Speedtech Performance Builds a 1972 Nova
St George, Utah’s Speedtech Performance has turned out some bitchin’ cars and trucks over the years. Their customer Charles Huffines of Granite Bay, California, wanted his 1972 Nova to be clean and unique, with the ability to compete in AutoCross or simply drive cross-country in comfort and style. Mission accomplished – and then some.
His white two-door sedan with gloss black highlights and a touch of gray matches his goal: stylish but aggressive. Additional cosmetic touches include tucked bumpers, shaved side markers, 1974 doors and mirrors, shaved emblems (with the exception of the Nova logo on the rear) and LED light upgrades. Speedtech Performance handled most of the build, including the suspension upgrades, stainless headers and exhaust, body mods, and interior buildout. The paint was also laid down by Speedtech.
Under the Nova’s hood, cruising and competition power comes from a 376c.i. GM LS3 that pumps out 525 horsepower. It’s surrounded by widened fiberglass inner fender panels and cooled by an aluminum radiator with dual fans. A T56 wide-ratio transmission gets the power to a Ford 9-inch rear differential that houses 3.50 gears. Speedtech Extreme Torque Arms and Viking coil-over shocks complete the rear suspension package.
Up front, a Speedtech Performance Extreme subframe is fitted with a Sweet Manufacturing steering rack and pump. Viking coil-over shocks complemented with Wilwood disc brakes provide the handling and stopping tasks. Wilwood discs also control the braking on the rear. Forgeline GA1R wheels, measuring 18×10.5-inches both front and rear, are home to Falken Azenis 315/30R18 tires. Charles says utilizing same-size wheels and tires front and rear makes rotating tires easy, extending the life of the rubber.
The attention to detail in designing and executing the Nova’s interior shows the commitment to performance and personal comfort. Recaro seats covered in leather and suede keep the front seat passengers secure and comfortable; three-point seatbelts keep them safe. In the back seat, custom mounting clips are installed to safely secure a car seat for Charles’ two-year-old son. In addition, air-conditioning ducts flow through the center console to bring cooling air to this important lil’ passenger. The custom console meets the modern needs of over-the-road travel: cup holders and a storage area. A Momo steering wheel, American Powertrain shifter and an Alpine stereo system complete the interior.
So how would you grade this effort to build a striking AutoCross performer as well as a cruise-in-comfort street machine? If you ask us, it looks like an A-plus!
Photography by Steven Bunker
