Project ET: High-7 second zone
Project MPH: 175 mph

In July of 2006, Uncle Robin Lawrence first appeared on RTM's "Power Block" as its host, Courtney Hansen turned the keys of Horsepower TV's "Project Super Nova" over to him. It was an exciting day for all of the parties involved, and the start of a project that we hope promises great things for Robin.

The staff at Horsepower TV built a great bracket car that was full of potential (as well as a GM Performance Parts ZZ572 big block), but Uncle Robin has bigger plans. As a way to test and evaluate the capabilities of the newly designed GM Performance Parts LSX block, Robin went NMCA Nostalgia Pro Street heads-up racing!

As if getting ready for the 2007 racing season wasn't enough pressure, Uncle Robin's new Nova made its debut at the PRI Trade Show in Orlando on December 14, 2006. That means that there were a lot of long days put in to make sure this Nostalgia Pro Streeter is ready for battle.

One of the biggest challenges was getting the Nova's chassis upgraded for mid-7 second performances. "The Horsepower TV guys did a great job with this Nova," said Robin. "But, they never intended it to run in the 7-second zone. Because of that, we've got a lot of work to do to make sure the car goes straight, can handle the power, and is safe to drive."

Dave Zimmerman at Team-Z Motorsports was put in charge of all chassis upgrades, including replacing the mild steel (bracket racing style) roll bar with a 25.5 SFI chrome moly cage. Team-Z Motorsports also installed the new four-link suspension, rear bracketry, and racing axle housing. The rear end was stuffed with Strange and Motive Gear components.

"It's a really solid car," said Zimmerman. "Once we get the cage installed, I'll get to work on rebuilding both the front and rear suspensions. Then, we'll get the stance right – this old car is going to be pretty aerodynamic when we get through with it."

Additional chassis pieces were sourced from Quarter Max, which is owned by Rick Jones, himself an IHRA champion, master chassis builder, and runner-up at the NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL. The four-link brackets, window installation kit, door hinge kit, parachute mount, and accessory mounting chassis brackets all came from Quarter Max.

Inside, the Nova was upgraded with carbon fiber interior panels and wheel tubs from Kirkman Composites, Autometer full-sweep electronic gauges, Autometer dual-channel tachometer, Autometer 34-channel data logger, and Kirkey seats. Strange brakes were used at all four corners.

As for the power, below you will find a list of some of the engine components that Robin uses in competition at all NMCA events. Remember, he needs roughly twice the power from the LSX (1,400 horses) more than the Nova was delivered with to be competitive in Nostalgia Pro Street.

GM Performance Parts LSX Block
GM Performance Parts C5R Heads Ported by West Racing Heads, Geneseo, Illinois
Hughes Racing Enterprises Sheet Metal Intake with Holley 1150 cfm Dominator Carburators
Jesel Shaft Rockers
Jesel Belt Drive
Jesel Lifters
Trend 7/16 Double Taper .165 Wall Pushrods
ATI Balancer
Lunati Camshaft
Diamond Custom Pistons
Eagle Crankshaft
GRP Aluminum Rods
NOS Single Stage Fogger Nitrous System
Aeromotive Fuel System
Custom Bassani Stepped Headers
MSD Ignition System
MSD Distributor
MSD Spark Plug Wires
ARP Fasteners
Stefs Dry Sump Oil Pan
Dailey Engineering Oil Pump
VP C16 Race Fuel
Engine Machined and Assembled by Stealy Performance Machine, East Moline, Illinois

The LSX engine was mated to a Liberty clutchless 5-speed equipped with a Liberty shifter. A Dynatech aluminum driveshaft connected the trans to the custom Team-Z Motorsports rear housing. Nitto Tires provided the Nitto front runners and Nitto 33x16x15.