First, we baselined the Nova...
First, we baselined the Nova at our local dragstrip. Since it was a totally stock two-barrel, single-exhaust cruiser with 3.08 gears, we didnt expect impressive e.ts. At LACR in Palmdale, California, the stock Nova turned in a neck-snapping 17.27 at 79.16 mph (corrected for altitude). The only good news was that the track times could only get better.
Our first performance efforts...
Our first performance efforts included improving the 350s breathing capability, so we installed the Pure Street header set that utilizes 1-5/8-inch Hooker Competition headers. The kit installed fairly easily in about two hours. To gain clearance between the power-steering box and driver-side header, we had to dimple a tube. If your installation requires this, be certain to only make a small gradual bend to the tube.
For a free-flowing exhaust...
For a free-flowing exhaust system, we installed one of Hookers Competition exhaust systems. This kit came with 2-1/4-inch pipes that bolted up to the Hooker collectors and routed the tailpipes out the back. We also installed two 2-1/4-inch Aero Chamber mufflers. Although the kit comes with an assortment of brackets and clamps, we visited Jeff Clark at Kenz Muffler in Oxnard, California. Clark positioned everything. The aluminized and stainless steel mufflers sound real throaty and are long lasting.
The heart of the Street Avenger...
The heart of the Street Avenger System is the all-new 670-cfm Street Avenger carburetor, which has been developed and tested on both the dyno and the street. The new Street Avenger fuel-metering system is engineered with close-limit jetting and an improved idle circuit. A quick-change vacuum secondary has also been added for easy tuning. With a new set of Fel-Pro gaskets and an ARP bolt kit, the Street Avenger carburetor and Weiand Action Plus series intake manifold installed easily.
Because our Nova came factory-equipped...
Because our Nova came factory-equipped with a two-barrel carburetor, the throttle cable was too short and the attaching bracket would not work with a Holley carburetor. To solve that problem, we contacted Year One for the proper four-barrel throttle cable. To install the new throttle cable, we used one of Year Ones reproduction brackets designed for a factory LS6 Chevelle Holley.
To ensure that the fuel delivery...
To ensure that the fuel delivery system could support all our anticipated ponies, we added the high-volume Holley mechanical fuel pump.
We used Holleys Strip...
We used Holleys Strip Annihilator ignition system for increased spark output.
This system helps idle quality,...
This system helps idle quality, provides easier start-ups, and improves throttle response.
You read CHP because you want more performance from your Chevy. Sometimes picking and choosing which parts to install can be challenging, since gaining maximum performance from a combination of parts demands that the components work in harmony. To make this selection process easier, the folks at Holley have done the homework for you and introduced the Street Avenger System, a series of dyno-matched performance packagesPure Street, Hot Street, and Wild Streeteach aimed at a different performance level.
We decided to try out the new Pure Street package on our 72 Nova just to see how well it works. Since the 3,380-pound Nova already had a low-mileage GM Goodwrench 350 motor and a TH350 automatic, it was the perfect candidate. Because were such Chevy gearheads, we also couldnt stand the stock performance of its original two-barrel carburetor and single-exhaust system. So follow along as we begin Stage 1 of our three-part series about adding Holleys Pure Street Avenger System and lowering the unassuming Novas e.t.