Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

We did manage to get a few little things done this afternoon. Organizing tools, getting a little closer to pulling it out, did a leak down and checked a few things just for verification before it comes out. Called Lakewood about a re-cert and a window... 8 weeks, that won't work so looking at options there.
https://i.imgur.com/tRIFTWf.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd--- safety suggestion. For your daughters safety I would suggest while working in the engine compartment that she put her in a ponytail or better yet a bun so doesn't get her beautiful hair either tangled up in something or burnt up. Great build up have been following it since day one. Keep up the good work it will eventually pay off big time . Regards Dick

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Last week she was working under the dash, I went to put the clip back in the brake rod but couldn't find it, looked for about 30 minutes till we found it stuck in her hair. :D:D:D

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Glad to see it on the track, Todd. :)

When starting out with a QJet, I always advise people to use a known good carb. It can save hours of headaches and give you a benchmark for your own carb(s). -Al

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Lol.

My daughter has long hair too. When she was little, we used to find remnants of her last meal in it. Like behind her ears, not just on the tips.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Trying to borrow a good one to test, I may have to buy a couple just to have spares.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

They'll never go hungry. :D:D:D

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Hi Todd,
What gear is she doing a burnout in, it looks like 2nd? Have you tried 3rd gear, as that will have a higher wheel speed and require a lower engine RPM to do so.

Also what are your thoughts on the wheelie bar?

Again very cool build!
Sean

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Yes Sean 2nd gear, I agree 3rd would be a better option but I think shes too inexperienced and would stress the trans too much, we'll work into that. The bar is of high quality and is real nice, Ken said he runs them about 10" off the ground but at that height it would easily get pushed into the bumper on a hard launch so I set it at maybe 8", well I didn't realize just how much the axle wraps up with these leafs so even on a soft launch it will bounce the wheel off the track. I'm going to call Caltrac and see if it's normal or I have to change something in the suspension.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd save the call to cal trac. I chose not to weld my bottom bar on the wheelie bar and just use a bolt to set height (I figured I would weld it once I made a few runs so I can set height perfect) and mine hit the ground so hard it broke the bolt on a pass leaving the bar dragging down the track !!! I set my bar 13 inches on these runs. Now its 15 inches off the ground to hopefully not have it hit on the leave.

I think its a stick car thing as far as axle movement maybe a good shock will stabalize it a bit more idk.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I did the same thing, bolted it to get it right then I'll weld. Crazy how much it moves. I have a new set of DA shocks on the way to replace the Caltrac shocks.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Not sure if it was shenanigans but when ken found my car was a stick he sold me on a bigger diameter bar. It’s crazy how violent the bars move shifting a stick. ( could see it in your first vid )

When I recently ordered my rear shocks Marty had me measure from the mounting spot to the cal tracs with the rear end hanging. He mentioned some stick guys having issues with to short of rear shock travel.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I also got the bigger bar from Ken because of the stick . I think the shock deal is the ticket in fixing this . Actually my bottom bar is slightly bent from smacking the ground also . What's weird is I don't remember the dual bars ever smacking the ground like this and it shouldn't matter they both bolt to the housing ?? I dont have a real good shock yet just a single adjustable so we will see .

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I could definately see a real traction issue if the shocks were to bottom out. I noticed a puddle in the trailer and one shock was all wet so it must be time. I ordered QA-1 shocks, not the best but hopefully they'll be up to the task.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

When I purchased the car the shocks were full loose so I put them back the same way, I can see where a stiffer shock setting would calm it down a bit.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

An update to the quick release saga... the ship date has been moved all the way to 2-22-19 which at that point will be 7 months. I'd say Grant needs to re-evaluate the vendors they work with.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Before good shocks were available, road race or dirt track 50/50 shocks were the answer. Very stiff.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Gonna need a log book. :D:D:D

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Interesting from 28 to 32 seconds. -Al

https://www.facebook.com/jim.schaech...epa=SEARCH_BOX

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Yeah, pretty much rode on the ground all the way down.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Look at the right rear tire marks left --looks like it was waffling the tire plus he was up on the bars for a long distance too

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

And most importantly... it was hauling ***!!!!

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Absolutely-- Any idea of an ET on that pass???

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

At the end of the video he says 9.98

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Yeah, but A is a long way from I.

Let us know how the new rear shocks work out for you.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Since we haven't had any work updates lately I'll keep everyone up to speed on where we're headed. Found and purchased a carb, that is on the way so we'll have something to test other than what we currently have. Working on a new clutch and bellhousing setup to replace the one we are currently running with, in conjunction I'm trying to put together a Racepak package that I think will suit us. Rims are ordered and new valve covers are here, I'll be welding AN fittings in next week so I can try to make an e-vac setup that works.
https://i.imgur.com/Y8rHSkI.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

More parts are showing up! Got the new to me carb today, some extra gaskets, collector extensions, lugs and front wheels.
https://i.imgur.com/oUneV04.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WQPnVyq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5CrSRSP.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Wow, those wheels are gonna look great!

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Thanks, and the offset will be right and get the wheel in a bit.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Working on valve cover stuff, not sure if this will work or not but I love trying stuff so here goes. Clutch manipulation will be a lot easier when I can get in the bellhousing!
https://i.imgur.com/VE9kjcV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Olwkwh8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8tXWOM0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HHUXYYv.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, would you be willing to share the manufacturers info for these tall Chevrolet script cast covers? They look like a great alternative for those wanting a retro look and using roller rockers (assuming they are made tall enough to clear without using spacers). Thanks!

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Jeff, All the info is here https://www.yourcovers.com/valve_covers.html
Yes they are slightly taller than stock and do clear roller rockers, I like them because they're baffled.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Update: Taking engine to the dyno Wednesday the 2nd. Hope to learn a few things next week.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

How many carbs are you taking?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Two, and a box of tuning bits. Plus extra headers, intake gaskets, collector extensions, mufflers, oils, and plugs.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Plucked the engine today, going back tomorrow for a few hours to get started on the shocks and get the pedals back out. One cool thing I did today as I was trying to swing the alternator out of the way and zip tie it up, I thought better of it and put a nutsert in the inner fender, now it bolts up out of the way quick, easy and won't fall out moving the car around.
https://i.imgur.com/toOaW8I.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NC3kTvK.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Sunday morning brought a few hours of "car time". Got the shocks swapped out and the pedals out again.
https://i.imgur.com/p8Po2Pa.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/22GV9z1.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

(photos removed)


RE Post #804...Wait, Eight Hundred and Four posts in one thread???


Is the alternator in an independent cage that is bolted to the inner fender so that it can swing into position when in use and swing out of the way for service? How is it secured and tensioned? Mine is in a cage that bolts to the cylinder head (sbf). Did you have to fabricate a backing plate or are GM alternators body mounted? I have a mini on a V belt and a full size one on a Gilmer belt. The idea of getting the darn things out of the way is appealing. Is the meter in the panel wired to the alternator? Volts or amps? Sorry for the gibberish. I am fluent in Fordish but my GeneralMumble needs work...

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

The alternator merely bolts off to the side to keep it out of the way when working, or the engine is coming out.