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69 Nova
I'm putting together a 69' Nova that I've had for about two years now. I figured I would start a build thread and catch it up to the condition it sits in now.
Pictures shortly. |
Here is what I started with. The car looked like it was in decent shape inside and out. It had a tired 350 w/th350 setup in it when I picked it up.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psv6nrf3mh.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psijtpg9pu.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psjm8c7jax.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pshdbimfeo.jpg |
is that the nut behind the wheel?
lol nice car, lets see some deconstruction. |
After owning the car for about a month I decided to improve the handling and braking bit. I installed a DSE stage 1 kit, drop leafs, Kore3 c6 brakes up front, and some Vintage Wheel Works wheels.
Yes...I realize the caliper is on the wrong side in this picture (oops) http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps25jg4zo6.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pskznypx4i.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pshixhejrt.jpg |
After seeing the car like this I was frustrated with the nose sticking up in the air. After re-checking and re-clocking the springs as well as driving it around to give it time to "settle" (not sure if that really happens?) nothing improved.
I started trying to pay more attention to the car and noticed some what of an issue with the subframe...and when I say issue I mean it looked like someone launched the car onto a boulder. They actually cut a hole in the crossmember of the frame to clear the crank pulley.... http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps9n1x8pd8.jpg So what does any sane person do at this stage? Let the project spiral out of control of course. I replaced the front sub with this: http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psxtyfz8zv.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps6w66brpq.jpg |
As my car was sitting there on jack stands, I decided I like the way it looked in a non-operable state, so I decided to go further down the rabbit hole.
I ripped out the rear leafs and bought a quadralink setup: http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps3j3kiwuj.jpg |
Now that the car had basically everything removed from the underside, I thought it looked strange with all the trim, windows, and interior still in place...so I removed it all.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps7kxc2xrg.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psguep5ay4.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psddbjvtgl.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psahgebpad.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pstposzpoo.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pstpad4ftx.jpg |
I thought I had run out of stuff to remove until I realized... paint!
I sent the car for an acid dip. http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psvmtyuyws.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psum6s6tam.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psba4dqxdf.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psxx1qjd8v.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pssnyjrztk.jpg Drivers side surprise! http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psegbabvyc.jpg Honestly, the car was in pretty good shape. Other than the mess on the drivers side it had some pin holes around the front and back windows and needs a little work on the bottom passenger side quarter panel. The whole floor pan was perfect. |
Body looks really clean! That stock sub really makes you wonder what the heck happened. Great project nothing like starting with a 100% clean slate.
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While the car was sitting I collected some shiny things
DSE headers http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psdkx7xmxd.jpg Autorad support http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pscnjkw8ej.jpg Ringbros hinges http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psfnafwnon.jpg T56 Magnum http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psrmbxkblr.jpg ....and last but not least, some killer hood vents from Billy Utley http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pssinufcyh.jpg |
I will be watching this build for sure,looked like a very solid car to start with,nice parts collection so far,looks great:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Nice solid way to start. Good looking body.
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After the car was sitting for a while I realized I was going to be way to busy to tackle some of the stuck on the car. Also, acknowledging my remedial skills with a welder, I decided to have the suspension, tubs, and sub connectors installed, as well as have a new transmission/driveshaft tunnel fab'd up.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psf8tev5j3.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psmagne5i4.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psugthhkru.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psnrre0agb.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psruachxpm.jpg Front fenders and core support also got fitted. *Wheels and motor are for mock up (not mine) http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psju02kchl.jpg |
When we were installing the suspension, we modified the rear quadralink crossmember and the track bar mount to suck up into the body a bit. We also used 1/2 height bushing in front. In the end I think the extra time/expense was worth the stance that we ended up with.
Here is how it sits as of today with the ride height set. http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psazpme2dr.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psnzusfrmv.jpg |
Whoa
You went berzerker with it
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Spectacular!!!!!
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Heh... Is that what happens when boredom and money get married?
