The Bill Thomas "Novel Nova"

ENGINE

Type:  1965 Chevrolet 396

Block:  Iron block, correct date-coded rare Hi-Performance Corvette/Z16 cast number 3855962, 4-bolt mains, bored to 427 cubic inches

Crankshaft:  Chevrolet 396 cast, 3.76-inch stroke

Connecting Rods:  Eagle, 6.135-inch length

Pistons:  Speed-Pro 12.5:1 with Performance moly rings

Cylinder Heads:  Chevrolet vintage date-coded 396 rectangular port iron heads, casting number 3873858, 2.19" intake, 1.72" exhaust

Valve Train:  Engine Pro push rods, 3/8" guide plates, Competition Cams roller rocker arms

Camshaft:  "Special Grind" cam

Induction:  Vintage date-coded Hilborn mechanical fuel injection with 12" stacks, Hilborn belt drive fuel pump

Ignition:  Joe Hunt Vertex magneto

Exhaust:  Bill Thomas-style equal length block-hugger headers, 3 1/2" collectors

Cooling:  1962 type Chevy II 4 cylinder radiator; aluminum water pump

Fuel:  114 octane racing fuel

Compression Ratio:  12.5:1

Built by:  Wolfe Engines, Steger IL, with guidance from Bill Thomas III, Costa Mesa CA

Output:  603 HP at 6,000 rpm; 528 lbs.-ft torque at 6,000rpm

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission:  Muncie 4-speed transmission with Hurst shifter

Transmission Crossmember:  Original Bill Thomas tubular (re: 1966 Nickey catalog)

Bellhousing:  Lakewood

Clutch:  Centerforce Dual Friction clutch with steel flywheel

Rear Axle Assembly:  1957 Olds/Pontiac rear housing, drum brakes, 5.13 ratio with welded spiders

Traction Device:  Bill Thomas-style square tube traction bars

Rear Shock Absorbers:  Loadleveler Overloads

CHASSIS

Wheelbase:  113 inches (110" stock)

Axle Relocation:  Front axle location moved forward 3 inches

Front Subframe and Suspension:  Original Bill Thomas tubular 4130 chrome moly subframe serial #1, Don Edmunds straight axle (curved), dual parallel leaf springs, Ford spindles, Corvair aluminum steering box, spiral front shock absorbers, no front brakes

Battery:  Dual trunk mount Delco tar tops

WHEELS AND TIRES

Front:  The original American Racing magnesium 15" x 4", the original Brigadier Premium Deluxe Nylon tires, 7.75 x 15.

Rear:  Chevy station wagon wheels with NOS M&H Racemaster slicks, 9.50 x15

INTERIOR

The original Bill Thomas interior featuring Don Edmunds aluminum dashboard and engine shroud; Bill Thomas fiberglass transmission tunnel, Stewart Warner oil pressure,water temperature and oil temperature gauges; Stewart Warner cable driven tachometer; Bill Thomas "Cheetah" fiberglass bucket seats with Cheetah upholstery; military olive-drab seat belt/shoulder harness, dated coded 1958

OTHER INTERESTING NOTABLES

Fiberglass one-piece tilt front end

Fiberglass doors and trunk lid

Plexiglas side and rear windows

To View the Unveiling Party Photographs

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