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Block: The foundation for the mighty 406 in Steve's car is a Dart Little M small-block that was prepped by Performance Concepts in Scandia, Minnesota. It is loaded with a forged Eagle crank and rod package. The Wiseco pistons yield a relatively tame 10.0:1 compression ratio. We had to adjust our spectacles to make sure we read Steve's cam specs correctly. The Ultradyne solid roller cam delivers 273/283 degrees duration at 0.050 and 0.727/0.682 inch lift. A Cloyes roller timing chain keeps it in phase, and Isky lifters have the unenviable task of following those huge lobes.
Heads: Steve's Dart 18-degree cylinder heads are major contributors to this engine's massive power. He had them angle-milled to an even shallower 15 degrees and fitted with larger 2.15/ 1.625-inch valves. The pushrods are from Comp, and they actuate T&D roller rockers.
Induction: Steve sourced a Chevrolet 18-degree intake manifold and fitted it with a Holley 950 HP carburetor.
Nawsssss: An NOS two-stage system is responsible for the 8-second passes. It provides an extra 300 hp.
Exhaust: Steve made those headers, and they're awesome looking. They dump into 3 1/2-inch collectors, ending with a pair of DynoMax Bullet mufflers.
Transmission: "I was running a Turbo 350 for a while, but it was too violent, so I switched to a 'Glide," Steve tells us. His Powerglide is loaded with a 5,300-stall PTC torque converter and an ATI transbrake. He controls it all with a simple and clean-looking ratchet shifter from Precision Performance Products.
Rearend: There's a Mopar 8 3/4 rear under Steve's Nova, just like the one in his brother's car. Steve tells us the Mopar A-Body rears are dirt cheap and the spring perches are in almost exactly the same position as the stock Chevy axle. He's since moved the springs inboard after tubbing the wheel houses, though. The Sure Grip differential was replaced with a spool that is turned by a set of 3.91:1 gears.
Suspension: Steve replaced the spindly OE front end with an AJE subframe made of chrome-moly tube steel. It utilizes coilover shocks and a Pinto steering rack. The rear suspension is simple enough: Calvert Racing leaf springs, a pair of CalTracs bars, and a set of QA1 adjustable shocks.
Brakes: Wilwood discs are up front, and the stock Mopar 11-inch drums remain out back.
Wheels/Tires: Those Billet Special-ties Street Light wheels look great on this car. A pair of 15x4 hoops with 26x4.5 Mickey Thompsons are up front, and monster 28x12.50 Mickey Thompson ET Streets mounted on 15x8-inch wheels bring up the rear.
Paint/Body: The only panel on Steve's Nova that isn't steel is the fiberglass hood. Otherwise, Steve and his dad, Bob, massaged or replaced their way to a straight and rust-free body. They painted the car at home, too. The color is Silver Birch, an '05 Chevrolet color.
Interior: Open the door and you'll find the interior is just as understated as the exterior. Steve kept his passenger compartment stock looking and fuss-free. The Jaz buckets are covered with black vinyl and the carpet is stock. If it weren't for the G-Force harnesses and 10-point rollcage Steve built, you'd be hard-pressed to ID this Nova as a sub-10-second car.
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