Super Street Nova Build - In-Nova-Tion, Part 2

Last month we kicked off the buildup of Accessible Technology's (ATI) Super Street Nova with a detailed look at how they built a 1,200-plus-hp big-block on pump gas using mostly off-the-shelf parts from GM Performance and a few extra key suppliers. The reason for the buildup was to showcase ATI's newest F-series line of competition superchargers. Instead of just doing the usual "engine build up and test" story, we wanted to follow-up with ATI and see how production of the '69 Nova they plan to race was coming along. During the Nova's construction, ATI took the supercharged 502 apart and downsized it considerably to 427 cid to better fit the pounds-per-cubic-inch rules of the classes in which they plan to compete. At the blower-mandated 8 pounds/ci the smaller engine would allow the Nova to run right above 3,200 pounds, with an additional 175-pound weight break allowed for the pre-'73 body and stock-case trans. ATI also plans to step up the power level of the 427 to around 3.25 hp/ci, or just about 1,400 hp, which they feel would make the Nova a competitive car. However, it takes more than tons of horsepower and a pretty paint job to make a car go down the track in less than 9 seconds at about a buck-sixty-five, so this month we'll show you the work that ATI had done to get them in the game.

ATI stripped down their Nova...        read full caption ATI stripped down their Nova and trucked it to Mick's Place in Atchison, KS, for the chassis transformation. The front subframe was hauled to the shop later on. A final chassis wrap-up will be done at MDRC in Midwest City, OK, before the car hits the track. The crew at MDRC has considerable experience making over-powered small-tire cars work, and ATI feels their knowledge will be instrumental to getting this beast down the track.	After gutting the rear floor...        read full caption After gutting the rear floor and removing the frame, Mick's technicians began installation of the Chassis Engineering rear framerails and ladder bar suspension system. The Currie 9-inch rearend didn't come with brackets installed, so the team at Mick's Place welded all shock and ladder bar mounts onto the housing.	With the trunk and floor removed,...        read full caption With the trunk and floor removed, working on the chassis is much easier. Measurements were taken for the diagonal brace that keeps the rearend from swinging side to side under the car. The diagonal link was then fabricated to fit correctly.
Since QA1 Motorsports purchased...        read full caption Since QA1 Motorsports purchased Hal Shocks a few years ago, all of their suspension pieces are now referred to as QA1 products. The Nova uses all QA1 shocks and springs, but this photo shows a Hal shock being installed because the shocks were bought before the company changed hands.	Plenty of tire clearance was...        read full caption Plenty of tire clearance was built into the suspension, in case ATI ever wanted to go big-tire racing with their Nova. The Mickey Thompson E.T. Street tire shown is actually pretty big on its own at 30 tall x 13.5 wide with an 11-inch wide tread. Many back-half cars like this one have already run in the 7s on this size D.O.T.-approved tire.	To finish fitting and adjusting...        read full caption To finish fitting and adjusting the chassis, the car must be sitting at ride height. That means that the entire Currie rearend had to be assembled so that things like driveshaft angle could be checked.
It's much easier to make adjustments...        read full caption It's much easier to make adjustments and modifications with the car jacked up in the air. However, the tires need to be at ride height and the suspension must be loaded to set everything properly. Sturdy wooden boxes like these can be built to raise and level the car.	Since the engine was being...        read full caption Since the engine was being assembled while the chassis was built, they needed a way to simulate nose weight. A few old cast-iron heads, manifolds, a block, and some miscellaneous chunks of steel provide the necessary load.	The driver's seat must also...        read full caption The driver's seat must also be installed to get it positioned comfortably for the driver. Also, when setting up the chassis, temporary weight equal to the driver's weight must be loaded in this location.
With the rollcage and chassis...        read full caption With the rollcage and chassis components painted, the next step is installing the tinwork in the interior. Cardboard templates are cut to test-fit each and every piece. Typically, when a car like this is completed, you'll have a template left over for every piece of the puzzle.	Once the tin is trimmed, bent,...        read full caption Once the tin is trimmed, bent, and rolled, it can be riveted in place. If this area does not turn out looking pristine, you can always cover it with upholstery or carpeting and still win major points in the "appearance" categories.	The trunk and fuel system...        read full caption The trunk and fuel system get attention now that the tin is finished. Note the sano battery box on the right. The large fuel cell was installed to give this Nova some legs on cruise night.
Check out the smooth parachute-mounting...        read full caption Check out the smooth parachute-mounting bar that was fabricated between the framerails. Later, the battery disconnect switch will also be mounted on it.	A final fit check of all the...        read full caption A final fit check of all the rear suspension components and the back half is complete. Note the rear antiroll bar that was added.	Up front, all stock suspension...        read full caption Up front, all stock suspension bushings were replaced with Energy Suspension's polyurethane products. The A-arms were disassembled, sandblasted and powdercoated prior to reassembly.
The stock front suspension...        read full caption The stock front suspension was upgraded with QA1's direct bolt-in coilover adjustable shocks and stiff springs to support the heavy big-block.