Just Bought a 1986 Nova
09-04-2012, 02:06 PM
#1
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Just Bought a 1986 Nova
Just bought this Nova with 79k.
Heard Chevy Novas were some kind of muscle car so i want to turn this into a race car.
Heard Chevy Novas were some kind of muscle car so i want to turn this into a race car.
Last edited by jslone; 09-04-2012 at 02:22 PM.
09-04-2012, 02:17 PM
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Lol?
you bought the wrong Nova, buddy. you're looking for the 1960s-70s era of Nova.
A 1986 nova is seriously one step above a geo metro, in some cases.
you bought the wrong Nova, buddy. you're looking for the 1960s-70s era of Nova.
A 1986 nova is seriously one step above a geo metro, in some cases.
09-05-2012, 10:09 AM
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Lol its a remodeled toyota corolla, thats all it is. its got the 4a-ge out of an MR2, and its from the AE92 toyota platform.
Lets just put it this way, The Geo Prizm is its successor.
if you were looking for a "performance" car this is what you should've bought an older one. the 60s came with the 327 which is an OK motor for the most part, it can be made fast. but late 60s, early 70s were the best years for the nova. The 4th generation novas were the police cars of its time.
1) 1962-1965 ( 1st generation Nova ) w/ a 327
2) 1966-67 ( 2nd generation Nova ) w/ a 327
3) 1968-1974 ( 3rd generation Nova ) w/ 327, 350, 396 or 402.
4) 1975-1979 ( 4th generation Nova ) w/ 350
You sir, purchased a family car. This is where doing research pays off.
Lets just put it this way, The Geo Prizm is its successor.
if you were looking for a "performance" car this is what you should've bought an older one. the 60s came with the 327 which is an OK motor for the most part, it can be made fast. but late 60s, early 70s were the best years for the nova. The 4th generation novas were the police cars of its time.
1) 1962-1965 ( 1st generation Nova ) w/ a 327
2) 1966-67 ( 2nd generation Nova ) w/ a 327
3) 1968-1974 ( 3rd generation Nova ) w/ 327, 350, 396 or 402.
4) 1975-1979 ( 4th generation Nova ) w/ 350
You sir, purchased a family car. This is where doing research pays off.
09-06-2012, 08:01 AM
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I had a friend with the third generation. I was never really wild about the styling.
Not gonna race the nova but I do want to hypermile it. Anyone familiar with this generation corolla that can suggest what to drop for the weight? I know what all the sites say: spare, jack, seats, replace windows with plexi, etc. Just looking for a few things specific to these corollas that are non-essential.
Not gonna race the nova but I do want to hypermile it. Anyone familiar with this generation corolla that can suggest what to drop for the weight? I know what all the sites say: spare, jack, seats, replace windows with plexi, etc. Just looking for a few things specific to these corollas that are non-essential.
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09-06-2012, 08:21 AM
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3rd generations are the most desirable. they're basically a compact chevelle, with the same motor and tranny. they're uni-bodies as well.
Going to a small aluminum wheel would be your best bet. Dont think you're gonna help it much. those 4a-ges only put out like 112 horse.
Going to a small aluminum wheel would be your best bet. Dont think you're gonna help it much. those 4a-ges only put out like 112 horse.
09-08-2012, 03:04 AM
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So I've got a lot going for fuel saving. I have the 5-speed, NO options, tiny battery. I pulled everything out of the trunk and a lot of the carpeting. I also put in a new air filter and cleaned the carb. Only gone 61 miles so far but the movement of fuel gauge is not noticeable yet.
Might be a good commuter while I get to some needed maitenance on the other cars.
Might be a good commuter while I get to some needed maitenance on the other cars.
09-08-2012, 06:17 AM
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I hear you. We have 3 other cars besides this right now. This is really just an experiment for my wife and I (plus she wants to learn 5-speed). We live in a town full of smug, prius driving people who scowl at you if you drive anything with 4-wheel drive. We wanted to find something for less than $500 that gets better mileage than a hybrid and zero 'carbon footprint' because it was built 30 yrs ago. How green is a brand new car that required so much to construct? Don't get me started on the batteries.
12-25-2012, 10:16 AM
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I hear you. We have 3 other cars besides this right now. This is really just an experiment for my wife and I (plus she wants to learn 5-speed). We live in a town full of smug, prius driving people who scowl at you if you drive anything with 4-wheel drive. We wanted to find something for less than $500 that gets better mileage than a hybrid and zero 'carbon footprint' because it was built 30 yrs ago. How green is a brand new car that required so much to construct? Don't get me started on the batteries.
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