Latest News

Customs by Bigun built this Nova as a show car for JRi Shocks to debut at the SEMA show in 2016

The Chevrolet Nova (originally the Chevy II) hit the U.S. market in 1962 as a simple, back-to-the-basics compact car for your everyday driver. When trying to decide on a name, Chevrolet finally landed on the “Chevy II” as a last-minute solution, with “Nova” as a close runner up. In 1967, the Nova name replaced “Chevy II” along with a full design makeover as well. There’s a popular suspicion that the “Nova” name hurt Chevrolet sales in Spanish speaking countries because the translation of Nova is “doesn’t go”, however this, according to Snopes, is a false claim.

The Chevy II started off as an affordable commuter car for the American middle class. Originally selling for around $2,500, it was an affordable substitute to the Camaro, Mustang, or Challenger at the time. As time went on and the muscle car craze took hold of auto enthusiasts, the Chevy II evolved into the Chevy Nova SS, equipped with a 350ci (5.7L) small block good for 295 HP, along with a heavy-duty suspension setup and other performance hardware. Little did Chevrolet know that these cars would be restored, modified and “souped up” for years to come.

Customs by Bigun specializes in over-the-top restorations with extreme modifications

Not ready to bust out your wallet yet? That’s ok, we’ll take you through one of the cleanest, well-modified Novas out there. Actually, this Nova is so cool the builders named it the “Super-Nova”, an obvious play on words to one of the most powerful astronomical events that occurs in outer space. Nerding out yet?

The 1970 Nova was built by Customs by Bigun, an automotive repair shop in Mooresville, North Carolina. Customs by Bigun specializes in over-the-top restorations with extreme modifications. Some of their recent builds include a Dodge Dart named “Tooth Jerker”, a fully caged second gen Camaro and a 1939 Porsche Model 64. That should give you an idea of how diverse and unique their projects really are. “I was proud to be a part of this epic restoration project. All of the features on the Nova are custom one-off touches created to accent the car and take the performance to the next level,” says Eric Yost, owner of Customs by Bigun.

The JRi Shock 1970 Nova features custom graphics by One On One Brand

Here’s a complete breakdown of the vehicle specifications:

• Engine: HED Built 370ci LS3

• Transmission: RPM Stage 7 4160

• Suspension: Detroit Speed

• Hydraulics / Ride Control: JRi JRide® Electronic Damping Control System

• Exhaust: Kooks Headers

• Intake Manifold: Edelbrock

• Throttle Body: Nick Williams 102mm throttle bodies

• ECU: Holley Dominator

• Gauges: Autometer

• Tires: BF Goodrich

• Battery: Optima Batteries

• Brakes: Baer Brakes

• Paint: PPG

• Induction Filters: K&N Filters

When it came to filters, Bigun along with JRi agreed that K&N was the way to go

When JRi hired Customs by Bigun to handle this custom build, they knew what they wanted. Jeff Ryan, Technical Director of JRi Shocks says, “The intention of this car was to showcase the JRi Shocks Technology and provide a demonstrator vehicle where people can discover the JRi Advantage.” Well Jeff, thousands of auto-enthusiasts from all over the world saw your custom 1970 Nova at SEMA 2016, and if they are half as impressed as we are, mission accomplished.

Some of Customs by Bigun's recent builds include a Dodge Dart named “Tooth Jerker”

A custom spoiler was fabricated for the JRi Shocks Super Nova

Dual hood scoops help get fresh air to the K&N universal cone filters

The JRi Nova's interior is almost completely unrecognizable compared to the original car

A lot of time was spent on the body work of the JRi Super Nova

This was a full frame-off restoration

The JRi Nova interior is fully custom

The JRi Nova interior had a full custom fabrication plan by Customs by Bigun

The Nova has a roll bar in case things get hectic on the track

The JRi Nova debuted at the 2016 SEMA show in the JRi Shocks booth

The carbon fiber capped conical filter is shielded by a lightweight carbon fiber heat shield

The Z/28 engine was adapted from the LS7 used in the C6 Corvette Z06, which was developed in conjunction with Corvette Racing. The LS7 is rated at 500 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque in the 2014 Camaro Z/28, with a maximum engine speed of 7,100 rpm. Chevrolet specifically developed the motor with a broad rpm range that contributes to higher power and which also allows the driver to hold gears longer between shifts on the track. That helps keep the engine operating within an optimal rpm range for quicker lap times.

Each LS7 was hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center based on the basic Gen IV V-8, but with a unique cylinder block casting with pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine’s 104.8 mm cylinder bores – and with processes you’d normally see only at a race engine shop – deck-plate boring and honing. The Z/28 is equipped with a dry-sump oiling system to ensure full lubrication during the 1.05 g cornering loads the monster Camaro can generate.

