Some cars don’t just sit in a garage—they leave tire marks on your memory. Ronnie Long’s 1964 Chevy II Nova is that kind of car. It’s not just a classic; it’s a lifetime of passion built into sheet metal, horsepower, and attitude.
Long’s history with the Chevy II runs deep. Since his first hot rod at 19, a ’62 model, he’s owned 12 first-generation Chevy IIs. Over time, flipping and upgrading each one led him to this beauty—a black ’64 Nova 400 that turns heads before it even starts.
Built to Impress from the Ground Up
Built by Ronnie’s Hot Rods in Mississippi, this car began life in Arizona, meaning minimal rust and maximum potential. It now wears a flawless PPG Black finish, matched with a vivid red leather interior by Paul Atkins Interiors.
But this Nova’s story is more than good looks. It’s a performance machine through and through.
Supercharged LSX376-B15 Power Under the Hood
This Nova’s real magic sits up front—the supercharged Chevrolet Performance LSX376-B15. Starting with a Gen IV LSX-Series Small-Block V-8, this engine includes a forged rotating assembly, high-flow LSX-LS3 heads, and support for up to 15 psi of boost.
Originally rated at 473 horsepower and 444 lb.-ft. of torque, the 6.2L motor now breathes through a 4.5L Whipple supercharger. With a mild tune, it cranks out 700 horsepower at the wheels. There’s more power on tap, but this level strikes a balance between wild and drivable.
Performance Components Make It Track-Ready (But Show-Worthy)
Suspension and Grip
Detroit Speed components keep the car planted. The Nova features a double A-arm front suspension, heavy-duty sway bars, and a QuadraLink rear end. A mini-tub kit opens up room for beefy Michelin Pilot Sport tires—275s in the front, 295s in the rear.
Braking and Driveline
A TREMEC TKO five-speed delivers the power, and Baer 14-inch brakes with six-piston calipers ensure it stops as well as it goes. There’s even a custom roll cage, blending safety with subtle aggression.
Where Passion Meets Performance
Ronnie Long didn’t just build a show car—he built a personal statement. It’s the result of decades of experience, combining engineering know-how from his career in the nuclear field with a sharp eye for performance.
Alongside this Nova, he owns several other hot rods, each a chapter in his lifelong car story. From drag-strip monsters to show-winning stunners, Long’s garage is a museum of speed and craftsmanship.
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Summary
The 1964 Chevy II Nova built by Ronnie Long is far more than a collector’s item. It’s a street-legal tribute to passion, persistence, and power. With modern muscle tucked inside a timeless design, this Chevy II isn’t just part of automotive history—it writes its own.
Disclaimer: The LSX376-B15 crate engine is intended exclusively for use in competition vehicles not driven on public roads.
Source: Chevrolet
