By Nick Licata – Images by Josh Mishler
Tim Buck’s venture into muscle cars began in his teenage years. It all started with his first build, a 1956 Chevy, which gradually led to a number of street rods, customs, and various muscle cars. His last car was a 1970 Chevelle Super Sport, which was impressive but wasn’t the pinnacle of his ambition. Though it had a few modifications, it was just a typical muscle car by his standards.
The Chevelle had run its course, and besides, Tim had always wanted a 1967 Nova. He caught wind of a nice-looking red one for sale at a dealership in Ohio. The car had a 283 paired with a Powerglide transmission, but the drivetrain didn’t concern Tim, as his goal wasn’t to preserve it but to transform it into a powerful street machine equipped with an LS engine and upgraded suspension. So, he eventually sold the Chevelle to finance his dream Nova and the modifications that would soon follow.
Tim didn’t have to look far for a shop to handle the build. He had previously worked with Kevin and Matt Zwygart, the father-son team behind Zwygart’s Hot Rodz in Cowgill, Missouri, as they had performed a few upgrades on his Chevelle. That positive experience gained Tim’s trust, and he was also impressed by their craftsmanship and experience with high-end cars. Tim was confident they were the right team to bring his vision for the Nova to life.
After some discussion between Tim and Kevin on the build direction, the Zwygart’s team got started on the ground-up restoration process, but it didn’t take long for progress on the project to hit a speed bump. After the body was sandblasted, hidden rust issues in the fenders and quarter-panels became unhidden, and it was also discovered that the decklid was packed with body filler. These problems added unforeseen costs to the build, but Tim, undeterred, was all in and committed to seeing the project through.
To tackle the structural issues, Kevin Zwygart reached out to Auto Metal Direct for fresh sheetmetal so the real work could begin. The Nova’s transformation was officially underway, with every detail meticulously handled to ensure the finished product was not just a high-performance machine but also a work of art.
At the heart of Tim’s Nova is a Chevrolet Performance LS3 crate engine sourced from Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa, that delivers a robust 525 hp. The 376ci mill features 10.7:1 compression, aluminum L92-style cylinder heads, and a hydraulic roller camshaft. The rotating assembly features a nodular iron crankshaft, powdered metal connecting rods, and hypereutectic aluminum pistons, all contributing to the engine’s durability and high-performance capabilities—perfect for Tim’s aggressive driving habits.
For induction, Tim opted for a Granatelli Motor Sports intake manifold and a 103mm throttle body, paired with a Spectre air cleaner for optimal airflow. The exhaust system, custom built by Zwygart’s, uses 1 5/8-inch Ultimate Headers and a custom stainless steel 3-inch exhaust system topped with Vibrant Performance mufflers. The result is an engine that not only sounds aggressive but delivers enough power for Tim to be competitive on track days and autocross events while still retaining excellent street manners for local cruising and long outings.
To handle the power, Tim’s Nova features a 4L75E transmission connected to a custom driveshaft from John’s Custom Driveline. Out back is a John’s 9-inch with 3.73 gears, an Eaton Trutrac posi unit, and Strange 33-spline axles. It’s a bulletproof ensemble that ensures that power gets to the pavement for long-lasting performance.
The suspension system is just as impressive, designed to give the Nova handling capabilities that match the engine’s high-performance capabilities. The front suspension features a Heidts Pro-G subframe, Viking double-adjustable coilover shocks, and a 1¾-inch sway bar. Rack-and-pinion steering ensures precise control, while in the rear a Heidts four-link suspension system with Viking coilovers and a ¾-inch sway bar keeps the car planted in the corners. For efficient stopping power, Wilwood brakes with 12-inch rotors and four-piston calipers up front, along with 11-inch rotors and four-piston calipers in the rear, get the job done with ease.
Inside, the Nova is just as much of a showpiece as it is under the hood. The black leather upholstery, crafted by Starline Hot Rod Interiors, exudes a classic muscle car vibe, while custom door panels and a custom console add a modern touch. Braum seats keep Tim and his passengers comfortable, while an Ididit steering column and Billet Specialties steering wheel provide the perfect interface between driver and machine. The custom dashboard, designed by Zwygart’s, houses Classic Instruments gauges, ensuring that all critical engine data is easily accessible.
A Kenwood head unit controls a powerful sound system aided by a Kenwood amplifier, which includes four strategically placed Kicker speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, installed by Matt Zwygart. Whether cruising around town or hitting the open road, Tim’s Nova delivers a soundtrack that’s just as impressive as the LS3 engine’s roar.
