Hey guys, just got to AIT from basic training about a week and a half ago so I figured i'd pop in and give the scoop on what's planned for when I graduate and go back home in Feb. Right now the minimal plans are I have to pull the motor :/ I think the pickup tube fell off the oil pump. When the car starts idles and revs pressure is no problem, but as soon as you drive it and you hit the brakes the oil pressure plummets until you either let off the brakes or come to a complete stop(yes there is plenty of oil) so I think a new high volume oil pump/roadracing pan is in order. Step two is a wilwood disc brake kit front and rear, if im going out on bigger tracks like im planning on I can't keep the stock discs up front and rear drums, they are too scary and unpredictable. Step three which im either going to need a loan or financing for is a new tranny since mine started slipping really bad before I left, I never really felt it until I took it to the dragstrip and it was very noticeable up to about 5000 rpms (most likely the stall converter) but the tranny also started puking fluid after long drives and sitting in the garage for a few day, plus first gear wont shift over 5000rpms. Time to get rid of that th-400 and time to put in a t56 magnum so I can comfortably shift above 7000rpms, and have the benefit of a double overdrive (I plan on taking a lot of road trips) plus I need to be able to attain a higher top speed, 150 gear limited wasn't enough, the motor was still pulling strong! What do you guys think? Are there any temec vendors that do financing?

[sr73bu]

Hey Man!!! Congrats on Graduating from Basic!!! Let me know if you need me to take the "Blue Bomb" out for a spin while youre at AIT, ya know "keep the plugs from fouling up"....i'm just an hour away ;).. hahaha... talk to you soon bud!

-Sean

[TheBandit]

Why not pull a used t56 from a GTO or 4th gen Camaro?

[Jasons72]

Hey Sean thanks man, can't wait to come home and see it sitting in the garage lol.

I wasn't really looking into the gto/camaro t56 trannies because from my understanding they don't like shifting above 7000 rpms, and i'm thinking next year of starting up a new motor build that will be a slow build but i'm thinking of a twin turbo ls, that should be upwards of 650 hp plus to the ground and i didn't think the regular t56's would hold that kind of power, please let me know if i'm wrong, i've just been advised if i'm going to do it go to the t56 magnum.

[solarguy09]

50146



Just read your thread.

Nice job on the Nova Build...

This is my car back in 1985...

In now for many upgrades..

Sweet Job on the NOva

[TheBandit]

Hey Jason, anything new on the Nova these days?

What springs are you running in the rear? Are they Hotchkiss 1.5" drop?

Also what backspacing you ordered your wheels in?

Where did you get the singe piece cut pile carpet? Is that intended for a different year or custom?

[TheBandit]

Hotchkis 3 inch drop leafs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0510002341-1.jpg

Nevermind on the springs. I see you're using 3".

[Jasons72]

Hey guys i haven't been on in forever, i finally got back from my basic and ait training back in february. Well the car broke down on me about two weeks ago, the front fuel bowl would overflow, i would adjust and run the car for about 10 minutes to make sure it was running correctly and then make it about a mile and the car would shut off again, to find this time the front fuel bowl was empty. This went back and forth 4 times before i got it home to have the front fuel bowl empty again. I figured since the carb is brand new and a stock replacement fuel pump isn't designed to run to 7000 rpms that could be the issue. I removed the mechanical fuel pump and now have a jegs 105gph electric fuel pump and a fuel regulator, i also got a new line into the carburator with a fuel pressure gauge so i can make sure that's correct and not the issue. While im messing with it i also got an electric fan and two aircraft toggle switches to control the fan and fuel pump, and am building a plate out of stainless for the switches that will be in the spot where the factory radio was. I also got the driver side bucket seat installed.

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[Jasons72]

Clint sorry i never answered your questions, the carpet came from classic industries and is intended to be for a 72 i believe, have to double check it, and the front wheels are 18x8.5" with 5.125" of backspacing and the rears are 18x9.5 with 6" of backspacing.

