70 nova project -I took the long route!

[96t/acj]

Here is the nova when i first got it. I bought it out in concord, ca for $800 and one heck of a long day. The plan was to build a nice street car for around 3,500 and cut all the corners and get her done in 6 months LOL I know, I know!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/startnova-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/picturesfromcamara150-1.jpg
interior
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/picturesfromcamara029-1.jpg

1970 chevy nova 350 motor, 350 trans
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/startsnova-1.jpg
Motor rebuilt and dressed up
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novamotor-1.jpg
Installed
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novaamotor-1.jpg

so I built a cage for her ...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/70novarolll-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/cagenova-1.jpg

add some interior Pick&pull + kragens auto+craigslist =)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/firstinteriornova-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novanodash-1.jpg

wheels & black primer & cowl hood
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novablackprimer-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

I was pretty happy with the rebuild and was looking to get the car painted and was still with in the 3,500 dollars i wanted to spend. Then I made it out to my first goodguys event and said crap!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL time to redo the nova all over again! I want to go the pro-touring route~! :) Budget who knows?
Bodywork first
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/bodyshop2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/bodyshop3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/bodywork3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/vernbodyshot-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/rearbodywork-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/bodyworks-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/70novabody1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novaboddy1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novabw-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

I then pulled the rebuilt 350 & 700r4 trans, and went the lsx route. Added a 9inch rear with 410 gears, rebuilt 700r4 tranny. And add Bigger piston calipers and bigger rotors from a 2000 SS camaro.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/oldmotornewmotor-1.jpg

Nova motor almost done :)

the sheild over the manifold has a hole but that will be replaced by long tubes soon :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ls1novamotors-1.jpg
front view minus the alternator
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ls1novamotor-1.jpg

nova update motor in:

Some more nova work over the weekend :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novanomotor-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ls1motors-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ls1frontview-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/nova53-1.jpg

The Motor is coming along, need to clean up my wiring and it just needs fuel :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/carbls1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/carbls11-1.jpg

9-inch diff :) 4.10 Gears
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/9inchdiff2-1.jpg

Ls1 brakes Driver
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/disc1-1.jpg
Passenger the shock broke, i hate pot holes
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/passengercaliper-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

Update mock up of nova seats

1999 Acura rl power seats
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/frontandrearseatspassenger1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/frontseatheadrest-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novabackseat-1.jpg

Found out i have a kid on the way :) my first kid and also my man child :) so the cage had to go and I mocked up my rear seats for the nova a little more
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novarearseat-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novarlrearseat-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

Wheels are in and on :) 18/8 boss 338
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/boss33818-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/driversideboss-1.jpg

Car at the muffler shop going with the set-up i already had 2 chamber flowmaster mufflers with turn downs :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novamufflershop-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/flowwit9inch-1.jpg

Shot from the rear of the car when it was on the lift :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/rearshot-1.jpg

Oil pan shot for the people asking truck pan cut and sealed
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/modifiedoilpan-1.jpg




I took the first drive in the nova this weekend and if i do say so myself very very worth every penny and long weekends i spent getting eveything installed the car is very powerful and smooth and starts on the first try :)

[Nessumsar]

Good to see another Nova around!

I want to go the LS route as well. Keep us posted on the engine install!

Edit: D'oh! I guess the engine is in and running already! Nice work.

[CruizinKev]

yeah cool project! :twothumbs

[smhigh]

Your Nova looks GREAT..... Keep up the good work

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/th_IMG_4344-1.jpg (http://s888.photobucket.com/albums/ac82/smhigh-photos/Nova/?action=view&current=IMG_4344.jpg)

[96t/acj]

Thanks alot, really appricate the comments lots of more work to go :)

[04ctd]

nice work. that makes me jealous :)
wanna get mine in some sorta shape.

what would it take to put stock LS1 camaro brakes on my 77 Nova?

it has disc now, single piston

[96t/acj]

THANKS :)
will look into that info for the 1977 nova, I know they have a different set up in the front then we do.

Need to figure out what to do regarding my coolant cross over pipe ones missing out the back of the head. And the front I have not ran to the radiator yet...

[96t/acj]

The ride height before
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/boss33818-1.jpg
The nova Ride height test fitting with new springs :) :2nd:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/rideheightsideshot-1.jpg

Yes my caliper was on the ground, and no it was not hanging from the line it was disconnect just sitting under the car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novarideheight-1.jpg

A shot with the completed brakes and rims together
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/boss338ls1brakes-1.jpg

[sebtarta]

That look great!

