My turn at a project...

[Bad94]

I have been hanging around this site for a few years now, and have been to a few events with non pro touring vehicle. And i finally sold a few projects i had and bought a 72 Nova. Brian Finch is really who got me hooked, i rode in his camaro at RTTH's and got to drive it, and it was all over.

1972 Nova
Orignal sheet metal and about 90% orignal paint
355CI turbo 350 with stall
8.5" 10 bolt with eaton posi 3.90's(what was in the car when i bought
The car had drop spindles and coils, and the Fat Man Wonder Bar out back, and now i know why they called it the wonder bar. Those were the first item to come off and sell.
17x7 and 17x9.5 American Racing Trackstars.


48803
I have been working on the car and keeping it driveable at the same time, which is very hard. The first major thing i did was remove the stock control arms and drop spindles and coils and install DSE control arms with ATS Chicane Kit, DSE double adjustable coilovers(1st stock sub frame to have these), stock spindles with C5 brakes.
48804
Removed the rear suspension out of the car and install a Air Bar with DSE double adjustable coilovers. The air bar fit great and was install was super easy. I also put on a set of LS1 brakes that i had laying around the shop.
Removed the bench seat for a set of corbeau seats. Ended up cutting the seat brackets down cause then were to tall.
48805
After taking the car to Run to Music City and running the car with a turbo 350 set up for drag racing, i had to do something about that. Pulled the T56 off the shelf, ordered a quicktime bellhousing, Spec alum flywheel and Spec 3plus clutch. Before i installed the pedels i did a little mod to them that i seen Tommycomfort do to his. Took a peice of 1/8" plate and made it 1/4" wider on all sides and bend it to fit the pedels, and put a peice of non slip tape on them.
48806
Stock on the left
48807
All painted the taped


I took the car to goodguys columbus and ran the auto x and did better then i planned. Then off to Day at the Strip, and i ran the wheels off the car. After letting brian finch and tom farrington drive the car, i found out that the car has alot more in it then i knew.

[Bad94]

At Run to Music City
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/6_4_11_007sized-1.jpg

Day at the Strip
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC_4153sized-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC_4151sized-1.jpg


Wheels and tires, and EFI are on the list and then drive the wheels off the car.

[scikotictc232]

nice looking car what are future plans for the car ?

[tommycomfort]

About time you started a build thread Dan! You're doing great things with the Nova and it keeps getting better and better! Keep us informed on the progress.
Tom

[LeighP]

Nice build....those seats look great, bet they are a pleasure to sit in.

[COPO-RAT]

Great car! In cincy too (me too) I gotta see this thing in person!

[linkstar69]

I love that you've kept it grandpa beige, that makes the fact it's quick even cooler.

[Bad94]

nice looking car what are future plans for the car ?

Few big plans in the works.



I love that you've kept it grandpa beige, that makes the fact it's quick even cooler.

Thats what i was looking for when i was looking for a car.

[Hotwhilz]

Cool car man! Like it alot, why did you take the drop spindles off?

[brownz]

Nice car! cool seeing cars around cincinnati!

[craigs73]

nice car check out stevesnovasite.com

[Bad94]

Friday UPS dropped off 3 boxs from ride tech, New tru turn set up, and new coil overs.

[HectorM52]

Very cool! Did you ever get rid of the wheels? I was thinking you could probably get them re-hooped for this thing, no?

Looking forward to RTTH...you're going right? Don't tear that thing down too close to the event!!

[Bad94]

Very cool! Did you ever get rid of the wheels? I was thinking you could probably get them re-hooped for this thing, no?

Looking forward to RTTH...you're going right? Don't tear that thing down too close to the event!!


Still have the wheels, and there for sale, really dont what to spend the money to rehoop them, i can get a new set for a little more money.

And RTTH's yes i will be there, and the car will be there too if i dont hurt it at the next two events, next weekend will be the hardest on the car. Then off to indy goodguys.

Even if i hurt the nova, we still have the black camaro we can bring, we took that out a few weeks ago a beat on it, and loved every second.

[LT1Nova]

Very nice!

What size tires are you running?

[YancyJohns]

Dan, the Nova is really looking good! I can't wait to see it again at RTTH!!

[Bad94]

Very nice!

What size tires are you running?

Up front is 225's and out back 275's Those will change this winter going with 275 up front and 275 or 295 out back.


Dan, the Nova is really looking good! I can't wait to see it again at RTTH!!

Thanks Yancy, you coming up next weekend?

[craigs73]

question 275s fit up front? what do i have to do to get them to fit.... was planning on running 245 45s thanks in advance for any anwsers

oh i have a 73 nova

[johnny68]

cool car interested to see how your going to run 275's also?
john

[Bad94]

Well, Bret and Tony at Ridetech know how to take care of someone willing to push there car hard. While i was at the NSRA Nats, I got to meet Tony and after we weighed the car
(3378 lbs), We got talking about the Tru Turn set up and next thing i know we start writing up a order for the tru trun, complete front and rear single adjustable coilovers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/8_29_001sized-1.jpg

Everything is made very nice and went on the car super easy, Other then i had to mod the lower control arms, now remember i have DSE arms that i modded to run the DSE double adjustable coilovers, All i had to do was trim the bolt sleeve down, about 15min for both sides.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/8_29_009sized-1.jpg
Yes thats a 275 on the front of a nova.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/8_29_012sized-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/8_29_010sized-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/8_29_019sized-1.jpg

And if you want to see a overall pic of the car, you need to show up at the Midwest Musclecar Challenge or wait intill the event pics are up.

