Check this awesome 700HP Supercharged LSA Chevy Nova: The Ultimate Sleeper!
There’s something deeply satisfying about a sleeper car—one that looks unassuming but hides an absolute monster under the hood. And in the world of muscle car builds, few rides live up to that reputation quite like Joe’s 1970s Chevy Nova, which packs a supercharged LSA engine pushing 700HP. Built in a garage, on a budget, and driven hard—this Nova isn’t just fast, it’s a statement.
From Bone Stock to Boosted Beast
Joe’s journey with this Nova began years ago. Originally a bone-stock 307 V8 with full factory documentation, this two-owner car was a time capsule. But after narrowly missing out on the purchase once, he eventually bought it in a stripped-down state for just $3,800. It had no subframe, no drivetrain, and was left as a shell. But Joe saw potential.
“I chased this car for years,” Joe recalls, “and when I finally got it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.”
LSA Supercharged Power on a Budget
The heart of this beast is a 6.2L L92 block from a Cadillac Escalade, rebuilt with new rings and topped with an LSA supercharger. Originally planned for a twin-turbo setup, clearance issues with the hood pushed Joe toward the supercharged route. On 91-octane pump gas, the Nova makes 557 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels—more than enough to fry tires while staying streetable.
But the most impressive part? The entire build cost just $50,000, including drivetrain, chassis, electronics, and tuning. In today’s world of six-figure builds, this Nova is proof that performance doesn’t need to break the bank.
Full RideTech Suspension and Serious Stopping Power
With the original subframe missing, Joe sourced one from a 1969 Camaro—a direct fit. The suspension was fully upgraded with RideTech coilovers, TrueTurn front geometry, and Wilwood brakes (6-piston front, 4-piston rear). The rear was mini-tubbed using Detroit Speed tubs to fit 315s in the back, offering serious traction.
The car also uses a Ford 9-inch rear end, which may raise eyebrows among purists—but nobody complains when the setup works this well.
A True DIY Sleeper with Smart Wiring & Fuel System
One of Joe’s standout features is his meticulous wiring. With 14 years of experience in the VW world, he built a fully fused power system from front to back—ensuring reliability and safety. The fuel system features a Tanks Inc. EFI tank modified to house dual 450 LPH pumps, with one pump activated above 25% throttle.
Everything was done in-house except for alignment and a few brackets, making this a true garage-built car.
Interior Details & Driving Experience
The inside is all function, no fluff. A Holley 12.3-inch digital dash, center-mounted seat, custom brackets, and tight steering feedback make the Nova feel like a track-day machine. The T-56 Magnum 6-speed transmission is paired with 3.50 gears, keeping RPMs low on the freeway but ready to pounce when needed.
“You point the wheel, it goes. It’s direct. It’s fast. But it’s not scary. It’s perfect,” says Sean from AutotopiaLA during the test drive.
With manual brakes, responsive steering, and torque on tap, the car manages to feel both aggressive and confidence-inspiring—something few resto-mods get right.
What Makes This Nova the Perfect Sleeper?
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Factory patina paint with vinyl remnants
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Budget-friendly performance
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Undeniable torque and power delivery
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No frills, all function
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Built to be driven—not just shown
It’s a street car, a canyon carver, a highway cruiser, and a burnout machine rolled into one. The supercharged Chevy Nova sleeper is what hot-rodding is all about—using skill, ingenuity, and passion to build something that turns heads, even if it doesn’t wear a flashy badge.
🔎 Why This Nova Build Stands Out for SEO Readers:
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Keyword Focus: supercharged Nova, sleeper muscle car, LSA Nova build, 700hp Nova, DIY muscle car build
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Audience: classic car builders, LS swap fans, restomod enthusiasts, performance tuning fans
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Takeaway: You don’t need six figures or a fancy shop to build a fast, reliable, and jaw-dropping muscle car.
💥 Final Thoughts
This 700HP Chevy Nova proves that real muscle is more than paint and chrome—it’s about balance, driveability, and pure mechanical joy. Whether you’re building your first car or dreaming of your next project, let this Nova remind you: fast can be functional, and functional can be fun.