Internally, 464 gram titanium connecting rods and lightweight intake valves boost horsepower by raising the engine’s operating range, as well as reduce engine mass. In addition, the LS7 is assembled with sodium-filled exhaust valves, aluminum pistons, forged steel mains, and a forged steel crankshaft.

The LS7’s CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads with straight runners were designed to maintain the fast airflow velocity demands of the engine’s 7.0L displacement, as it ingests more than 100 cubic feet more air per minute than the LS3 V-8 – a nearly 20-percent increase in airflow. One would think that the Chevrolet engineers had optimized every system of the LS7 motor, but there’s one where there’s still opportunity to increase performance.

The K&N 69-4533TTK Typhoon air intake system is a free-flowing, mandrel-bent aluminum tube air induction system designed to fit LS7-powered 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 models that has been proven to add nearly 20 horsepower to the monster Camaro.

Installation of your 69-4533TTK can be completed in just a few hours and with only simple hand tools

The power increase is created by replacing the factory air filter and air intake housing with a K&N 69-4533TTK Typhoon air intake system, which significantly improves incoming air flow as well as reducing turbulence in the intake tube.

The air intake first enters a carbon fiber capped K&N high-flow air filter sited within a ultra-lightweight carbon fiber heat shield that’s installed into the original air box space. A bulk of the horsepower increase can be credited to the oversized conical air filter manufactured from multiple layers of oiled cotton filter media -- which offers less resistance than traditional filters. The multi-layered cotton material also filters out microparticles that could damage your engine, to help ensure a long engine life. But before a filter goes into production, each design is verified through K&N’s in-house filtration testing lab. Testing adheres to ISO 5011 standards, ensuring that your K&N filter provides high airflow without putting engine protection at risk.

Exiting the filter, intake air is directed through an aerodynamically-verified black powder-coated aluminum intake tube into the engine’s throttle body for nearly a 20 horsepower estimated gain. The intake tube includes fittings for the factory mass air sensor and crank case vent hose. Best of all, the K&N 69-4533TTK Typhoon air intake system can be installed in 90 minutes or less with simple hand tools. All tools required are listed in the clear, step-by-step photo-illustrated instructions specific to your Camaro that comes included in the package.

And once you’ve installed your K&N Typhoon air intake system you’ve eliminated the need to buy another air filter for the life of your covered Z/28. The only maintenance is a service you can do yourself in no time at all. When it is time to clean the filter, use the K&N 99-5000 Recharger Kit to clean and refresh your air filter. The K&N air filter you purchase is designed to last for the lifetime of your vehicle, which K&N guarantees will perform for up to 10 years or 1,000,000 miles with the K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

The K&N 69-4533TTK Typhoon air intake system is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2015 CHEVROLET CAMARO 7.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 CHEVROLET CAMARO 7.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models

Brad Keselowski celebrates his win in the Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500

“Well, you know, wins are always special, but early in the season they're really good. You just can't take any wins for granted,” Keselowski said. “I always feel like before a race, you obviously always want to win, and you always wonder yourself when your last win is going to be, and I'm not anywhere near retirement age, but you still think about those things and you think about how tough it just is to win at this level and how lucky you are to have a team to win.”

Keselowski led three times for a total of 18 laps to take the checkered flag. He also won 53 points to continue to be in the top 10 of the standings. He is in third place in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup standings with 84 points.

“You know, when you win a race like this, you know that there's been three or four of them where you probably lost like this, and they really suck, but this one is going to feel good, and we're going to enjoy it,” Keselowski said.

Brad Keselowski celebrates his win at Atlanta Motor Speedway

“Here at Atlanta, I don't do a good enough job up top,” Larson said. “That's why I try to commit myself to the bottom throughout the race. There when I restarted the leader after our Christmas present we got there, and Brad lined up behind me, I knew he was going to be the one to beat. I'd spent a lot of time around him throughout the race, especially on the short runs he was better than I was, and he would always pass me in 1 and 2. I knew I was going to have to try and take his line away. I tried a few times, and he finally kind of guessed where I was going right one lap and got to my inside.”

Matt Kenseth finished in third place and did not lead once.

Kevin Harvick won both of the stages in the race, and was poised to reach the checkered flag first, if it had not been for a pit-speeding penalty under caution on lap 311, he would not have lost his lead.The penalty knocked him out of first place and he eventually finished in ninth.

Harvick led the race on four separate occasions for a total of 292 laps. With both of his stage wins at Atlanta, Harvick has won three stages so far this season, and has three playoff points.

