The world of "what if" is a far more interesting place to explore, as in: "What if Chevrolet had offered the Z/28 option on the Nova?" This became a recurring theme with Strope. Never being satisfied with the "what if" factor, he quickly shifted into the realm of "why not?" Why not build a 1969 Z/28 and put "the what ifs" to bed? The car would sport many first-gen Camaro Z/28 features-cross-ram, dual-quad intake, rear spoiler, houndstooth interior with console-mounted gauges. However, the suspension and brakes would be grounded in the 21st century and the powerplant would make more power than the factory 302 ever dreamed of.
1969 Chevy Nova Z28 Front View
Starting from the ground up, the Nova's subframe was worked over like one of Tony Soprano's victims. The original suspension was given a pair of cement shoes, then deep-sixed. In its place went an infinitely more capable Global West G-Plus system of upper and lower tubular A-arms, coilover springs and shocks, 1-inch sway bar, subframe connectors and body mounts. The rear received Global West leaf springs and Del-A-Lum bushings, Strange S60 Dana axles and 3.73 gears.
