Pro Touring 4th Generation Nova

[perple76]

I don't pretend to be a suspension expert but here is what I have read on the last gen nova as it compares to the 77-81 Camaro:

The front suspension is the same in regards to A-arms, spindles, brakes, and maybe front swaybar, but I don't think the actual subframes are the same. I have been told (but have not verified) that the subs are different lengths and different widths. I sure would like to be wrong about this, because I think it's more likely that we will see an aftermarket subframe for the Camaro before we will the Nova for this time period.

I have read that the rear "frames", if they can be called that, are also different between the Camaros and Novas of this vintage. Maybe the Camaro is more narrow, or maybe its the Nova, I can't remember which is which. I don't think the rear ends are a direct swap because the widths are different. Again, haven't verified this - just what I've read on the 'net and some other publications.

I will say this in regards to the Nova's underpinnings - the floorpans for the 75-79 cars is really, really similar to the third generation (68-74) Nova. I have used the same molded carpet out of a 68-74 Nova for my 77, and it fit perfectly. I would also point out that the Hotrods to Hell rear suspension kit that we used on this car was actually engineered for the 68-74 cars. Following HRTH's instructions, this kit installed almost exactly the same, and almost all measurements for the 68-74 car were dead on perfect with my measurements on the '77. Although this may not equate to an "exact" match, I think in most cases you can probably do some interchanging of parts with little or no problems.

Some of this is still voodoo science, but it does appear that many of these parts will match up. I just think the aftermarket is not comfortable making that claim unless they've personally tried them on one of their test mules. Probably a good position for them to take - I imagine they catch a lot of flak if they claim a part fits and then finds out that it doesn't.

Anyway I'm always happy to see when stuff fits, even if I have to make it fit with some "persuasion". Us fourth gen Nova guys know we're in the minority, so we'll take our parts any way we can get them.

J