JRi Shocks “Super Nova” Is Out of This World and Made Heads Turn at SEMA 2016
- Mar 15, 2017
The Chevrolet Nova (originally the Chevy II) hit the U.S. market in 1962 as a simple, back-to-the-basics compact car for your everyday driver. When trying to decide on a name, Chevrolet finally landed on the “Chevy II” as a last-minute solution, with “Nova” as a close runner up. In 1967, the Nova name replaced “Chevy II” along with a full design makeover as well. There’s a popular suspicion that the “Nova” name hurt Chevrolet sales in Spanish speaking countries because the translation of Nova is “doesn’t go”, however this, according to Snopes, is a false claim. The Chevy II started off as an affordable commuter car for the American middle class. Originally selling for around $2,500, it was an affordable substitute to the Camaro, Mustang, or Challenger at the time. As time went on and the muscle car craze took hold of auto enthusiasts, the Chevy II evolved into the Chevy Nova SS, equipped with a 350ci (5.7L) small block good for 295 HP, along with a heavy-duty suspension setup and other performance hardware. Little did Chevrolet know that these cars would be restored, modified and “souped up” for years to come.
Not ready to bust out your wallet yet? That’s ok, we’ll take you through one of the cleanest, well-modified Novas out there. Actually, this Nova is so cool the builders named it the “Super-Nova”, an obvious play on words to one of the most powerful astronomical events that occurs in outer space. Nerding out yet? The 1970 Nova was built by Customs by Bigun, an automotive repair shop in Mooresville, North Carolina. Customs by Bigun specializes in over-the-top restorations with extreme modifications. Some of their recent builds include a Dodge Dart named “Tooth Jerker”, a fully caged second gen Camaro and a 1939 Porsche Model 64. That should give you an idea of how diverse and unique their projects really are. “I was proud to be a part of this epic restoration project. All of the features on the Nova are custom one-off touches created to accent the car and take the performance to the next level,” says Eric Yost, owner of Customs by Bigun.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the vehicle specifications: • Engine: HED Built 370ci LS3 • Transmission: RPM Stage 7 4160 • Suspension: Detroit Speed • Hydraulics / Ride Control: JRi JRide® Electronic Damping Control System • Exhaust: Kooks Headers • Intake Manifold: Edelbrock • Throttle Body: Nick Williams 102mm throttle bodies • ECU: Holley Dominator • Gauges: Autometer • Tires: BF Goodrich • Battery: Optima Batteries • Brakes: Baer Brakes • Paint: PPG • Induction Filters: K&N Filters
When JRi hired Customs by Bigun to handle this custom build, they knew what they wanted. Jeff Ryan, Technical Director of JRi Shocks says, “The intention of this car was to showcase the JRi Shocks Technology and provide a demonstrator vehicle where people can discover the JRi Advantage.” Well Jeff, thousands of auto-enthusiasts from all over the world saw your custom 1970 Nova at SEMA 2016, and if they are half as impressed as we are, mission accomplished.
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