1971 Chevy Nova lowering...

[novajess1972]

I have a 71 Chevy Nova that (once they finally arrive) will wear Boyd Junk Yard Dog wheels in 17x8 on 235/45-17 front and 18x9 on 275/40-18 rear. Novas have that jacked-up stance and I want to lower it to compliment the new meat. I plan to use Hotchkis lowering springs up front, but what about the rear? Call me cheap but I am trying to avoid purchasing the leaf spring lowering kit for $375. I have seen the more "cost-effective" lowering blocks, but how do you know how wide or thick to get them? It would be simple if they just said "lowers car 1.5 or 2in" but they don't. Please help. Thanks.

[XcYZ]

I've used 1" lowering blocks before without any issues whatsoever. They do exactly what the description says - a 1" block will lower your car 1". It's a very cheap and effective way to lower a car, but I don't think I'd go more than 1". Any more than that then I'd say go for new springs.

[TravisB]

most leafs are pretty much that same width for 2wd cars we have made our own blocks in the past pretty easy if you have the right equipment! I would go more than 1.5 it may require new u-bolts as well :thumbsup:

[novajess1972]

Hey XcYZ, thanks! Do you know where I can find lowering blocks for the 71 Nova? When I searched Summit's inventory, they don't list the blocks for the Nova. Only the leafs. Is there another vehicle that is compatible that I could use the blocks from?

[XcYZ]

I made my own with 1" bar stock and 3/8* allen head bolts. I can't remember off the top of my head, but I *think* the stock was 3" wide. What ever it was, it was perfect.

I'm sure if you do a search you should be able to find a company that makes the blocks out of aluminum.

[XcYZ]

Here you go, lowering blocks at Summit (http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=egnsearch.asp&N=115+400567+311541&autoview=sku). Just don't go overboard with the height. :thumbsup:

[novajess1972]

Suh-weeet! Thanks again XcYZ!

[novajess1972]

Suh-weeet! Thanks again XcYZ!

Oops! I forgot. What really confuses me is knowing which width to get??? How would I determine that? Sorry for the redundant questions, but want to be sure before purchasing. Do I just go by the thickness? In other words, if I want to lower the car 1", I simply select the 1" thick block??

[XcYZ]

It looks like the width for all of them is 2.375".

Exactly, if you want to lower your Nova 1", get the 1" block. If you go beyond that you'll run into wheel hop issues as the rear end will have more leverage on the spring itself. I ran a 1" block and had no problems.

It would also be a good time to inspect your U-bolts.

[novajess1972]

It looks like the width for all of them is 2.375".

Exactly, if you want to lower your Nova 1", get the 1" block. If you go beyond that you'll run into wheel hop issues as the rear end will have more leverage on the spring itself. I ran a 1" block and had no problems.

It would also be a good time to inspect your U-bolts.

Much appreciated!