[Bryce]

Great looking build!

[bonecrrusher]

Those are huge front tires!

[craigs73]

so the tru turn setup allowed you to run the 275's? i didnt think they would fit with stock front suspension

[tommycomfort]

Since I drove it once at Lawrenceville on the auto-x for Day at the Strip, I think the only way to really know if all this helped would be for me to drive it again in Lawrenceville during the Midwest Musclecar Challenge. Of course this is in the name of true comparisons....
Tom :idea:

[Garymac69]

Dan,

I also had money until I met Brian Finch! I made the mistake of riding along with him at last year's RTTH! Then I ran my '69 at the next local SCCA autocross and found my car lacking in many areas. Since then I've upgraded: Brakes, gearing (too low to run 2nd gear), and just recently ordered the complete Ridetech front and rear suspension including 4-Link, single adjustable coil overs, and Truturn.

I have questions on the TruTurn install: Did the front 275's clear w/o inner fender modifications? What wheel and offset do you have? What sway bar?

Gary

[craigs73]

Since I drove it once at Lawrenceville on the auto-x for Day at the Strip, I think the only way to really know if all this helped would be for me to drive it again in Lawrenceville during the Midwest Musclecar Challenge. Of course this is in the name of true comparisons....
Tom :idea:


hahahaha lol good one tom :)

[Bad94]

Since I drove it once at Lawrenceville on the auto-x for Day at the Strip, I think the only way to really know if all this helped would be for me to drive it again in Lawrenceville during the Midwest Musclecar Challenge. Of course this is in the name of true comparisons....
Tom :idea:

thats fine with me.

[tommycomfort]

thats fine with me.

Well, true to Brad's word, he let me drive the Nova again. So, I drove it at Day at the Strip in July and then this last weekend at Midwest Musclecar Challenge. The changes he made between those two events made a night and day improvement. I can only imagine what it will be like with the new wheels and 275's on all four corners. I can't wait!!!
Tom

[Bad94]

I have questions on the TruTurn install: Did the front 275's clear w/o inner fender modifications? What wheel and offset do you have? What sway bar?

Gary

Those wheels are 17x9.5" with 6" BS, thats more BS then you need. So with the wheel turned it would just clip the frame and sway bar. As for inner fender mod, looks like i wont have to do any mods. And right now the sway bar is just a aftermarket sway bar dont know whos, but that will be coming off for the Ride Tech bar, They shipped one out today for me.



Well, true to Brad's word, he let me drive the Nova again. So, I drove it at Day at the Strip in July and then this last weekend at Midwest Musclecar Challenge. The changes he made between those two events made a night and day improvement. I can only imagine what it will be like with the new wheels and 275's on all four corners. I can't wait!!!
Tom

Thanks Tom. As soon as the first turn you even said "WOW, this thing is alot better". Got to remember too, that i havent even played with the settings on the shocks yet. New wheels and tires? what are you talking about? Oh yea, that peice of paper i got from Forgeline:headbang:


Overall im very happy of how i placed this weekend. I know im never going to be the fastest, and i may be in the slower group, but i have a ton of fun at these events.

I would like to say thank you to mark bowler, and jimmy spears for getting the car back on the track sunday.

Few pics.
This was the award that i really wanted too....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/9_5_014sized-1.jpg

This rotor button is what killed me for most of the day sunday.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/9_5_013sized-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/9_5_015sized-1.jpg

[frojoe]

This thread gets me all hot and bothered.

Exactly what I will be doing to mine in the very near future.

Keep the updates coming :)

[HectorM52]

Burned up the rotor? That sucks!

What happened? Did you win a new set of wheels from Forgeline? So jealous!

[Bad94]

Burned up the rotor? That sucks!

What happened? Did you win a new set of wheels from Forgeline? So jealous!

The button in the cap that rides on the rotor burned up. Called MSD and i have to buy a new cap, cant buy just that bolt in peice, that BS.

I didnt win a free set of wheels but i get $1000 off any set of forgeline wheels.

[Eric Howell]

Hey Dan! Long time no talk to. Glad you are still around.

87wildside, aka off camber, ake myself.

You guys still doing machine work? Send me a PM, sorry to whore the thread.

[Bad94]

Hey Dan! Long time no talk to. Glad you are still around.

87wildside, aka off camber, ake myself.

You guys still doing machine work? Send me a PM, sorry to whore the thread.

Yes were still doing custom stuff. Let me know if you need anything.

[HectorM52]

Hey Dan! Long time no talk to. Glad you are still around.

87wildside, aka off camber, ake myself.

You guys still doing machine work? Send me a PM, sorry to whore the thread.
Eric, what's happening? I need to check your thread over on PTS10. Haven't been over there in a while. Hope you still have it rolling along.