Kevin Harvick leading the field at the start of Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500

"Yeah, this place, for whatever reason, I just feel like I’m snake-bitten," said Harvick who has not won in Atlanta in his career. "It’s my own doing today. I really didn’t think I was even close on pit lane.”

Harvick leads the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings with 90 points, and three playoff points. Kurt Busch, winner of the Daytona 500, is in second place with 86 points, and five playoff points. Brad Keselowski, winner of the Folds Of Honor QuikTrip 500, is in third place with 84 points and five playoff points.

The next race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Kobalt 400.

K&N team driver, Jordan Pellegrino, and his 4500 class car, ready for the Every Man Challenge

Imagine the excitement felt throughout the off-road community when the folks at Hammerking Productions added this to the list of amazing things to actually do at the week long event that has become this legendary racing extravaganza.

The SmittyBilt Every Man Challenge is tough so you need a co-driver willing to make you smile

Helmets on, time for these two to get to work! Heading to the line, it's go time!

Another fun and exciting new addition to this years event is the short course at main pit

One minute and 26 seconds would separate Pellegrino from a 1st place finish in the 4500 Class at the 2016 SmittyBilt Every Man Challenge. He and his co-driver would finish just behind fellow competitor and close friend, Jessi Combs. While this solid second place finish was indeed fantastic, it wasn’t really what the young men had hoped for.

Pellegrino's suspension on the 4500 car, getting down and digging in through the turn

Yeah the Jeeps of the 4500 class can get air! Pellegrino, show us how it's done!

The tight rock canyons leave little room for error and plenty of room for flat tires

The Every Man Challenge race features a modified version of the King of the Hammers course

Heading out of the tough rock trails toward the open desert for some high speed passing

After the Every Man Challenge, competitors Jordan Pellegrino and Gunnar Velasquez take a breath

Dad and fellow racer, Tony Pellegrino, congratulating Jordan & Gunnar after crossing the finish line

David Pulley racing in the Supercross second round in San Diego (photo CycleDump)

David Pulley will be racing in the full season of the Premier 450 Class in the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross season. He will travel in his Mercedes van to the western races and fly when the series heads east. With the first two rounds of the series in the books, Pulley shares some of his insights into his season start.

“These first two rounds have been a bit rough for me, but I can see I have the speed after reviewing segment times and my LitPro data,” Pulley said. LitPro is a tracking and diagnostic system that analyzes things such as the most effective race lines and optimal speeds in the whoop sections and jumps.

Pulley is gearing up (literally) for the 2017 Supercross season

“With all the rain during the week, AMA decided to go with a modified schedule once again removing the free practice from our schedule, leaving us with the two 10 minute timed qualifying sessions,” Pulley said.

The San Diego round proved to be a painful one for Pulley. He suffered a hard crash that could have been attributed to the racer's abbreviated track time and variable dirt conditions. However, Pulley was quick to identify a correctable technique flaw rather than blame the conditions.

“Unfortunately, I had a bit of a get off in the whoops. They were pretty big, and in the last session they got pretty cupped and uneven. I ended up getting kicked and shifting too much weight forward and going down. I am okay, just a bit bruised up,” he said.

A van will be Pulley's transportation for the West Coast races

“I will be all good and ready to go for A2 (Anaheim race 2) next weekend though. I was running 3rd in my practice before I went down and unfortunately got shuffled back to end up 47th O/A in times. I plan on getting things on track here at A2 this weekend and working on being able to go out there and battle to get into these main events!”

Pulley is fully aware that his racing success is dependent on continued support from his loyal sponsors like K&N. “I can’t thank you all enough for all the support,” he said. K&N is happy to be a part of David Pulley’s progress in the ultra-competitive sport of Supercross.

2017 Supercross Schedule:

January 7, 2017 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA

January 14, 2017 Petco Park San Diego, CA

January 21, 2017 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA

January 28, 2017 Univ. of Phx. Stadium Glendale, AZ

February 4, 2017 O.Co Coliseum Oakland, CA

February 11, 2017 AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX

February 18, 2017 U.S. Bank Stadium Minneapolis, MN

February 25, 2017 Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA

March 4, 2017 Rogers Centre Toronto, ON

March 11, 2017 Daytona Int. Speedway Daytona Beach, FL

March 18, 2017 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN

March 25, 2017 Detroit Ford Field Detroit, MI

April 1, 2017 Dome at America's Ctr. St. Louis, MO

April 8, 2017 Century Link Field Seattle, WA

April 22, 2017 Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT

April 29, 2017 MetLife Stadium E. Rutherford, NJ

May 6, 2017 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas, NV