Installing Heidt’s Pro-G Front And Rear Suspension on a1972 Nova

When 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 Heidt’s
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
Heidt’s.

Heidt’s 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 tubing (drawn over mandrel) seamless tubing; the
uppers are made from 1-1/4 inch x .188 wall tubing, while the lowers measure 1-1/2 inch
X .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 Heidt’s 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 of 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 Heidt’s
rear crossmember mounts the Panhard bar and the QA1 coilovers.

 Heidt’s 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)
 
4 Link
RC-101-MT- 68-74 Nova mini tub 4 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.

Sources:
Eddie Motorsports
(888) 813-1293
eddiemotorsports.com 

Heidts Suspension Systems
(800) 841-8188
heidts.com

Wilwood Disc Brakes
(805) 388-1188
wilwood.com