Nova weight reduction program
 

During the upcoming off-season, I plan to remove some front-end weight from my 1970 Nova. One area of reduction will be the factory control arms, another will be brakes, and a third will be a fiberglass front end.

My questions are who makes a nice, lightweight control arm designed for a coil over shock and spring. In addition, should I be looking at the QA-1 shock that uses the tapered spring? On the other hand, should I mount a conventional coil over system by building a custom upper mount?

I would also like to hear you experience about brake kits.

My small block Nova runs mid 10?s at 3200 pounds and after the weight reduction program; I expect it to weight about 2800 with driver. This work is in preparation for some Super Street races during the 08 season.

Thanks for your feedback
Larry Woodfin

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

Larry, I have to start by saying I am not a fan of the QA1 shock not to say they are not a good product I like Koni or Afco for a mid range priced shock. On the control arms try calling Afco and see what they have to offer they build allot of drag and circle track stuff and a control arm has no idea if it is drag or circle racing once you alighn the front end. Brakes I like either the Strange or Willwood 4 piston for a car your weight they are both nice peices and will go on with out any mods.

Hope this helps, Mike

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

Mike,

Thanks, it is not the first time I have heard the QA 1 comment. I will follow up about your suggestion.

Larry

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

400 lbs is a ton of weight to take off without some serious work done. I have a 72 Nova backhalf that weighs in at 3150 with glass hood, deck , front and rear bumpers. You didnt mention whether its a bbc or sb, I'm bbc/glide , if your sb you may have a shot. I have stock doors with glass. I have seen some nice liteweight tubular stuff done By Fat Boys.

gary federico

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

Gary,

it is a small block and I might be too optimistic about removing 400 pounds. However, I think 300 removal is realistic and anything beyond that will be a bonus.

And are you talking about Fat Man Racing?

Larry

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

Fat Boyz chassis is what I'm talking about but since my last post , My bud likes this site

autofabracecars.com, they have or make on site many front chassis parts you can use.

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

Larry,
My '71 Nova with sbc weigh's 2814 lbs. with chrome moly back half, f/glass front bumper,hood &deck lid.
Stock windshield, lexan sides and back, stock control arms,stock rear bumper, & my 175# butt in the seat.
We could lighten it a bit more, but Super Street has to be 2800# so no need to go further, unless I wanted to remove more from the nose and put it back on the rear.
Good luck this winter.

Steve Reynolds
S/ST 6608

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

Steve,

pm sent

Larry

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

I don't know if these are good or not, but I saw them on Jeg's and looked at them as a potential replacement on my Corvette. They do have them for your Nova:

http://www.globalwest.net/TLC%20Drag...uspension..htm

They're about $500 for a pair. Maybe somebody else can chime in as to how good they are, but it seems like they were made for drag racing applications.

Hope this helps...Good luck...

Re: Nova weight reduction program
 

We installed a set of QA1 s on our s-10 with Global West tubular arms. I did not actually weigh them, but I do not think there was that much difference in weight. The QA1s were OK, I did have to get a different size spring than what they called for.
I was not inpressed with the overall change of all these piece's considering the cost $. I probably would not do it again.
We have Wilwood brakes. They are great. Many people have the Aerospace that look great, but I have heard MANY complaints on the instalation.
400 lbs is probably reasonable since you are changing to a glass front.
Good luck