The Nova’s brilliant exterior features an excellent blend of classic lines and modern touches. The bodywork, done by Zwygart’s features a flawless exhibition of sheetmetal prep topped with a fresh coat of Axalta Lead Foot Gray and Candy Red paint giving the car a rich, eye-catching appearance. Custom hood striping adds a sporty look, while tucked front and rear bumpers give the car a sleek, streamlined appearance.
Other exterior highlights include custom spoilers, front and rear, Ringbrothers side mirrors, Kindig-it Design door handles, and flush-mount glass, all contributing to the Nova’s modern, high-tech aesthetic. The Boze Camber wheels—19×8 in the front and 20×10 in the rear—are wrapped in Nitto Invo rubber, providing the Nova with just the right balance of grip and style.
To Tim Buck, his 1967 Nova is much more than a gorgeous muscle car, it was a five-year project that satisfied a lifelong dream. From its LS3 engine to its aftermarket suspension and meticulously crafted interior, every detail of this build reflects the talent of Kevin and Matt Zwygart along with Tim’s passion for performance and style with a one-of-a-kind hot rod that is just as beautiful as it is powerful.
We asked Tim if he would do anything different if he had to do it all over again. Tim says, “Yes, find a better candidate to start with, but this is hot rodding and sometimes you have to peel back the layers to see exactly what you have.”
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
TECH CHECK
Owner: Tim Buck, Kansas City, Missouri
Vehicle: 1967 Nova
Engine
Type: LS3
Displacement: 376 ci
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Bore: 4.065
Stroke: 3.622
Cylinder Heads: Aluminum L92-style port
Rotating Assembly: Nodular iron crankshaft, Powdered metal connecting rods, hypereutectic aluminum pistons
Camshaft: Hydraulic roller
Induction: Granatelli Motor Sports intake manifold, Granatelli 103mm throttle body, Spectre air cleaner
Fuel Injection: GM
Exhaust: Ultimate Headers 1 5/8 inch, Zwygart’s Hot Rodz custom 3-inch stainless exhaust (Cowgill, MO), Vibrant Performance mufflers
Valve Covers: Custom aluminum
Accessory Drive: Synister Products
Ancillaries: Ringbrothers hood hinges, Powermaster alternator, PRC fan,
Output: 525 hp
Drivetrain
Transmission: 4L75E
Driveshaft: John’s Custom Driveline
Rear Axle: John’s 9-inch, 3.73 gears, Eaton Truetrac posi unit, Strange 33-spline axles
Chassis
Frame: Custom fabrication by Zwygarts Hot Rodz
Front Suspension: Heidts Pro-G subframe, Viking double-adjustable coilover shocks, Heidts 1¾-inch sway bar, rack-and-pinion steering
Rear Suspension: Heidts four-link suspension system, Viking double-adjustable coilover shocks, ¾-inch sway bar
Brakes: Wilwood 12-inch rotors, four-piston calipers front, Wilwood 11-inch rotors, four piston calipers rear, GM master cylinder, Kugel proportioning valve
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: Boze Camber 19×8 front, 20×10 rear
Tires: Nitto Invo 255/30R19 front, 305/25R20
Interior
Upholstery: Black leather, black loop carpet by Starline Hot Rod Interiors (Papillion, NE)
Door Panels: Custom by Starline
Console: Custom by Starline
Seats: Braum
Rollcage: Six-point by Zwygart’s
Harness: Braum
Steering: Ididit steering column, Billet Specialties steering wheel
Shifter: Ringbrothers
Dash: Custom by Zwygart’s Hot Rodz
Instrumentation: Classic Instruments
Wiring: American Autowire by Zwygart’s Hot Rodz
Insulation: Design Engineering Boom Mat
HVAC: Vintage Air
Vents: Custom by Zwygart’s Hot Rodz
Entertainment System: Kenwood head unit, Kenwood amp, Kicker 3-inch and 6×9-inch, Kicker 10-inch subwoofer installed my Matt Zwygart
Exterior
Bodywork: Zwygart’s Hot Rodz
Paint: Axalta Lead Foot Gray and Candy Red with black hood striping
Painter: Kevin Zwygart
Hood: Auto Metal Direct
Grille: Alumacraft
Spoiler: Custom front and rear
Front Bumper: Stock, tucked
Rear Bumper: Stock, tucked
Headlights: HID Projectors
Taillights: Felser
Side Mirrors: Ringbrothers
Door Handles: Kindig-it Design
Glass: Flush mount
