With all the cars we run across here at Barn Finds, as you can imagine we’ve seen just about every reason you can think of given as to why the owners want to sell that car. From family matters. time restraints, and the ever-popular flipper looking to make a quick buck, there are all sorts of conditions that arise where a car needs to find a new home. But the one that tugs at my heartstrings every time is when the owner is facing health issues that necessitate the sale of a vehicle. A case in point is this Chevy Nova SS, of which most of the heavy lifting has already been done and the point of fruition is not that far away. If you’ve been in the market for a Chevy II or Nova that just needs some finishing touches, this 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS might fit that bill ideally. Located in Lubbock, Texas, it can be spotted here on eBay with a current bid of $11,500.
Although no history or background is given about this Nova, one glance under the hood kind of makes the question of how this car began life go by the wayside. Power is now supplied by a freshly built 454 cubic inch V8, which the seller says has brand new everything including a Holley carburetor, a nitrous bottle in the trunk, and an exhaust system with electric cut-outs. The car also has a rebuilt Turbo-Hydramatic 350 transmission with an 1800 stall converter, and although it’s not installed yet the car will also come with a B&M shifter. Underneath, a new driveshaft is in place and the rear-end sports 3.90 positraction gears.
While the owner is physically no longer able to assemble cars, he does say that everything that it needs to be put together is present, including the complete interior which is ready to install. The side window glass is already in place with new weather stripping, and although it is not installed yet both the front and back glass is included with the sale of the car. The Nova comes with its original steering column, plus there’s an extra aftermarket tilt unit in case an adjustable steering wheel is more to the next owner’s liking.
The Nova also has new quarter panels and a fresh gunmetal grey paint job, which the seller says was professionally done but that the exterior was very dirty when the photos were taken. The chrome has also all been refreshed. The seller understands that there’s no way he will be able to recoup all of the money that has been spent on this car, but I’m guessing with everything this Nova has going for it that by the time it’s over he will have gotten a decent return on his investment. What are your thoughts on this 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS?
Start ‘er up, put ‘er in Drive, slam the go pedal, and hold on!
That is, after spending lots of hours putting it together.
The November has been a long time favorite of mine and with a 454! The only other car that takes place is the ’71 GTX 440. $11K plus shipping, not too shabby!
There could be much heavy lifting to be done. Being freshly-built it seems plausible the 454 w/o nitrous puts out more power and torque than a 1970 L48 along with a couple hundred pounds of weight. While over-built for a small block I wouldn’t trust the OE suspension parts to handle the change. Something a bit stronger than a Turbo 350 should handle the gear changes. Steering, cooling and braking systems should be considered as well. At minimum subframe connectors should be installed to limit body flex.
It’s not clear what this Nova is being built for. The drive train changes and nitrous along with a 3.90 rear end suggest the intent is to go fast in a straight line. A tilt column and new interior suggest a passenger vehicle. So many things are dependent upon what purpose the vehicle is intended to serve.
70 Nova’s did come with a L-89 around the same weight. It does look like a start of a neat build. I had a 350/350 Nova that and most cars of this era were basically straight line cars.
GM and I assume other manufacturers determine the correct spring rate based upon the weight of the vehicle and its options. This Nova’s front spring specification could be any one of over 25 part numbers. There’s a lot of engineering going on. Drop a L89 into a L4 Nova and see how it handles. A couple hundred pound weight difference does matter.
The rear springs also were based on vehicle weight with options. There were at least two mono-leaf springs with different rates and at least two multi-leaf springs with different rates.
Much depends upon the car as delivered. Someone purchasing a L48 or L89 would likely be talked into the F40 or F41 suspension.
I agree on the tranny part, a TH400 would be a better fit!
I heard from a fellow hot rodder back in the ’80’s that the TH350’s can handle more torque because they have a thicker case than the 400’s. (I was a Muncie 4-speed guy at the time so I didn’t know much about autos) This Nova sounds like someone will get a good deal considering all that’s been done to it, bolt it together and go. I suspect the front suspension has been changed to the big block springs judging by its stance, and probably all new suspension in front and back. Great Nova, I’m watching this one. ($15,300 2 days left)
Yep AG….I think you are right on-target with the built-for-the-straight line observations…but you never know… he could be Baja guy with a one-off vision
Tbh you would probably be better off with the 200lb lighter 350 make it peppy by all means, keep it tidy, stick with the 12 bolt, hang onto the 375/400, make it stop properly, go with decent shocks and anti roll bar clean up the body and interior and enjoy it 👍 just my 2 cents worth