Specifications

BODYSHELL
The Bodyshell preparation and strengthening
procedures outlined in this manual are
fundamental to the success of the finished
project. They will both extend the competition
life of the shell and by increasing its torsional
stiffness contribute favourably towards the
handling characteristics of the finished vehicle.
FIA Regulations, Appendix "J" for Touring cars,
Group A permit a limited amount of bodyshell
reinforcement, but it is important to adhere
strictly to the definitions of the particular Article
No. 5.7:1 Lightening and Reinforcements.
All
modifications outlined within this chapter are in
compliance with these guidelines.
General Motors Europe have extensive
motorsport experience with the Nova/Corsa
model and have developed a body strengthening
kit specifically for use in conjunction with the
1600cc. model range. This kit includes all the
additional reinforcement plates required for the
suspension pick-up points, engine mounting
points, roll cage pick-up points and a side jacking
point, etc. When fitted in conjunction with the
requisite additional welding as described, will
give an adequate degree of increased strength
and durability demanded by a motorsport
environment.
A specially designed roll cage has been
developed and homologated for this model. This
cage also incorporates the rear mounting points
for the safety harnesses.
Due to the nature of the modifications, they
can only be effectively carried out on a bare
bodyshell, so if your starting point is either a new
1600 Nova GTE or Opel Corsa GSi, then all
mechanical, trim and electrical components must
be completely removed from the vehicle before
embarking on any aspects of bodyshell
preparation. Whilst this section applies primarily
to bodyshells with Part Number 90297213
LHD, or 90297215 RHD, bodyshells from other
sources can be used, although they may differ in
several basic respects. The main differences
being confined to the front suspension turrets
and the inner and outer chassis rails. They have
already been additionally strengthened in the
1600 models. From experience these bodyshells
do not present any problems under motorsport
conditions, and are equally as good as the 1600
shell when fully prepared with the body
strengthening kit.
Obviously some additional
plating and welding could be required
particularly in these areas on bodyshells from an
alternative source.
Before
commencing any bodyshell
preparation operations, both front wings, doors
and tailgate must be removed from the
bodyshell. All sound deadening material and
general sealants around all body seams can then
be removed to provide more favourable welding
conditions.
The application of heat to the
required area will enable any surplus material to
be scraped off more readily, finishing off the
operation with a wire brush. It's a fairly
laborious task but very important and if
thoroughly carried out will pay dividends at the
welding and later stages of preparation.
Any surplus brackets, unused supports such
as brakepipe/petrol pipe clip attachment points
can be removed, and to enable a revised seat
mounting system to be fitted, the standard seat
adjustment/mounting brackets should also be
removed with care. This will enable a much
more satisfactory installation of a wide range of
competition type seating for both driver and co-
driver. Also carefully remove both the gearlever
gaiter support bracket and the centre support
shelf from the centre tunnel section, in readiness
for the installation of the revised gearshift and
linkage at a later stage. Once the carpet centre
support has been removed, an elongated hole,
approximately 80mm by 25mm must be formed
in the centre section of the floor panel, along its
centreline, starting 80mm rearward of the tunnel
to bulkhead bodyseam. This is to give access to
the engine bay for the revised gear linkage. The
area of centre tunnel and exposed hole
i mmediately below the gearlever gaiter support
bracket can be closed off and strengthened using
the shaped blanking plate supplied. This should
be welded into place.
The gear-linkage forward support bearing
housing bracket should be welded into position
at the forward end of the centre tunnel.