Car show or doll show? - Volume 2, Issue 12 - December, 2002
I don't know about you but when I go to a car show I want to see cars. Musclecars, street rods, classics, lead sleds,
customs, street machines, G-machines, racecars, antiques, kit cars, limited editions, etc. I want to see huge, chromed-out
big blocks and totally stock 6-cylinders. I love original, crude, un-restored drag cars from the 50's and new, high-tech
cars like the Corvette Z06 and Viper. I even like trucks, especially 50's Fords. What I'm not looking for are dolls.
You've seen them, those crying "brats". At first there were just a few but now it seems like just about every other car
has one leaning up against their bumper. Or maybe it's a stuffed animal in the drivers seat or on the air cleaner. Excuse
me but I said I wanted to see cars, not a doll show. Now, I know that women are into cars and do attend car shows with
their cars but the overwhelming majority of owners are men. So this leads me to ask, why are so many men playing will
dolls at a car show?
Do these men like playing with dolls? What are these dolls for? Am I supposed to be more impressed with the car because it
has a doll leaning against it? Is the owner trying to draw more attention to his car or distract me form its flaws?
Personally, I want to run up and kick the doll like I'm going for a winning field goal in overtime. Yes, I know car shows
are very competitive and anything that draws attention to your car can help but my opinion is if your car needs a doll to
help it win, then you need to spend a little more time making your car stand out on its own.
Can we all use this winter to upgrade our cars and fix those flaws we are using dolls to distract people from seeing? And
if you aren't trying to hide a flaw, let's get rid of all the non-automotive fluff and get back to cars. Let's see more photo
albums full of before, during and after photographs of your work on the car. Many times the work done is just as impressive
as the end result. That's what I want to see.
Happy Motoring!
The Versatile Nova - Volume 2, Issue 11 - November, 2002
The Nova is one of those cars that could do it all and could change with the times. Originally it was just an economic
car for those looking for inexpensive transportation but even in its early days, it could be sporty and sophisticated.
Base 100-series sedans were affordable and well-built and the Nova 400-series was well optioned while still being thrifty.
For those looking for a sporty car the Nova became the second Chevrolet to wear Super Sport badges. The Nova came in all
shapes for whatever the customer needed: sedans, coupes, convertibles and even wagons. Don't forget about taxis and police
cars too. As the muscle car excitement grew, the Nova was not to be left out. Not long after its first dose of factory V8
power came a high-output 327 then a 350 and even big blocks. 3rd generation Novas were designed along with the first
Camaro and could be everything the Camaro could be and then some.
As government mandated emissions testing and insurance companies forced horsepower and performance to decline, the Nova
proved it could still be a viable car. The hatchback body style arrived for those customers looking for more space and
versatility. There was even a tent option for the hatchback Nova (long before the Pontiac
Aztek). That same year the Nova Custom model was introduced as more buyers wanted luxury over performance. Soon came the
4th generation Nova with it's more refined chassis and look. Some automotive writers likened its looks to BMWs of the day.
Chevy created the Nova LN and later the Concours for those customers looking for ultra-luxury (on a budget). But even in
this time of luxury, the Nova could still be sporty with the continuation of the Super Sport package and later its
replacement by the Nova Rally package.
As cars began to get smaller, the X-body Nova was replaced by the FWD X-body Citation. While the Citation was a good first
attempt, the J-body Cavalier was a better car. Today, the Cavalier is the best-selling car in Chevrolet history and
continues on what the Nova started before it. The Cavalier is much like the Nova offering affordability, sportiness in
the Z24, coupes, sedans, convertibles and even wagons at one time. The Nova is long gone but its spirit loves on in the
J-body cars. Maybe this is why I have always liked Cavaliers, Sunbirds and Sunfires. Remember that the next time you see
a Cavalier on the road. Even the ones that are hot rodded buy young kids. These are the "Novas" of that generation.
Chevrolet promotes them and builds high performance parts for them. Until the Camaro returns, it's the only budget
performance from GM these kids have. At least it's not Rice.
Ooops, don't get me started on that subject again. The Nova and the Cavalier also have another thing in common, they
appeal to all people. When new and even now, Novas (and Cavaliers) are driven by young and old, male and female, hot
rodders and grandmothers. As the last Novas built are now 24 years old, you still see them on the road every day. Not just
at restored show cars but also unrestored daily drivers.
