What We Did
Finished up the rear of our Nova with QA1 adjustable shocks and swapped out the drums for 12-inch discs
Bottom Line
Adjustability is the key to creating an all-out street-warrior
Cost (Approx)
$1,500 (front/rear), $700 (rear only)
Installing CPP's rear components...
Installing CPP's rear components was a cinch. Since the setup on the Nova included drum brakes, the rear axles had to be pulled first to release the brake assemblies from the housing. Chaffers removed the differential cover with a 9/16-inch socket on an impact gun. This gains us access to the rearend gears and C-clips.
When we left off in the July issue, our budget street Nova was slowly but surely morphing from a grandma-glider to a grand-slam corner-burner.
Unfortunately, we only had enough space to showcase the front-end install of Classic Performance Products' tubular upper and lower A-arms, coilover QA1 shocks, 2-inch drop spindles, and 13-inch front disc brake package. That just goes to show that CPP has got enough components to turn any bland Nova into a mean street-sleeper.
So we're back to illustrate CPP's rear big-brake upgrade kit along with an upgraded shock system by way of single-adjustable QA1s. After all, our goal for the Nova is complete control over adjustability so we can fine-tune the suspension for any application. Whether we open-track, autocross, or drag race the Nova, the tunability is there and that's most important. We can now not only correct and fine-tune ride height but even driveability by either stiffening or softening the shocks. Banking on CPP's unquestionable ability to produce high-quality components for Novas we went ahead and installed the rest of the front/rear brake kit, which included rear disc brakes to match the front's already huge 13-inch brakes. Our components included 12-inch vented and slotted discs, powdercoated calipers, and rear caliper shims for different rearend offsets to adjust for endplay in the rotors. CPP thought of everything you'd possibly need when it came to completing their upgrade. A new differential cover gasket is even included with the package to prevent a midnight run to the parts store.
Our front man, Craig Chaffers, was back to show us exactly how to complete an install of this magnitude yourself. The best part is he made it look simple-which it was. We even added a new set of single-way adjustable QA1 shocks to replace the Bilsteins. Look for a complete test of the new suspension in an upcoming issue. For now, see how we continued to transform this Nova into a real performer.
With the rearend gears exposed,...
With the rearend gears exposed, Chaffers removed the set screw using a 3/8-inch wrench and released the center pin. Once the pin was set to the side, we could remove the C-clips.
Chaffers then removed the...
Chaffers then removed the drum cover and, with the C-clips removed, pulled the axle out. For good measure, we checked the condition of our axle bearings-ours were fine, but now is the time to replace them if need be.