Comming over from the drifting scene. Need help deciding on a Nova or a Chevelle?

[ranger2339]

Hey guys my name is Josh. I have been building a car for drifting purposes for a couple years now,I never got it fully done as I just kinda lots interest in the whole Japanese car thing. When I started thinking about what I wanted to do, I had an idea that I wanted to build a muscle car. So I started looking around the internet and found this awesome web site, I couldn't believe my eyes. Some or should I say most of the cars I see on here are what I want to strive for. I saw a few of the builds on LS1tech.com but never thought there was a whole forum for what you call "g-machines". Its great and I'm glad to be here and hope to learn allot.

I guess Ill post about the car I had built.
Its a 91' Nissan 240sx with a LS1, camed,heads,bolt ons etc. RPM transmissions T-56,LS2 flywheel with a LS7 clutch and a host of suspension mods, with a bedliner paint job ha.
Very light car with a great engine. I just lost interest in it and decided the LS1 needs a new home. So I am parting it all out minus the drive train.
Here are some pics. for those who might be interested.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/ranger2339/Militant%20Drift/DSCN2160.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p176/ranger2339/Militant%20Drift/DSCN1887.jpg


So my question is.

What is the best platform to have when building a G machine, as far as handling and aftermarket support goes? Would a Nova be the best route or a Chevelle?
My build plans include the LS1/T56 and a "g machine" type build, slammed out, ready to tear up the track. My biggest concern is handling through the turns.

I am looking at a 70-72 Nova and a 72 Chevelle right now, I like the look of both of them. I am just not to knowledgeable about what would be the best base for what I want?


Thanks
Josh

[XcYZ]

Welcome.

IMO, there might be more selection of parts for the Nova, but either can be built to perform.

[ranger2339]

From what I have been researching the Nova looks like it has more aftermarket support and they are cheaper to get. I will have a build going prob. by early fall. All my Nissan parts should sell quick and that will fund the chassis and some suspension components.


Thanks
Josh

[tgvettes]

I would go with the Nova it is way lighter then the chevelle
so I think it will be way faster with the motor you have.
either one are really cool in pro touring style.

Tonny

[70rs]

Pretty much any Chevell, Nova, Camaro (first or second gen) would be cool. But don't overlook the Buicks, Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles. There are many choices out there and they all make cool PT cars. Good luck!:thumbsup:

[squidz]

ford ftw!!!

[deuce_454]

As long as you start with a car that has some resale value (and not like me who has a practically unsellable car that handles awesome :willy: ).. its really down to what you like the best.... the nova will be more expensive to build as you will be discarding the whole suspension and subframe... whereas the chevelle can be built to handle extremely well on the oem chassis with bolt on parts only... as long as you box it and run solid or poly mounts....

A 66 nova would be my choice, try and get a hold of a semi completed project.. it will be the least expensive way to get your hands on one, and they usually come rust free and with a myriad of goodies ...

[deuce_454]

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=22141

[ranger2339]

As long as you start with a car that has some resale value (and not like me who has a practically unsellable car that handles awesome :willy: ).. its really down to what you like the best.... the nova will be more expensive to build as you will be discarding the whole suspension and subframe... whereas the chevelle can be built to handle extremely well on the oem chassis with bolt on parts only... as long as you box it and run solid or poly mounts....

A 66 nova would be my choice, try and get a hold of a semi completed project.. it will be the least expensive way to get your hands on one, and they usually come rust free and with a myriad of goodies ...


Tell me about the whole buy a car that has good resale value, I have so much money dumped into my Nissan and I couldn't even sell the thing for more that 15k. I could maybe sell it for 10k. Big mistake there.

Why is the Chevelles chassis so superior to the Nova?

Do you mean solid or ploy mounts for the engine or the chassis?

I will most likley buy a car that is semi completed because I really dont want to mess with paint and body work so much. I can fab and do engine work, but body work is not my best feat.

I like this one, the guy has had it for sale for a while. I would have to get the price down, but its black and thats what I want.

70' Nova
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/cto/1315850611.html

This is also ok.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/cto/1306842118.html



Josh

[deuce_454]

the chevelle chassis is a full frame, double wishbone front k link back... a bolt on airride suspension will get it close to 1G lateral... and the mounts were bodymounts.... there is no need to have the frame as unsprung weight in relation to the body.... you need all the regidity you can get.... boxed frame, solid bodymounts... i have that in my bu (a g body chassis is VERY simmilar to an a body, save for 5-6 inches in width and minor differences in steering geometry)

the nova is removable (crappy) front "frame" and leaf rear.... it will take a larger investment to get it on par with a well built "bolt on" a-body... but its lighter so you get more bang per horsepower....