Happy Motoring!
What is "Rice"? - Volume 2, Issue 10 - October, 2002
We've all used the term "rice" as a derogatory remark about some car we've seen but what really is rice? Is there a
real definition or is it subjective? "I can't describe it but I know it when I see it." Rice is usually a Japanese front
wheel drive car. Maybe it has lots of stickers or a wild paint job or a tall wing or outrageous body kits. What about
American front wheel drive cars like the Cavalier, Sunfire, Saturn, etc.? Are they rice if they have large wings? What
about Camaros and Mustangs with stock V6 engines and stickers on the car and large gaudy wheels? Are they rice too?
So "rice" isn't limited to front wheel drive and it's not limited to Japanese cars. Then, what is it? Is it the large wing
on the back? If so, are the 1969 Dodge Daytona and the 1970 Plymouth Superbird considered rice? Is it the stickers? If
so, are all the muscle cars with stickers on the back windows considered rice? Is it the body kits? If so, are all the
"lead sleds" of the 50's with chopped and decked bodies, custom grilles and custom tail lights considered rice? Is it the
neon lights under the body? If so, then are street rods considered rice? Is it a car that looks fast but isn't? If so,
what about 50's saying, "If it don't go, chrome it"? Are pro-street cars with huge engines, blowers, nitrous, roll-cages
and 5-point harnesses that never race considered rice? And if it has to do with performance, what level do you no longer
become rice? If 15-second FWD cars are rice are 16-second 1964 Novas with a 283 2-bbl and a Powerglide considered rice?
How about a 13-second, 4-cylinder turbo Eclipse (or even a 13-sec Chrysler minivan)? Are large wheels with low-profile
tires rice? If so, are all the g-machines rice? Is it cut springs and lowered rides. If so, then are all 60's cars that
were lowered considered rice?
Someone said to me that he thought the 1968-72 Nova hood louvers could be considered rice because they were non-functional.
Does that mean that all 60's muscle cars with fake hood and side scoops are rice? He even went as far to say cowl hoods
could be considered rice. I think this "rice" thing has gone too far. I can't define rice either. I claim to "know it when
I see it" as well and it's not my personal taste either. However, my daily driver is a 2003 Pontiac Vibe. It's a twin of
the Toyota Matrix and both are not much more than a Toyota Corolla with a different body. I installed aftermarket 17"
wheels and low-profile tires on my Japanese 4-cylinder car. Am I now rice?
Hot rodding started out with young guys modifying old flathead 4-cylinder cars that were cheap to buy. Today, young guys
are modifying 4-cylinder cars that are cheap to buy. What's the difference? Sure, the cars and engines they use may not
be my preference but does that mean Ford Mustangs and the 5.0L V8 are rice just because they aren't my preference? If 1970
Nova with air shocks, wide tires and chrome wheels that only has a 307 2-bbl and runs 16-sec quarter mile times isn't
rice, why is a FWD Eclipse that turns 13-sec ET's considered rice? I'm not saying sell your Nova and buy a FWD car and I'm
not saying that Super Chevy, Chevy High Performance and Car Craft magazines should start running FWD cars and articles. I
guess what I'm trying to say is let's try to accept each other instead of fighting. Just something to think about.
Happy Motoring!
America Changes: One Year Later - Volume 2, Issue 9 - September, 2002
How fast these past 12 months have gone. What was supposed to be a very special day for me will be one I will never forget
but for the wrong reason. My oldest daughter's first day of school (pre-school) was September 11, 2001. I had taken the
day off to be there for her. While getting her ready for school, we had the TV on when the news hit. At first it was just
an accident. I remember saying to myself, "I didn't know airplanes flew so close to the WTC." No sooner than that thought
occurred to me than I see an airplane on my TV flying behind the first tower. In the instant I saw it I thought, "I guess
planes do fly that close." Little did I know. In the blink of an eye, the plane hit the second tower live on national
TV.
In that split second, the world changed. People were crying, "Oh my God" and praying. The entire nation came together in a
way I've never seen. What a wonderful thing came out of such a evil act. But have we too soon forgotten? Has the nation
really changed? Sure, we hear about our military action on the news every day and we are especially reminded today as we
remember those lost lives but have we really changed as a nation? Within this past 12 months, we are fighting with each
other again instead of staying together to fight this evil and we've tried to remove the words "under God" from the Pledge
of Allegiance.
