Timm Built’s Custom 1968 Chevy Nova Is A Home-Brew Masterpiece
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Showcasing a build among the top-shelf metal of the annual SEMA Show is a feat in and of itself. However, this custom 1968 Chevy Nova stands apart, not only for its impressive quality, but also the story behind it.
This Chevy showstopper is owned by David Timm and his wife Andrea Cline from Springfield, Illinois. Both work in law enforcement, with Timm serving as a deputy sheriff, and his wife recently promoted to sergeant. However, when he isn’t out busting bad guys, Timm is busy in his garage putting together some truly incredible four-wheeled creations.
Just a few examples from Timm’s automotive resume include a series of custom trucks, such as a ’66 Chevy pickup truck for UFC pro fighter Matt Hughes, as well as supercharged Dodge Neon. Timm confesses loyalty to the ’69 Chevy Camaro, but, as he points out, it’s difficult to do a ’69 Camaro that can stand out among the endless number of builds already out there.
Timm found this particular ’68 Chevy Nova on eBay about a year ago, and decided to do something a bit different. The car was in good condition, with just 20,000 miles on the clock and the original panels intact. A previous owner had installed a Big Block, new wheels, and suspension upgrades, but Timm wanted to take the two-door to another level.
Outside, this 1968 Chevy Nova is clean and mean, with a 4-inch cowl hood, glossy black paint, and XK Glow headlights. The headlights were actually originally designed for Jeeps, but fit the Nova well.
There’s also a set of custom roller from US Wheels, specifically, the Rat Rod series, sized at 20 by 12 in back and 18 by 10 in front.
Providing the stick are Toyo R888r tires, sized at 325/25/20 in the rear and 295/30/18 in front. The Nova got a minitub to contain all that meat, while the tires got a custom blue stripe that adds a splash of color.
The interior was outfitted with Hushmat sound deadening and digital instrumentation, plus extra lighting, all of which keep the clean aesthetic going strong.
Speaking of strength, the main party piece in this 1968 Chevy Nova is under the hood, were we find a twin-turbo 565 cubic-inch Big Block. Highlights include a pair of Precision turbos, FiTech fuel injection, a 102 mm throttle body, and Stainless headers. The exhaust dumps just ahead of the front tires.
The install is gorgeous. Timm says he’s a “symmetrically minded builder,” and wanted the turbos up front, rather than hidden away. As such, the two snails are placed adjacent to a massive custom core support, built by Icebox Performance.
Estimated output is a hefty 1,500 horsepower at the rear wheels on E85 fuel. Output is routed through a 4L80E transmission and Strange Engineering 9-inch rear end. QA1 suspension and Wilwood disc brakes keep it all in line.
Incredibly, Timm says his custom 1968 Chevy Nova is destined to street driving. Either way, it’s a helluva looker, so check it out in these exclusive GM Authority images.
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I still can’t believe he got all the trick stuff in the engine compartment. It had to be a lot of in and out adjustments. Hope it sees some street runs and local shows like the Sycamore car show in late July.
a beauty for sure BUT quite $$$$$. had a basic 72 nova with GM’s crappy oil burning 307 + special order 3 spd stick because 4 spd only with a 350 that was a guzzler while performing poorly due to early EPA crap. my first new car just out of the service, just the right size!
All that quality work but dropped the ball when it came to the carpet inside.
Nice but, the BLUE carpet???? Also, the large wheels on classic muscle cars, are out of sync. 17″ should be the limit for good taste and style. Keep it looking kool, instead of looking like a big version of a HOT WHEELS car.
And I guess some 70’s 80’s 15” Keystones would better. That ride looks good what it’s sitting on.
Great looking Nova, but those wheels must go…..
Beautiful job in the engine compartment. Love the turbo arrangement. Saw this ride at SEMA. Thanks for bringing it to Sin City. These builds make SEMA a world class attraction.
The wheels are fine as they went for a stock look but needed low profile tires for the handling that the suspension can achieve.
The wheel also help keep the car for a low profile look that is popular.
I don’t see anything wrong with the carpet choice,but the wheels for me is a no but that’s just me.
It I’d the fit and finish. It looks like someone just tossed it in.
Great looking car except the wheels have got to go needs to put on old-school mags instead which would make it much cooler looking and needs stick transmission instead of automatic transmission.
Remember, a real hotrod has a clutch pedal!
The only thing I will comment about is the terrible welding on the Turbo piping. I would not install anything that looks that bad.
I think you did really good job..just remember it’s your car .who cares what other people think of the hard work you put in building this beast… Opinions are like assholes everybody has one..Nice car
I have yet to see any of the critiquers post a picture of their masterpiece. Great job sir!!!!
Heidts suspension is on the Nova, just the shocks are QA1
The nova had a lot of planning went into it. The baby moons anit bad. But I think I would have gone with the ralley rims, and painted to match the car. I love the 68 nova. I got my dads 68 nova and it’s all original 307 2 speed powerglide tranny.