I will be building a 64 Chevy 2 over the next few years. I bought the car with no suspension, not even the front shock towers. It does have the start of a 12 point CM cage. The Nova will defiantly be a play on a G***er, but I want to refrain from calling it a G***er as well IMO it is not and the survivor/period correct or G***er enthusiasts might not care for my twists on it. There is going to be a lot of non-period correct parts used as well as design adjustments. Here are some of my ideas: The solid axle kits I have seen on the market are all square tube sub-frame, use something like a vega box, run a multileaf set up, and have shackles in the front. I would like to: *Make the front sub-frame from Chrome Alloy round tube for weight reasons *Instead of a shackle, I would like to use a slider box for the rear leaf spring mount *Use a pair of mono-leaf springs vs a heavier multi-leaf set ups – I think I could get my desired ride height and have some stored energy with the right rate/arch *Definitely an adjustable shock *I was thinking about a mini rack and pinion mounted to drivers side on the solid axle. This would eliminate bump-steer from the stand point of all steering components would move with the solid axle. Only concern I have with this is under bump, the axle itself will un-square as the leaf spring gets longer front to back when ride height changes. From Top view, a right side bump would make the right leaf longer than the left leaf causing the axle move in the ch***is pointing both tires slightly right. Perhaps a front antiroll bar would be needed to keep both sides more equal? *Use something like a speedway motors 49-54 spindle as it will accept a light Wilwood brake As far as rear suspension, I would stay leaf: *Leafs would get moved in *Likely get Caltracks *Car would get a mini-tub *Possibly radius cut the wheel well *Would have a decent rear anti-roll bar I have a soft spot in my heart for Gen 3/4 small blocks. Heck my 63 C10 runs one and has been 9.20 @ 144mph in the quarter. Just not sure if this one would retain EFI or would be my first carbed one. My truck has a single plain with dominator throttle body that many people mistake for a carb set up. I have no doubt it will make over 450rwhp NA. Leaning towards a 4L80E for trans so I can run steep gears/short tire (think 1/8 mile) but retain drivability. A 5.13 gear with a 26” tire and 6,500 rpm is +/- 140mph without considering converter slip. Or with the 28” tire run just 1-2 and lock the verter up in 2nd gear. That would net me +/-110mph. Put a 28” on it and 65mph in OD would be 2,800rpm.
Well some of it I like and some of it I don't but I would be the same with anyone's build even my own. So lets get this pig started I wanna look see.
Porkn******, That's the great thing about our sport if you will. We don't all have to like what others build, but we should at least appreciate the time/energy that went in to it (provided it is not just a complete hack job). I'm sure you agree with that. I am sure the LS/80e will be turning many off. But that is ok, we build cars/trucks for ourselves, so we must enjoy what we build.
Build it how you like. It will never be but an LS can be dressed out to look very old school if you care to. Valve covers, intake (they even have a roots one), carbs, dizzy, etc. T-56 would be cool also and let you bang'em. Thinking about that behind a roots sbc for my next build.
Wheelies are cool, but I prefer to move out rather than up. Here is a 9.4x p*** in my 63 c10. Small wheel stand but a 1.35 60' on a radial tire.
My chevy II has an altered wheelbase, and has run a couple high 9s...it mostly keeps the front on the ground. I set it up with multileaf front springs (speedways with half the leafs removed), and monoleaf rear springs, a lazy converter, skinny slicks, home made Caltracs in back. This run was the only time it lifted the front tires a few inches, the air was thick as mol***es that morning. Usually it's several mph slower. The original front frame rails are amazingly light and strong. If you can find some, use them, I recommend it.
Hi squirrel, Very cool! I thought about going altered WB and still might. Looked at the Speedway kit, but I want to build as much of it as I can. I ***ume a vega box or similar? Iron block SBC? Alum heads? Any idea what it weighs?
I have an iron block 427 with old Chevy aluminum heads, weighs 2700 or so without me in it. I used the original steering box, with a Moroso notched pan, the Speedway axle and steering stuff all worked out just fine. Cross steer, behind the axle. Made my own headers. there are some pics on my web page, link below
"There is going to be a lot of non-period correct parts used as well as design adjustments" I like your ideas and I surely admire Squirrel's car, but I just don't get how this is a "traditional hot rod"
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