While your religious beliefs may be different from mine we cannot turn our backs to God during the good times only to cry
out to Him in the bad. We need to pray for our nation every day, not just after something bad happens. We need to pray for
our elected officials to make the right decisions even if we don't like them personally or didn't vote for them. And we
need to be more loving to each other like we were the days following the disaster. Forgiving and tolerant.
No, I haven't done a good job of that myself. I don't pray for our nation or leaders as much as I should. And I'm not as
forgiving or tolerant as I should be. I'm not pointing the finger and saying I'm better than you. I'm saying we all need
to do a better job.
Lastly, I've heard people wanting to make September 11th a national holiday. At first I thought it was crazy to
memorialize a day of such evil but recently I've heard talk of making it a holiday to remember fire-fighters, police and
other emergency people. Call it "National Rescue Workers Day" and to remember those who fight wars right here. I think
it's a great idea and probably one that should have been all along. It's a shame it takes a tragedy to properly recognize
these people.
Thank you.
Happy Motoring!
More info on Nova rear axles - Volume 2, Issue 8 - August, 2002
One of the best parts of this "Rants and Raves" page is I get to add info that may not be as clear when looking over lists
of numbers and data on the pages of this website. While "the numbers never lie" they can mislead. For example, I get lots
of questions on the rears were in Novas and which are better. The axle page lists the axle ratios
and types of rears but it's not always 100% clear what was in each year Nova. Let's start by discussing the types of rear
axle assemblies and then what was used in the Nova.
The first is the Hotchkis type. This is the type of rear axle assembly where the gears are assembled in a "drop-out"
center-section that comes out the front of the rear. These are most commonly seen in Ford cars however the early GM 8.2"
10-bolt was this way. 1962-63 Novas with 4-lug axles are a Hotchkis-style 8.2" 10-bolt. The other type is the Salisbury
axle. This is the type of axle assembly where the gears are assembled in the axle housing through an inspection cover in
the rear of the axle. All 1964-up Novas had a Salisbury type rear axle assembly.
The next thing you need to remember is what makes a 10-bolt from a 12-bolt. It is NOT the number of bolts holding
on the inspection cover. It is, however, the number of bolts attaching the ring gear to the carrier. While 99% of the
rears out there have the same number of bolts on the inspection cover as they do on the ring gear, there were some 8.2"
10-bolt rears built buy Oldsmobile that had inspection covers with 12 bolts. These are not 12-bolt rears. They are the
weaker 8.2" 10-bolt verified by the 8.2" diameter of the ring gear and the number of bolts attaching it to the carrier.
1962 and 1963 Novas had the Hotchkis-style 8.2" 10-bolt rear. In 1964 it was replaced by the Salisbury 8.2" 10-bolt. Both
10-bolts have a ring gear with a 8.2" diameter and a 1.438" pinion. Chevy versions of the 8.2" Salisbury rear have a
pinion with 25 splines while Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac (BOP) 8.2" Salisbury rears have 27 spline pinions. The 8.2"
10-bolt was used from 1964 thru 1971 in the Nova and the optional 12-bolt was the only other rear available those years.
The same can be said for the Camaro. 1967-69 Camaro rears will fit in 1968-79 Novas but unless you are getting a 12-bolt,
you don't want the weaker 8.2" 10-bolt, especially if you have a 1972-up Nova with the 8.5" 10-bolt.
The car 12-bolt was first used in Nova during the 1965 model year. It was used until 1971 and was behind all big blocks
and most 327 and 350 4-bbl small blocks. Some 327 and 350 4-bbl Novas with a Powerglide, TH350 or a 3-speed manual
got the 8.2" 10-bolt so a real Nova SS with the L48 350 4-bbl engine and a Powerglide would have a 10-bolt rear and not a
12-bolt. The 12-bolt, by name, has 12-bolts attaching the 8.875" diameter ring gear to the carrier. The pinion is 1.625"
in diameter and has 30 splines. While the larger diameter ring gear does make it stronger, it is only one of the reasons.
The larger pinion with more splines are just as important.
Something important I want you to catch. I said car 12-bolt above. The car 12-bolt is different from the truck 12-bolt.
