Nova GSi Refurb

elgan · 04-01-2007, 18:19

Aquired before Chirstmas.

Was a non runner (suspected headgasket), smashed pass side window, windscreen. Failed theft basically. But on a plus its totally standard, 115k miles,also had 3 months tax ,mot and lots of history.

First things first, got it back to the garage. Head off, as suspected, headgasket.

Head went off for a light skim, i ordered a full top end headgasket set, bolts, thermostat, timing belt, a few new exhaust manifold studs, and new nuts. Made a small service of it, Oil, Filters, Plugs etc. Didnt take long to get it all back together. Car started first time and runs really well bar a blowing exhaust! result! Also steam cleaned the engine bay, and its come up really well, few scabs of rust, nothing terminal.

Here are a few pics after a quick wash. Putting it away now untill i get a few bits i need..
Windscreen, Pass side window (green tint), lower part of steering column shroud, front carpet, steering wheel, glass for the clocks, i have a set of 15" irmscher twinspokes going spare, just need some low profiles. will find a tidy shock and spring kit to firm things up a bit, and have a full respray in original silk violet planned asap.also the exhaust system needs attention, but im on the look out for a tidy second hand/cheap new stainless system.

IF YOU HAVE ANY BITS FOR THE JOB, PLEASE PM ME

heres a few pics i took today

stuartp · 04-01-2007, 18:36

very nice mate looks like its gonna get treated right!!!

**Benn** · 04-01-2007, 19:24

as said have the glass...going to get a pic....

Dave Dempsey · 05-01-2007, 10:08

Looks like another nice project there mate.

elgan · 19-01-2007, 13:34

Slowly sourcing bits.

Now have a wiper motor and linkage ready to fit, just need two wiper arms (how many of these ive probably thrown away in the past i dread to think!)

Also sourced a brand new -60mm Gmax Shocks and Springs suspension kit.

All i need for now is a GSi Green Tint Passenger Glass (Anyone??)

A stainless steel exhaust system

A windscreen (Will buy new)

And ive got some tyres on order for the 15" Irmscher Twinspoke Alloys.

**Benn** · 19-01-2007, 18:52

dude if you wanna pick the glass up its yours for free,

cornish · 19-01-2007, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgan

A stainless steel exhaust system

I have a Magnex manifold back system if your interested?

elgan · 31-01-2007, 22:28

Not much going on.

Fitted some 195 45 tyres to my irmscher twin spokes and fitted the new gmax shocks and springs.

First time under the car and its pretty damn clean including spring hangers.

Found a rotten not failiure nova local, should pick that up soon for windscreen,pass door glass,front carpet, wiper arms, and any other odds and sods.

The downpipe is rotten through in places.. sounds a bit rough, so ordered a new downpipe.
Thats next on the agenda, will then see how it sounds with the factory gsi system.

Heres a pic with wheels and suspension fitted..

And heres a crusty rear arch i found

Repair Panel should be with me tomorrow, once i get that welded up i will begin to prep the car for a fresh coat of paint.

**Benn** · 31-01-2007, 22:59

was gonna ask if you still wanted the glass,

Dave Dempsey · 01-02-2007, 11:03

The twin spokes suite the nova really well.

elgan · 25-06-2007, 13:07

Ok, bit of an update on this.

MOT expired, Tax expired, and the top end got quite noisy.

Having tried to sell it as was, and not getting very far with that, I decided to spend a weekend on it and make what i can of it.

I have a few parts from my red nova 2.0 16v coming off to make way for upgraDed items.

i.e. btb manifold and 2.25" exhaust system
drive shafts and hubs
Polybushe4d lower arms and tie rods
Lowered Tie rod mounts
Eco tec SFi box adapter plate
Single V bottom pulley

Again all stuff ive tried to sell but keep getting offered silly money.

Friday night came about the decision to stick a 2.0 16v red top into the grey nova, one fone call and saturday night i was off to swansea to collect a cavalier gsi.

As it stands, ive got the cavalier stripped of engine loom and box.

The nova engine was removed, engine bay seam welded and a quick coat of Gloss Black around the turrets and chassis legs.

I then got the 20XE engine bolted up and called it a night.

Im waiting on a new GSi nova radiator before i can get the manifold and exhaust fitted. Once they are on i can get the tie rods, lower arms shafts and hubs in too.

Got a few pictures on my mobile, will stick them on tonight.

**CraigGreen** · 25-06-2007, 13:25

Sounds good Elgan. Most people would've scrapped it or let it go for peanuts.

Personally I would have resto'd the Cav GSi as these are a dying breed tbh but I cant comment on how much of a bucket that was!

Good luck sorting this Nova anyway. Ive got some white mk2 SRi clocks if you need them.

**Benn** · 25-06-2007, 20:52

sounds like a good way to carry on fromit not selling,

elgan · 28-06-2007, 21:28

ok, some pictures.

taken on my sony ericsson k810i.

first of all rear arch, rust cut clean out and new arch welded over.

new arch welded over.. (excuse the pidgeon **** welding

)

grind, smoothed and fillered..

the inner arches have been patched and ive started to under seal..

elgan · 28-06-2007, 21:30

heres the cavalier donor..

and the only good bit about it...

elgan · 28-06-2007, 21:33

engine in place..

i dont have any inbetween shots, my mates got them on his phone, will get him to post here (cheers si fly)

new radiator

btb exhaust manifold

and the exhaust system with some rust to repair on the rear panel

and heres a pretty rainbow

going to wire it and pop the drive shafts in on friday

**Gordon Livsey** · 28-06-2007, 22:17

how many novas have you got now, fancy passing one this way

elgan · 29-06-2007, 10:37

3 novas. this will probably be sold once painted and mot'd!

**Benn** · 29-06-2007, 11:34

very nice,good work,

elgan · 07-02-2008, 19:19

ok, not much of an update but this novas still here with me.

starts, runs, drives,

things to finish, fitting up the obvious panels and paint

plumb the coolant pipes in

drill holes for wiring loom and mount ecu

In this pic i have my 1983 shell.

**RobJenko** · 07-02-2008, 19:54

i remember seeing this when it was up for sale. wish id bought it now.

**Benn** · 07-02-2008, 19:57

Comming on well, love the "heres a rainbow"

J Sabo · 07-02-2008, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobJenko

i remember seeing this when it was up for sale. wish id bought it now.

Same here

Loving the wheels, got some in my garage - never thought they would look good on a Nova