‘63 Chevy II Pro-Touring Build
 

Finally got a chance to drive to Eau Claire this week and check out the progress on the Nova. Kurt and his team have the bodywork mostly done, and their focus has been on some little things: smoothing the firewall, modifying the radiator core support for the new C&R radiator, mock up of engine and headers, welding up some extraneous holes in interior, and prepping the dash for changes due to some deviations from the stock Nova dash.

Attached are some photos showing some of the work Kurt did smoothing out the firewall as well as mocking up the engine and headers for clearance. All looked good... I’m using the MSD Atomic intake, which is a fair bit larger than the stock LS7 intake, but as you can see, there is sufficient clearance. Also, the Ultimate Headers fit nicely and tuck up tight under the car.

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Here is a shot from under the car showing how nicely the headers tuck up under the car...
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I posted previously about the new C&R radiator I purchased for the Nova, and the fact that the core in the C&R radiator is larger than stock, which would require some modifications to the core support. Kurt removed the filler panels from the stock core support and made some new ones, based on the measurements of the new radiator. The result looks great and now provides an adequate opening for the new radiator. We’re planning to route a cold air intake for the engine to the driver side filler panel, so we’ll end up opening up that filler panel to allow fresh air through to the air filter.
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The other item that we’ve focused a little on recently is the dash. I’ve never been a fan of the dash on the first generation Novas. The stock dash offers little in the way of information and I don’t like the look of the oblong dash pod.
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There are a number of after market options available, but they all fit within the same oblong pod. That oblong pod is not very large, so the plastic gauge clusters that you can purchase to fit within the pod are limited to 3 3/8” speedometers and tachometers with one other 2 1/8” gauge, typically placed in between the speedo and tach. . Again, not a lot of information presented and not a great look in my opinion (though certainly a step-up from the stock gauges).
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Dakota Digital recently came out with a new VHX gauge for first gen Novas, which is a nice looking unit offering much more information than other options, but it it still fits within the same stock oblong dash bezel.
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The Dakota Digital units is clearly a step-up, but I wanted something different that didn’t rely on the stock oblong dash bezel.

I’ve always liked the DSE dash insert they make for first generation Camaros, and the fact that you can put in 5” analog gauges. Love that look, but the Nova just doesn’t have the real estate in its dash to fit 5” gauges. I started looking at other options, including LCD dashes (e.g., the Holley 7” dash, the Aim Sports MXD Strada Street dash, etc). The LCD gauges are intriguing to me because they offer such an unbelievable amount of information when they’re connected directly to the ECU - data that can be customized and presented in various formats in the digital dash displays. However; the LCD dashes don’t have the same look of the analog gauges that I really love, so there were clear trade offs using an LCD dash.

At SEMA 2018, Holley unveiled a new 12.3” digital dash with touch screen capabilities like your smart phone (touch the screen to make changes to the data presented, to access all tuning parameters of the Holley ECU, swipe to the side to scroll through various pages of data monitored by the ECU, swipe up to close out screens, etc). The new dash connects to the Holley ECU and gets the majority of its information directly from the ECU. Additional information can be uploaded into the ECU or monitored via other attachments or wire feeds directly into the dash (e.g., turn signals can be connected to the dash so that lights blink on the dash as the turn signals signal on and off). Also, the dash can be displayed to look like Holley’s analog gauges. To me, this product is the best of both worlds in that it allows you real time access to all of the information being monitored or calculated by the ECU, while, at the same time, allows the user to configure the screen of the dash in manner that suits their personal taste (which, for me, is an analog looking gauge presentation). Here’s a photo of one of the gauge display options on the new Holley 12.3” digital dash that looks similar to analog gauges in the first gen Camaro with a DSE dash insert.
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As it turns out, the dimensions of the rectangular Holley 12.3 dash are similar to (though slightly larger than) the stock oblong gauge pod. The Holley dash is a little larger than the stock bezel, so it requires a little bit of fabrication work. Kurt and his team used the supplied template to build a rectangular box that will be recessed into the dash and into which the new 12.3” dash will be mounted. I really like the result and think the new rectangular LCD touch screen dash will look awesome and provide me with substantial amounts of data that can be accessed real time from the driver’s seat.
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Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

Brian


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I think the dash will be awesome!!


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Great looking build! Where did you get the plate for the mater cylinder and the clutch that is welded to the firewall?

Cool work on the dash. Should look great.

Thanks! I’m really looking forward to seeing how it turns out - it’s a really cool product by Holley


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Thanks! Detroit Speed makes that bracket for Chevy II’s - it’s a very nice piece and reasonably priced. Makes it easy to mount the clutch master in line with the stock pedal and at the correct angle. We’ll clean up the welds and blend it in to the firewall once we get the front end off and put the car on the rotisserie.


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Thanks!


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WOW, Loving this build!