As strange as this may seem, the truck 12-bolt is weaker than the car 12-bolt. This is because it has a 1.438" pinion like
the 8.2" 10-bolt. If you want a 12-bolt for your Nova, avoid the truck version.
Now, brings us to 1972 and the new "corporate" rear. GM replaced the Chevy and BOP 8.2" 10-bolt and the 12-bolt with the
8.5" 10-bolt. By name it has an 8.5" diameter ring gear held on by 10-bolts. However, it has the same 1.625", 30-spline
pinion as the 12-bolt it replaced. While the slightly smaller ring gear does give up some strength, the 1972-up 8.5"
10-bolt is every bit as strong as the 12-bolt in my opinion and is cheaper to build.
The 8.5" 10-bolt was the only rear used in Novas from 1972 thru 1975. In 1976, another new, "light-duty" rear was
introduced: the 7.5" 10-bolt. Again, by name it has a 7.5" diameter ring gear with 10-bolt attaching it to the carrier.
However, unlike the 8.5" 10-bolt, it has a 1.438" pinion with 27 splines like the old, weaker 8.2" 10-bolt. The 7.5"
10-bolt was used behind 1976-79 Novas with the 250 L6 engine and behind the 305 V8 in 1976 only. All 1977-79 V8 Novas have
the 8.5" 10-bolt and in 1976, only the 350 Nova got the 8.5" 10-bolt.
Bottom line, while the 12-bolt is best, the 1972-up 8.5" 10-bolt is a much cheaper (and easier to find) alternative.
While the 8.2" 10-bolt isn't made of glass, it should be avoided along with the 7.5" 10-bolt for any serious performance
needs.
Happy Motoring!
Tell Hot Rod Magazine about your 4th gen Nova! - Volume 2, Issue 7 - July, 2002
In the March, 2002 Rant and Rave I spoke about how Hot Rod magazine selected the 4th generation Nova (1975-79) as one of
the "The Top 10 Bargain Project Cars". I asked you 4th gen owners to write or e-mail Hot Rod and let them know there are
people out there building these cars. Now, in the "Reaction Time" section of the August, 2002 issue, Hot Rod replies to a
letter from a guy named Jeff Greene about his 1975 Nova. Basically Jeff asked to see more Novas like his in the magazine.
Hot Rod said they have a 4th gen they were wondering what to do with and asked other 4th gen owners to "raise a hand" and
basically let them know that people out there are interested in these car.
I replied via e-mail to them with pictures of my '76 and let them know we need parts and what to see these cars in the
magazine. I urge all 4th gen owners out there reading this to do the same. Even if you wrote before, do it again. Let Hot
Rod know there are people building these cars and that we need help from the aftermarket to build parts for us!
Here is their address and e-mail address:
Hot Rod Reaction Time
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
hotrod@primediacmmg.com
fax: (323) 782-2223
Happy Motoring!
Horsepower: Gross, Net and Rear Wheel - Volume 2, Issue 6 - June, 2002
There seems to be some confusion about engine horsepower ratings. Before 1972, engines were advertised with their Gross
horsepower. In 1972 Chevrolet switched over to advertising Net horsepower and continues to use it to this day. Both Gross
and Net ratings are measured at the flywheel. Rear Wheel horsepower is just what it says, horsepower measured at the rear
wheels (speaking of RWD cars only). No car company advertises Rear Wheel horsepower. Let's take a look at each rating.
Gross: This is the practice of rating an engine with the horsepower measured at the flywheel with no external accessories
being powered by the engine itself. Measured with an engine dyno, the engine did not have to power such things as the
water pump, fan, alternator, etc. Also, usually the carb was open to the atmosphere and the exhaust was headers and
un-muffled straight pipes.
Net: This is the practice of rating an engine with the horsepower measured at the flywheel while the engine is equipped as
it would be in the car. That means the engine has to power horsepower-robbing accessories such as the water pump, fan,
alternator, etc. Also, the engine is equipped with the correct air cleaner assembly and the exhaust system that will be in
the car. This is how all car companies advertise engine horsepower today. This rating is generally about 20% lower than
Gross. For example, the 1971 L48 350 4-bbl engine was rated at 270 Gross horsepower while the 1972 L48 was rated at 200
Net horsepower. This does not mean that the 1972 engine is weaker. In reality, the 2 engines were identical with only the
horsepower rating being different.
