1963 Chevy II Nova SS Convertible

Joe LohrCompleted Projects

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1963 Chevy II Nova SS Convertible

 
 

A new Super Sport package was available on the Nova 400 coupe and convertible. The SS package included finned wheel covers, wider body-side moldings, aluminized rear panels and SS emblems and originally cost $161 and the I6 packed 120hp. Only 44,000 Nova SS coupes and convertibles were produced during the 1963 model year. This one will get our G-Machine chassis with giant Baer Brakes, RideTech coilovers, 8-speed auto trans, and the new Gen V LT4 engine that’ll quickly bring this up to speed with 650hp.

Frame and Suspension

  • Schwartz Performance bolt-in G-Machine Chassis
  • Ridetech single-adjustable coilovers
  • Power steering rack
  • Baer 14" 6-piston Pro Plus brake kits front and rear
  • Splined sway bars front & rear

Engine

  • Chevrolet Performance 650hp Gen V LT4 crate engine
  • Chevrolet Performance LT4 controller kit w/harness & ECU
  • Drive Junky LT4 serpentine drive system
  • Custom throttle body relocation
  • Custom 4" cold air intake
  • Custom high-capacity aluminum intercooler reservoir

Drivetrain

  • Chevrolet Performance 8L90E 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Custom steel driveshaft
  • Moser 9" housing and 31 spline axles with Baer Brakes full floater hub system
  • Currie 9" aluminum third member, 31 spline axles, TrueTrac differential, 3.25 gear

Wheels & Tires

  • Forgeline Rebel wheels, 18x8.5 front & 18x10.5 rear
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245/40/18 front & 285/35/18 rear.

Sheet Metal & Body Exterior

  • Entire car was dipped & E-coated for rust protection
  • Custom inner fender panels
  • Detroit Speed minitubs
  • Final color: WHITE!
  • Black cloth top

Interior

  • Custom 6-point bolt-in roll cage
  • Flaming River tilt steering column
  • Vintage Air Gen IV a/c system
  • Recaro Expert M seats
  • American Autowire wiring harness
  • Boese billet gauge carrier with Classic Instruments gauges
  • Customized dash with added A/C & heater vents
  • SeatBeltPlanet 3-point retractable seat belts

Other Features

  • AutoRad aluminum radiator support, radiator, heat exchanger, and AC condenser kit
  • American Autowire wiring harness
  • Stainless EFI fuel tank with ZL1 pump & Vaporworx pickups
  • Dual Optima YellowTop batteries

 

Arrival

Disassembly

Dipping & E-coat

Sheet metal repair and fabrication

Chassis fabrication & fitment

Pre-assembly & mockup

Interior related

Bodywork & paint

Final Assembly