[Jasons72]

I found a piece of stainless to use for my switch plate/radio delete panel, made a template and traced it and my dad used the sheet metal sheer at work and then sandblasted it since i wanted a raw look.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/20120409_161452_491-1.jpg

[Jesse72]

I asked about the backspacing but missed the post right above me! Nice build man!

[johnny68]

hey jason how ya been bud its been awhile
john

[Jasons72]

Its been forever, i left for basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC last July and went straight to AIT at Ft. Eustis, VA in October and graduated in February. Been busy working mainly since i got back, my sister got married on Saturday, im trying to get my car running again since i have the Ocean City, MD car cruise coming up next month and i'll be there for a week so i need to make sure the car is running reliably. But funds are tight right now so other than getting it running i don't think im going to get everything on my to do list done in time, mainly the other things i wanted to get done are a new steering wheel, electric water pump and i want a new distributor. The distributor is since i have now replaced everything fuel related and i would like to have everything ignition related new so that i shouldn't have any issues. It was really having rough starts, but i don't know how it will run with the new fuel pump, regulator and carb.

[Jasons72]

Finally had some time to work on the car and get some stuff done since my parts came in. I got scat seat brackets to bolt my seats to since they fit the floor better than what i had, got the new steering wheel in and my last switch that for now is a dummy switch, just waiting on my engine start switch for the panel and time to instal the floor shifter.

Unfortunately while bolting the passenger seat to the bracket the bracket slipped off the seat and somehow managed to topple over and fell into the car and removed a chunk of paint so now i have this over my head and im going away with it for a week in ocean city, md for the classic car cruise in two weeks, idk how im going to get it fixed yet.

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[Jasons72]

Haven't been on in forever, the car sat in the paint shop for a long time waiting to have some work done, i had the inner fenders and the radiator support painted body color, got it back in pieces and have taken a while to put it together. Unfortunately while at the paint shop the motor developed a bad knock and it sounds absolutely terrible now and i don't feel comfortable at all running it so...guess its time for an ls swap. Going to be looking for most likely a 5.3 and a t56 that i will set up to handle a good amount of boost from a turbo, i'll just get to the turbo later.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20120916_184236_192-1.jpg

For some reason the painter didn't paint the very bottom of the radiator support so i bought my paint in a single stage and sprayed it since its an area that is barely seen.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20120919_204158_938-1.jpg

New Be Cool Setup
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121003_195226_21-1.jpg

Swapped most of the front end bolts to allen button heads
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20120917_170756_961-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121016_212240_381-1.jpg

Made some filler panels two years ago to block off the wiring harness and finally had them painted.
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[Hotwhilz]

Looking good, sorry to hear about the engine knock, spun a rod?

[LUV2XLR8]

that blue is kickin' ... great ride bro

[Jasons72]

Well i finally found a 6.0 lq4 motor for the Nova, Been doing a little bit of cleanup and am looking for a cam to swap in, haven't figured out what i want to put in yet.

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Started working on a self port job, hopefully it helps.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/20130127_205212_450_zps1249c672-1.jpg

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[Jasons72]

I've decided to go with l92 heads, edelbrock victor jr intake with an elbow and throttle body and am having a cam custom ground for the setup. I'll hold onto the 317's in case i go forced induction in the future.

[wheatie8252]

Hello, I just read through your build, Great job!!!! I am looking at doing a LS swap in my 72 nova. I was wanting to know how much of a difference did the SPC arms make, I heard that is one of the best upgrades to do. Did you get the taller ball joints, and what other suspension did you upgrade. Thanks Chris

[Jimmypetersfit]

Good lookin Nova! Good choice in beer too!

[Jasons72]

I absolutely love the SPC arms and yes I did go with the half inch taller screw in upper ball joints. Other than that it has stock lower control arms with steel bushings, circle track 9" 650lbs springs in adjustable spring buckets, a big hellwig swaybar, half inch drop solid aluminum body mount bushings, subframe connectors, hotchkis 3" drop leaf springs.

