Chevy Nova 1968-1974: How to Build and Modify

I was quite excited to come upon a reference that focused on 3rd generation X bodies!If I could give it zero stars, I would. Very disappointed in this book. While it has a little decent information, it provides a very singular view and is not objective.Unless you are spending big bucks on aftermarket suspension and drive train components there is little info on our Novas.Examples:1-stock A Arms are of no use unless you are just getting groceries with the car. To do anything other you must get aftermarket tubular arms.2-The 8.5" 10 bolt rear-end if prepped correctly, is every bit as strong as a 12 bolt (and a whole lot cheaper) but the author only describes an aftermarket (Mark Williams Enterprises) 12 bolt and Ford 9" rear-ends. While these are both good pieces ($$$$$$) for the average Joe trying to do a build while feeding a family of 4 it is a pretty unrealistic goal.Again, a very singular and biased viewpoint to this book that chronicles the authors build of what I feel is his ideal.A much better resource for us rebuilding a Nova is the "Camaro Restoration Handbook" by Currao & Sessions, published by HP Books. While it focuses on the Camaro, 95% of a 1st generation (67-69) Camaro is virtually identical to a 3rd generation (68-72) Nova.This is a much more technical and objective resource on the "nuts & bolts" of our beloved muscle cars.

I am building a pro street nova and i got this for some help, references and ideas, one can never know to much. This author is a obvious vet when it comes to building cars and knows a lot. He gives extensive knowledge on so many things, breaks stuff down and explains the how and why and different options to do and not just "do this because i am" but lists lots of different way and the pros and cons of each. Lists loads of suppliers for all kinds of stuff, the list of things that are helpful in this little magazine is huge and id bet anyone could read this and learn at least a couple new things.

Just what he wanted! Great for the car enthusiast!

Got this for my dad and he loved the pictures and detail

Written very well. A lot of good information

This is a book which should be read by anyone thinking about modifying any car. Though the contents are centered on a particular car, the 1968-1974 Chevy Nova, the orderly way in which the build is approached, the way decisions are made concerning which changes to undertake, and the way to accomplish the changes apply to all rebuild projects. The book presents a lesson in how to use science, rational thinking, and applied technology.The build is discussed in a series of chapters, each devoted to a specific automotive system. The first chapter presents a gold mine of reference material specifically related to the Nova. This material emphasizes the importance of knowing the car thoroughly and the resources available before diving into alterations.. There are useful tips on such things as getting rid of old fluids and cataloging and storing disassembled components. The chapters 2-10 present in easily understandable language a good deal math and science involved in determining the ideal modifications to achieve the builder's end point. There are a multitude of photographs and illustrations to aid the reader's understanding of the material and side bars offer even more detail. The chapter on rear suspension is a jewel of information and alone is worth the price of admission.Having the information presented in this book will be of vital interest to Nova fans; and importantly, will be of value to anyone undertaking a rebuild. The modest cost is more than compensated by a ton of useful, practical information. Highly recommended. (LibraryThing reviewer)

Wayne Scraba and CarTech did a bang up job describing the project of rebuilding and modifying a Chevy Nova. The text and accompanying illustrations and pictures were spot on and worked together to make the project an achievable one. Even for those considering a modification of any type vehicle there is a lot of practical advise that would aid in the project. The combination of best practice and model specific advise makes of an excellent study guide. I would recommend this book to anybody considering such a project.

This book is a good starting point. It covers a lot of the basics and gets you in the ballpark of what you need. It teaches you why you do things not just how to do them so you can make decisions on your own on which direction you want to go on rebuilding or repair. It organizes the different systems of a car nicely so you can focus on one system at a time. The book's sequence goes as if you were rebuilding a full car, and the pictures and captions are good for clarification. The author does not push you in any one direction but lays out the pros and cons of each option. The suggestions it gives for additional reading and information available to supplement and get into further detail is a nice touch as well.

great Value for money

Good book basic information