Rear Wheel: This is the practice of rating an engine with the horsepower measured at the rear wheels on a chassis dyno.
That means the engine has to power not only the accessories such as the water pump, fan, alternator, etc. but also the
transmission and rear axle assembly as well. This is the "real-world" amount of horsepower your vehicle is actually
putting to the ground to move the car. This rating is generally about 15% lower than Net. For example, LS1 Camaros have
305 Net horsepower rating but the only put about 265 horsepower to the rear wheels.
This is just a very simple overview on the ratings. Things like transmission and rear type have a large effect on Rear
Wheel horsepower. For example, a TH350 uses more horsepower to run than a Powerglide or 4-speed but less than a TH400. So
the same engine with a TH350 will make more rear wheel horsepower than if it had a TH400 behind it. This is also why
manual cars are usually quicker than automatics because the use less horsepower to turn. Another example is the rear axle
assembly. The Ford 9" is very strong and used alot in hi-po applications but this strength also has drawbacks. The Ford
9" has a very low pinion gear (in relation to the ring gear). This adds strength but also requires more horsepower to
turn.
Horsepower took a big hit in 1971 when the compression ratios dropped. However, the switch from Gross to Net ratings give
the appearance of a second horsepower hit. This not the case. The majority of 1972 engines were identical to their 1971
counterparts and just as strong. Still, they are nowhere near today's engines. The 305-hp LS1 found in today Camaros would
likely been rated at 370-hp back in 1970 when Gross ratings were still used. That's L78 396 big block territory!
Happy Motoring!
The Rally Option - Volume 2, Issue 5 - May, 2002
The Nova was offered in 1971 and 1972 with the RPO-YF1 Rally Nova option. In 1977 thru 1979 the Nova was offered with the
RPO-Z26 Nova Rally option. The first time around, the Rally option was a pseudo musclecar. It had the look of a musclecar
with stripes and rally wheels but it could not be ordered with the SS-only L48 350 4-bbl engine. You could get a 250, a
307 or the L65 350 2-bbl. This was done for 2 reasons, people who wanted the musclecar look could have it without paying
for the more expensive Super Sport option. The other reason was because of the surcharges applied to owners of "real"
musclecars. The SS was more expensive to insure because of the top engine. The Rally option ended after 1972 because
beginning in 1973, you could order the Super Sport with any engine (250, 307, L65 350 2-bbl and the L48 350 4-bbl). You
could also now order a non-SS Nova with the top L48 engine
The second time around the Rally option replaced the Super Sport option dropped after 1976 and it even carried the same
code: Z26. The option was basically just a name change as it was mostly the same as the 1976 Super Sport option. It
included different stripes, the grille was now chrome instead of black and the F40 suspension was no longer part of the
Z26 option (however it could be ordered separately).
One pet-peeve of mine is when people call it a "Nova RS" or a Nova Rally Sport". The word sport was never used in the Nova
Rally option. The Rally Sport (or RS) option was on Camaros, not Novas. Also, unlike Camaros, you could not combine the
Rally option with the SS option. This was because of the reasons mentioned above. The 1971-72 Rally was a "cheaper SS" and
for the 1977-79 Rally, there was no SS option to combine with.
I hope this clears up some of the confusion surrounding the Rally options. They are special cars with a very limited run.
Only 7,700 built in 1971, 33,319 in 1972, 6,901 in 1977, 6,903 in 1978 and 2,299 for 1979. For those restoring 1971-72 and
1977-79 Rallys, Stencils and Stripes Unlimited,
Inc. makes reproduction stripe kits.
Happy Motoring!
1973-74: The Bastard Novas - Volume 2, Issue 4 - April, 2002
Now, don't take that title as an insult, it's just my nickname for those 2 years. The reason is because those 2 years of
the Nova share a lot with the 4th gen Novas (1975-79) as well as the rest of the 3rd generation (1968-74). Those were the
transition years when Chevrolet was getting the Nova to meet the new government crash standards. While most of the car is
the same as the 1968-72 Novas, the floor and gas tank is 1975-79. This is why those were the only 2 years of the 3rd
generation that you could order a hatchback body style.
