Help me pick the right parts for my 69 SS! Need LOTS of help!

Adam Connell
20th-January-2009, 10:01 PM
Well, Here is the plan:
take one 69 Nova SS, add one 6.0l Iron block, one turbo 400, a built rear end and a pair of turbos and you got what Im building! Shooting for an easy 550-600rwhp. Im going to use two small turbos to reduce lag. Dont need much help in the engine dept. My goals for the car are to have a good hooking "street" car that still corners well, and stops GREAT! I do not want an all out drag car, and I do not want a pro touring machine... I just want a decent handling car on a budget! I will most likely run a 16+ in wheel as well.

Here is where I need your help: Suspension!

My Original plan was to balk half it, but it looks as if people are making the original setup work very well with cal tracs. So, I will more than likely do the cal trac setup.

Rear suspension plan:
-Cal Tracs setup
-Split mono leafs, or multi leaf?
-Shocks?(relocated to fit wider rear tires)
-Wheels(How wide with relocated shocks?)
-Tires... Drag radials!

Front:
There is where I need the most help. I will more than likely strip it down to the bare sub frame, blast it and powder coat it. I will also notch it for the A/C condenser and generally clean it up/reinforce it.

My goals for the front suspension: a general "improvement" over the factory setup. I want large front disks... I would actually like to adapt corvette units all the way around if possible, so if there are any kits out there that yall know of let me know. I have used them on a few grand nationals and they are cheap and easy to work with!

I am not opposed to all new control arms and spindles.... but if it is not really necessary, then let me know. Im not looking for top of the line, just better than stock, at or close to what it would cost to rebuild stock pieces. I am even open to coil overs so I can set my own ride height if there is a reasonable kit out there. I keep seeing 4500-5500 for complete front end assemblies so I would be happy to walk away for anything less than that. If there are any stock parts that are "good enough" then I dont mind refurbing them.

I am also more than likely going to have a 6pt bar installed and sub frame connectors. I will also more than likely get aluminum body bushings since they seem to be popular here. The goal for the car is high 10s low 11s in street trim while still handling like a street friendly car. I am doing all of the work, and also trying to keep this thing on the lower end of the budget scale...

taz3
20th-January-2009, 10:25 PM
I'm still playing with this myself, but I do know these cars are not a good road and quarter miler. The long wheel base hinders the 3rd gens for a combo car, it's not real bad, but the car will be better leaning more to a road racer. My buddies 69 SB, runs 12 sec, with only multi leafs, so I would say that and heavier the stock front and rear sway bars, lowered springs not cut springs (front) and adjustable shocks will help the dual purpose. I run a 90/10 which is great for straight line launches, but not so good for cornering.

It's not much detail, but should help some.

Adam Connell
21st-January-2009, 11:25 AM
any more info guys? I really would like to do this stuff right, but I am new to the Nova world... This is the first Non Gbody I have done, so I want to make sure I do it right and dont spent more than I have to. I know there have got to be some tricks and tips out there! :yes:

6NOVA4
21st-January-2009, 06:40 PM
these novas can be made to handle as good as any 1st gen camaro. They share alot of parts. Compare the two cars there are alot of similarities. For drag racing IMO the novas have alittle bit of an advantage from the extra overhang of the trunk and gas tank.

I'd look into one those new tubular front clips and maybe C4 or C5 corvette suspension swap. Out back do a mini tub job, rear end choices are endless. Maybe use the air bag set up with adjustable shocks. Your only limits are your imagination and your bank book.:D