An update on the 63 Nova

[slow4dr]

I found Steve's Nova Site recently so I've been neglecting updating you guys for a few months.

I pieced together the 3-link suspension using Competition Engineering sub frame connectors and ladder-bar cross member.

I am still undecided on what engine to use but I have decided that if the car in fact weighs less than 2500# with me in it I will shoot for 400WHP. So, I have been looking more closely at the possibility of a naturally aspirated LSx. I have even kicked around the idea of running the 4.8 truck engine.

I purchased a one piece fiberglass front end, hood, decklid and rear bumper as well as a 10 point cage. I will be picking up the wheels/tires very soon so I should have full body, ride height pics there after.






I just received this from Jim @ http://fays2.net/ last night so the wife won't see much of me this weekend. Jim is a great guy and a pleasure to deal with.




-J

[Sales@Dutchboys]

3-link will be sweet.

Steves nova site is a good site too!

[novanutcase]

Nice Brother! IMO if your going to go LSx I wouldn't go with the Truck one. They're iron blocks which means that you're adding extra weight needlessly! Go with an aluminum LS1. They're plentiful and fairly cheap and you can make 400 RWHP fairly easily. LS6 Heads, Comp cam, FAST intake and your definitely there! See how easy that was now go get your checkbook!

[cykotic]

This is all you need right here bro. Stroked LS2 and then just slap on some AFR Heads and a fast intake, and you're good to go.

http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...M&BIG=12412M-1

[slow4dr]

The challenge with the engine will be the budget, and by challenge I mean CHALLENGE and by budget I mean $5000.

I will have to find a very cheap donor engine to pull it off with a LSx. If I look at non GM engines it opens up quite a few options but I think I will stick with GM for now.


to those that remember what I originally had in the car

[novanutcase]

Well if money is an issue then I would look at the November(?) issue of PHR.
They did a budget build that yielded VERY nice hp numbers! Check it out!
It's not an LSx but in my opinion the only reason to go LSx is to run with EFI. You can make the same power for much cheaper with a 350 small block!

[novanutcase]

Originally Posted by cykotic

This is all you need right here bro. Stroked LS2 and then just slap on some AFR Heads and a fast intake, and you're good to go.

http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...M&BIG=12412M-1

DAMN!!!! That block looks SICK! DAMMIT!!! Now I won't settle for just a crate LS2!!!

[slow4dr]

Originally Posted by novanutcase

Well if money is an issue then I would look at the November(?) issue of PHR.
They did a budget build that yielded VERY nice hp numbers! Check it out!
It's not an LSx but in my opinion the only reason to go LSx is to run with EFI. You can make the same power for much cheaper with a 350 small block!

If I go V8 it will be a EFI LSx. I know me and if I go with a traditional 1st gen SBC I will be bugging Gale for a TT kit. That engine build alone will surely put me over budget both financially and power goal. If I can find a LS1/T56 complete for under $3000 I think I could make it work.

The other option is still in the back of my mind which is the ecotec. We bought into about 50 LSJ(2.0 S/C) engines from GM a few months back for pretty darn cheap. I could damn near sell the S/C set-up for what I would pay for the complete engine. The RWD Solstice transmission will bolt right up as well. I have access to all things turbo so I can get good deals on what I would need to make 400WHP.

[rwhite692]

Jason...Just to be on the safe side...I would ditch the "nylock" nuts and switch to drilled bolts / castle nuts / cotter pins...just my $.02 - Rob

[slow4dr]

Originally Posted by rwhite692

Jason...Just to be on the safe side...I would ditch the "nylock" nuts and switch to drilled bolts / castle nuts / cotter pins...just my $.02 - Rob

Good idea!

That reminds me of the motorcycle days back at Chaparral and the safety wire we used.