Getting into pro touring, which car is the best starting point.

[cpike]

So Im looking to get a older car as a project.(well my friend is buying it for me, since im currently Dep to AFG) I really love 64-66, 70-72 A bodies and 68-72 novas. Ive searched but I was wondering which car would be the best starting point at a protourer? Which has better suspsion geometry and what can fit the most rubber under it, also what are know problem areas with novas and chevelles that i should look for when buying a car?

Im pretty excited to get this ball rolling!

[formula350]

I'm not an expert on that body type but check under under that car and look at floor pans and at the bottom areas of the fenders and quarter panels, around the windshield and under the cowl, where the wipers are was a bad spot on my f body. Good luck man keep us posted

[cornfedbill]

I think between an A-body and an X-body you will find the biggest difference is personal preference. Because the 68 to 74 Novas use the same suspension and subframe as the first gen Camaros, there may be more bolt on suspension parts available. If you plan to modify the stock frame or subframe with bolt-ons, both are good choices.

My preference is for the Nova. I have a 74 Hatchback that I am in the process of rebuilding.

My suggestion is to buy the car that you like the most based on your personal preferences and then go for it.

I second the comment about rust. Have your friend check real closely for rust.

Good luck.

And thanks for your service to preserve our freedom!

[LowFast]

68-72 Nova, look great and cheap to put together a nice set-up. Had I decided to not go with a Ford the Nova was at the top of my list.

[Muscle Express Ryan]

CPIKE, Danny has a 70 chevelle and a 69 nova for sale. If you are interested we can send pics next week after SEMA.

They are pretty different cars. A-bodys are full frame and the X-body,novas are subframe cars. Like stated above its personal preference.
They both have a ton aftermarket support. It just depends how much you want to change and how much you want to spend.

A-bodys are a bigger, can hold bigger wheels, have a bigger trunk, etc..
X-bodys are smaller, hold big wheels, little lighter, smaller to toss around an autocross.
As an entry car that will be driven as a pro-touring car I would say the nova may be a little easier to drive faster on a autocross/track, especially autocross.
Again depends on where you want the build to go.

Can't go wrong with either one.

Here is an Air-Ride nova and custom spoiler we did for a customer. (not car for sale)
66932

Let me know if you are interested in either car for sale.

And thank you for your service.

[bmbrzmn101]

One other criteria to look at is will you be doing most of the work or will it be farmed out to a shop? I ask this because some mods to either may need to be farmed out do to skill level and or suspension choices. A bodies (elky/chevelles) are what my experience is with and are fairly easy to work on. First gen A bodies are difficult to get to get some sheetmetal for where as 70-72 are much easier. Also if will be taking the family out in the car from time to time Abodies are roomier(?) if you are needing a selling point for the Mrs.

Hope this little info was useful.
Chris

[LowFast]

That Nova above is very sharp, strong work!

[qnitro]

I think the Novas look great, But the hold back on them is the tire size in the rear... to get a bigger tire you need to mini tub it... There isnt a ton of room in there, I know the A bodys can accomodate a little more tire.. But with that said, When the Novas are done right.. Im going to say they are some of the best looking cars..

[cpike]

What is the largest tire you can fit on either without needing to mini tub on either? That is very interesting about the novas sharing the same suspension as the camaros. Im building this car to be my bad ass car, something different from my friends GTR, ZR1, and GT2 they all have money, I'm more working on a budget haha. Those cars are amazing but they're souless well except for the GTR shes finicky. So with that being said, I have a "budget" but I'm not going to skimp in certain areas, suspension, and brakes, mainly. Ill probably be building a lq9 turbo motor for it (I know not very auto crossiish). I'm might do a track day or two just to get it dialed in, but other than that, Its my street car. I might have to farm out some of the work since I'm not a great welder or fabricator, and all the body stuff I wont touch haha (doesn't need to be show finish just nice), but wiring, motor and things like that I can do( my friend will be doing most of the work while I am gone, hes pretty much a mechanical magician). Very hard decisions, I can picture both cars how I want them, Its so hard!