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Jed's, what exactly are you doing for propulsion?
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That's sick if that's ride height! I love it! Welcome to the site.
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Heh, boredom and money.
The plan all along was to do what I am doing now. It just wasn't meant to happen so soon. I wanted to do some small improvements to the car and actually be able to drive and enjoy it for a while before taking it out of commission. Once I noticed the frame damage (sway bar couldn't be installed due to interference) I felt like I should pull the frame and deal with it. That was the turning point for me. I know I could have just sourced another stock frame and swapped things over, but it was just he push I needed to motivate and do what I actually wanted with the car. Scott, I'm being pretty indecisive on the engine choice. My goals for power I don't think are terribly hard to reach (~550 rwhp). Currently looking at going with a LS7 with a few subtle changes, or a LS3 416. I was originally looking at blown options but I just don't think that level of power is necessary for me personally. Plus, I'm trying to keep the weight down where I can. Trey, I have my fingers crossed on the ride height. That's sitting at 3" to the oil pan (of the mockup motor). I may be a bit too optimistic. My wheels should be showing up in a couple weeks and I'll be taking some more measurements. I suspect it will probably sit just a bit higher once I get the wheels on it. |
You don't mess around! :G-Dub:
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Love the progress so far!!! Keep the pics comin :)
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Transmission tunnel is almost wrapped up!
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pskqetvejn.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps7e6twhk0.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pszxtlptlr.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psmji0gxp5.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pszxthl5nk.jpg |
Nice work! really like the car
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Wheels and tires arrived!
Wheels are Formula43 RAD10 front: 18x9 rear: 19x11 Tires are Michelin Pilot Super Sport front: 255/35ZR-18 rear: 305/30ZR-19 http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps5p3fwgn2.jpg |
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What rotors are those?
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The rotors are ADB.
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Car is home for now.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psmrmdy1dv.jpg Next up is to get the brakes sorted out. I'm using Ron Sutton's brake consultation service. I'd recommend this to anyone looking to setup their brakes properly. It's cheap piece of mind and he has been great to work with. After that it's drive train and then back to metalworks for panel replacement and cage. |
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Less crappy picture from metalworks...need to get a motor in there to lower that front end back down.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psyympdocv.jpg |
Great looking stance! Going to be one hell of a nice car when it's done!
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Well...I'm less that two months from ordering a motor and I'm having a hell of a time making a decision.
The crate motors currently in the running are the LSA and lsx454. A 416/417 ls3 is a possibility, but the torque seems to be a bit lower and come on later. I can't seem to find weight info on the LSA with the heat-exchanger and all the ancillaries to compare against the lsx. Since this is going to be 90% street car so I'm not interested in peak horse power and having to rev the engine out. I also know the LSA and LSX aren't the lightest options, but again ... not-race-car. Any opinions on which way to go? I'm insanely indecisive. |
Man, I'd have no interest in this car the way you bought it but holy crap look at it now! Just goes to show how important ride height/wheels/tires are. Great build!
Dave |
looking good!!!!!
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And turbo(s). Do it. |
I'm mildly impatient which is why I was looking at crate engines.
Maybe it's not the time to rush things and I should just focus on making sure I get a quality piece. Joe, Yeah...I'm not looking forward to laying carpet. Luckily it's nowhere in the near future for me. Don't tempt me with the turbo idea...it has crossed my mind...many times. I'm clueless as to whether there is a quality shop in my area (Portland Oregon) that does turbo plumbing though. |
I've been exploring motor options still. These are the two starting points I've been looking at:
~11.5k. Mast black label ls3 416 long block. It comes with Callies H-Beam rods, Callies crank, diamond pistons, etc... ~7k. Lingenfelter 417 short block. It comes with Callies dragon slayer crank, JE pistons, Oliver I-beam rods. I haven't seen what rods/crank mast is using as it is not specified. I assume compstar? Is the extra cost worth it to start with the Lingenfelter short block? Anyone have experience with either company? |
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