[ranger2339]

Thanks for the insight, I appreciate it.. I hate asking simple questions, but I am new to the muscle car scene. As far as now I am not going to go with an air bag set up, most likley coilovers.. I assume thats an option with the Chevelles?

Josh

[LS1NOVA]

Welcome,
I see your in MN, send me a pm if you want to stop over and talk cars. I have a 71 Nova. Nate

[70rs]

Air ride and or coil overs are both options. Both with the stock chassis and aftermarket chassis. You can go as simple as swapping in coilovers and a set of control arms up front and coil overs and better than stock arms in back. Just coil overs all around, air bags all around, moderate to extreme suspension upgrades. It really comes down to how you intend to use the car and your budget and tastes.
If you want to do some open track competition or autocross events you can make any chevell or nova or camaro out handle a C5/C6 'vette.
Or, if you just want a good cruiser you can make a couple of tweaks or install the Hotchkis TVS systems and you'll have a great handling car that will do well on the street and the occasional track day. Add some better brakes from Kore3 or any of the other great vendors here and you are set. If you need a transmission to go with your LS motor look at Cleveland Pick A Part for used ones or other vendors here for new ones with swap kit.
The options are endless. It really does not matter what car you get, you can build it into anything. Look at the Chevelle in the for sale section from Ironworks. That is a great starting point for a killer project. Good luck!:cheers:

[ranger2339]

Welcome,
I see your in MN, send me a pm if you want to stop over and talk cars. I have a 71 Nova. Nate

Nate

I might just have to do that. I'm out in Stillwater.

Air ride and or coil overs are both options. Both with the stock chassis and aftermarket chassis. You can go as simple as swapping in coilovers and a set of control arms up front and coil overs and better than stock arms in back. Just coil overs all around, air bags all around, moderate to extreme suspension upgrades. It really comes down to how you intend to use the car and your budget and tastes.
If you want to do some open track competition or autocross events you can make any chevell or nova or camaro out handle a C5/C6 'vette.
Or, if you just want a good cruiser you can make a couple of tweaks or install the Hotchkis TVS systems and you'll have a great handling car that will do well on the street and the occasional track day. Add some better brakes from Kore3 or any of the other great vendors here and you are set. If you need a transmission to go with your LS motor look at Cleveland Pick A Part for used ones or other vendors here for new ones with swap kit.
The options are endless. It really does not matter what car you get, you can build it into anything. Look at the Chevelle in the for sale section from Ironworks. That is a great starting point for a killer project. Good luck!:cheers:


Thanks for the advise.

As far as transmissions, go. I have a new zero miles, custom built T56 from a newer Camaro, will that work for me? I want to stay manual. Either in the Nova or Chevelle?

Now its time to look for a chassis. Pretty much just about any muscle car in the Pro Touring style I like, they way its slammed out and handles like a new car is great.

I like how I wont need a new subframe for the Chevelle, so I might just go that route, but I like that the Novas are lighter Some of the aftermarket subframes are spendy.

I do plan on tracking the car pretty hard, im on the fence about making it a all out race car or a street car or inbetween..


Josh

[70rs]

Nate

I might just have to do that. I'm out in Stillwater.




Thanks for the advise.

As far as transmissions, go. I have a new zero miles, custom built T56 from a newer Camaro, will that work for me? I want to stay manual. Either in the Nova or Chevelle?

Now its time to look for a chassis. Pretty much just about any muscle car in the Pro Touring style I like, they way its slammed out and handles like a new car is great.

I like how I wont need a new subframe for the Chevelle, so I might just go that route, but I like that the Novas are lighter Some of the aftermarket subframes are spendy.

I do plan on tracking the car pretty hard, im on the fence about making it a all out race car or a street car or inbetween..


Josh


The great thing about these protouring cars is you can have a greta mix of street and track car all in one. The Chevelle at Ironworks looks like a great starting point for either way you go.

As for the transmission, I am not the expert there (or anywhere for that matter) so you should post a question in the transmission and rear end section with your specific combo and ask if it will all work together. I think it will, but don't quote me on that. :cheers:

[ranger2339]

So I think I found the car I am getting. Its a 67 chevelle, frame is in great shape, has new bumpers and front fenders. No interior and thats the way I like it, as I plan on doing custom interior or just raced out with a cage and some buckets. Needs pans from floor to trunk, some rear quarters, windshield,trim and misc things. All the other metal on the car looks good. Over all I am happy. Its also only 5 min from my house, so thats a plus. I really didn't want to make a long road trip.



http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/cto/1340167607.html

[BadBowtie03]

have any pics of your new car?

[montessaj]

If your Chevelle doesn't work out, go with a G-body! Monte Carlo SS, Cutlass, Malibu.... I guess I'm a little biased. :thumbsup:

[jcal87]

How about a red 69 camaro? dare to be different lol