‘63 Chevy II Pro-Touring Build
 

Wow... where did the summer go? Can’t believe how quickly it went... didn’t make as much progress on the Nova as I had hoped over the summer. Kids activities seem to dominate the schedule and I also spent a lot of time finishing the new garage/sport court addition we built over the summer.

We finally got the LS7 on the engine dyno... nothing ever seems to go as easy as it should, and this was no exception. Motor first went on the dyno in July and didn’t produce near the power I was expecting - it topped out at 580hp when I was expecting 700+hp. Turns out the dyno operator used an incorrect pilot bearing when connecting the engine to the dyno which caused significant forward pressure on the crankshaft. So much pressure that it burned up the thrust bearing and damaged the crankshaft. The dyno shop paid to fix the crankshaft, new bearings, fresh hone on the cylinder walls, new rings, etc. Really frustrating, but at least they owned up to it.

The rebuilt motor went on the engine dyno in late August and results were great - 705hp and 604tq. The torque curve is insane - a little over 500ft lbs of torque starting at 3,500 rpm and it never drops below that. It holds peak torque (~600 ft lbs) for more than 1,300 rpm, from 4,900 rpm to 6,200 rpm with a gradual fall off after that. You can see on the attached dyno graph how the torque curve is like a table top in that rpm range. Since horsepower is a function of torque, the motor’s ability to carry its torque like that is what allows it to top 700hp in naturally aspirated form.

As I stated in earlier posts, Tony Mamo has a lot of these head, cam and intake combinations on LS7s across the country and they are, in many cases, breaking dyno records when put on the rollers. He obviously knows his stuff - that’s an impressive power curve. This dyno was done on 91 octane, but I will have it tuned for 93 octane after its in the car, so I suspect final numbers to be closer to 720hp at the crank with 93 octane. Really amazing and probably a little over kill for the Chevy II... I can’t wait to experience it in the car!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8cb46926a8.png

Those results look really good and without any power adders! Great job on the build!

Looks like a awesome build.

Thanks! Appreciate the kind words!


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Thank you! Getting close to painting, and excited to make some progress!


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great numbers. Tony built a 427 ls3 for my 63 nova that did 680/580 at westech. looks like those ls7 heads are definitely worth some more power than mine. had to spin mine to 7200 to get my peak. your car is going to be a blast

That should be a wicked fun little car to drive... Hang on!!!

Thanks! How’s your Nova drive with that set up? I’m sure it’s a blast... do you have a link to any pics?


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‘63 Chevy II Pro-Touring Build
 

I’m hoping it’s a blast! Still a long way to go, but can’t wait til it’s done!


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‘63 Chevy II Pro-Touring Build
 

Attached are some pictures of the Chevy II with the wheels mounted - we had to get some new wheel studs and Kurt had to make a couple of minor modifications to make sure we had sufficient clearance on the rears. I think the wheels look awesome - fill up the wheel wells nicely! The car had a mock up block in it when these pictures were taken; so the front end will drop a bit when the full drivetrain is installed. I’m sure we’ll need to make some adjustments at that time to get the right stance, but I think it looks pretty good now, too!


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Looking good what are you using for engine management system, and what are you plans for interior?

its not driving yet. im a couple steps behind you at the moment. I was trying to build it myself but my lack of time is killing the build. it will end up in a shop next year

I’ve got a Holley Dominator ECU, which will feed my Holley digital dash and is needed for the DBW throttle body (Holley HP ECUs don’t work with DBW throttle bodies). The Dominator is a little overkill for my naturally aspirated motor, but plenty of room for future mods if I go in that direction.

For the interior, I’m planning to use TMI molded door panels and TMI buckets for front seats. Both of those items are available for purchase now. I’d like to use the TMI one piece molded head liner, but it’s still in development, as is their molded rear seat. They debuted the headliner and rear seats at SEMA last year on a ‘67 Nova built by Church Boys racing, but they’re not available to purchase yet. Would be great to buy all of it together using matching fabrics, colors, etc. I’d like to do something for a console as well, and TMI is also developing that, but it’s not clear when it will be available.


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I can definitely relate to that... I’d love to do more of the work on my Nova, but I just don’t have the time. Work is crazy right now and I try to spend as much time with my kids as I can before they’re gone to college. So, I can either do the work myself, knowing that it will be years before it’s finally done, or get help. As much as I enjoy working on it, I want to enjoy driving it, too... as a result, AutoKraft is doing a lot more than I originally anticipated... I’ll have other cars to work on (like my ‘56 Chevy) when the kids are gone and I’m retired!


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Quick update... targeting end of January for paint. We need to finish up fitting driving lights in the front bumper, and a small rear spoiler on trunk lid, at which point, all exterior body work should be finished. Also working on test fitting radiator, A/C condenser, catch can, routing of heating and A/C lines, air intake, etc.