I cannot wait to finish my 72 Nova, "Another member on the Boss 338 Team!"

[CruizinKev]

yeah very nice rims but ;) I'm also biased! :twothumbs

[96t/acj]

Thanks a lot guys more updates...

The Motor all complete minus the air cleaner :) Which i cant seem to find.

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



Car sitting in the garage after last nights drive, that was the longest i've driven it so far. water on the ground was from filling up the radiator for the last time now that all the leaks in the system has been found :)



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

[96t/acj]

My next plans are to remove the shackles in the rear. I hate the ride with them on the nova, as well as the car seems to sit higher on one side because of the leaf springs position on the shackle. Also i'm moving toward interior to get the power seats active and mounted. As well as getting new autometer speedo, tach and fuel gauge to replace the factory stuff.

[craigs73]

A shot with the completed brakes and rims together
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/boss338ls1brakes-1.jpg

what break setup did you go with kind of looks to be stock off of a gm car. im looking at getting a setup off a stock 98-02 camaro or trans am or firebird

have another question when you switch to a carburated LS does it change power or torque

edit again woops another question for you not sure if you have anwsered this or not but what are the seats out of im really liking them alot

[96t/acj]

what break setup did you go with kind of looks to be stock off of a gm car. im looking at getting a setup off a stock 98-02 camaro or trans am or firebird

have another question when you switch to a carburated LS does it change power or torque

edit again woops another question for you not sure if you have anwsered this or not but what are the seats out of im really liking them alot

These are the stock brakes off of a 2000 ss camaro, lots of people do not want to admit it but the dyno has proven to produce more power with a carb after it has been tuned :). Seats are out of a 00 acura rl... I also have a pair of 01 brakes, Front & Rear left over if u want them. (LET ME KNOW)

[craigs73]

sent you a PM have you checked out stevesnovasite. lots of great people over there with lots of knowledge to help you as well.:cheers:

[96t/acj]

PM replied, Yeah im on steves as well.....

The front seats of my nova have been removed, Im thinking of going in a different direction with something that will sit a little lower and be manuel seats. the wiring for the heated seat, plus the air bag, plus the 24 way option was just a little to much for my liking. ....

New two piece carpet with padding....

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

[96t/acj]

Here is the new front seats as the old ones gave me to many problems, i also added the door panels for apperance sake :)

Front seats (I will have to repair the bolster on the drivers seat)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/frontint-1.jpg

Rear Seats
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novabackseat1-1.jpg

Front and rear Seats
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/leatherint-1.jpg

[1973tpi]

Looks nice !:cheers:

[craigs73]

looking good did you have to do anything to the rear seat to get it to fit

[96t/acj]

The Nova is starting to look like a car again :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/nova3-1.jpg

[CruizinKev]

looks sinister! :twothumbs

[dusterbd13]

what are those fronts out of? the latest set. i like them, and depending on how they mount, might put a set in my duster.

speaking fo which, the nova floow looks to be sloped towards the rear at the seat mounting flange, correctct?

micahel

[96t/acj]

there a 6th gen prelude seat....

[dusterbd13]

what years are the 6th gens?

and how bad was the mounting? any pictures?

[craigs73]

did you have to modify rear seat to fit

[96t/acj]

Years of the 6 gen prelude i think are 97-01, Super simple i just drilled 4 holes on the seats and add nuts, bolts, washers. For the rear seats that was a little harder and will add pic soon i used the pole running across the rear of the seat to mount to the rear of the nova hooks. I did not cut or change the shape of the rear seats at all.

[craigs73]

cool thanks for putting up some photos when you get a chance

[96t/acj]

Sorry i have not gotten to adding the rear photos will do them soon.

[96t/acj]

A 1972 nova built by speedtech, at the good guys car show this past saturday! Planning to borrow a few ideas from this nova.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/camarofrontvalence-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/camarofrontvalencenova-1.jpg
Rear end
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/novarearvalence-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

So i'm in the process of ordering the camaro valence, along with the fender extentions. I'm also gonna have the front bumper cut to match the design above. Glad i have not had my car painted yet, cause i keep changing directions LOL!

[96t/acj]

Anyone have mounting intructions for the front valence of a 69 camaro? Also i plan to cut and weld the extentions onto the fenders, which is how the nova above was done.

[Northeast Rod Run]

You gonna get rid of the traction bars in the rear?

