The 1968 Chevy Nova has always been a favorite among enthusiasts who want a compact package with serious potential. Sonny Hervey’s example, finished in TTH Group’s Jack Bins Grey, blends modern LS power with deep family racing roots. The Nova is not only a product of countless hours in the garage but also a reflection of heritage and passion passed down across generations. From the moment it was pulled home to Missouri, it became a canvas for transformation. Today, it stands as a boosted machine that combines craftsmanship, dedication, and horsepower in equal measure.

Family Roots And A Passion For Racing

The foundation for Sonny’s Nova project began long before the car itself. Growing up, racing was always in the background. Sonny’s grandfather ran an altered Dodge Dart at local tracks throughout Missouri and Kansas, where he set multiple records before those drag strips eventually closed. Those weekends at the track sparked a love for racing that would carry forward to future generations.

That passion didn’t skip a beat. Sonny’s father was involved in drag racing and dirt track competition, so the garage and race track were natural parts of growing up. Engines, tools, and the sound of high-performance machines were a constant influence. By the time it came to owning a first performance car, the path was already set.

His first major project was a 2016 Camaro. That car underwent a motor rebuild and became a rewarding introduction to the world of modern performance, but the itch for a classic never went away. As much fun as the late-model was, the pull toward older iron proved stronger. When the chance to own a 1968 Chevy Nova came up through a best friend, the deal was too good to pass.

The Nova had already been floating around Iowa before making its way to Missouri. At that time, it still wore its stock interior and exterior trim. Power came from a 5.7 LS, but the motor was worn out and far from reliable. After assessing its condition, Sonny decided to start fresh with a new power plant. Piece by piece, over the past three years, Sonny has transformed the car from a half-finished project into a formidable force.

Building The LS Heart

The foundation of the Nova’s performance comes from a 4.8-liter LS originally found in a 1999 Chevy Silverado. Rather than dropping it in untouched, the motor was torn completely down to the block, machined, and rebuilt from the ground up by TAOS Performance. Every component was chosen with boost in mind.

A Turbonetics 67/66 turbo delivers the air, providing the kind of flow that can take a small-displacement LS well beyond expectations. Feeding that charge into the engine is a BTR intake manifold, paired with BTR fuel rails to keep fuel distribution consistent under pressure. A BTR Stage 2 boost cam forms the heart of the camshaft profile, ensuring the valvetrain is ready to handle both high lift and forced induction demands.

Durability comes through in the supporting pieces. BTR LS7 Delphi lifters, chromoly pushrods, and rocker arms reinforce the top end. Strength continues at the bottom with BTR rods, while factory pistons remain in use, proving that stock slugs can still hold their own when tuned correctly. A JP Performance timing set ensures reliable synchronization of the rotating assembly.

This combination produces a result that shows just how capable the 4.8 LS can be when given the right mix of parts and expertise. Rather than chasing displacement, Sonny’s 1968 Chevy Nova proves that a properly boosted small-cube LS can hang with much larger engines.

Fuel And Tuning On E85

Air and hardware alone do not make horsepower. Fuel delivery plays just as critical a role. To keep up with the boost, the Nova relies on a Holley Sniper EFI tank with a 400lph pump, feeding DeatschWerks 1,200cc injectors. Managing everything is an Aeromotive boost-referenced fuel regulator, which maintains consistent pressure no matter how much the turbo demands.

The choice of fuel is E85, which not only allows for more aggressive tuning but also provides cooler combustion temperatures under boost. To dial it all in, tuner Bryan Higgins worked his magic. On the dyno, the Nova put down 615.74 horsepower and 490.94 lb-ft of torque at just over 6,000 rpm. For a street-driven classic with a 4.8-liter bottom end, those numbers speak volumes about both the build quality and the tune.

Suspension And Rear End Setup

Putting that power to the ground requires more than just horsepower. The suspension and rear-end setup make the Nova a complete package. A QA1 full suspension kit, installed and dialed in by NSK Kustoms, delivers the precise handling and ride quality required for both street and strip use. Complementing the setup are leaf springs from Detroit Speed, which help control traction and stability.

Braking was upgraded through a Right Stuff Performance disc brake conversion, ensuring the Nova can stop as confidently as it accelerates. Out back, a 10-bolt rear end houses a 4.10 gear set and a Detroit Locker. This combination delivers strong launches and consistent performance without sacrificing reliability.

The suspension package strikes a balance between modern drivability and the raw edge expected of a muscle car. It turns Sonny’s Nova into a machine that can handle the demands of spirited street driving while remaining composed at the track.

Exterior Style And Craftsmanship

While performance takes center stage, looks matter too. The Nova’s body was given the attention it deserved at Tanners Customs, where it was refinished in Jack Bins Grey, a subtle yet commanding color that suits the car’s character. Without resorting to over-the-top styling, the paint highlights the clean lines of the ’68 body style. Paired with Rambler Mag wheels, the look is both period-appropriate and aggressive.

Fabrication work played a key role in finishing the car. Slang & Grit Fabrication built a custom half roll cage, adding safety and rigidity to the chassis. Vann’s Design & Fabrication also contributed their skills to bring critical details together. Each piece of work reflects the effort of professionals who understand the importance of blending function with form.

Focused Interior

Inside, the Nova is stripped of unnecessary frills and built with the driver in mind. A set of race seats paired with RaceQuip five-point harnesses ensure both safety and control. The Custom Classic Dash brings modern functionality to the cockpit, while a Grant billet steering wheel adds both strength and style. The interior strikes a balance between race-ready equipment and the kind of clean presentation that makes the car enjoyable to drive.

Together, these pieces make this 1968 Chevy Nova not just powerful but also safe and composed. It is a car that can be appreciated as much from behind the wheel as it can on display.

A Work In Progress

As complete as Sonny Hervey’s Nova appears, the truth is that no project car is ever truly finished. There are always new ideas, future upgrades, and changes on the horizon. For now, though, this ’68 is a testament to vision and persistence. From a tired 5.7 LS to a fully rebuilt and turbocharged 4.8, the transformation is dramatic.

Just as important as the car itself are the people behind it. The build would not have been possible without the support of family, especially his wife, Erica, and his parents, who provided both knowledge and encouragement. TAOS Performance, NSK Kustoms, Tanners Customs, Slang & Grit Fabrication, and Vann’s Design & Fabrication turned the vision into reality with their skilled hands.

This 1968 Chevy Nova’s journey mirrors the lessons of racing and wrenching that shaped Sonny’s life from childhood. It is a reminder that performance cars are more than just machines. They are connections to family, to friends, and to the history that fuels passion. Every pull on the turbocharged LS and every pass down the road is a reflection of that heritage.