[Bad94]

Well the Muscle bar wasnt so bolt on, this car must not like bolt on stuff. Plenty of pics to come after indy. Stop by the auto x and say hey.

[lower90xcab]

killer.....see you guys this weekend.....

[Bad94]

Well the new coil overs are working very well.

The track was VERY tight on friday and im happy to say that i was faster then the One Lap Camaro on friday.

This is after my 3rd run friday, If you dont know what happened im not sure if i want too or aloud to say.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/9_18_001sized-1.jpg


See everyone at RTTH's.

[lower90xcab]

i had a great time friday..thanks for letting me hang out with you guys....wish i could have made it down on saturday, but i spent the day working on the truck...

[Bad94]

i had a great time friday..thanks for letting me hang out with you guys....wish i could have made it down on saturday, but i spent the day working on the truck...

No problem, Thanks for taking mike back to the hotel.

I wish i would have had a clean run while you were in the car.

[wiedemab]

Thanks for the ride on Saturday. The car felt great going around the track. That small block was screaming (maybe for mercy!!! ;) ) in the little straight stretch.............!

[lower90xcab]

No problem, Thanks for taking mike back to the hotel.

I wish i would have had a clean run while you were in the car.

glad i could help out....im sure i will get a clean ride soon enough....we need to get together again before the weather gets nasty, since the truck is back together...

[Bad94]

Thanks for the ride on Saturday. The car felt great going around the track. That small block was screaming (maybe for mercy!!! ;) ) in the little straight stretch.............!


No problem, I did listen to you and pulled my fastest time of the weekend. I just hope that the motor will stay together one more weekend.

[Bad94]

What a weekend at RTTH's. Nice weather, car was running pretty good, other then a little smoke out of the pass side bank. Dont know if the little 355 likes the 7000 RPM's, that i was spinning it to.

Friday was the auto x school, and i got about 25 runs and my brother hot laped the car for about 10 more laps. Never let us down. Danny, Todd, and Brian set up a kick ass track. Had a few tricky parts, but a ton of fun.

Saturday was a whole different story, track got alot bigger, and faster. Got 6 runs in right away and then Bret let me take the front wheels and tires of the 48 hour camaro and put them on my car to see if a 275 up front would help. And WOW a 18x10 with a 275 was on the front of my car. Thanks again Bret. The car had so much forward bit in the corner if made the back end feel like it was on skates. But i went 2 seconds faster. So the Tru turn and coil overs are working VERY well.

Few pics, when out on track. All with the 275 up front.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_0165sized-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_0166_001sized-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_9518sized-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_9524sized-1.jpg

I also want to say thank you to Bill,his wife and daughter, Yancy, Bret(ridetech),Kyle and Stacy(DSE), Baer Brakes, Albert and Linda and all of the other sponsers. Had a blast.

[lower90xcab]

the car looks killer dan.....looks like missed a great weekend....

[creekwood08]

Dang I wished I coulda went. I went to the rod run last weekend but next year will def go to RTTH instead.

[Hotwhilz]

Looks like fun, always like the action shots!

[rfalker1]

Headers... how are much clearance do you have????

[Bad94]

Headers... how are much clearance do you have????


They are about 2" 2.5" off the ground. When i was hitting the brakes really hard on a few parts of the track i could get them to hit the ground.

[Bad94]

Well, Indy Goodguys and RTTH's did the headers and engine in. In Indy they have about every street messed up, and i was draging the headers and sometimes bellhousing. Then at RTTH's when i would slam on the brakes hard the front end would dive down and drag the headers(that was fixed buy saturday of RTTH's).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/10_3_001sized-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/10_3_002sized-1.jpg


And now on to the motor, i dont think that spark plugs should look like this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/10_3_004sized-1.jpg


I have been talking to a few engine builders about a new motor. And no im not doing a LS.

[HectorM52]

Yeah, those things looked low. Guess they were!

You joining the LT1 ranks?

[Motorcitydak]

Yer piston rings eat the cyl wall?

[craigs73]

i want to join ls ranks myself but just dont know.. was looking at building a 383 but with that money i could get a good ways in my swap... so what you thinking of building... think im gonna stick with sbc and get a t-56 out of a lt1 car so its a direct bolt on..

[Bad94]

Yeah, those things looked low. Guess they were!

You joining the LT1 ranks?

Nope , have one of those.

[craigs73]

well you going to keep us in the dark or what :drool:

[tommycomfort]

well you going to keep us in the dark or what :drool:

Yep, he's just teasing us. Above Average Motorsports (Dan and Mike) is very similar to Lockheed's skunk works...

[lower90xcab]

nice pics......were you using the headers as ski's to help you turn?

can we say turbo ecotec?????






did you get the magazines???

[craigs73]

Yep, he's just teasing us. Above Average Motorsports (Dan and Mike) is very similar to Lockheed's skunk works...

figures.... :drool: hey tom what was you talking about about above average motorsports?

[Bad94]

Yep, he's just teasing us. Above Average Motorsports (Dan and Mike) is very similar to Lockheed's skunk works...

Now, come on man. See if i send you any new pics:revto9k:



nice pics......were you using the headers as ski's to help you turn?

can we say turbo ecotec?????


did you get the magazines???

