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Installing sound deadening material inside a 1970s Chevrolet Camaro for improved cabin noise reduction
1. Wilwood Engineering’s Mike Hamrick (left) and Bob Frantino from Eddie Motorsports prepare to install the Heidts Pro-G subframe under the 1972 Nova.
Upgrading the Suspension Game
Installing Heidts’ Pro-G Front and Rear Suspension on a 1972 Nova
BY Ron Ceridono Images by Ryan Foss
W

hen the team at Eddie Motorsports set out to build a 1972 Chevy Nova to display at the SEMA show they knew it had to be something special. To that end, they called on Heidts for a suspension update and Wilwood to supply state-of-the-art brakes.

To compete with the Ford Falcon, Chevrolet introduced the Chevy II in 1962. It was available in three trim levels: the 100 series, 300 series, and Nova 400 series. By 1964 the legendary 283 V-8 was offered and when the 327 V-8 became available the following year the little Chevy became a formidable performer.

For the 1966 model year, a restyled second generation of the Chevy II appeared, then in 1968 the third generation that would continue through 1974 was introduced (in 1969 the Chevy II name was dropped in favor of Chevrolet Nova).

The third-generation Nova was completely restyled, had a slightly longer wheelbase than the earlier versions (111 inches compared to 110), and used a unique, bolt-on front subframe that mounted the front suspension, something that had appeared previously on the Camaro. While we’re sure GM didn’t plan it this way, that removable subframe makes it easy to install a modern aftermarket suspension system, like the Pro-G from Heidts.

Heidts’ Pro-G IFS is a complete bolt-on suspension system that features redesigned framerails that allow the use of a 335mm tire (that’s 13 inches of rubber). For strength, the control arms are made from DOM (drawn over mandrel) seamless tubing; the uppers are made from 11/4 inch x 0.188 wall tubing, while the lowers measure 11/2 inch x 0.156 wall.

Another unique feature of the Pro-G suspension can be found in the spindles as they are considerably different than the commonly used Mustang II style. The Heidts spindles are taller for improved suspension geometry by producing a more linear camber curve during suspension travel, while the raised pin locations (or where the hubs attach) drops ride height by 2 inches. A power rack-and-pinion unit replaces the original steering box, and QA1 coilovers replace the original springs.

In the rear, the Pro-G kit includes a pair of weld-in crossmembers. The front crossmember provides multiple attachment points for the upper control arms that provide suspension tuning options not possible with a normal four-bar system. The rear lower control arms attach to brackets on the axle housing (which also have multiple attachment points) while the front of the arms bolt to the factory leaf spring brackets. The Heidts rear crossmember mounts the Panhard bar and the QA1 coilovers.