Ben from SRD did a really nice job putting together a rendering to help illustrate what we’re striving for. Colors should be pretty accurate - we’re planning on using Shark grey metallic, which was a C7 corvette color on 2015-2016 models. I want a metallic grey that is light enough for the black trim, black wheels and red calipers to really pop against it. I’m attaching a photo of Ben’s rendering and of some shark grey metallic Corvettes so you can get a sense of the color combination. Let me know your thoughts. Happy new year to all and best wishes for healthy and prosperous 2020!

Ben’s rendering:
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Some shark grey metallic Corvettes:
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Photo of my LS7 after delivering to Kurt at AutoKraft:
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Photo of test fitting of my Holley digital dash:
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VERY cool build!!!!!!!!

‘63 Chevy II Pro-Touring Build
 

Love the color choice!!! The rendering really helps!

I’m going to go with Pepper Grey Metallic on my 63-1/2 Falcoon.

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Yes, the color choice is good! Good luck making paint.

Love this build!

Thanks - appreciate it!!


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Thank you! Your Falcon looks awesome and will look great in that color. Doug Rippie, who helped me assemble my LS7, was helping a friend build a Falcon similar to yours. That car was freshly painted in a grey metallic, and it really looked sharp!

Thank you!


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Thanks - appreciate the kind words!


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If it wouldn’t to much of an inconvenience, could you point me toward more info on it or maybe send me a pic or 20 of it ;)


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I’ll check with Doug, but I think he’s finished with it now. When I picked up my motor from him, it was t in his shop. Maybe he has a picture or two he can share... thanks


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Awesome! Thanks! Now, get back to that SeXy Nova.


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‘63 Chevy II Pro-Touring Build
 

I was originally planning on using TMI bucket seats for the Nova, but after seeing some in person, I didn’t like how tall their universal buckets were (I looked at their Pro Viper line, as well as their Pro Chicane line). TMI shared some photos of their Pro Chicane seats in a ‘63 Nova, and the headrests were so tall (almost to the roof) that I thought it looked funny. I started looking around for some shorter seats that would look better, proportionally, in the car. I really liked the look of the Recaros that Detroit Speed had installed in their ‘63 Chevy II test car, and started looking around for some.

DSE test car Recaros:
Attachment 71196


I considered some new Recaros, but found an older set that I had recovered exactly the way I wanted them. I had them covered in a really soft leather with red stitching and a diamond pattern sewn in the seat base and seat back. It took a few weeks, but I received my front seats on Friday - the guy who did them for me did really outstanding work. I had him use Recaro’s taller bolsters on the seat bottoms and deeper bolsters on the sides. They really hold you in place firmly when sitting in them - should help when playing around on the track. He also sewed a hole for a submarine belt in the seat bottom, in case I end up running a 5 point harness. I may end up using the Schroth racing 4 point harnesses with their anti-submarining technology, but haven’t completely decided. At least I have the option of running either.

My custom Recaros:

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I also purchased from him an extra hyde of the same leather, which I will use to finish the rest of the interior. My plan is to have the back seat reworked to be like two little bucket seats - similar to the DSE test car in the photo below - and will have the rear seats sewn to match the front with red stitching and similar diamond pattern on the seat base and seat back.

DSE rear seat:
Attachment 71197

I’m also planning to build a console similar to that in the photo below, and will have the sides covered in the same leather. I’ll also have a shifter boot and a boot for the console mounted e-brake handle made using the same leather and red stitching.

Console idea:
Attachment 71193

I’m taking the seats to Eau Claire on Wednesday where Kurt and I will mock them up using the Wedge Engineering brackets that I found. I’ll also see on Wednesday how close we are to paint - seems like forever!


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Made it over to Eau Claire last week to check out progress on the Nova. Kurt has the engine, transmission, radiator, etc. in and checking clearances all around. We’re also mocking up the path of A/C lines, oil cooler lines, heater hoses and catch can. We’re using the round II Much bulkhead for the Vintage Air EZ-clip hoses. We will use one bulkhead to route hoses from the A/C compressor and water pump through the lower inner fender near the radiator on the passenger side. We’ll route the hoses under the passenger inner fender through a second bulkhead in the firewall into the cabin to connect to the Vintage Air unit.

We’re also working on a custom air intake and intend to have a cone filter that will sit between the driver’s side inner fender and the radiator. We plan to open up the core support in that area to allow cold air to the filter through the grille.

Kurt also fabricated housings into the lower sides of the dash to mount round air vents, similar to what has been done on a number of first gen Novas built by DSE and others here on the forum. Front seats were test fit and seat brackets installed.

Once we have the air intake built and we’re finished with mock ups, the drivetrain will come out, and we’ll remove the front subframe to allow some final finishing of the firewall, and then we’ll be ready for paint. Here are some recent pictures:

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Looks awesome. Kurt does very nice work.

Looking awesome!


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Love the seats. They look great!