Jeremy Decker’s 1966 Chevy II Nova Super Sport is a stunning amalgamation of two popular eras in Chevrolet history. While it retains the classic lines and vintage vibe from the mid-1960s, this Nova Super Sport roars with the power of a modern Chevrolet Performance LS376/525 crate engine* under the hood.
A Nod to Tradition with Modern Performance
Decker, a native of Leitchfield, Kentucky, shared his vision during the recent Holley LS Fest East in Bowling Green: “We wanted to keep it stock-ish with a little bit of new,” he said. “We mixed it up a little bit but didn’t want to cut the car up or anything like that.”
The father-son duo acquired the car from Jeff Duvall, and Decker credits much of the car’s stunning build to Logan Duvall, a professional welder and performance project expert at Holley. “Logan would just kind of run our options by us,” Decker explained. “We would just tell him what we wanted and that’s what he’d do.”
Heart of the Beast: The LS376/525 Crate Engine
At the core of this classic beauty lies the LS376/525 crate engine*, rated at 525 horsepower and 484 lb.-ft. of torque. It builds on the aluminum-block 6.2L LS3* and includes an aggressive ASA camshaft for extra power. Decker further enhanced performance with a slightly bigger camshaft and a Holley EFI system.
“We’ve always heard good things about the LS, we’ve always had good luck out of them,” Decker noted. “They’re aluminum, they save weight, they’re very reliable and they cool off quick.” The engine is paired with a GM 4L60-E transmission, ensuring a seamless blend of old and new technology.
Suspension, Wheels, and Brakes
The suspension setup includes King coilovers in the front with a K-member front end, while the rear remains true to its roots with a leaf-spring setup. The car rides on Continental tires mounted on custom 17-inch polished chrome Weld wheels, and it features Wilwood six-piston brakes for superior stopping power.
A Classic Interior with Modern Touches
Despite the high-performance upgrades, the interior maintains a largely original appearance, with a few modern enhancements like a Dakota Digital gauge cluster and upgraded door hinges, courtesy of Woosley Upholstery. “We tried to keep the inside of the car pretty simple, it’s pretty much like a factory inside,” Decker said.
A Standout Color and Styling
Originally white, the Chevy II now sports an eye-catching baby blue, a Chevrolet color option from 1966, painted by Jeff Duvall in Bee Spring, Kentucky. Though it carries “327” badges, the car initially had a straight six-cylinder engine. The Deckers added a fiberglass hood from Hardwood Industries primarily for styling purposes. “We wanted the cowl hood, it sets it off a little bit more,” Decker explained.
A Family Affair and Community Passion
Jeremy Decker and his family have a deep-rooted love for Chevrolets, owning nearly a dozen, including Camaros, Novas, and an all-original ’55 Chevy. However, the 1966 Chevy II Nova Super Sport holds a special place in their collection. “This right here is No. 1,” Decker said. “This is the only one we’ve ever had that’s been frame-off. I mean every nut and bolt, everything on that car is brand new.”
Decker balances his time between driving a dump truck, managing a 500-acre farm, and running an eighth-mile drag strip in Leitchfield, Kentucky, called Decker Boyz Racing. He also races a 1972 Nova and attends automotive events like the LS Fest each September with his cousin.
“At LS Fest it’s just something to see the different stuff that [attendees] can actually put an LS in,” Decker said. “That’s what I like to see more than anything.”
Decker’s 1966 Chevy II Nova Super Sport is a standout at every event, showcasing a creative blend of modern performance while honoring its classic heritage.
Engine and Performance Shortlist
- Engine: Chevrolet Performance LS376/525 crate engine*
- Horsepower: 525 HP
- Torque: 484 lb.-ft.
- Camshaft: ASA camshaft (upgraded to a slightly bigger camshaft)
- EFI System: Holley
- Transmission: GM 4L60-E
- Front Suspension: King coilovers, K-member front end
- Rear Suspension: Leaf-spring setup
- Wheels: Custom 17-inch polished chrome Weld wheels
- Brakes: Wilwood six-piston brakes
Jeremy Decker’s Chevy II Nova is a testament to the timeless appeal and adaptability of classic cars, merging the best of past and present to create a truly unique and powerful vehicle.
