1968/69 Chevy Nova (stock eliminator)

[Jesse Knapp]

The 396/375 alum. head engine for this car in these two yrs. places it as a natural "A" car. The iron head version is a natural "B" car. Has anyone ever run "AA" stock with this setup? Only the alum. head engine can go "AA". I've seen these cars run quick in "B" and don't know if they were nat. "A" cars or nat. "B" cars. I know the engines are quick and fast in other cars, but how are they (alum. head) in a Nova, in "AA"? Body shape is so different and wheel base is 111" compared to the camaros 108. My guess is they are slower, but I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

[Alan Roehrich]

The biggest problem anyone has with a 396 in AA is getting the weight out and getting the car to hook after they get the weight out. Some 396 cars just can't get enough weight out, and even if they can, they cannot hook the car. In order to get light enough, it will need to be a purpose built car, with absolutely strict attention to weight.

[Jesse Knapp]

I do remember the Lynch car and it was very fast, but if it was a 402 engine it had to be a 1970 car only and factors as a natural "B" car and cannot go to "AA". As I said I knew there were some fast cars in "B", but wondered if they were "A" cars with weight or natural "B" cars. Alan, I didn't know these cars don't hook up real well. Since I have the car (1971) I am thinking out plans for it. I would enjoy building a natural "A" car and will decide what class and purpose build. I have all the castings needed for the 350/255, 350/295 or 300, and the 327/275 and would change the cars yr. accordingly. Having said that I still prefer an "A" car even though I don't have any big block parts. Thank you both for the replies.

[Jesse Knapp]

If no one has run "AA" stock with this combo, or even it someone has tried it, has any 68 or 69 Nova gone a 9 second pass? Sounds like a hard goal to achieve.

[Alan Roehrich]

Jesse,
The two fastest 68/69/70 Novas I've seen belong to the Koppien family and Clark Holroyd. For more and better information on this, you should really talk to Steve and Mike Koppien, Keith Lynch, and Clark Holroyd. All are great people, and friendly, helpful racers. And besides, if you want to go fast with a 396/375 Nova, or a 396/375 anything for that matter, you're going to need to talk to Clark about his carburetors and his rocker system, we use both.

You can find Keith and the Koppiens here on this board. And you can get Clark's contact information on the board, or from Keith or the Koppiens. I think Clark has been as fast as a 10.15 or so in A, and I'd bet the Koppiens car has been close to that, or maybe better. I do not recall seeing an unfactored 9 second pass in a Stock legal Nova. That does not mean it cannot be done, it just means I have not seen one posted anywhere.

[BobUnkefer]

Jesse,

Checking my end-of-year stats from Nitro Joe, there is one Nova shown in AA/SA. It is the '68 Nova of Luke Bogacki. it shows him with a 10.749 (-0.151) on the 10.90 index @ last years SpringNats.

in A/SA, Clark Holroyd shows with the best Nova run with his '69 @ the WinterNats, a -1.174 run against the 11.30 index.

Hope this helps,

Unk

[Alan Roehrich]

Thank you Bob. I was thinking Clark's 10.126 against the Sorensons was the fastest pass I'd seen in a Nova.

[Pelle A]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

Jesse,
The two fastest 68/69/70 Novas I've seen belong to the Koppien family and Clark Holroyd. For more and better information on this, you should really talk to Steve and Mike Koppien, Keith Lynch, and Clark Holroyd. All are great people, and friendly, helpful racers. And besides, if you want to go fast with a 396/375 Nova, or a 396/375 anything for that matter, you're going to need to talk to Clark about his carburetors and his rocker system, we use both.

You can find Keith and the Koppiens here on this board. And you can get Clark's contact information on the board, or from Keith or the Koppiens. I think Clark has been as fast as a 10.15 or so in A, and I'd bet the Koppiens car has been close to that, or maybe better. I do not recall seeing an unfactored 9 second pass in a Stock legal Nova. That does not mean it cannot be done, it just means I have not seen one posted anywhere.

When I bought the Nova from Keith Lynch in 2005 it had a 402 with iron heads. Aaron Koppien, (God's speed, Aaron) took that Nova to RU in Las Vegas. That when I decided to buy that car. Right now I´m racing this Nova on the third season with a iron head 396/375 hp from Steve Koppien. I can really recommend to get in contact with the Koppiens, even if there is a Atlantic ocean in between, they will not let you down.
Pelle Andersson, Sweden

[bsa633]

Originally Posted by Jesse Knapp

I do remember the Lynch car and it was very fast, but if it was a 402 engine it had to be a 1970 car only and factors as a natural "B" car and cannot go to "AA"..

Keith had it "bumbed up" to an natural A car for awhile he then put the stuff in a Camaro to get away from the hp..after a couple of yeasr the hp was taken back -10 on the Nova again...for some reason...maybe it's time to treat the Hemi E body the same way..

[Kenny Wigington]

I think you should track down the parts for a 255/ 350. That would be good !




Are you reading tonite buddy boy......??? he he he he !!!