[71 Ventura]

does anyone know if you can buy strut tower braces for 71 nova? I have not been able to find anything.

[Henry Highrise]

This is the Introduction forum.....you need to post that question over in the Suspension forum. That way the guys with the answers will see it.

[poncho62]

moving it...but a 71 Nova doesn't have struts

[71 Ventura]

I was mitaken about the struts, thanks for correcting me. Is there anything out there that could help stregthen te parts of the engine bay that would not require extensive fabrication work? Thanks for any help.

[poncho62]

Those cars have a bolt in front subframe which holds your front suspension, engine, trans etc. If that sub frame is weak, the whole unit can be replaced. Are you saying that parts of the sub is weak or rusted........or are you wanting to beef it up as a performance upgrade...like adding a roll cage etc?

[302 Z28]

as Poncho said, the sub frame structure is already pretty beefy. The only improvement you could possibly make is a tube roll cage that ties into the sub frame. Other than that replace the entire sub frame assembly with an aftermarket sub frame. Several firms make sub frame replacements for Nova's and Camaro's.

Vince

[redsdad]

Like Poncho and Vince said, the stock sub-frame is plenty stout. One reason for going to an aftermarket sub-frame is to shave weight off the car. I would start with a set of sub-frame connectors. Most don't require anything more than a little common sense and bolting skills. If you need more stiffness, go to a 6 point bar or a cage.

I am really wondering why you are asking. Are the body tub mount locations for the sub-frame rusted out?

[71 Ventura]

I don't have any rust problems or anything like that. I'm just looking into every possible way to stiffen it up without a roll cage. I have looked into subframe connectors a little bit. Are there any companies that you would recommend over others? Right now I'm looking at a set from competition engineering. thanks for the help

[1969NovaSS]

I put the comp engineering frame connectors on my nova and they made a big difference in the handling but the ride was a little stiffer.

[redsdad]

Originally Posted by 1969NovaSS

I put the comp engineering frame connectors on my nova and they made a big difference in the handling but the ride was a little stiffer.

Any properly designed and installed sub-frame connector will stiffen the ride. You are removing one spring from your suspension (stiffening it would probably be more correct). The bodies on these GM cars (Novas and siblings, Camaros, Firebirds) flex a considerable amount. It was not uncommon to see non-modified frame Camaros with ripples in the rear quarters at the drag strip. The car body acts like a big spring. At least until you have two halves of a Camaro in your driveway.
CE build a quality product, but I believe they are weld in. Not sure which are good on the bolt-in type.

[1969NovaSS]

Originally Posted by redsdad

CE build a quality product, but I believe they are weld in. Not sure which are good on the bolt-in type.

I have the bolt in style and they worked well. You can weld them in fro extra strength which is what I'm going to do when I'm not feeling so lazy. the weld in from Comp. Engineering are for their back half kit and wont fit on a stock nova.

[jimfulco]

Did I mention body mounts, AKA sub-frame bushings? New rubber ones are far better than what's typically left of 35-year-old originals, and urethane ones are even stiffer, but ride quality does suffer a bit.