The new standards required larger bumpers to protect the body in a frontal or rear impact. To allow some "give" the
bumpers became attached with shock absorbers (in '74). This allowed them to move in a small amount and rebound back with
no damage in low speed impacts. This is also the reason for the plastic extensions of the body to under the bumpers. One
small problem with this was the location of the gas tank filler tube. Located behind the license plate in the bumper on
1968-72 Novas, this would no longer work for bumpers that had to move. To protect the gas tank filler tube, Chevrolet
moved it (and the license plate) to the tail light panel above the bumper. This allowed the required bumper movement
without touching the filler tube. Because the tank changed, the trunk floor changes to accommodate it. This also lead to a
larger 21-gal tank for 1973-79 Novas compared to the 16- to 18-gal tank used in 1968-72 Novas. Another reason for the
trunk floor change was to work with the hatchback body style and allow for a flat load area in the hatchbacks.
This brings me to what this rant and rave is all about. I've never understood why people want to make a 1973-74 Nova look
like a 1968-72 Nova. Every now and then you'll see them: a Nova with a 1968-72 front end but those large rear quarter
windows and a 1973-74 tail panel and rear bumper. People ask me all the time about changing 1973-74 Novas to look like
1968-72 Nova and while the front end change is easy, changing the rear is very difficult. Just adding a 1968-72 rear
bumper won't work because of the license plate opening in the bumper and a second above the bumper in the tail panel. That
would require cutting out the tail panel to put in 1968-72 tail lights and cover the hole where the tank filler is. Now,
since the tank filler is moved, you'll need a 1968-72 gas tank with the filler in the correct location in the bumper.
However, it doesn't bolt up correctly because of the different trunk floor. Now you have to replace the whole trunk floor.
After all that work, it will still have those next to impossible to change rear quarter windows. And because of that they
never look quite right. Plus, you've just spent a ton of money changing everything. Why not just start with a 1968-72 Nova
instead and save yourself all the work and trouble?!
There are only so many 1973-74 Novas in the world, let's not change them. They are unique and should be. Yes, I know parts
are hard to find but that is slowly changing. Let's promote 1973-74 Novas, not give them a nose job and make them look like
something they're not.
Happy Motoring!
Good news for 4th gen owners! - Volume 2, Issue 3 - March, 2002
The April 2002 issue of Hot Rod came in the mail just the other day and on page 48 starts a story called: "Best Deals, The
Top 10 Bargain Project Cars". Here is their list:
1 = 5.0 Mustangs (gee, no kidding?!)
2 = 1978-88 GM G-bodies
3 = 1979-87 Fox-body Thunderbirds
4 = LT1 Chevy Caprice
5 = 3rd Gen F-bodies (1982-92; again, what a surprise)
6 = Chevy S-10
7 = 1978-81 GM A-body (basically the same car as #2)
8 = 1975-79 GM X-body (HELLO!)
9 = Mopar 2.2L Turbos
10 = Total Performance T-bucket (kit cars)
Did you see number 8! Yes, total validation and hopefully acceptance. Here's the whole story they wrote on the Nova:
8: 1975-79 GM X-body
We surprised ourselves with this pick, but there's a catch: The 1975-79 Nova, Omega, Ventura and Apollo have the same
front clip as a second-generation Camaro/Firebird. That means you get all the aftermarket support for this well-handling
suspension in a lighter, cheaper car. Fiberglass body parts are available, though few of the resto parts for older Nova
interiors can be used if the gut is trashed.
Prime Pickins: We once saw a 1975 Nova with not one option on it. It had a six, a three-speed, rubber carpet and no
power nothin'. It was even orange. We'd take that and turn it into a serious Pro Touring machine minus all the luxury.
Estimated Pricing: Even since we got turned on to this body style, we've been shopping. The BOP versions are a bit
tough to find in two-doors but Novas are a dime a dozen. Does around $1,200 seem fair?
Also Ran: The looks of these orphans are growing on us, though we can't put up with the Landau top on some of them.
Yuk. Also avoid the hatchback option if you're going for performance.
