RWD Nova project. Which car/running gear??

s111aag · 04-03-2008, 19:35

i just strated a new job 2days ago and now have full use of a workshop, all tools/engineering equipment i would need, and somewhere to keep a project,, SO LET THE FUN BEGIN.
gonna start this in about 2 months time so theres no immediate rush.
anyway,, the only 2 factors that are a definite for the project are

1. It must be rear wheel drive
2. It must be over 300bhp

What engine, drivetrain, brakes etc etc are open to suggestion. Especialy the engine and drivetrain. Ive got a few ideas in my head, but what would YOU suggest??
is there anyone on here with any experience in rwd nova conversions??
thanks in advance

lewist123 · 04-03-2008, 20:33

i am working on a rwd skoda favorit (very similar to a nova).

do you want front engine rwd, mid engine rwd or rear engine rwd??

makes a big difference to what you do, but be prepared to hack the sh1t out of the shell!

s111aag · 04-03-2008, 21:54

yip, fully prepared for that

ideally id like the engine in the boot, but im not sure how that would be for driving seeing as there would be no weight up front. any ideas on that??

was just looking at a tvr speed 6 engine on ebay which tickled the imgination

lewist123 · 04-03-2008, 22:04

well a lot (well few) people (me included) are using an entire fwd setup with box and subframe and suspention. With this setup the engine as actually mid mounted (its infront of the rear wheels). As for handling i have not finished mine so can't vouch but chip on here has one and has had a few niggles with suspention!

s111aag · 04-03-2008, 23:01

ah ok. so what engine u using?? favorit? came across any major problems yet? see it would be straight forward enough to just lump in a let engine to a nova but thats too common. cosworths are common in transplants too. thats why ive been looking at other options. even came across a skyline r33 twin tbo engine for £2.5k

no gearbox etc tho

chip · 05-03-2008, 02:27

Do you have a preference to Front engined, mid engined, or rear engined?

s111aag · 05-03-2008, 19:14

either mate. more space mid engined but whatever seems the best option. any suggestions?? cheers

novaboyopr · 05-03-2008, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by s111aag

ah ok. so what engine u using?? favorit? came across any major problems yet? see it would be straight forward enough to just lump in a let engine to a nova but thats too common. cosworths are common in transplants too. thats why ive been looking at other options. even came across a skyline r33 twin tbo engine for £2.5k

no gearbox etc tho

Before looking at fancy engines ETC... I would set your mind on how your going to do it, plan it all out first instead of just diving in and getting stuck at the first proplem then giving up.

When i did my rwd nova i used the cav front subframe (like chips), suspension, tie bars etc then cut a big square in the back of the nova and started box framing and mounting the frame up. But if your looking for doing it with a skyline engine this would be no use at all to you and you'll properbly have to design and make a full space frame for the rear of your donor car.

look at eds/regals twin engined nova. google it boost beast and have a look at there build pics to get an idea of what im talking about
ps it is in german so a translator would be a good idea

s111aag · 06-03-2008, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by novaboyopr

look at eds/regals twin engined nova. google it boost beast and have a look at there build pics to get an idea of what im talking about
ps it is in german so a translator would be a good idea

had a look at it. looks like a fun project. is a 2engined car road legal tho??

chip · 06-03-2008, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by s111aag

either mate. more space mid engined but whatever seems the best option. any suggestions?? cheers

whats your budget?

s111aag · 06-03-2008, 18:45

im in no rush at all to get the project done as soon as poss,, so as far as budget is concern,, there aint really one. if i cant afford what i need, then i'll just save til i can. id rather take my time and buy all the right bits, than do it quick by buying 2nd rate stuff

chip · 06-03-2008, 18:47

Fair enough, thats my attitude too, if it costs more then it just takes longer, lol

Id offer you a look round my mid engined one, but unless you fancy flying down to somerset for an afternoon its not really practical, lol

Here's a picture of it though at a driftworks day out:

s111aag · 06-03-2008, 19:01

a trip to somerset,,,, i might just take u up on that some day mate

would actualy be very helpful to see it in the flesh and see how u done it. dont suppose u have any pics/tips for me?? im quite fancying the twin engined idea,, but also, seen a rear ended rx7 for sale in the local paper 2day. cheap cheap

philip2 · 06-03-2008, 20:13

should be some pics of it in the project section or on www.vauxsport.com

alistairolsen · 06-03-2008, 20:35

tips: dont do it the way chips is done :P

philip2 · 06-03-2008, 22:31

theres nowt wrong with it ali...and you know it

s111aag · 09-03-2008, 18:07

can any1 tell me if a twin engined car is legal?? heard from some1 it aint

jamie gsi16v · 09-03-2008, 18:22

for the road you can only have one engine running at once, see beardys project he nos best 500bhpx2 in a corsa!!!!!!!

chip · 10-03-2008, 02:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamie gsi16v

for the road you can only have one engine running at once, see beardys project he nos best 500bhpx2 in a corsa!!!!!!!

if he knew best, it would be somewhere near running, he only knows how to half do it so far

jamie gsi16v · 10-03-2008, 13:40

chip · 10-03-2008, 14:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleeper16

fairplay man and dont wurry bout if its legal tint the rears and ul be sorted fella

Dont be a numpty.

s111aag · 10-03-2008, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleeper16

fairplay man and dont wurry bout if its legal tint the rears and ul be sorted fella

im sure the mot slip would look funny with "spare wheel tyre depth" - "n/a, engine in way"

so its not legal then no?? why is that anyway??

GDN16v · 11-03-2008, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by s111aag

im sure the mot slip would look funny with "spare wheel tyre depth" - "n/a, engine in way"

so its not legal then no?? why is that anyway??

Cant fail you on the spare wheel if it aint there! You dont need a spare wheel for the mot!

Jack · 11-03-2008, 09:45

This is very true.