Are 6-Second Runs Around the Corner for This Turbocharged Nova?
Every year, the elapsed times that are delivered from the drag-and-drive community continue to get quicker. In 2023, two more competitors added their names to the 6-second average club.
One that is getting close to eclipsing that barrier is Jason Sack and his ‘Cowboy Up’ 1969 Chevrolet Nova.
Constructed by Skinny Kid Race Cars, Jason’s Nova had clocked some low 7-second passes leading up to the 2023 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive.
To get those times, Jason turned to Steve Morris Engines for one of their SML-series 400 cubic inch LS-based engine, built on an all-billet water jacketed block. A single 106-millimeter turbocharger provides the boost, and a Turbo 400 3-speed transmission passes the power to the massive rear tires.
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Jason has participated in three Hot Rod Drag Week events, with his best result being the 2021 event where he averaged a 7.33 to finish second in Unlimited behind David Schroeder.
Joining the Sick Week gang for 2023, Jason looked like he would be a solid top five finisher in the Unlimited Iron class. He clocked a new personal best of 7.08 at 196 mph on day three, but then the intercooler pump stopped working during the burn out on his last pass of day three. This caused high air inlet temperatures, nipped a spark plug and hurt a rod bearing, ending his chances at Sick Week.
Since then, Jason has been busy on upgrades for his next drag-and-drive event of the season. “I’m removing ‘Cowboy Up’s intercooler,” said Jason, as he will make the move to methanol for the next event.
The orange ’69 Nova will also get a pair of Ultra Carbon doors, and Jason estimates it will all be worth about 300 pounds of weight. “The car weighed 3120 pounds at Sick Week,” said Jason. “It should weigh 2790-2800 pounds when done, and we should have another 500 horsepower on tap too.”
Jason’s next appearance will be Hot Rod Drag Week; will he enter into the 6-second zone there?
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine and Jason Sack.