1979 Nova G-Rated Suspension Question
 

Trying to build an Extreme-G 1979 Nova and am having difficulty in finding the right suspension components to fit. From what I've determined so far is that some of the control arms, links, etc... have common part numbers with the 1980-1981 Camaro. I'd like to fully replace all the stock components with new g-rated parts/kits.

The rear seems to have the exact deminsions as the 1969 Camaro so that part should be easy.

Does anyone either have direct experience with setting up this year/model with high tech g-rated parts or know of someone I can speak to who has?

Big Al

Welcome
 

Hi there, there are only a few 4th Gen folks between here and pro-touring.com

Basically your right. Any trick for a 2nd Gen will work on the back. For the front it's really more of the same. Keep in mind 1st gen Camaro/2nd gen Nova spindles are called "short" ('67-'74) while '75 on are called tall, cause thier taller than the short. ;) Only look into tall spindle parts. Basically control arms, spindles, brake, and steering links are all swapable according to Hollinger (sp?). Search and read up on what the 2nd gen guys are doing. They're just getting some love from the aftermarket which helps us out.

My car will have a custom subframe and a HTH truck arm set up in back when it's done.

--JMarsa

Appreciate the insights!

This is my first trek down the '79 Nova path and therefore not familar with Hollinger (no viable hits but could be sp as you suggest). Is this Nova considered a 2nd or 3rd gen?

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

The Hollinger manual I was refering was (not sure if they are still around) used to show what parts from one car fit another car. I must admit I mispoke and according to the Mitchell manual I have photo copied, the 2nd Gen Camaro/Firebird and 4th Gen Nova (ours) parts I mentioned are interchangable.

What is your budget and goal?

--JMarsa

You're looking for the Hollander Exchange Guide and it should be easy to find on Google.
Good luck with the X-Body. Those have a soft spot in my heart as my first car was a 77 Nova Rally. Silver with the cool stripes and the rare eggcrate grille. I'm partial but I gotta say it's the best 75-79 X-body there was.

Most excellent...just found the book I'll need at this link:
http://www.hollander-auto-parts.com/...prod_nova.html

May have to buy one for my son's '72 Chevelle.

This will be an interesting journey, however that Hollendar book will be very valuable!

The simply objective would be to approach as close to a 1G setup as possible while still being streetable. I'm thinking I would like to do the following:

• Tubular upper and lower control arms

• 2" dropped spindles

• Rack-n-pinion setup (may require some fab work)

• Appropriate springs, shocks, sway bars

• Lowered rear leaf springs

• 4 wheel disc conversion

• Enhancing the frame (making more stiff)

This is a start. No idea on budget. The motor I'd like to put in there is a 427 SBC with a 4L80E tranny going to a custom 9" rear end. We'll put Recaro seats in and have the stock gauge setup upgraded with no external gauge plus a few other things. Figuring about 3 years for the project.

To reach your goal you will probly need some serious rubber. Pulling a G on the is a great goal but you will need a well setup car as a whole.

Also I have heard drop spindles are horible for suspension geometry so I would research before you buy a set.

I love X-body cars(as if my screen name didnt give it away)so be sure and post updates because I want to see your progress.

Here's a recent photo of the car I'm starting with. This was my wifes aunts car (she can no longer drive). She worked for GM in CA and bought this new from the factory. This is all factory original condition:

http://www.xowners.com/images/1979Nova.jpg

Wow! That thing looks MINT! IMO, It would look WAY better with round headlights. It should be a simple swap with an earlier grille and lights. You might even be able to pick and choose various grilles from J&W Nova Parts.
You should also pick up all the issues of Popular Hot Rodding with their g/28 build up articles over the last 18 months or so if you haven't already. There's tons of valuable info as well as proven parts that should interchange with your project.