Words: Tommy Parry

As Eze got to working regularly on his Nova, the regular racket he raised from the garage got his kids’ attention. The rumble of the 406 had his kids peeking in occasionally and asking about the “loud car,” and thus Eze decided on this car’s moniker: Project Loud Car.

Eze starting modifying this tattered ‘69 Chevy Nova with a proper engine. With the addition of a 400 block bored to a 406, he had himself 436 horsepower and a stump-pulling 456 lb-ft of torque to play with—all sent through a four-speed. That would be enough for some, but not Eze. He had plans to improve every area of the car.

To ensure the Nova turned as well as it accelerated, he went with a complete Ridetech Front Suspension with Tru-Turn. A Ridetech Tiger Cage added a little safety and rigidity, and a SpeedTech Rear Torque arm helped administer that grunt without wheelhop. With Detroit Speed Mini Tubs and plans for broad rubber in the future, he needed the Nova to leave a constant footprint on the blacktop.

At the rear, he went with a Dutchman 9” rear end and Wilwood 4-piston calipers at both ends. Up front, Wilwood’s 6-piston calipers with 12” rotors at the other end ensured his backroad blitzes would never be ended by an oblivious buck.

Inside, he fitted a Budnik Steering wheel, a Covan Classic Dash and AutoMeter C2 Gauges. That was enough to satisfy his hunger for go-fast parts temporarily, and with the foundation established, he started inspecting the faded body—something which had concerned him from the start.

Fortunately, the car lived a life in temperate weather. Time in the California sun kept it from getting any rust, and he only had to add a coat of epoxy and 3M Dyna-Pro to strengthen the hide. In fact, it was owned by an old woman prior, and all he had to remove from the car after purchasing it was some sewing equipment in the trunk. You could say he lucked out.

There’s still plenty in store for this inspiring Nova. To keep tabs on Eze’s progression, you can visit his build thread here.