[rjc1629]

I have read in several other threads that the 75-81 camaro and the 75-79 Nova suspension is the same, but the subframes are different. Does anybody know for sure what all the differences are? I know that the camaro subframe doesn't have the bumper mounting brackets and that the core support mounts are dfferent, but is there anything else? I have a completely rebuilt 79 camaro subframe with motor and tranny installed that would save me alot of time if I could swap it out for the Nova frame. I plan on going with fiberglass bumpers, so the bumper mounting brackets shouldn't be an issue. I could easily fabricate a core support mount onto the camaro subframe to make that work. So is there anything I'm missing?

 

[76 SS]

I've heard the camaro sub is longer. I don't know if it's wheelbase, or just frame horns. might find one at the wrecking yard to measure.

 

[Ray_McAvoy]

Hi rjc1629,

According to the dimensions listed in the Fisher Body Service manual, there are some differences between the Nova & Camaro subframes where they attach to the underbody of the car as well.

There's an 11/16" width difference at the front (firewall) body mounts. And a 5/16" width difference at the body mounts at the rear of the subframe. Looks like some of the vertical measurements are significantly different too but I'm not sure if they're taken from the same reference plane or not.

 

[supr78nova]

The middle of the subframe is the same under the engine, the controlle arms and sway bar are the same. The front horns are totally different and the back shape of the legs are different the camaro is rectangle and the nova is rectangle with a squarer end, the parking brake cable goes in a different location on the nova also and the camaro subframe will interfear with it. Just put all the good stuff from the camaro subframe onto the nova. Dan

 

[rjc1629]

Thanks for all the great info guys! I guess I'll have to swap everything over to the Nova subframe Oh well, at least I'll be good at installing the suspension components, lol.

 

[JMarsa]

Nova sub:

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~jmarsa/nova_crash_diagram.JPG

Camaro Sub:

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~jmarsa/camaro_crash_diagram.JPG

--JMarsa

 

[NovaResource]

Nova sub:
http://www.wideopenwest.com/~jmarsa/nova_crash_diagram.JPG

Camaro Sub:
http://www.wideopenwest.com/~jmarsa/camaro_crash_diagram.JPG

--JMarsa

Awesome post. Thanks.

 

[1969NovaSS]

Nova sub:

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~jmarsa/nova_crash_diagram.JPG

Camaro Sub:

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~jmarsa/camaro_crash_diagram.JPG

--JMarsa

Not to Hi jack the thread,

You would happen to have the measurements for a 1969 Nova 2 door would you?

 

[72ss427]

After all this, then would you say I could use 70-72 Camaro Hooker Super Comp headers on my 77 Omega with a big block chevy? (It will look like a Nova with the right fiberglass.)

 

[Philip]

They should fit, there is more room for headers with the front steer sub frame then the 70 - 72 had.

 

[72ss427]

Cool, thanks.