Power Module And Support
The 427-cubic-inch LS7 engine is rated at 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The factory knows all about insurance "surcharges" applied to overabundant powerplants like this one, so it becomes prudent to underrate the production package. Think more like 540 hp and 500 lb-ft of grunt. This thing comes with a dry sump oiling system, in this case abetted by a Stef's oil accumulator, as well as a compression ratio of 11:1, a stout hydraulic cam (0.591/0.591, 211/230 at 0.050), and forged titanium connecting rods to go with that good steel crank. Hooker Super Comp headers (13/4-inch primaries, 3-inch collector) merge with a MagnaFlow 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system. The LS7 sports a Billet Specialties aluminum coolant pump, pulleys, and breather, and is serviced by a Vintage Air Front Runner serpentine accessory belt drive (Tuff Stuff 130-amp alternator, Vintage Air HVAC compressor, and Detroit Speed power steering are the ancillaries). There's an Optima cell stationed in the trunk to run it all. The 427 is fed by a Walbro pump (Holley fuel regulator, Earl's fittings, stainless lines) sucking from a custom aluminum fuel cell (leading corners were flattened to accommodate the width of the back wheels). Cool air comes in through a fabricated air duct to an Air Raid element. The engine controller is a GMPP stand-alone unit. The transmission cooler is integrated into the Be Cool aluminum core (utilizing the stock radiator support) that is pursued by a single 16-inch SPAL pusher fan surrounded by custom-built aluminum shrouding. Torque is processed by a beefed GMPP 4L65E transmission via a sensible 2,300-stall converter and companion stand-alone controller. A Drive Shaft Shop steel prop hurries the guff to a Currie 9-Plus axle that turns 4.11:1 gears on a limited-slip differential and spins 33-spline axleshafts.
Down Below
Just by looking at the Nova's knockdown stance, you know there's quite a bit going on here. At the pointing end, a Chassisworks (CW) subframe carries adjustable upper and lower control arms terminating at CW drop spindles. Air Ride ShockWave air springs (as monitored and supplied by an in-car AccuAir air suspension tank and Viair 400C compressor) are used to adjust vehicle height and stance as well as handling characteristics. A CW antisway bar sops up the leftovers. Fesler tightened up the middle of the car with a driveshaft safety loop/chassis stiffener and tied it into frame connectors that precede the 2x3-inch rails that add torsional rigidity and locate a custom subframe. The four-link suspension is amended by Air Ride bags mounted inboard and positioned vertically. In a very real sense, the Nova now has a perimeter frame beneath its unibody construction. Probably couldn't crumple this thing with an Abrams M1/A1 at full tilt.
Rollers & Clamps
Fesler Built's own FS905 3-piece, 19-inch rims are prominent: fronts are 9.5 wide and hold Michelin Pilot Sport P255/35s. The back ones measure 11.5 inches and are wrapped with P345/30ZR PSs. Lurking behind these massive and intricate hoops are 14-inch Wilwood velocity burners with six- and four-pot calipers, respectively. A Hydratech master cylinder works with a dual-reservoir booster.
Cockpit
Fesler based the Nova's electrical foundation on a Ron Francis wiring system and from there the goodness naturally flowed-to the gaggle of Auto Meter gauges in the fabricated instrument cluster, to the Dakota Digital air ride and Vintage Air control panels, the Electric Life power window lifts, the Pioneer AM/FM/CD/DVD head, the Kicker trunk-based amp, navigation system, and so forth. Before any of this was established, however, Fesler lined all of the car's naked surfaces with sound-absorbing/heat-quenching Dynamat. The panels, seats, carpeting, and the very interior scheme itself are low-key but obviously rich and sumptuous. The Recaros, original back seat, door panels, custom-made console, and armrest are upholstered in leather; headliner, package tray, and sunvisors are done in contrasting suede. A Fesler billet wheel anoints the Billet Specialties tilt steering column that's held by a custom column drop bucket. While Bryan holds the leather-wrapped wheel, Julianno's 3-point safety belts hold him. Shiny points in the bottom are Lokar stuff.
Struttin'
Gary Sharp applied the PPG water-based argent shade after the Fesler crew had their considerable way with the metal. Among the major triumphs, they smoothed and filled the body, shaved the drip molding, attached a Goodmark cowl hood, milled the firewall clean, built the mini-tubs, custom fabbed the rear bumper (notched for Meg's exhaust tips) and moved it closer to the body, and laid in tinted glass all 'round. But they left the door handles intact. What you are not likely to notice right off is the Fesler billet aluminum hood and trunk hinges or the stainless steel trunk strut support. Check out those slick Fesler custom taillights, kissed lightly by smooth billet surrounds.