My 1972 Nova SS

1962 - 1979 Nova Dealer Brochures

This is the day it was delivered, I was in love! - 11/1/2006..

11/11/2006  - New set of Wheel Vintiques 50 Series SS396 Wheels, 15x7 in., 4.375 in. Backspace. New BFG's.  235/60-15 up front and 255/60-15 out back.  I did some detailing on the interior and added some new SS mats.

This is a shot of the driver floor and Driver Passenger floor

This is the new floor, all welded in and top seams sealed

4/19/07 - Just some new picks, this is also after I buffed out the paint with my Port-a-cable and four coats of Zano polish.

8/6/07 - Turned out I had rear main bearing on its way out. Found metal filings in the pan so, went with a new ZZ4 crate!  From the factory without any changes by me (yet), 355HP with 418 FT LBS of torque!!!

ZZ4-Dyno-Sheet

8/26/07 - Changed the console lights over to LED's, the original lamps had horrible lighting.

9/8/07 - Installed all new body mounts and frame connectors

9/30/07 - My heater core bit the bullet so, install a new one and converted it over to a big block heater core.

10/15/07 -Completely all new rebuilt Saginaw 4 speed, 2 ring input shaft (3.11 first gear).. Also installing along with it, a set of 3;73 gears!  The one in it now is a 3 ring (3;50 first gear) and first gear is just way to low with the 3.73's.

11/01/07 - Chrome powder coated Hinges, looks great and adds a nice touch!

11/10/07 - My baby is in the body shop having the following done;

1. Right front lower fender repair (got dented on the lift, don't ask)

2. Pass door, front and rear lower section needs repair

3. Remove inner fenders and paint body color

4. New A-Frame seals on inner fender

5. Install new front and rear bumpers

6. Paint and install front bumper filler (Argent silver)

7. Install new rear window

8. Align trunk lid and fix hinge

9. Sand and buff out clear coat

12/8/07 - Got a new Richmond Super Street 5 speed OD, its rated for 600 FT LB's.  I'll be installing this when the Nova gets back from the body shop. The will last a long time in my setup because I don't plan on going over 600 FT LB's of TQ.  This tranny has the 2.98 first gear with the 10 spline input shaft.

2/8/08 - Here she is after 3 months at the body shop, he took much longer then he said he would. Dropped it off on 11/10/07, also replace the rear window and molding.

These are with the exhaust all finished and I took her for a blast down the road. 
WOW!!!  I love this tranny!!  At 55 MPH I'm only turning 2,000 RPM in 5th gear!

1/25/09 - Well, the ZZ4 now has 1000 miles on her so, time for the upgrade.  Installed the new LT4 Hotcam, Scorpion 1.6 Roller rockers, Edelbrock Air Gap intake and a new Holley 750 dbl pump.  Runs like an animal!!  The picture of the engine showing the roller rockers was taken with my phone and is crappy.  But, it gives you the idea...  I also powder coated my valve covers in a three stage process.  Black Cherry over chrome powder and then cleared with Starlight which gives it that sparkle look.  It looks black till the sun hits it and then it starts to glow the black cherry.  Looks awesome... Estimated engine HP / TQ now: 425HP / 450 LBS TQ

The install was not bad at all, everything went just as it should, the only thing I changed was the grade 5 bolts they want you to use for the lower control arm bolt replacement. Changed them over to grade 8 and also got new locking nuts with the expansion head. I also added a lock washer to the outer tie rod adjustment nut. Just to make sure it does not come lose. Now I have plenty of room over by cyl number 7, easy plug access now!

I still need to drive it over to the shop and get an alignment done, it has new alignment specs now with this kit.

Alignment Specs:
Toe: 1/16 to 1/8 inch in
Camber: ¼ degree positive
Caster: 1.5 – 2 degree positive

The first pic is from under the hood looking down were the steering box use to be and the second one is looking up at the rack.