[96t/acj]

You gonna get rid of the traction bars in the rear?

Yeah, that's a part of the plan for this weekend....

[LeighP]

Nice....I really like this model....great looking cars.
Seats work really well.

[96t/acj]

I'm gonna upload some current more quailty pictures of my nova. I am open to any questions or suggestions you might have. I'm trying to sort this thing out and figure out where to go from here. Here we go :)

[96t/acj]

Interior
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5062-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune50531-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5050-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5060-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

Engine
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune50541-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5057-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5055-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

Exterior
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5046-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5044-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5042-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5048-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/goodguysjune5064-1.jpg

[craigs73]

theres a guy over on steves that put 69 camaro bumper on front and he dont have back done yet.im thinking about doing it myself his is a 73 and looks good. from the way he talked it wasnt to much fabricating

[96t/acj]

Yeah i have been looking for his build thread.

I went out today and dailed the MSD timing in and stop using the supplied pills and O_M_G :) she came to life!!!!!!!!! the power band is wonderful now :)

[craigs73]

have you found it if not i can post up link if you like

[96t/acj]

Yeah can you post the link or just pm me thanks...

[craigs73]

doesnt really show a step by step process but he does explain it a little anyways here it is. im seriously thinking about doing it

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157676

[Driver X]

I like how u take the time to get these updates posted with the pics :twothumbs Looking good so far , which u did'nt hav to show us that Speedtech Blk. Nova makes me want to change my set-up but im already painted > Im still drulling THANKS ALOT LOL :bananna2:

[Driver X]

Were u located ? So-Cal ?

[96t/acj]

I like how u take the time to get these updates posted with the pics :twothumbs Looking good so far , which u did'nt hav to show us that Speedtech Blk. Nova makes me want to change my set-up but im already painted > Im still drulling THANKS ALOT LOL :bananna2:

No problem this car messed up my plans as well... LOL

[96t/acj]

Were u located ? So-Cal ?

Norcal, bay area

[96t/acj]

Fender ext and front valence arrived today :) time to get to work!

[Driver X]

Cool I have Family in NorCal (Novato) > Will keep an Eye Out for ur cool Nova cruising around :twothumbs

[twosaturns]

carbed LS in a primered nova love it!

[NvrDun71]

So the stock truck exhaust manifolds cleared the steering box and stock subframe?

[Jasons72]

How easy was the install of the motor and swapping it to carb other than the MSD 6ls? Just thinking about it for the future.

[96t/acj]

So the stock truck exhaust manifolds cleared the steering box and stock subframe?

No lol, but the camaro manifolds cleared once i shaved the o2 sensor bung :)

[96t/acj]

How easy was the install of the motor and swapping it to carb other than the MSD 6ls? Just thinking about it for the future.

Like any small block chevy :) super simple~! also the msd 6ls, was super easy and the best part about the whole project! being able to set ur timing with a computer to be perfect was great......

[96t/acj]

Man such a long way to go but i'm working on it https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/gr_stretch-1.gif

i lowered the ride height even more, and im in the process of changing the rear tires. I have a 225 40 18 on the rear, it was more just for mock up reasons. Going to a 275 40 18 tire for the rear. Pictures soon of the new lowered ride height.

[Jasons72]

On how wide of a rim? I have those same size tires in Nitto 555's on a 9.5 inch wheel and i had to take a hammer out and beat both outside inner fenders and now that i tried pushing it fairly hard i have a little rubbing on both sides on the inside now so i'm going to grind off the undercoating and see if i can massage that as well.

[96t/acj]

8.5 Inch rim :)

What's your offset on them wheels? mines is 4 1/2

[Jasons72]

6 inches, i would try and get 5.5, these nova's need a lot of backspacing to fit a fat tire correctly.

[96t/acj]

New seat belts and center console, still need to buy a boot for the center console though.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/seatbelt-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/Centerconsole1-1.jpg

I will also be moving my guages from the dash to the center console later today...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/guageandmount-1.jpg

[craigs73]

whats the console out of its looking good man. im thinking about getting interior out of a newer convertible cause they have the seat belts built in. i dont like these stock ones it seems like it would break my neck if i wrecked hard enough and im like 6'3" so its worse for my wife. not sure which car im gonna have to take measurements and a walk around salvage yard

[96t/acj]

Installed guages over the weekend....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/guagesinterior-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/guagesinstalled-1.jpg

[Jasons72]

Looking great, i love the seats and center console.