The headers were acting as ski's.

Ecotec, not this car:secret:

Yes i got them yesterday, thank you again. Want me to sign one and mail it back?




figures.... :drool: hey tom what was you talking about about above average motorsports?

Above Average Motorsports, is my dad, brother and I company, We run a shop after our day jobs and weekend.

[csouth]

I just love the Nova's, awsome build! I like what you're doing and you're having fun with it.

[lower90xcab]

that would be great dan...or you can just help me get the front end of the truck sorted out....


did you get new headers ordered yet???

[Bad94]

that would be great dan...or you can just help me get the front end of the truck sorted out....


did you get new headers ordered yet???


Well do.

Need more then just headers. Motors on a stand, and pulled the heads, NOT good.

[lower90xcab]

call me this weekend......

[Bad94]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/10_6_001sized-1.jpg

[brownz]

That says it all! How does the head look?

[Bad94]

That says it all! How does the head look?

Heads look ok, but i wont be using those heads anymore.

[craigs73]

so dan what you going to build :)

[HectorM52]

Sorry to see that. But I'm excited to see what's to come.

[Bad94]

so dan what you going to build :)

Not sure really. Waniting to hear back from machine shop, on the block, thats going to tell me what to do, stock GM block or aftermarket block.


Sorry to see that. But I'm excited to see what's to come.

You know **** happens and whats funny is the motor never gave a clue that is had a broke piston. Such as a knock. I drove the car about 100 mile last sunday like that, LOL.


But over all, DONT spin a motor to 7000 RPM, weekend after weekend with a motor that you dont know whats inside.

[craigs73]

so your going with a 1st gen sbc then? you going with stroker motor or a high reveing small displacment...

[Bad94]

Ok, the car has been sitting at work in the back storage bay. So i have been buying and selling part off. I sold the 17's off. I was ready to order my new wheels, and i thought why buy wheels now and then want wider next year. So im doing something that i really dont want to do, minitub. I told myself when i bought the car i wasnt going to cut it up intill i redo the car. I talked to my boss and he is letting me work on the car in the shop, when i dont have work.

The motor is going to be a simple build nothing fancy, just solid bottom end and good heads/intake. I will be running a Holley EFI set up.

[craigs73]

i was thinking of putting a holley efi setup and good heads on my motor and call it done........ cant wait to see it progress

[tommycomfort]

Holley EFI huh? All the cool kids are doing it I guess... LOL We can't wait for next season to have some fun and hang out with friends.

[Bad94]

Holley EFI huh? All the cool kids are doing it I guess... LOL We can't wait for next season to have some fun and hang out with friends.

Same here Tom, After the upgrades, im putting you in the car again.

[Bad94]

Body shop, has been kinda slow the last few day so i got some time to work on the car. Old tubs are out. Its so nice to be cutting on a car thats rust free.
53222
53223

[Bad94]

Since the rail was open i made this to go inside the rail.
54990
54991

All the boxing plates made
54992

Welded in
54993

Dse only says to go 2.5" well i went a full 3".
54994

And this is from the outer wheelhouse to the floor cut at 3"
54995

Since i went 3" i had to cut the tubs and push then out alittle and weld a piece back in. Had to do it at the front and back.
54996

[dontlifttoshift]

Looks good! Rust free cars are the BEST ones to cut up so don't feel bad about it at all.

[lower90xcab]

looking good dan....it was good to talk to you today....

[tazzz25906112]

Looking good Dan,,,, I'll look forward to seeing you (and the new improvements) soon Pal....

[Bad94]

The tubs are welded in and painted with some stone gaurd.
55396
55397

And since i pushed the tubs in a full 3" that let me run a 18x12 with a 335, with out pulling the quarters.
55398

Now with the rear end up under the car, i was able to mock up a 335 on a 12" wheel that is for a customers build.
55400
55401

That is at ride height too, the wheel BS is off alittle.

[Bryce]

Looks good!

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Love these novas thats one hell of a wide tire ya got on the rear..

[Bad94]

Well since i havent updated anything in a long time, Here we go.

Cutting the floor for the DSE sub frame connectors.
57304

Ended up welding on new lower link brackets, and cut the housing down 2" per side.
57305

Worked with the gang at Ridetech and i now have a rear swaybar, Im the only nova with the air bar that has the bar.
57306
57307


Since i moved the lower links in 3/4" i had to make offset spacers.
57310
57311

Now this is the best pic of the build so far, 18x12 with 335's and the Ricks tank.
57312
57313

[tommycomfort]

Great update, you're really making good progress!

[GeoffP]

Holy smokes Batman - you've got a cool Nova! :) I just spent the last few minutes reading this thread start to finish...great read! It's great to see someone doing their own work and driving their car too!

[Bad94]

Pulled the front sheetmetal to clean the firewall up.
57317

All taped up ready for paint.
57318

Painted
57319
57320


Now i get to start putting it back together.

[Bad94]

Small update, Car was on hold for a few weeks, But im back on the car. Got the vintage Air under the dash, firewall block off plate on, trunk is splatter painted, battery is mounted and now running the cables and wiring up a kill switch. I ended up going with the TigerCage, eveything have been test fitted. Looks really good in the car.

