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1965 Chevrolet Nova SS
Engine & Permformance
• Type: LS3
• Assembly: MAD Customs
• Displacement: 376 ci
• Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
• Bore: 4.065 inches
• Stroke: 3.622 inches
• Rotating Assembly: Hypereutectic cast-aluminum alloy pistons, powdered metal rods, forged crank
• Cylinder Heads: Aluminum rectangle port
• Valvetrain: Stock beehive springs, roller fulcrum rocker arms, hydraulic roller lifters
• Camshaft: Stock GM hydraulic roller cam
• Induction: Holley Intake, 90mm throttle body with psi adaptor
• Fuel Injection: Holley
• Valve Covers: Billet Specialties
• Exhaust: Hooker cast-iron manifolds, custom 2.5-inch exhaust, Flowmaster Super 44 mufflers
• Ancillaries: Entropy aluminum radiator and dual fans, coil pack bracket to mimic distributor, Billet Specialties serpentine kit
• Horsepower: 495 hp
Drivetrain
• Transmission: TREMEC TKX five-speed
• Rear Axle: Ford 9-inch, Truetrac Posi and 3.70 gears
Chassis & Suspension
• Front Suspension: Martz Engineering front clip with rack-and-pinion, QA1 coilover shocks
• Rear Suspension: Chassis Engineering four-link, QA1 coilover shocks
• Brakes: Wilwood 13-inch rotors, six-piston calipers front, four-piston rear
Wheels & Tires
• Wheels: American Racing TorqThrust 17×7 front, 17×8 rear
• Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 225/45R17 front, 255/45R17 rear
Interior
• Upholstery: Stock GM vinyl
• Steering: Stock column with 1966 Corvette steering wheel
• Shifter: Hanlon short throw shifter mechanism, Hurst chrome handle and knob
• Instrumentation: Classic Instruments
• Wiring: PSI harness
• HVAC: Vintage Air
• Sound System: Sony with Bluetooth and satellite radio, amp, and sub installed in trunk
• Stereo Installation: MAD Customs
Exterior
• Bodywork & Paint: N/A
• Paint: GM Madeira Maroon with added pearl and metallic
This 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS received a complete restomod transformation, combining classic styling with modern performance, handling, braking, and comfort. The car arrived without an engine or transmission, making it an ideal candidate for a modern powertrain while retaining the character and appearance of the original Nova.
The chassis was upgraded with a Martz Engineering front clip from Bedford, Pennsylvania. The bolt-on subframe incorporates upper and lower control arms and was further upgraded with QA1 coilover shocks. The rear suspension was converted to a Chassis Engineering universal four-link system with QA1 coilovers, giving the Nova improved handling and a properly lowered stance.
Stopping power was upgraded with 13-inch Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners. The front features six-piston calipers, while four-piston calipers were installed at the rear. American Racing TorqThrust wheels complete the chassis, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires measuring 225/45R17 up front and 255/45R17 in the rear.
Power comes from a 495-horsepower LS3 crate engine, finished with a retro appearance to complement the Nova's classic styling. The engine is paired with a TREMEC TKX five-speed manual transmission and a Hanlon Motorsports short-throw shifter. Power is transferred through a Ford 9-inch rearend equipped with a Truetrac Posi and 3.70 gears.
The Nova's recently refinished exterior was retained, with the body receiving a thorough buff and polish to bring the finish to a high-gloss appearance.
Inside, the original bucket seats and door panels were retained after having previously been refurbished. The original dash was upgraded with a new dashpad and modern Classic Instruments gauges installed within the factory bezels. A vintage 1966 Corvette steering wheel adds to the period-correct appearance, while a Vintage Air climate-control system provides modern comfort.
Bux Customs of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, completed the interior with a new headliner and carpet.
The finished 1965 Nova SS combines traditional mid-'60s Chevrolet styling with modern LS3 power, a five-speed manual transmission, upgraded suspension, four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes, modern instrumentation, and air conditioning, creating a capable restomod designed for both performance and long-distance driving.