[96t/acj]

Looking great, i love the seats and center console.

Thanks, its coming together... :)

[craigs73]

whats the console out of its looking good man.
:spank2::)

[96t/acj]

:spank2::)

Sorry bout that, its out of a 98-2002 dodge neon!

[craigs73]

no problem figured you might have missed it. that looks good in there looks right at home there and thats a perfect place for the guages

[96t/acj]

I removed the wing window doors and went wing window less :) One of the best mods i've done to my nova...... Period!

Before
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/novadriverdoor-1.jpg

After
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/nowingwindowdoors-1.jpg

The new door panel
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/newdoorpanels-1.jpg

Drivers door
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/wingwindowlessdriver-1.jpg

Door panel
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/driverdoorpanel-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

Since the last update.... I've installed:

Headliner
dome light
jvc cd player
package tray
6x9
and sanded and primed the new wing less doors

Its coming along but seems to have so much more to go :)

Pics coming.....

[JerseyNova]

First of all sorry for all the questions but you have done like everything I want to do to my car. What truck engine are you running? What accessories are you using(I see alternator,waterpump, powersteering) and any fitment issues with them and what belt are you using? What motor mounts and adapters are you using? What radiator system are you running and why is the hose so long can you turn the outlet? How much did you cut off the oil pan, did you add any oil capacity back and is the drain plug in its original spot? What camaro manifolds are you running and do you have any underneath pictures of the exhaust setup? What master cylinder, booster, proportioning valve do you have and what lines and fittings did you use to connect to camaro brakes? What springs shock sway bars are you running front and rear? You are running 18x8 boss 338 with 4.5" bs with what size tires any rubbing issues? On the doors did you use a 73-74 door or just the glass, regulator channels and door panels

[96t/acj]

having a little fun in the nova, thought i would get a shot of it....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/70nova1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/70nova2-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/70nova3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/70nova4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/70nova5-1.jpg

Here is the car, minus the tractions bars. which i might reinstall cause it was helping keep the rear end stable.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/nova4-2.jpg

new headliner :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/headdliner-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/newheadliner-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

First of all sorry for all the questions but you have done like everything I want to do to my car. What truck engine are you running? What accessories are you using(I see alternator,waterpump, powersteering) and any fitment issues with them and what belt are you using? What motor mounts and adapters are you using? What radiator system are you running and why is the hose so long can you turn the outlet? How much did you cut off the oil pan, did you add any oil capacity back and is the drain plug in its original spot? What camaro manifolds are you running and do you have any underneath pictures of the exhaust setup? What master cylinder, booster, proportioning valve do you have and what lines and fittings did you use to connect to camaro brakes? What springs shock sway bars are you running front and rear? You are running 18x8 boss 338 with 4.5" bs with what size tires any rubbing issues? On the doors did you use a 73-74 door or just the glass, regulator channels and door panels

LQ9 truck motor, alt,water pump,power steering all from the truck setup. no fitment issues, motor mounts are the factory 350 chevy mounts, the adapters are custom made based on the carshop plates. raditator is a 70 nova, and the hose top and bottom are from a 2006 silverado same as the motor, that way it makes it easier to replace if they blow. i cut 1 1/2 inchs off the bottom of the oil pan. Then i just overfilled it by the same amount lost. Which I think was 1 court. Factory master cylinder, factory booster, used 3/16 to m10 metirc adaptors for the brakes to work with the factory ls1 lines. yes 18/8 wheels all around with 225/40/18 front and 245/40/18 rear. Could go bigger on the rear, but it's all i wanted. used 74 doors, but 73 will still work the same. repalcing the guts from the window will not work :(...... anymore questions let me know :)

[Andreasu]

The Nova is starting to look like a car again :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/nova3-1.jpg

Love it!
I would drive it like that, looks mean! :1st:

[96t/acj]

The start of the front valence install..... much more work and pictures to go :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/novavalence-1.jpg
Fender before the cut..... And the bumper.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/novastuffs-1.jpg

[96t/acj]

Lower front fender cut, and bumper install to see how it would look.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/novawithbumper-1.jpg

[johnny68]

perfect time right at christmas (the most famous saying of the year) SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED
JOHN

[Conrad283]

Nice build :)

[bigbubba]

yes this is a nice build. makes me wnt my old car back. i had a 70 nova in high school.

[jschaecher]

nice build any new update pic's did you get the camaro valance done? I like speedtech's front too possibly considering. good work keep it up!