Should have pics for the weekend.

[HectorM52]

Sweet, Dan! I can't wait to see it in September. It's going to be a different car!!

[Bad94]

I splatter painted the trunk and made a fuel vent.
61413
61414


After way to many months building the motor, i finally got it back.
61415
61416
Motor Specs:
Dart Block
AFR Heads 210's CNC ported
Custom Cam
11:1 CR
Single plane intake(port matched to the heads) with Holley HP EFI
1 3/4- 1 7/8 stepped headers
Champ Pan
Vintage Front Runner

61417
61418


I also got the gauge insert fitted and ready to go in. Anvil carbon fiber with Racepak gauge setup.
(i put the vintage air switchs on the right side, didnt take a pic after cutting it in.)
61419

[tommycomfort]

Love it! The only thing better will be when it's back on the road!

[HectorM52]

DUDE!! Looking good! Cutting it close for RTTH. How close are you to having it running?

[Bad94]

Back seat recovered to match the front seats. Thanks to Darrin Cutter.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/9_8_016sized-1.jpg

Start of the exhaust. 3" with x pipe and borla XR-1's
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/9_24_006sized-1.jpg


18x9.5 275's and 18x12 335's Forgeline GZ3's
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/9_24_002sized-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/9_24_017sized-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/9_24_003sized-1.jpg

[regal454]

Great build thread! What did you make your fuel vent out of?

[brownz]

Dan. The car looks SICK!!! Love the wheel combo. I see you went with the xr1's

[Bad94]

Thanks. This exhaust is crazy. 3" up and over the axle. Around the 4 link bars and the sway bar.

[brownz]

Thanks. This exhaust is crazy. 3" up and over the axle. Around the 4 link bars and the sway bar.

I would like to see that. I couldnt go over the axle on mine. Did you build the exahust?

[Bad94]

I would like to see that. I couldnt go over the axle on mine. Did you build the exahust?

My brother builds all the exhaust systems here. He started with 6 U bends and built everything.

[Flash68]

Dan, your car has come a long way... looks killer.

What bore and stroke did you end up with? Is that the SHP block?

[Wiedo]

Dan, looking good. I haven't been on here for a while. You've been very busy. GREG

[srh3trinity]

I will second the fuel vent question, that looks clean.

[Hotwhilz]

Great car for sure! Lot's of nice components!

[Bad94]

Dan, your car has come a long way... looks killer.

What bore and stroke did you end up with? Is that the SHP block?

Thanks. Your going with what i really wanted, SB2

I started with the Dart SHP block. 4.125 Bore and 3.48 stroke. Now if i want to go bigger later i can.



I will second the fuel vent question, that looks clean.

The fuel vent started with a peice of exhaust tube, caped the ends, welded -6an bung on both ends.

[69-nova]

LOVE THE NOVA!!!!!!!!! im 17 and building a pro touring 69 nova. where did u get the carbon fiber gauge cluster and how much was it?????

[coolwelder62]

LOVE THE NOVA!!!!!!!!! im 17 and building a pro touring 69 nova. where did u get the carbon fiber gauge cluster and how much was it?????Might be from AnvilAuto.com.

[69-nova]

yup they have the satin carbon fiber. cool thanks

[Flash68]

Thanks. Your going with what i really wanted, SB2

I started with the Dart SHP block. 4.125 Bore and 3.48 stroke. Now if i want to go bigger later i can.


I got lucky and found what I wanted. Right time and place.

Yours will be a killer revver. And like you said room to go bigger down the road and get nastier.

[Bad94]

LOVE THE NOVA!!!!!!!!! im 17 and building a pro touring 69 nova. where did u get the carbon fiber gauge cluster and how much was it?????

Its from anvil bit i had trim a bunch to get it to fit.

[Rybar]

Wow just went through the entire thread, love this car and everything you have done with it. Looks killer and should run even better.

[Bad94]

Exhaust is all made, the rear seation just needs to be tig welded up.

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[brownz]

You nailed it!!

[Bad94]

Well its all welded. Looks bitchin on the ground.
66090
66091
66092

[tommycomfort]

Love it!

[dontlifttoshift]

It would be a lot cooler if I could hear it......this weekend.

I really like the slip joints at the header, better ground clearance and when assemble with RTV no leaks. good call

[Bad94]

Love it!

Your exhaust will look very close to this.



It would be a lot cooler if I could hear it......this weekend.

I really like the slip joints at the header, better ground clearance and when assemble with RTV no leaks. good call

Donny, i wish i would hear it this weekend too.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looks like a set of sexy legs..

[65_LS1_T56]

Exhaust is all made, the rear seation just needs to be tig welded up.
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Is anyone gonna ask about the sign over the license plate? 335 x 4?

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Id assume 335s on all four corners?

[frojoe]

And since i pushed the tubs in a full 3" that let me run a 18x12 with a 335, with out pulling the quarters.
55398

Now with the rear end up under the car, i was able to mock up a 335 on a 12" wheel that is for a customers build.
55400



How much tire clearance is there between the inner tire sidewall & framerail, as well as the outer sidewall and the quarter inner fender? Tahnks!

[mdes0]

Sick build man, really nice work.