Finally! A major automotive magazine has seen what we 4th gen owners have known all along: that these cars are great
drivers and make great hot rods. Now let's see the aftermarket step up and produce parts! Many thanks to Hot Rod
editor-in-chief, David Freiburger. If you are a 4th gen Nova owner you should
write to Hot Rod and tell them to do more stories and build-ups on these cars. Get them to convince the aftermarket
companies that there is a market for 4th gen parts. Here is their address and e-mail address:
Hot Rod Reaction Time
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
hotrod@primediacmmg.com
fax: (323) 782-2223
Happy Motoring!
Partnerships and making money with NovaResource.com - Volume 2, Issue 2 - February, 2002
One type of e-mail I get is people asking to partner with me in either a website combination or for me to accept money to
put up banners and sponsor pages. While those offers are nice, I politely turn them down.
To be honest, I'm not really interested in any kind of partnership because if I partner with one person and their web site,
it might offend someone else who I didn't partner with. There are so many good Nova sites out there that it would be
impossible for me to partner up with them all. So as a general rule I just let NovaResource.com stand alone. I try to keep
my Nova Links page full of good (and some not so good) web pages about Novas. Good or bad they still go in my Nova Links
page. Also, when I find another site that provides good Nova info I include it in my links and direct visitors to that
site instead of creating my own page of the same info. One example is the Nova Tire Fitment page at the 2QuickNovas.com
site run by Bruce and Craig. They are 2 good friends of mine from the Internet and I provided Bruce all the info I had
about tire sizes and what fit so he could add it to the page he already created. I will also add links to my Automotive
Links page to sites that I feel provide good non-Nova automotive information or products.
About creating a business, again, I'm not really interested. NovaResource.com was started about 5 years ago as a way for
me to pass on information about Novas that was passed down to me. To make money on information given freely to me just
doesn't seem right. That may seem dumb but that just the way I feel. Plus, there are just way too many legal issues to
use this as a business. NovaResource.com is all about proving info to Nova fans, not making me money.
If you are one of those people who has asked, thanks for the offer but no thank you. It's nothing personal, it's just my
way of being as fair as possible to everyone.
Happy Motoring!
Thanks to you, the visitors - Volume 2, Issue 1 - January, 2002
WOW! Another year has gone and we're now in 2002. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and got everything on your wish
list. 2001 was a full year with a lot of things that happened. It started with a new president, we lost Dale Earnhardt, the
country got into a recession, and then we were attacked and started a war. YIKES! That's a lot and while NovaResource.com
didn't have quite that much happening, a lot did change. The whole look of the site changed in 2001 and many revisions were
made to the Axle, Production Numbers and Starter
Solenoid pages. I even began this Rants and Raves column. New web pages were started buy you so the Nova Links page grew. Also, lots of you have sent in picture of your Novas for the gallery and I
thank you.
Not much change for me personally or for the Nova. I did buy a digital camera which I spoke about last month and my older
daughter started her first day at pre-school (September 11 actually). The Nova got a new pair of 15x8 Weld Draglite wheels
to replace the 15x7 rear wheels I had and I re-located the battery back to the engine compartment. ET's stayed the same
and I actually ran my best time ever with a 13.52 besting my previous 13.58 best. Not bad for a 9 year old engine. I also
got to attend the first ever All-GM Nationals in Carlisle, PA and got to meet a few of you (I also got a small stone chip
in the windshield while driving there on the PA Turnpike). It was a great but HOT weekend.
2002 looks to be a great year as well. It will mark the 5th year that this site has been up providing Nova information. I
can't believe how much has changed since then when this site was nothing more than a crude single page displaying pictures
of my Nova. Thanks must go to Don Coffman for getting me started. Don was kind enough to scan in the pictures and type up
the story of my Nova that appeared in the May 1997 issue of "The Nova Times". He e-mailed them
to me as a web page and from there I started to learn HTML. From that brought about NovaResource.com. Thanks Don.
2002 will also mark the 10th year of my engine with virtually no changes however I hope to make a few this year. It may
turn out to only be a set of 1.6 ratio roller tip rockers but AFR 190 heads and a Comp Cams XE286 cam are on my wish list.
The 2nd annual All-GM Nationals is planned for June 14-16 and I will try to be there again to hopefully meet more of you.
Maybe I'll even have the windshield fixed by then.
Well, I'll say it again, thanks everyone for making NovaResource.com what it is today. In closing I just want to say: New
Year's Resolutions don't work but prayer does. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Happy New Year and as always.....
Happy Motoring!
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