Noob Question (65 Chevelle/66Nova) - Lateral-g Forums

PoorMan · #1 05-26-2006, 11:19 AM

Greetings all (noob's first post).

I've been out of the car scene for a long time now but have been re-bitten by the bug. I've decided to build a true daily driver--this will be my only car. Although less radical than the cars I've seen here, it will be more pro touring style than anything else. Accordingly I will devote most of my efforts to handling, braking, stance and comfort. It seems an F body would be the easiest to build for what I am trying to acheive, but (at this point) I've decided to make things harder on myself and build either a '65 Chevelle or '66 Nova.

Plans will most likely include mini tubs, a new front clip (or chassis if needed) etc. I'd like it to handle and brake like the dickens, but as a daily driver I need a reasonably comfortable ride at the same time. To sum it up, I guess I'm after the modern standard of a high performance braking and handling street car. I'd like to use a 275 rear tire, but in the case of a 65 Chevelle, I may consider 245s to save money on mini tubs. 18" wheels.

Can anyone suggest the type of suspesnion/chassis I should be looking at or what companies provide parts for an application such as this? Surely a full tube frame and 4 link would be too radical for my application, but I'm not really sure where to go for street performance parts and info. Perhaps a Hotchkis TVS kit on a 65 Chevelle will give me sufficient performance for what I'm after? Help?

Thanks!
Dave

sick65 · #2 05-26-2006, 03:25 PM

Just a thought...the Nova will need to entire front suspension cut off and replaced to get it low and handling correctly. The Chevelle on the other hand already has a good start; it would just need some updated pieces. On the other hand, I love the body style of the 66 Nova, even though I drive a 65 Malibu. My two cents...If this is on a budget, I would go with the 65 Chevelle.

PoorMan · #3 05-26-2006, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sick65

Just a thought...the Nova will need to entire front suspension cut off and replaced to get it low and handling correctly. The Chevelle on the other hand already has a good start; it would just need some updated pieces. On the other hand, I love the body style of the 66 Nova, even though I drive a 65 Malibu. My two cents...If this is on a budget, I would go with the 65 Chevelle.

Agreed. I have (what I consider) a decent amount of cabbage to build this thing. But since I've been out of the scene for a while it may cost a lot more than I expect. I guess it would be ridiculous for me to ask what it costs to build one of these...

I suspected I'd need at least a new front clip and mini tubs for a 66 Nova. I know it'll be a lot more work...but I like the 66 Nova's lines a little better.

Care to share the details of your 65 Chevelle build? Parts etc?

Thanks.

killer65malibu · #4 05-27-2006, 09:53 AM

I would go with the Chevelle , I say that because I have one and im working on it! And suspension wise Global West Negetive roll system way more versitle than the hotchkins. They have a sweet coil over set up check it out at GLOBALWEST.NET.

killer65malibu · #5 05-27-2006, 09:54 AM

I would go with the Chevelle , I say that because I have one and im working on it! And suspension wise Global West has a Negetive roll system way more versitle than the hotchkins system. They have a sweet coil over set up check it out at GLOBALWEST.NET.

PoorMan · #6 05-27-2006, 11:25 AM

The Chevelle does seem like a better platform to start with. I'm not a pro builder or anything so using a packaged system like Global West's is inviting. (Especially after reading they had a 65 Chevelle with just a few of their parts pull .96 Gs)

killer65malibu and sick65, can you share some of the details of your builds? I don't know a lot about these cars specifically so I'm wondering what I need to get them to really perform? I think it's safe to say I'll use Global West for suspension components. What about rotor size? I want 4 wheel discs. 13" front and 12" rear maybe? Any other helpful suggestions specific to these cars? How big a tire can you stuff in the stock wheel wells? I've read 245 mostly but somewhere else said 275 with rolled fender lips. Think I could put 18" in front, 20" in back and still slam it?

Thanks bros.

Mean 69 · #7 05-27-2006, 12:04 PM

Before you spend all of your money on the suspension, there are some other things you might consider. One, finding a decent 65 Chevelle, OR a decent 66/7 Nova is the first step, neither are going to be cheap. Find a good Nova, and the costs associated with fixing the really bad front might even work in your favor relative to a Chevelle. The back end is a wash, neither are good, but there are some pretty good solutions out there that make this part of the decision moot.

BUT!!!!! One thing that cannot be overlooked when you are talking about overall performance is weight. The Chevelle is WAY heavier than the very light Nova, and as a result, everything must scale accordingly. Not only horsepower, consider tires, drivetrain, all of it needs to be able to really push the bigger Chevelle around.

One good thing is that it seems that the aftermarket supports both cars really well in terms of trim pieces, body metal, etc. Far easier than finding the silly pieces for a Mopar B-body (ask me how I know...).

Both of these cars have a ton of character, you really can't go wrong with either. If you are willing to cut the car up a little bit, both of these platforms can be made to absolutely scream and handle exceptionally. We are planning on developing both front and rear suspension solutions for both of them in the near future. Whatever you decide, have a great time with the project, and by all means post pictures!!!

Mark

PoorMan · #8 05-27-2006, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mean 69

One thing that cannot be overlooked when you are talking about overall performance is weight. The Chevelle is WAY heavier than the very light Nova, and as a result, everything must scale accordingly. Not only horsepower, consider tires, drivetrain, all of it needs to be able to really push the bigger Chevelle around.
Mark

Weight is a major concern for me...as is size. I live in a townhouse with a 2 car garage and my wife drives a SUV...so she takes up most of the garage. I'm willing to chop the car up a bit, my concern with the Nova is (even with the front clips I've seen) the manufacturers claim the biggest front wheel is a 16x7...not particularly large IMO and with that they turned .86Gs...I'd like to pull more Gs. I'm sure there are plenty of tub solutions for the rear.

I'd prefer the Nova in terms of size, weight and looks...what kind of front clip and rear suspension would you suggest for my application (daily driver and sole mode of transportation)? How big could I go with tires?

Cash isn't so much a problem--I think my chosen forum handle has thrown people off. Having said that, I don't want to just throw money at a car either.

PoorMan · #9 05-28-2006, 09:19 PM

Bump.

Newbie still needs help bros! More reasearch has lead me to believe I should build an F body (something I am opposed to for my own reasons). Someone please help me engineer a 66 Nova?!?!?

lt1 chevelle · #10 05-29-2006, 12:03 AM

i would build a 65 chevelle they have tons of bolt on goodies and they had grate lines but you will have a hard time finding a chevelle or a 66 nova in good shape i got lucky and picked mine up for 3500 with the global west front suspenion might i add the car only had rust on the driver door.(got it from a guy who needed $$) also u can stuff bigger tires on a chevelle with out alot of mods