Upgraded Chevrolet Nova - Tools Of The Trade

Binders
Setting off the Nova's killer stance is a complete disc brake package, front and rear. Did someone say "brake fade?" Not with the 13-inch front rotors and 12-inch monsters out back. The new system from CPP eliminated brake fade and gave us more confidence both on the road and at the track. The rotors came cross-drilled and slotted to release excess gas and heat. And since these are a direct bolt-in kit, the install was a breeze. And as you know, the ability to repeatedly brake later at a cone translates into a faster autocross time.

Hoops
Wheels can play a major role; with too large a wheel and little sidewall, clearance and ride quality become an issue. Too small of a wheel and not only will the car look odd, but getting enough tire (width) under the car may be a problem. For the Nova, the original suspension was a perfect match for our Goodyear tires and 15-inch Vintage Wheel Works. However, with the upgraded brakes and suspension, we opted for a larger set of 17-inch wheels in the same style from Vintage. This was necessary to clear the new brake system and with a 9-inch rear wheel, we were able to take advantage of a wider P255/45/R17 tire.

MFG	VINTAGE WHEEL WORKS
DESCRIPTION	V40 37/8-inch (front)
WIDTH	7-inch
COST	$350 (each)
MFG	VINTAGE WHEEL WORKS
DESCRIPTION	V40 51/4-inch (rear)
WIDTH	9-inch
COST	$390 (each)

El Toro Run To The Coast
Our second autocross was during The Run to the Coast event, in El Toro, Califonia. There we met with a large group of other enthusiasts at dawn for an all-out assault on the asphalt. The event featured a braking session; an autocross course; and everyone's favorite, a 2.2-mile road course. It was our first real opportunity to get aggressive with the Nova. Repeated high-mph stints down to a complete stop were a breeze for the heavy-duty CPP big-brake kit.

Our autocross sessions gave us the opportunity to really feel the car out. We noticed our Nova not only hooked up but went where we steered it. The pushing front end was still there, although that threshold was now reached at a much higher speed. On the 2.2-mile road course the Nova was a scream. Groups of three cars at a time were allowed on the track. Not only did we catch up to the heavily modified Camaro ahead of us, but our Nova was close behind the times of the well-known RideTech Velocity Camaro.

THE HIGHS	Brake later, hook turns fast, smooth and sharp.
THE LOWS	Sliding around on the bench seat is no fun. Factory steering wheel is difficult to hang onto during high-speed cornering. Front tires rub inner fenderwells.
THE VERDICT	The added upgrades gave our Nova a whole new personality.

Rubber
Depending on its intended use and expected life cycle, choosing a tire on paper is actually quite simple. Is it for competition, mostly for commuting, or something in between? For us, the choice was obvious. Our Nova's old set of tires were too hard, and because of the rather tall sidewall the tire's shoulder rolled over itself during hard cornering, diminishing grip. We chose a set of Kumhos with a 280 treadwear rating from Summit Racing, which gave us the perfect all-around tire to use at the track but still allow us to go on cruises and road trips. If you're on the fence over getting a set, we'll say that we like the increased grip and we appreciate how quiet they are on the road.