[796spdbu]

Looks killer!

[sr73bu]

Looks awesome! love the stance....

-Sean

[Bad94]

Is anyone gonna ask about the sign over the license plate? 335 x 4?

Thats was put on the plate as a joke for a buddy, 335 on all corners.




How much tire clearance is there between the inner tire sidewall & framerail, as well as the outer sidewall and the quarter inner fender? Tahnks!

I have 3/4" on the inside and the outside. Got to remember i started with DSE tubs and cut them up, And i went 3" on the rail not 2.5 like DSE tells you to.

[Bad94]

I had stock C5 rotors and the car stopped good but when you get a killer deal on a set of DBA 5000 C6 Z51 rotors i had to jump on the deal.
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Radiator/fan shourd painted.
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Interior is done other then driver seat and driver side door bar.
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On the ground at ride height.
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[65_LS1_T56]

Looks amazing on the ground! Is that Forgeline's Titanium center and brushed/cleared outers? Looks nice, real nice. I'm thinking satin gunmetal and brushed/cleared outer for mine.

[Flash68]

Thing looks sweet! Whose radiator is that?

[Divine]

This is my dream car.

[Bryce]

Looks great on the ground.

[Bad94]

Looks amazing on the ground! Is that Forgeline's Titanium center and brushed/cleared outers? Looks nice, real nice. I'm thinking satin gunmetal and brushed/cleared outer for mine.

Yes they are the Titanium center and inner hoop with brushed then cleared outter hoop.




Thing looks sweet! Whose radiator is that?

Its a Jegs universal 31x19 with there fan shroud, then 2 spal fans.

[eric1967]

Where did you get the exhaust hangers at? Car looks great. Thanks for posting Eric

[tazzz25906112]

Car looks great bud....

[avewhtboy]

Bitchin nova well done

[coolwelder62]

Wow!!!! This thing is Awesome.I just love the way it turning out.Can't wait to see it in person.

[Bad94]

Where did you get the exhaust hangers at? Car looks great. Thanks for posting Eric

They are just universal ones from my local parts store, and then bend the round stock to how ever i needed it.

[MattWash08]

badass nova!

[Rybar]

Awesome Nova, love the 335's on the back.

[wiedemab]

Looking awesome! I wanna hear the beast run!

[Bad94]

Got the engine bars made. 1 5/8 down bars and 1 1/2 cross bar. Also got the AC dryer, Oil catch can, power steering reservoir mounts made. Still need to make and mount the coolant overflow. Once coolant overflow is mounted, everything can come back off and be painted.
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[tommycomfort]

Looks great Dan! Did you guys build the engine bay bars in mild steel or chromoly?

[Bad94]

Looks great Dan! Did you guys build the engine bay bars in mild steel or chromoly?

Mild, we had it laying around.

[rohrt]

Very cool thread.

Subscribed.

[dug]

engine bars look bitchin, it gave me a great idea for my car. thank you

[Bad94]

New shocks for the car.
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I have been working on the car every free minute I have been getting. Got everything painted and back on the car.
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[mdes0]

Looks friggn awesome! Are you running manual brakes? Do you miss power brakes? I'm debating what direction to go with my Camaro, I'd love to nix the brake booster from the firewall but don't want to sacrifice streetable braking.

Thanks, Matt

[Bad94]

I love the manual brakes on the auto x and road course. I don't mind manual brakes on the street. On a street car, power brakes all the way.





Looks friggn awesome! Are you running manual brakes? Do you miss power brakes? I'm debating what direction to go with my Camaro, I'd love to nix the brake booster from the firewall but don't want to sacrifice streetable braking.

Thanks, Matt

[Bad94]

Well after driving the car for a few days letting the Holley EFI self tune, The tranny started to make a very bad grinding noise. So im going to put in a built T56 out of my brothers truck in it while I have my T56 fixed.

We pulled the exhaust, driveshaft, and tranny in under a hour.
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Under the hood has changed some. Made some custom shock reservoir clamps for the Ridetech shocks.
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[mdes0]

Did you fab your trans cross member?

[rchaskin]

Interior is done other then driver seat and driver side door bar.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/11_21_032sized-1.jpg



I have that same huge shifter boot. I made some custom rings so you can cut the bottom pleat of the boot off.
It makes the ring about 1" narrower on each side, and still covers the hole.
One ring welds to the floor, and a matching ring holds the boot down.

I can send you the drawings / dxf if you are interested.

Car is killer!!

Randy

[Jimmypetersfit]

Your car is pretty damn nice! My dad and I are working on building up my 72 Nova... I see from your covered up license plate that you are located in Ohio. I live in Columbus. I would love to check out your ride and pick your brain a bit. If you are headed to any shows and are up for meeting, let me know. Here is the link to my build: https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?96570-72-Nova-build-in-Ohio
Jimmy

[craigs73]

dan (bad94) is from around the cincy area...... im not far from you jimmy...i live in washington court house.....bout 30-40 from columbus.....im gonna go check out your thread now!!

so dan have you got a chance to look and see what was wrong with your tranny?

[Bad94]

I put in a new tranny monday night. This has some viper stuff inside. Everything is back together and test drove it. Shifts like a hot knife in butter.

