1986 Nova Kit Car 4.0 EFI from Philippines

Summary:

Awesome car

Faults:

I bought the car in the U.K. before shipping it to the Philippines in February 2009 after it had undergone a full ground up rebuild. The car is now as new and I have had no faults with it.

General Comments:

This Nova is built on a one of tubular steel chassis with mid engine layout.

Being fitted with a mid mounted TVR 4.0 Liter V8 engine mounted on a Porsche gearbox, the car is extremely fast, but being used on Filipino roads, it can't be used to its full potential.

The 'cockpit' is deep pile carpeted and trimmed in leather with electric Recaro seats.

Dashboard instrumentation is all digital with TV / DVD monitor with reversing camera.

The unique canopy roof is remote controlled or switch operated.

Door mirrors are genuine Ferrari Testarossa, and replica Lamborghini Countach wings are fitted front and rear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th October, 2009

13th Jul 2010, 15:01

Update...

My Nova has recently been fitted with the new Targa style canopy roof, and has had air con fitted which is a must in the Philippines.

Other mods that have been done are side skirts to hide the lowered floor pans and Ferrari Testa Rossa style air intake ducts to each side of the car. The headlights are now 'auto on' when it becomes dark and the side lights are now wired to be used as day running lights.

The car is very rare in the Philippines and draws huge crowds whenever it is parked. I know of only one other 'Nova' in the Philippines, a U.S. made Stirling, and I have seen a blue Cimbria (Nova derivative with gull wing doors). However I have seen a advert for a company in the Philippines who will build a Nova to order, so it is possible that there may be a few cruising the streets of the Philippines very soon. Next mod is to convert the car to run on LPG.

1992 Nova Kit Car SE from North America

Summary:

Easy fix for VTC ticking noise

Faults:

Ticking noise from the VTC (Valve timing control) belt, but I fixed that and so can you.

Clock doesn't work.

Hood doesn't stay open for that long. The hydraulic like things that hold the engine hood open wear and in time soon cannot hold the weight of the hood.

General Comments:

I figured out how to fix the VTC "ticking" noise. Just add 20w-30 motor oil into the car and also add a mobile one oil filter (or any car oil filter that is more than a few bucks. 8 dollars or more) I just added those changes to my car and the ticking noise that is common with the 92 maximas pretty much stopped. It made the ticking noise for the first 5 or 10 seconds once I turned on the car but then it stopped completly. I hope this helps most of you. This may be more expensive oil and filter, but I believe that it will help in the long run

Remember: 20w-30 motor oil (CASTROL GTX) and a High quality oil filter.

I hope this helps.

Overall the maxima is a great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2004

1972 Nova Kit Car 1.6 twin carb from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The ultimate seventies kit car

Faults:

The engine was replaced due to vandalism. Sand was poured into the fuel tank.

Speedometer cable snapped.

General Comments:

The car was very quick and handled very well.

My car was factory built (number 12), but they can also be kit built.

My car was fitted with a remote control electric hydraulic canopy.

Near horizontal seating position.

No luggage or boot space.

Real eye catcher and a great posing car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2003

31st Jul 2006, 06:31

Just a thought, how would you get out if the car ended up on its roof?

30th Aug 2006, 15:54

The hydraulic gas rams that operate the canopy are strong enough to lift the Nova if it should ever happen to be the wrong way up!