2023 cannonball nova

[53gmc]

Decided to enter my first group build this year. I started with an amt '72 nova ss i got for Christmas. I decided to run the small block instead of the 454 with tunnel rams and two four barrel carbs to get some fuel mileage lol. After doing some research on '72 novas, i realized its paltry 190 h.p. wasnt going to cut it for this race. After scrounging around the parts box, i ended up with what i figured would be 400+ h.p. stroker sbc. With aluminum heads, high rise intake, a big carb and headers, and a built th350 trans i figured that rounded out the drivetrain. Next i moved on to the wheels and tires. I ended up running a matching set of deep dish steelies and wide low pro tires for almost an old school nascar/trans am style. Finally i threw on a set of traction bars from the kit.

[53gmc]

Now that the drivetrain and chassis was settled i moved on to the interior. I need to figure out a way to get extra fuel capacity.  After some trial and error with the fuel cells i had, and studying pictures online of real cannonball run cars, i decided to modify the largest fuel cell i had. I ended up almost doubling its capacity and modified it to saddle the driveline hump in place of the rear seat. Next to refill it, i built the neck to exit out a side window that had a hole cut in it. The kits roll bar was used as well. Next up were the seats. The stock ones were replaced with aftermarket racing seats and i made some 4 point harnesses. I also replaced the kits shifter with a parts box hurst one. Coffee cups litter the front floor as the driver and co-driver fight to stay awake for the journey, also added a "pee" bottle since this car should hopefully stop only three times in its 2777 mile journey for fuel. Also added a fire extinguisher just incase

[53gmc]

Up next was the dash and the equipment to navigate and hopefully out smart the law. Starting with the dash, i ditched the factory gauge cluster with its sweeping speedometer and dummy lights. In its place an aluminum panel housed accurate racing gauges to help monitor the cars vitals. I wanted a dash mounted gps and radar detector, but no one makes one. So i dug into my spare parts and scrap, and made my own. Also added a c/b radio under the dash to communicate with the truckers about any "smokeys" lurking around. On the passenger seat is a laptop that the co-driver could use to hopefully help find any police or traffic issues on the journey.  Finally under the dash i mounted toggle switches.  Along with hightech modern gadgets, i figured we could use some tricks from the moonshine runner days. 3 of the switches could shut off the brake lights, tail lights, and flip down the rear license plate with a fake plate. The last switch would control the fuel pump to pump from the fuel cell into the cars original tank. Also added a turn signal switch to make everything nice and legal

[53gmc]

Under the hood i added battery terminals, an electric fan, horns, and wiring

[53gmc]

Moving on to the body, i decided to paint the car toyota "metallic beige tan". A kind of mundane color to help somewhat blend in with traffic.  Up front i made a front spoiler from brass. The high rise intake necessitated a cowl hood i left black as a contrast. The rear windows were blacked out to help hide the rollbar and fuel cell. Moving to the rear of the car i fabricated a rear spoiler to hopefully help keep it planted down at high speeds. The black part is tinted plastic, a n auselow bug shield donated its brackets. On the rear bumper i made the plate flip down with the stock tanks fuel cap, but added a secondary plate to fool anyone calling in a wreckless driver. Also added the bumper stickers. The one on the left, an ironic reminder that the cannonball run was being done in the 70s as a protest against the 55 mph speed limit. The one on the right, the reason we are here on this forum.  And finally the side exit exhaust tips. I used a pair of short side exit exhaust from the parts box but they didnt reach the edge of the body. So to avoid exaust fumes, i made tips and slash cut them to the body line. Was a fun experience overall and i enjoyed joining in.

[slusher]

Very nicely done on an old classic!!

[53gmc]

18 hours ago, slusher said:

Very nicely done on an old classic!!

Thanks!