When i get some free time i will pull the tranny apart and see what went wrong.

[BuddyP]

This is a fantastic build Dan! I wish I would've done the "step by step" process and been driving the car for the past few years. Instead I've "waisted" 10 yrs of my life looking at it in the garage.

Are you going to the autocross in Aurora the first weekend of May?

[Bad94]

This is a fantastic build Dan! I wish I would've done the "step by step" process and been driving the car for the past few years. Instead I've "waisted" 10 yrs of my life looking at it in the garage.

Are you going to the autocross in Aurora the first weekend of May?

No I wont be making that event, I will be at the Heidts event the weekend after.

[BuddyP]

No I wont be making that event, I will be at the Heidts event the weekend after.

Cool, I'll be a "spectator" hopefully at that one also. I'll have to look you up if I make it over. With all luck maybe I can actually have a car at Gingerman.

[Bad94]

Made some adjustable sway bar endlinks.
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Scaled the car, and aligned. With me in the car it weighed 3690.(Not bad for all steel, Full cage, full interior, Heat/AC)
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Im counting the days down until the Heidts event.

[HectorM52]

Nice going Dan, car is looking great. I'm getting a ride this year at RTTH, too!

I got those RideTech endlinks for the truck and I'm loving them. I could literally feel the difference in how the truck 'tracked' in the front end.

[Jimmypetersfit]

Dan,
What is the clearance on your frame at ride height? We are working on getting ready to work on putting a c4 IRS in my nova and i would like your advice for the height in the rear? Currently my rear frame is 6.5 from the ground. I plan on running an 18" wheels...
Thanks!
Jimmy

[tumper93]

Just curious as to how much the rear frame rail will flex since you have made it so thin going an additional 1/2" thinner than suggested. I am getting ready to do the mini tubs and would like to do what you have done but wondered if you sured up the frame some in another way. I am running a g-link so rigidity is a must just as yours is.

[Bad94]

The month of May was a blast with a event every weekend. Heidts was the first event for the car, and overall im very happy with the car. Now the driver we wont even go there. Nashville Goodguys, the crew from RideTech were helping me with the shocks and the car was getting faster every run. And Sunday Jimi Day rode with me and pointed out a few things I was doing wrong, and when I changed I went faster.
Then Midwest Muscle Car Challenge, You cant go to any other event and get almost 100 runs in 2 days. They had a different course on both days. Saturday after about 25-30 runs I stiffened the rear sway bar up and it helped. Then I asked Tom Farrington to drive the car and he went 2 sec, faster then me. He told me to just drive it harder. Sunday it rained and we still ran. That was a blast. AJ from BFG picked me for the BFG award.

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[HectorM52]

Car is looking awesome, Dan! I'm with Tom, drive it harder!!! :)

[tommycomfort]

[QUOTE=Bad94;996650]
Then Midwest Muscle Car Challenge, You cant go to any other event and get almost 100 runs in 2 days. They had a different course on both days. Saturday after about 25-30 runs I stiffened the rear sway bar up and it helped. Then I asked Tom Farrington to drive the car and he went 2 sec, faster then me. He told me to just drive it harder. Sunday it rained and we still ran. That was a blast. AJ from BFG picked me for the BFG award.[QUOTE]

And you did drive it harder right?

[Bad94]

And you did drive it harder right?

Yes I did. And at Heidts I drove it really hard, and look what happened.

[novajess1972]

Those wheels are 17x9.5" with 6" BS, thats more BS then you need. So with the wheel turned it would just clip the frame and sway bar. As for inner fender mod, looks like i wont have to do any mods. And right now the sway bar is just a aftermarket sway bar dont know whos, but that will be coming off for the Ride Tech bar, They shipped one out today for me.


So with this being said, what would you go with if running the same setup? The 5.75bs recommended by RideTech or 5.5bs? I plan to run 18x9.5 on my 69 Nova with the TruTurn and was curious. I see you now have exactly what I'm going to run, so what are your specs. Looked through the thread and didn't see it.

Sick car, by the way. I would love to modify my tubs to accept a 12in wheel and 335s, but I know it will cost more and trying to stay on a budget.

[CliffS]

I read the entire thread again. Awesome Nova.

[Bad94]

Since the last update i have broke 2 trannys and had a small motor problem. But managed to not miss a event. At Indy goodguys i was able to finish in the top 10, very happy with that. 2013 was a fun year with the car.

For 2014 the car is getting new set of Bfg Rivals, wilwood brakes, and different rear end gears.

[chevellejon]

I was wondering if you can get a hold of tino for me ? my name is john i live in cincinnati,ohio and was just wanting to get some tech advise from him on the old 18" intro rims he had installed on his 70 chevelle what siae tires brand and wheel specs/backspacing most importantly did he have to make any modifications to get the rear or the front to fit so nicely ? any help would be greatly appreciated thanks again john [email protected] 513-616-4619

[rchaskin]

Hey Dan, can you elaborate a little more on the motor?
What is the bore - stroke.
I read it was a dart block? Was it a complete short block from them?

Later....

[GeoffP]

Dan it's absolutely amazing where your car has come from to what it is today. I just looked back through the thread (aint it cool to do that sometimes) start to finish. I need to do that with mine but I'm not ready yet...