HEIDTS PRO-G PARTS LIST:
IFS
CF-112- 68-74 Nova PRO-G subframe
CF-560- Pro-G control arm kit
with 6 degrees of caster
SP-110- PRO-G spindles
CQ-160- QA1 coilover shocks
OPR-202- power steering rack
MM-300- PRO-G motor stand kit
MM-200- LS engine mount adapters
SB-112-K- PRO-G sway bar (not shown)
Four-Link
RC-101-MT- 68-74 Nova mini-tub four-link kit
RC-108- links and hardware
CO-101- standard coil over shocks
CR-300-11-B- 300# springs
There’s more to come on the Eddie Motorsports Nova. Next time we’ll share some tips on installing the 13-inch Wilwood brakes and advice on choosing a master cylinder.
A partially restored 1970s Chevrolet Camaro in the workshop with Flatline Barriers sound insulation
2. Heidts’ CF-112- 68-74 Pro-G front subframe bolts into 1968-1974 Chevy Novas with no modifications to the car.
Interior of the Chevrolet Camaro prepped for sound deadening installation with freshly painted surfaces
3. Prior to installation, the subframe and all the suspension components were treated to bronze-colored Cerakote.
Vacuuming the Camaro's interior to ensure a clean surface before installing sound insulation
4. Up front, QA1 single-adjustable coilovers are used. One knob controls both compression and rebound dampening. Turning the knob clockwise will increase both actions of the shock.
Cleaning the Camaro's floor pans with compressed air prior to applying insulation material
5. Coilover springs up front are rated at 500 pounds (PN CS19500), while in the rear are 300-pound springs (PN CR-11-B-300).
Custom-cut Flatline Barriers insulation pieces laid out for installation in a Chevrolet Camaro
6. The upper front coilover mounts have three positions, which allow fine-tuning of the spring rate.
Carefully placing sound deadening material in the Camaro’s interior floor pan for noise reduction
7. Heidts’ Pro-G spindle is taller, as the upper ball joint is raised 11/2 inches compared to the typical Mustang II style.
Applying Flatline Barriers insulation to the Camaro's floor for maximum soundproofing and thermal control
8. The bolt-on steering arms are secured with Grade 8 bolts. Red thread locker is used during assembly.
Installing insulation on the roof of the Camaro to reduce road noise and heat from the sun
9. When installed, the steering arms point to the front of the chassis. The Pro-G dropped spindles lower ride height by 2 inches.
Upgrading a Chevrolet Nova with a custom front suspension setup and coilovers for enhanced handling and performance
10. Included in the Pro-G kit is a power rack-and-pinon steering assembly. Threaded ends on the upper control arms are used to adjust caster and camber (note one engine mount stand is installed on the crossmember).
Installing a tie rod end on a custom suspension setup for a Chevrolet Nova with modern upgrades
11. The threaded outer tie-rod ends are used to adjust toe when aligning the frontend. Lock nuts are used to secure them and antiseize is used during assembly.
Rear disc brake and suspension setup with a custom-painted axle and control arms on a Chevrolet Nova
12. The fully assembled subframe is ready to be installed. It attaches to the body at the four factory mounting points.
Inserting a bushing into a control arm for a Chevrolet Nova suspension assembly
13. Included with the kit are new black polyurethane bushings for the subframe/body mounts.
Front view of a Chevrolet Nova on a lift, showcasing a modern suspension and braking system upgrade
14. The Pro-G subframe accepts the stock radiator core support; the slotted holes are for the bumper brackets.
Custom-built Chevrolet V8 engine with bronze-finished valve covers and intake manifold ready for installation
15. Stopping power is supplied by 13-inch Wilwood brakes on both ends of the chassis.
Custom-painted rear differential assembly prepared for installation on a Chevrolet Nova
16. The rear axle housing came from Heidts with all the brackets welded in place. The centersection of the Currie 9-inch is equipped with a 3.70:1 ring-and-pinion.
Installing a rear axle hub into a custom rear differential for improved performance on a Chevrolet Nova
17. With the Wilwood parking brake backing plates installed, the Currie 31-spline alloy axles were installed.
Close-up of a control arm installed with new bushings and hardware on a Chevrolet Nova
18. The first step to installing the Heidts rear four-link kit is locating the front upper arm crossmember. It is then welded in place.
Mounting a coilover shock absorber on the rear suspension of a Chevrolet Nova for enhanced handling
19. In the rear, the non-adjustable, fixed-valve Heidts coilovers are used.
Underneath view of a Chevrolet Nova's rear suspension and Currie rear differential with modern upgrades
20. At the rear of the chassis, another Heidts crossmember provides upper mounts for the coilovers and an attachment point for the Panhard bar. This crossmember is also welded in place.
Chevrolet Nova on a lift as mechanics install a high-performance front suspension and braking system
21. The Heidts Pro-G rear kit is a true four-link; it provides adjustments of the control arms to accommodate the car’s ride height.
Close-up of the front suspension, Wilwood brakes, and coilovers on a Chevrolet Nova build
22. Power will come from a 5.3L GM LS. Those trick Eddie Motorsports rocker covers also conceal the ignition coils.
SOURCES
Eddie Motorsports
(888) 813-1293
eddiemotorsports.com
Heidts Suspension Systems
(800) 841-8188
heidts.com
Wilwood Disc Brakes
(805) 388-1188
wilwood.com
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