SPARKLE AND FADE

SUPERCHARGED 383 ’69 NOVA

Geoff Kitson is a bloke who likes to get things done. While other people are sitting on the couch thinking about it, Geoff’s out in the shed letting his hands do the talking. Over the years, Geoff’s love of being hands-on combined with his love for all things automotive have seen a variety of cars come and go from the family shed. The one that he wishes he’d never let go was a ’72 HQ Monaro GTS. While Geoff admits that, since he was just 18 when he purchased it, the chances of it still being mint if he’d hung on to it are slim, it’s still nice to dream. Around six years ago, there was a hole in the garage and a pile of notes in Geoff’s pocket, so he decided that it was time to solve both of those issues with a new dream machine. Wanting a car that was a bit less common than a Camaro, but being a Chev man and wanting a two-door, his wish list was soon narrowed down to a second-generation Chev Nova. Having the additional rear-seat room that the shape offers over the Camaro platform would also come in handy, as would the larger boot.

As you’d expect, the search began for a Nova locally, but, with that body style not exactly being thick on the ground, it wasn’t long before Geoff needed to expand his search to the other side of the globe. For this, he called on the vast experience of fellow Rotorua local and long-time car importer

Andy Brooking of American Customs & Classics. Back in a world before Covid-19, Andy used to spend half his time joyriding around the States looking for cars for customers, so he had an extensive list of contacts to call on. Ironically, the 1969 Nova that caught Geoff’s eye was one that he found online himself, but luckily Andy still came to the party to look after the logistics of getting it back to this side of the world. With the seller having poured heart, soul, and wallet into the car, including getting it sprayed in that magnificent

GEOFF SOLD HIS DREAM CAR ONCE BEFORE … THE NOVA IS ONE THAT’S SET TO STAY

colour-changing Deltron paint, it was easy to see its appeal for Geoff. While the paintwork was enough to suck him in for a closer look, it soon became clear that the owner’s investment hadn’t stopped there. The big drawcard was that the car’s factory-fitted small block had been replaced not just with a crate 383 but a crate 383 with a Weiand supercharger on top. Although Geoff would have been happy to perform a similar conversion himself, that it was already done and looked to be done right certainly made the decision to purchase somewhat easier. Once landed, the car sailed through compliance, much to Geoff’s delight — although that didn’t quite mean it was a matter of calling it done. Instead, Geoff set about the journey of upgrading everything else on the car to meet the high quality to which the exterior had been finished as well as to ensure that he was getting the most out of the engine combo. This second part required a complete rewire by Haywire Automotive & Electrical to get rid of the various pieces of electrical spaghetti that had previously been used. This rewire included hooking up a new MSD 6AL ignition system and MSD Blaster coil to ensure maximum spark.

As we all know, ignition systems are critical on blown engine combos such as the Nova’s, but equally important are decent fuel systems. This was an area that had been taken care of previously with a high-volume mechanical fuel pump, but matched with a very substandard carburettor. Geoff soon fixed that issue by purchasing and installing a new 750cfm Holley boost-referenced carb. The car was then tuned by Brett from Dynopower in Tauranga, where it made 390hp at the wheels at 6000rpm. Helping with this power figure are Hedman headers and a twin 2.5-inch exhaust system complete with Flowmaster mufflers.

With the new-found power, Geoff wisely decided to make sure the rest of the mechanical package was up to scratch. This included ditching the stock braking system in favour of a Classic Performance Products (CPP) front disc-brake conversion. What really helped, though, was the change from a traditional booster to a hydraulically operated hydroboost set-up. Of course, Geoff couldn’t help himself here — he threw in a line lock while he was at it; not that the car had any trouble with spinning the wheels without one, mind you.

The under-car work didn’t finish there, as the suspension set-up was also not deemed to be up to scratch. To remedy this, plenty of money was sent Ridetech’s way in return for quality A-arms, sway bars, and coilovers. The rear-end system of air shocks and CalTracs traction bars has been retained so far, although that’s not to say it

couldn’t change at some stage in the future.

With the mechanics sorted, for now at least, Geoff made sure the interior was also one he could be proud of. The big ticket there was swapping the stock front seats for a pair sourced from a late-model Ferrari wreck. The electronically controlled seats have the advantage of being super comfortable and supportive, and the stock rear seat was modified to match by local upholstery experts Design Upholstery. Other interior updates include an Ididit steering column, rosewood steering wheel, and Quicksilver shifter. What doesn’t stand out — with good reason — is the retro radio head unit that looks like a stock item but is filled with modern internals. Of course, with a blown small block up front and a driveline package that will handle all the power thrown at it, the stereo gets very little use, as the throttle is the main volume control. So what now, with the Nova completed and out pulling in trophies from almost every event it attends? Well,

Geoff’s got another Nova project on the go, this time a ’68 model that’s being built as a father-and-son project for 21-year-old son, Jacob. The ’68 will be very different in appearance from the ’69, with all chrome work blacked out and the body painted a deep charcoal. There’s a decent powerhouse up front still, this time a 406ci naturally aspirated combo.

Geoff is also working on the 1964 C10 pickup belonging to his wife, Denise. It is powered by an injected LS2 engine and backed with a 6L80 transmission. Despite this one being on airbags, it’s being built with the aim of it being used to tow either of the Novas in a large, enclosed trailer. On arrival at their destination, the trailer can be converted into mobile accommodation, which is just the thing to make the most of events away from home. We know that Geoff sold his dream car once before, but now he’s a bit older, and a bit wiser, the new dream machine, the Nova, is one that’s set to stay!