[Bad94]

Hey Dan, can you elaborate a little more on the motor?
What is the bore - stroke.
I read it was a dart block? Was it a complete short block from them?

Later....

Its a Dart SHP Block with 3.48 Stroke and 4.125 Bore, 372CI I started with just the block and then we picked all the good stuff. Lightweight rotating assy, This little motor loves to spin.





Dan it's absolutely amazing where your car has come from to what it is today. I just looked back through the thread (aint it cool to do that sometimes) start to finish. I need to do that with mine but I'm not ready yet...

Thanks I keep changing the car to the better, the car is working very well, just need to work on my driving.

I really need to do a update, the car had a few changes over the winter.

[Kiquee71]

Dan nice to see that your Nova is running very well, but I like what was said to you at the track "Run it Harder" lol drive it like you stole it :) like the down bars you put in, giving me more ideas are you? Lol. Very well done. Enjoy.

[Bad94]

Winter upgrades for 2014.
14.25" front rotors with W6A calipers, 13.00" rear rotors with 4 piston calipers.
96582
96583

I also went from 3:90 to 3:73 and the car is so much happier.

[FLYNAVY53]

subscribed! very cool build!

[HotWired]

any new updates, just read the whole thread and subscribed, Killer build!!!!!!!!

[Bad94]

Wow, no update in a long time. 2014 was one heck of a year with the car. Ran few Goodguys auto x, 3 USCA events, and won my way to Vegas with points. Made it into the 32 car shootout in Scottsdale.

The only major upgrade I did to the car this year, I did a Steilow Floater deal. Used his ends on my 8.5" 10 bolt.
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Here are some pics from different events.
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At OUSCI in Vegas.
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I didn't finish were I wanted to at OUSCI, but I finished all 5 parts of the event and got to run with some of the best cars/drivers in the country.

After Vegas went went to Scottsdale to try and win our way into the 32 car shootout.
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Then on Sunday in Scottsdales this happened.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Im just glad that the motor let go in Scottsdale and not in Vegas. The motor is out of the car, and a new power plate is being built right now.

[silvermonte]

What is your best guess at what caused the problem?

[analyte]

Great thread!!

Also, could you explain the Steilow floater upgrade or provide a link with more information? Thanks!!

Kerry

[Bad94]

What is your best guess at what caused the problem?
Not sure what happened first be I think the springs were starting to get weak. For as hard as I ran the motor I should have checked the springs more often.


Great thread!!

Also, could you explain the Steilow floater upgrade or provide a link with more information? Thanks!!

Kerry

The new ends run the C6 wheel bearing. And any C5-C6 brake kit fit.

[rchaskin]

Ok, you sold all of those parts.....Curious to know what the new powerplant will be??

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Sorry about the heads, the car looks dope though!

[Bad94]

Ok, you sold all of those parts.....Curious to know what the new powerplant will be??

Well Nashville GG I might open the hood for you.

[rchaskin]

Well Nashville GG I might open the hood for you.

BOOOO!!!!
I don't think I will make that one this year.

Are you going to be at the USCA Charlotte?

[Bad94]

BOOOO!!!!
I don't think I will make that one this year.

Are you going to be at the USCA Charlotte?


Don't know yet.

Got the new clutch today.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[rchaskin]

ahhhh...Nice.

[HectorM52]

Dan is the king of secrets. He's been that way for years! He never would tell me his plans way back when during his S10 days, and he still wont! LOL

[rchaskin]

dan is the king of secrets. He's been that way for years! He never would tell me his plans way back when during his s10 days, and he still wont! Lol

lol......

[Bad94]

Got flow numbers on the heads. At .700" lift they flow almost 400 cfm.

[rchaskin]

Holy crap....he switched to a top fuel motor.....

[Bad94]

Holy crap....he switched to a top fuel motor.....


LOL, Engine rebuild between auto x runs?

[BuddyP]

LOL, Engine rebuild between auto x runs?

Now THAT could make things exciting!

[Justin@EntropyRad]

LOL..would have to spray into the blower to keep it running for tech inspections

[Bad94]

Car is up and running. Motor is a LPE built 427 LS7 dry sump.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[rchaskin]

BAM!!! Awesome!!

Did you change anything else in the driveline?

[Bad94]

Tranny is the same just changed bellhousing,front cover and input shaft. Rear end is the same, may drop to a 3:55 so I can pull 1st gear little longer. Rad is the same, heck the ac lines are the same.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Congrats

[Bad94]

Columbus Goodguys was the 1st event for the car, but without a bunch of seat time I couldn't get a good feel for the car other then the power is SO much better then the small block was. I finished 20th in the pro class and my brother finished 13th in street machine class( He hasn't driven the car in over a year).

So we used the Motorstate Challenge as a test on the car, the car came off the trailer faster then I thought it would be. I ran 5 sec faster then I did last year, I was even giving up a lot of time in the brake zone. Finished 8th on the road course and 8th in Auto X. Im very happy with that with all the new stuff on the car.
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[ryanleiker]

Made some adjustable sway bar endlinks.
75367


Where did you source the hexagon stock?