Street Machine Nationals Du Quoin Feature: Kyle's 1968 Chevy II Nova

Ahead of the Street Machine Nationals events, we get a unique opportunity to work with the staff at Street Machine Nationals to pick a winner for each of our title’s Gearhead Powerpack giveaways. For the upcoming Du Quoin show, the unanimous choice was Kyle’s 1968 Chevy II Nova.

Kyle is going to be at the show next weekend, but we wanted to give you a look at the car in case you can’t make it. We talked to him to get the story behind the build, as well as technical information, and we’re quite impressed.

We asked Kyle a few questions to get the story behind his passion for cars…

What makes you a Gearhead?

PPN: How did you get into cars?

Kyle: Born with it!

PPN: Do you work in the industry?

Kyle: I previously worked in a chassis shop.

PPN: What was your first car?

Kyle: 1986 Renault Alliance.

PPN: When did you purchase this car?

Kyle: About 4 years ago, only thing I haven’t changed yet is the paint.

PPN: Why did you buy this particular car?

Kyle: I traded my 71 Camaro drag car for it, wanted something more enjoyable for the family.

PPN: Did you build it or did a shop? How long did it take?

Kyle: I’ve done basically everything except the paint. It’s a continual work in progress, never satisfied!

PPN: What kind of trials and tribulations did you go through to get the car to its current state?

Kyle: Lots of blood, sweat, and beers!

PPN: What outstanding features make this “YOUR” car and different from all the others of that make/model?

Kyle: The color is pretty unique and the engine/turbos is what really gets noticed.

PPN: Who helped you get it to where it is today?

Kyle: My son Max, wife Amanda, and several good friends that have helped along the way. Chad Brock, Chris Mezo, Jon Zsido, Jeff Hayes, and I’m sure there’s more I’m forgetting.

PPN: What future plans do you have for the car?

Kyle: Some brake and safety upgrades for the track, finish the forged 6.0 I’ve got on the stand, eventually tear it apart and repaint it the right way.

Tech Sheet:

Owner: Kyle Avery

Vehicle: 1968 Chevy II Nova

Please fill out as much as you possibly can for the following information. If you know the brand of a part, please use that (i.e. instead of “disc brakes”, use “Wilwood disc brakes”).

Powertrain/Drivetrain

Engine: LQ4 6.0, Comp 235/.620 114 cam

Heads: GM 317, BTR springs and pushrods

Carb / Injection: Holley Hi-Ram intake, Holley Sniper 92mm throttle body, Bosch 210 injectors

NOS / Turbo / Supercharger: Twin VS Racing 76mm Turbos

Valve Covers: Avery Performance engraved aluminum

Ignition: EFI Source Gold Box computer

Headers: 1-7/8 up and forward turbo headers, CX Racing T4 elbows

Exhaust / Mufflers: Custom mandrel bent 3″ with Dynomax 6″ Round Stainless mufflers

Transmission: 4L80e, Jake’s transbrake, billet input shaft, forward clutch hub, PTC 9.5″ Non-lockup conveter

Shifter: B&M Hammer

HP/Torque: Never Enough!