[Jasons72]

Progress, the engine is now stripped, and the bottom end ordered, just waiting for it to get here to send it to the machine shop. Decided to go big or go home and went with a forged 408 stroker kit from TSP, Weseco -3cc pistons, lunati rods and tsp crank, bearings, and its getting balanced. Since it's out of the car now i figured if i'm ever going to do the bottom end now is the time. I've also decided to go with a 4 barrel throttle body while still maintaining the injectors in the intake and i'm going to run a speed density tune. Once it's cleaned up at the machine shop i have to decide how i'm going to paint it or if i'm going to have it powder coated, i want a very glossy finish in silver or a metallic gray of some sort, I want the end result to be a show finish on the block.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_20130602_210516_309_zps10c9cfb8-1.jpg (http://s399.photobucket.com/user/snakeman71289/media/IMG_20130602_210516_309_zps10c9cfb8.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_20130603_184403_689_zps59963e69-1.jpg (http://s399.photobucket.com/user/snakeman71289/media/IMG_20130603_184403_689_zps59963e69.jpg.html)

After 3 weeks of no days off and a 3 day drill weekend after midnight
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_20130602_210436_923_zps97f2aad3-1.jpg (http://s399.photobucket.com/user/snakeman71289/media/IMG_20130602_210436_923_zps97f2aad3.jpg.html)

[Jasons72]

After a month its finally here, forged and balanced 408 stroker kit

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/IMG_20130709_210436_376_zpsb64a3ebe-1.jpg (http://s399.photobucket.com/user/snakeman71289/media/IMG_20130709_210436_376_zpsb64a3ebe.jpg.html)

[aidanfancystang]

Chive On!

[Jasons72]

Well there's been a lot done since I was last on here. I got the old 355 running again, was low on power but definitely drivable so I was cruising it a bit. One of my headers cracked so I decided to replace them and go with a full exhaust instead of dumps at the axle. When pulling the spark plugs I found cylinder 3 was crushed...so off came the heads and I found 4 jacked up pistons like someone had dropped a handful of something in the carb.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_20130921_170948_537_zps2465b628-1.jpg (http://s399.photobucket.com/user/snakeman71289/media/IMG_20130921_170948_537_zps2465b628.jpg.html)

This would have been the pinging I heard a year ago and then went away. Oh well I was just going to swap pistons and put the old stock heads back on when I realized the block was scored enough inside that I couldn't bore it out anymore. I started looking around and found a fresh built 383 short block that was never used, with 9.7 pistons in it, cleaned it up, painted it, installed freeze plugs and my cam. Then I found a set of procomp 210 heads that looked great, looked like machine work had been done to make sure there were no flaws. I gasket matched them and the intake which really should open the flow even more. Got rid of the tci 3000 stall because it was stupid loose and just put my b&m 2200 back in that never stalled past 1500 but the car doesn't seem to mind it now because it just goes, haven't tried stalling it yet though. I got the 3 inch exhaust installed last week with SLP loudmouth II mufflers. I had to reseal the pan gasket yesterday around the front and rear seal because the one piece gasket I put on didn't hardly seal at all around them and leaked oil everywhere to and from the exhaust shop. Today I have to put the starter back on and fill it up with oil and hopefully there will be no more leaks. First impressions on the road not tuned and no clue where the timing is was holy crap this thing is way faster than before! Almost feels like a turbo car with the vacuum secondaries, rolls at 20 in first have no chance of traction and second feels like it wants to let loose but I've only short shifted it so far so I still don't really know how fast it's going to be.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_20130929_204204_917_zps78b4721f-1.jpg (http://s399.photobucket.com/user/snakeman71289/media/IMG_20130929_204204_917_zps78b4721f.jpg.html)

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[driveit]

Awesome build. Love the car!

[chevy4life]

great car!! the blue looks amazing! love the wagoneer in the first couple pics! got one of them too!