This 1966 Chevy Nova coupe started her life as a 230 6 cylinder with a powerglide. It was my very first car, and I’ve had it since I was 14 (29 years). I got it from the original owner in 1993.

She had bought it from Tri-County Chevrolet in Cincinnati, Ohio to be an economic commuter car. Like most project cars, Dad and I did all we could do in the garage, but the paint and body was done by the shop who had painted several of Dad’s cars in the past.

The car actually had both front fenders replaced with GM fenders in 1986 due to corrosion. Other than that, she still has all original sheet metal. I had it sprayed with the original mist blue poly-paint color with a black vinyl top.

Under the hood is a small journal 302. We bought it thinking it was a L79 due to the casting number and the pistons, but later found out it was a late ’67 302 for a Z28. I had searched eBay for the correct intake, valve covers (NOS) and pulleys, brackets etc. I have since removed and stored the factory big valve heads in favor of a set of trickflow DHC aluminum heads. They disguise well when painted!

I was having to run 110 octane fuel, but the addition of the aluminum heads now allow me to run pump gas, and this is critical because I drive the 2000+ miles a year. A correct restored 3917610 intake and a competition AED Holley 650XP is hidden under a reproduction ’67 Z28 intake.

The fuel pump and fuel lines are reproduction pieces purchased from GM Classics several years ago. I no longer run the famed “30/30” cam, and have since switched to a Howard’s short oval track cam that’s very similar to the L79 cam. The specs are 223/223 @ .50 and 450/450 lift with a 106 LSA. It really helps the small cubic inch motor make some grunt down low and it still makes power north of 6000 rpm. I purchased a long list of other items from GM Classics like an aluminum radiator, shroud, hoses, fan and clutch.

The transmission I chose is a stage 2 TH200-4R overdrive built by Extreme Automatics in Amelia, Ohio with a 9.5” 3400-3800 lockup converter. Out back is a 3.08:1 posi 10 bolt.

Suspension up front is a full CPP mini subframe kit with tubular upper and lower controls arms. Steering is handled through new stock pieces and a fabricated idler arm from CPP. A 1” sway bar was added as well. Out back is multi leaf springs and shackles from Joe and GM Classics, as well.

For wheels, I run XG Camaro 14×6 rally wheels and Nova XN 14×6 rally wheels. The XN has a shorter backspace and provides a staggered look. 205/70r14 up front and 235/60r14 out back.

The interior has been restored back to the original light blue, cloth seats and carpeting. The covers are reproduction pieces from CARS and the carpeting, dash, headliner, gauges etc are all from Joe and GM Classics, as well!

Even though the car has a highly detailed undercarriage, I drive the car year round as long as it’s dry with no residual salt on the road. I road trip it to the Pigeon Forge rod runs a couple times a year as long as the weather permits!