'71 Nova. Project "Urban Legend"

[BBC71Nova]

These wheels I had are only 15". This is at ride height with the shocks at the minimum acceptable ride height of 13.5" eye to eye. This is using all adjust-ability available in the G-link setup. That is, tilted all the way in on the shock crossmember and the lower mounts in the lowest holes. This is a little lower than some I've seen so I assume it is due to the Fab-9 shock mounts having holes lower maybe.

I'm planning to run 18" wheels in the back so I should get a little tuck at ride height I think.


At ride height. Roughly 1" from rim lip to wheel lip.


This is at full compression. Well, about .25" short of full since the fill tube is currently hitting .

[BBC71Nova]

Sorry for the crappy pictures. I need another lens. Little tough under the car, on my back, with limited light and a 28-135mm lens . I need one of those fancy lifts .

Here is a shot of the fill tube on the Fab-9 hitting the crossmember. It is just hitting at full compression but enough that it must be addressed. Probably end up bending another crossmember that goes up a little closer to the floor or change the route it takes. I spoke to Chassisworks about it and they are aware of it but it seems to only be an issue with Fab-9 setups.

Notice the non-existent exhaust clearance. Might have to talk to the guys down the street at Goolsby Customs about raising the trunk floor or something .

[BBC71Nova]

Here are some pics showing clearance in some other areas at full compression.

There is over 1" of clearance at the frame rail.


This picture is a little misleading but there is a little less than 1" of clearance at the tunnel where the pinion is. The G-Link is basically allowing as much of a drop as possible really unless you want to mod the tunnel.


Here is a shot showing the clearance between the gear case and the body/floor structure above it. When I put in a little pinion angle and I remove the old pinion snubber mount there'll be enough clearance. However, again, IMHO this is as low as you could go without committing to modifying more sheetmetal for clearance. At least with a 9" setup like this. I suppose this case is a little beefier so maybe that is taking up a lot of the space.

[GoolsbyCustoms]

Originally Posted by BBC71Nova

Sorry for the crappy pictures. I need another lens. Little tough under the car, on my back, with limited light and a 28-135mm lens . I need one of those fancy lifts .

Here is a shot of the fill tube on the Fab-9 hitting the crossmember. It is just hitting at full compression but enough that it must be addressed. Probably end up bending another crossmember that goes up a little closer to the floor or change the route it takes. I spoke to Chassisworks about it and they are aware of it but it seems to only be an issue with Fab-9 setups.

Notice the non-existent exhaust clearance. Might have to talk to the guys down the street at Goolsby Customs about raising the trunk floor or something .

Im sure we could read a couple "How to"s and figure it out

[Moabdude]

Any updates?
Nice looking Nova.
I will have a Nova soon so I'm subscribed!

[wv nova]

looks like a real good build , good job.

[BBC71Nova]

Thanks guys. Not much notable progress lately. Combination of lack of both time and money .

Got some vacation time coming up soon so hopefully I can make headway then. Right now I'm just trying to get parts lined up for that time.

I'm contemplating selling off my BBC stuff and going with an L92. Probably be more enjoyable and less expensive in the long run. Also would take care of my current pain point which is fitment of a radiator/shroud combo with a serpentine accessory drive. I've spent more than a few hours measuring, building templates, talking to different radiator shops, etc.

I'm also starting the process of lining up a paint/body shop. Boy oh boy is that fun and heartbreaking

[Payton King]

Just don't paint it, hit it with some primer and off you go. Get it up and driving first as it always seems there will be something you need to change or a few problems to chase down. Once it is sorted, then you can paint it.

Same goes for the interior.

Have fun, looking forward for it being complete.