*Build Thread* 1966 Chevy Nova II
#1
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
After tinkering with "The Trash Can" (thread to be posted soon) we had zero issues with the idea of starting another Nova project. This one, however, will be more than a beater with an LS motor.
We Bough this car out of Colorado with a 427CI big block and twin 750 carbs.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53498d1385165049-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131111_185046.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53490d1385165049-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-2013111195185149.jpg)
We had intentions on killing two birds with one stone so this big block car was perfect for the Chevelle build that we are doing (thread also coming for this car) as well as the new home of our LS3. The downside, this car sat higher that cheech and chong on the upper level of a party bus.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53482d1385164965-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131104_125257.jpg)
Suspension was the obvious starting point. This car had ladder bars, coil overs AND leaf springs. I'm sure if there were room left over we may have even found air bags under there as well. The first thing we did was remove the ladder bars and add adjusters to them. We removed the leaf springs completely to get this thing away from gasser and back to cruiser.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53506d1385165197-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-ladderbar1.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53514d1385165197-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_210617.jpg)
Once we decided on a comfortable ride height, we needed to notch the rear frame rails for wheel clearance.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53522d1385165235-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-cutting.jpg)
With the Weld Magnums we borrowed off the Land Shark, we did a test fit and I must say, the outcome looks more than amazing!
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53530d1385165313-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-slammed1.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53538d1385165313-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-slammed2.jpg)
With this car going under the knife for an LS swap, the old engine bay had to be cleaned up, well actually, the entire front end was removed completely.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53546d1385165399-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-oldfront1.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53554d1385165399-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-oldfront2.jpg)
Out with the old, in with the new! Our new front end came complete with Calipers, rotors, coil overs, upper and lower arms, and a manual steering rack.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53562d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_160952_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53570d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161000_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53578d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161009_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53586d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161041_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53594d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161302_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53602d1385165561-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161317_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53610d1385165561-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161342_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53618d1385165561-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_160934_hdr.jpg)
We are now setting the car up for its match made in heaven, our LS3 motor and T56 combo. Stay tuned for updates as well as our full "Trash Can" build and 1970 Big Block/Supercharged Chevelle.
We Bough this car out of Colorado with a 427CI big block and twin 750 carbs.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53498d1385165049-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131111_185046.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53490d1385165049-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-2013111195185149.jpg)
We had intentions on killing two birds with one stone so this big block car was perfect for the Chevelle build that we are doing (thread also coming for this car) as well as the new home of our LS3. The downside, this car sat higher that cheech and chong on the upper level of a party bus.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53482d1385164965-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131104_125257.jpg)
Suspension was the obvious starting point. This car had ladder bars, coil overs AND leaf springs. I'm sure if there were room left over we may have even found air bags under there as well. The first thing we did was remove the ladder bars and add adjusters to them. We removed the leaf springs completely to get this thing away from gasser and back to cruiser.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53506d1385165197-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-ladderbar1.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53514d1385165197-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_210617.jpg)
Once we decided on a comfortable ride height, we needed to notch the rear frame rails for wheel clearance.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53522d1385165235-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-cutting.jpg)
With the Weld Magnums we borrowed off the Land Shark, we did a test fit and I must say, the outcome looks more than amazing!
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53530d1385165313-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-slammed1.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53538d1385165313-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-slammed2.jpg)
With this car going under the knife for an LS swap, the old engine bay had to be cleaned up, well actually, the entire front end was removed completely.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53546d1385165399-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-oldfront1.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53554d1385165399-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-oldfront2.jpg)
Out with the old, in with the new! Our new front end came complete with Calipers, rotors, coil overs, upper and lower arms, and a manual steering rack.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53562d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_160952_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53570d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161000_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53578d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161009_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53586d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161041_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53594d1385165512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161302_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53602d1385165561-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161317_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53610d1385165561-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_161342_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/53618d1385165561-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131121_160934_hdr.jpg)
We are now setting the car up for its match made in heaven, our LS3 motor and T56 combo. Stay tuned for updates as well as our full "Trash Can" build and 1970 Big Block/Supercharged Chevelle.
#4
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
old mount pads. The goal with this one is to be as mild as possible while still having a drag ready street car. A very thin line on a car of this nature imo.
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#8
#10
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Custom fabbed long-tube headers are now in work...
really tough job because these have to look good.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56146d1387490343-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133530_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56154d1387490343-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133635_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56162d1387490343-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133552_hdr.jpg)
These will be a tight fit against the starter to clear the body but damn they look good!
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56170d1387490401-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133601_hdr.jpg)
really tough job because these have to look good.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56146d1387490343-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133530_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56154d1387490343-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133635_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56162d1387490343-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133552_hdr.jpg)
These will be a tight fit against the starter to clear the body but damn they look good!
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56170d1387490401-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133601_hdr.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/56178d1387490401-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-20131219_133624_hdr.jpg)
#14
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
What size rear tires did you put on it? My 66 nova I got 275/40/17 to fit without cutting anything under the car with the factory rear end. Good build so far, I have a ls2 with tko600 in mine and love it, pretty quick for being stock motor and car only weighing 2800 lbs. I put the same front clip as you did on mine, makes the world of difference driving the car and handling. Keep up the good work and progress.
#15
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
What size rear tires did you put on it? My 66 nova I got 275/40/17 to fit without cutting anything under the car with the factory rear end. Good build so far, I have a ls2 with tko600 in mine and love it, pretty quick for being stock motor and car only weighing 2800 lbs. I put the same front clip as you did on mine, makes the world of difference driving the car and handling. Keep up the good work and progress.
#17
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
We finally reached the peak of the mountain with this build, its all down hill from here!
We finished the fab work on the headers and got them mocked up.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61890d1391187776-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
once the headers were finished, we decided to make this car as close to perfect as we could so we decided to fill in the holes on the firewall and paint it.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61898d1391187983-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
now that we have an amazing looking engine bay, it was time to drop in the motor and trans then start the install on the brake system.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61906d1391188150-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
so shiny!!![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61914d1391188188-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
after about 30 trips to the parts store for lines and fittings, we finally have a complete brake system and line lock.![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61922d1391188323-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
so what's next?? oh yeah...BLOWER BABY!!! A and A Corvettes supercharger kit should do it pretty nicely.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61930d1391188478-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
looking like a million bucks!! Pockets feeling the opposite though...
We finished the fab work on the headers and got them mocked up.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61890d1391187776-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
once the headers were finished, we decided to make this car as close to perfect as we could so we decided to fill in the holes on the firewall and paint it.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61898d1391187983-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
now that we have an amazing looking engine bay, it was time to drop in the motor and trans then start the install on the brake system.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61906d1391188150-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
so shiny!!
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61914d1391188188-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
after about 30 trips to the parts store for lines and fittings, we finally have a complete brake system and line lock.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61922d1391188323-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
so what's next?? oh yeah...BLOWER BABY!!! A and A Corvettes supercharger kit should do it pretty nicely.
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61930d1391188478-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
looking like a million bucks!! Pockets feeling the opposite though...
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61938d1391188512-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
#18
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
We still have to wire up the entire car and the fuel system as well as a few little odds and ends but for the most part, she is coming along very nicely. We will be sure to keep you guys updated on our progress with this and the other builds but in the mean time..look at that classy *** ride!!!
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61946d1391188708-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61946d1391188708-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)
![](http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/solid-technology/61954d1391188873-build-thread-1966-chevrolet-nova-ii-image.jpg)