Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!

**Xplantdad** · #1 11-07-2005, 07:08 AM

Bruce,
I have to explain that I bought and built this car before I found and got involved in the BEST car site on the net...The Yenko Site...So there are some things that I would do differently today. With that said, here's the story on the Gold Nova.

After reading an article about the L-78 Novas in a magazine, I sorta got the itch to have or build one(Spoiled Brat Syndrome). So I started looking for a decent Big Block base car to work with on the Internet. After following a few on Ebay I decided to focus and gamble on West Coast cars only. During the Ebay Auction, this car did not meet the reserve of the seller and was a no sale. I wasn't particularly fond of the color (Gold) as I really wanted a Silver or Black car. Anyhow, I emailed the seller and asked if the car was still for sale and he said it was. After talking to him, he seemed to be honest and to have taken good care of the car and said it was rust free and never wrecked, it was an original Big Block car with a Bench Seat, Column Shift Turbo 400, Power Steering, Power Disc Brake , Rubber Floor Mat car. So I made him an offer and he accepted.

The Planets must have been in Proper alignment cause everything flowed very smoothly from that point. I UPS Next Day Air'd a Cashiers Check on Wednesday, he received it at 11:00am on Thursday and the Auto Transport people picked it up at 12:30 pm. The car showed up 7 days later at Midnight and after checking the car out it seems that it was just as described from the seller, except for a CE 396-350h.p. engine and a non matching trans. The car was a totally rust free un molested survivor that spent it's entire life in the L.A. area.

I'm familiar with the early Novas and Chevelle but had a lot to learn about the 70 models. After getting involved in some Nova sites and asking questions about my new car, it seems that there was some evidence of being an original 375 H.P. car, single 3/8 fuel line, Power Disc brakes, but what really got me going was the CBT rear axle assy (375 H.P. only).So I started collecting the parts to put the car back to as delivered condition.I found a dated correct block and built it with all new correct L-78 GM parts. I found a perfect set of #842 Aluminum Heads, manifold and carb. I thought it would be neat to have an L89 Engine in the car...even though GM never built this combo, as I found out later.

While the car was out for paint, all the engine parts were detailed and assembled so when it came back all I had to do was put it together (5 months start to finish). I detailed the dash and interior, too. About this time as the car was just about finished, I found the Yenko Site and met the members in the Chicago area and took on a new appreciation for the Muscle Cars that are so important to the sport.

To do it all over again I would not have put the Aluminum heads on the car as I now understand the Importance of correct cars. But, we all live and learn!

There's nothing like starting that puppy up, hearing the solid lifters, clicking it into gear, and feeling pure American Muscle...I am living my Dream!!

Ken (Kwhizz)

PLATINUM6BBL · #2 11-07-2005, 07:16 AM

VERY NICE! I don't think it looks bad at all in that color.
Lon
OO====OO

**WILMASBOYL78** · #3 11-07-2005, 07:18 AM

Ken, nice job on the Nova!! Don't get too upset about the originality thing..you have a unique car that makes you happy. That's what counts the most!! Seeing those photos makes me want to get my 70 gold car done(L78 th400, bench seat). Enjoy your Nova and thanks for sharing it with us. Good Luck.

wilma

**427TJ** · #4 11-07-2005, 07:26 AM

I could stare at those engine shots all day long. Leave the alloy heads on there, they look COOL.

**Mr70** · #5 11-07-2005, 07:31 AM

This car looks even better in person.
Not bad for a guy over 50.

**Xplantdad** · #6 11-07-2005, 07:36 AM

I totally love this car! My first car was a Nova...so I immediately fell in love with Ken's Nova. I agree with 427TJ...leave it the way it is. Just because Chevrolet never made an L89 Nova, doesn't mean that you can't have one. You just did what Chevrolet didn't dare to do!

By the way...I already asked if I could have it. Seems that Charley beat me to the punch. So...can I have the other Nova that's in the garage?

**MosportGreen66** · #7 11-07-2005, 07:44 AM

What shade of gold is that? Autumn Gold?
I totally dig the overspray on the bottom of the heads...
Ken, that is one super Nova!

JoeG · #8 11-07-2005, 02:35 PM

That color and redlines ------------

BillD · #9 11-07-2005, 03:00 PM

Beautiful car! Love the bench seat and column shifted Turbo 400.

**SS427** · #10 11-07-2005, 03:34 PM

Very beautiful car and an excellent restoration Ken.