There are many good reasons why people buy ‘72 and older American cars, including such things as classic body lines, performance, nostalgia, or any combination of them. In this neck of the woods there is another one: to be able to join the Roamin Angels Car Club. Although John P. had a newer performance car, it did not qualify him for membership and he decided to buy one that did. He was a “Chevy guy” and always liked the lines of the ‘66 Chevy Nova, so he started looking for one that he could enjoy on club runs. After several months of looking, he found one about a year ago that filled the bill. It had just been painted and was not reassembled, but already had a narrowed positraction nine-inch Ford rear end and Prostar 15 inch wheels. And boxes and boxes of parts. Basically, the car was an empty shell. John was no stranger with a wrench and loved souping up cars, so he took on the project. He installed a TCI Mustang II front end with disc brakes and power rack-and-pinion steering. Next he dropped in a LS1 engine with a 4L60 auto trans from a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am. He rewired it with a complete loom from Painless and used a Covan dash panel with Stewart Warner gauges. For comfort, he used bucket seats from a 2004 Toyota Scion, added Vintage Air air conditioning and put in power windows and a GM factory cruise control. Jim did all the work himself except for the installation of a new headliner. Since completion, Jim has only put 300 miles on the Nova since he finished. Although there are a couple of minor bugs to work out, he and wife Linda are almost ready to do with the car what he bought it to do: take it on long cruises with fellow Roamin Angels.

1966 was the first year of the second-generation Chevy II Nova body style. With 3.25:1 gears, it cruises on the freeway at about 2000 RPM, making it a reliable and roadworthy cruiser.

This LS1 engine gives plenty of power and good mileage, running about 24 to 25 MPG. This all-aluminum 5.7 L V-8 is rated at 325 HP, more than enough power for the light-bodied Nova.

John changed the steering column and wheel to one from a ‘95 Chevy pickup. Sounds come from a Sony AM/FM/CD.

Story & photos by Ron C. 2008.