Features
This project began with a “dry Southern California Nova that still had its original black plates,” he says.
It was factory equipped with a six-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission.
The Nova is now equipped with a 406-cu.in. OHV V8 of unique specifications.
Nelson Racing Engines built the small-block designed to "look like" a DZ 302-cu.in. cross-ram engine.
Actually, it’s a 400-cu.in. block that was bored 0.030-inch over to 406-cu.in.
World Products cast-iron heads were milled by Brzezinski Racing Products to resemble “double-hump” heads.
A custom-ground hydraulic roller-camshaft was spec’d out by Nelson Racing Engines.
Two Holley 600-cfm double-pumper carbs were mounted on reproduction aluminum cross-ram intake.
An MSD Ignition system creates the spark.
Stainless Works provided the ceramic-coated headers and 3-inch dual exhaust.
This engine produced 505-hp and 507-lb.ft. of torque, per the included dyno sheet.
An aluminum radiator, camouflaged with black paint, improves cooling.
There’s no smoking on start up, and there are no leaks, per the seller.
Behind an 11-inch clutch is a Tremec TKO five-speed manual transmission from Keisler Engineering.
Its custom shifter was designed to look like a factory 1969 four-speed shifter.
“The TKO shifts smoothly” the seller notes, “but the first two gears are loud until the fluid warms up.”
A custom Strange Engineering S-60 axle with 3.73:1 gears was mounted in the rear.
The car was painted in 2005, and he says, “The finish is still perfect, with no blemishes or swirls.”
The glass and seals are also perfect, and the exterior lighting functions properly, he notes.
The custom white houndstooth interior was installed by Eric Thorsen Interiors.
It remains in excellent condition, per the seller, as does the carpet and headliner.
A 1969 Z28 dash pad and gauge cluster were incorporated.
A console with the Special Instrumentation option was also installed.
The heater was deleted.
A Budnik steering wheel and tilt column were added.
There are no leaks in the power steering.
The Flaming River quick-ratio gear box is free of play, the seller notes.
Global West tubular A-arms, ATS aluminum spindles, and QA1 coilover shocks are up front.
So too, is a 1-inch anti-roll bar.
Global West Subframe connectors stiffen the structure.
Global West leaf springs, Del-A-Lum bushings, offset leaf spring shackles are fitted aft.
Koni shock absorbers complete the rear suspension.
Up front, power-assisted Z06 Corvette 6-piston calipers pinch 14-inch rotors to bring the car to a stop.
A set of 4-piston Wilwood calipers and 12-inch rotors do the same in the rear.
The chassis is said to be in excellent condition, and there are no braking issues.
Custom Budnikwheels measure 18 x 8-inches front and 19 x 11-inches in the rear.
New Pirelli P-Zeros tires (235/40ZR18 and 305/30ZR19) were mounted in February 2024.
Detroit Speed & Engineering mini tubs provide space for the wide rear rubber.
All of the fluids were changed during the inspection in 2024.
A new battery, alternator, and voltage regulator were also installed at that time.
