racing question about a late model sorta.

I've seen some videos and pictures from early to mid seventies about race cars and street strip cars, I'm putting together a 71 nova and I was wondering did they ever build nova's from 68-71 with straight axle's and radiused rear wheel wells? I have a friend with a nova this body style that has radiused rear wheel wells and it looks pretty cool but I know I will sell this car later on when I'm finished so would it be wise to cut the wheel wells or leave it stock?

The car isn't stock especially with the solid lift cammed 454 residing under the hood Is there any web sites that would have pictures of race cars from the late 60's and early 70's with pics of nova's built into race cars and the bodies modified.

 

The 70's are the era of the dreaded molded in fender flare!

 

I think a straight axle 2nd gen Nova might look pretty bitchin'! I think the wheel wells oughta be left alone though....

 

A straight axle wouldnt be there for anything other than looks. And if its a 71 nova you should be looking past late 60's. Early-late 70's and on is when that car may have been raced. I know this is the wrong idea for this board, but you may want to give it a little rake with some meats in the rear.

I always figured there were two uses for straight axles
1. Remove the shock towers from a car so you can cram a huge engine in there
2. Look like a cool guy when you go cruising, till you have to turn at high speeds.

 

There were lots of cars built in the early seventies that used straight axles. I've got an early vega at the shop now that has been a race car since it was new, 4 link front suspension w/coilovers and straight axle, ladder bar rear. The framerails are original but the cage is all new. 4 speed lenco and a small block. can post pics if interested.

 

i would probably go for the modified production or possibly a early pro stock look ...i'm gonna say that there were probably street freak style jacked up style nova's out there.....and a front sub is a easy swap if ya really want to do it....i'd just be a little more partial to a tunnel rammed big block nova with a early pro stock style scoop....cragars or fentons / ansens....a little bit of rear spring move in the back ....and a decent pair of fattys under it....nose down....but hey ...thats just me ..........brandon

 

if possible ....could ya email me a couple shots of that front suspension ...thanks brandon bdi@fuse.net

 

I'd like to see pictures of the car. I used to have 2dr vega wagon with a 4speed tranny that would have made a great race car but knowbody wanted it so cut it up for parts and crushed what was left. I wouldn't have crushed it but I couldn't find anyone who wanted it.