Source : chevrolet.com/the-block
A Lifelong Passion Project Comes to Life: For decades, Dan Traeger and his son, Andy, have shared a deep-rooted passion for Chevrolet, a legacy stemming from their years helming General Motors dealerships. Neighbors in Bloomington, Illinois, the father-son duo are also seasoned collaborators on automotive projects. Their latest endeavor is a striking Hugger Orange 1970 Chevrolet Nova, a classic muscle car infused with the modern power and reliability of an LS engine swap. This project not only showcases their technical skills but also their shared love for iconic Chevrolet vehicles.
A Generational Affinity for the Nova: The Chevrolet Nova holds a special place in the Traeger family history. Dan Traeger’s fondness for the model began with a brand-new orange 1973 Super Sport that served as his college commuter. This early connection ignited a lasting appreciation for the Nova’s blend of style and performance. Years later, Andy Traeger stumbled upon a red 1970 Nova with a black vinyl top on Facebook Marketplace in Ottawa, Illinois. Without informing his father, Andy acquired the car, a vehicle with a sentimental history within its previous family. This unexpected purchase laid the foundation for their collaborative project.
From Big-Block Dreams to LS Innovation: Initially, the Traegers considered installing a traditional Big-Block engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission in the Nova. However, after thorough research, they recognized the superior modern performance capabilities of the LS platform. This led them down the path of an LS engine swap, a decision that would ultimately blend classic muscle car aesthetics with contemporary power and reliability.
Powertrain and Performance Details: The heart of this 1970 Nova is an LS6 V-8 engine sourced from a traded-in 2004 Cadillac CTS-V. The installation process involved adding aftermarket long-tube headers, a cold-air intake, and an oil pan, but the majority of the powertrain was a direct swap. The original carburetor preference of Dan Traeger gave way to the undeniable benefits of the LS platform’s electronic fuel injection, praised for its instant start-up and reliable operation managed by the engine control unit. The T56 six-speed manual transmission, also from the 2004 CTS-V, is paired with a new Tick Performance single-disc clutch and necessitated the fabrication of a new transmission crossmember and modification of the transmission tunnel. To handle the increased power, a new Moser 12-bolt GM rear end with Wilwood brakes was installed, replacing the donor Cadillac’s damaged unit. The car retains its original subframe, stiffened by custom-fabricated subframe connectors designed and welded by Dan Traeger. Traction is enhanced by custom traction bars built using three-point hitch links from Tractor Supply, along with multi-leaf springs and adjustable air shocks in the rear.
Old-School Look, Modern Underpinnings: The Traegers aimed to retain a classic hot rod aesthetic reminiscent of the 1970s. This vision extends to the choice of wheels and tires: 15-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, sourced from a Camaro and gifted by a family friend, are paired with white-letter Dean Stinger Radial GTS tires. While Dan Traeger jokingly questioned the current coolness of this tire style, it perfectly complements the intended vintage vibe. Despite the classic appearance, the build incorporates modern necessities such as new brake and fuel lines, along with ACDelco replacement parts, ensuring contemporary reliability and safety.
Extensive Fabrication and Attention to Detail: The project involved countless man-hours dedicated to fabricating sheet metal and meticulously fine-tuning every aspect of the car while preserving its true muscle car spirit. Significant bodywork was undertaken, with the decklid and roof being original, while the quarter panels, floors, fenders, and hood were replaced with new metal. Andy Traeger credits his father’s ingenuity and work ethic as crucial to the success of the build, highlighting Dan’s extensive “wrench time.” While neither are professional body technicians, the father-son team tackled the bodywork on a rotisserie over an extended period. The filler work and paint were expertly handled by Kurt’s Autobody in Bloomington, who applied the iconic Hugger Orange Chevrolet paint. A black 1969 Yenko stripe kit was installed by Central Image Wraps, simplifying the original car’s more extensive chrome trim.
Historical Touches and Interior Refinements: The build incorporates unique pieces of automotive history, such as hood louvers salvaged by Dan Traeger from a wrecked 1969 Big-Block Chevrolet he encountered during his high school years working at a gas station. The interior remains largely stock in appearance, although the installation of the modern transmission required cutting the transmission tunnel and fabricating a new cover, which is concealed beneath the carpet. The rest of the black interior retains its 1970s character, with updated seat covers, new gauge lenses, and the addition of Apple CarPlay for modern connectivity. Dan Traeger even skillfully repaired the original cracked dash panel using a plastic welding process.
A Learning Experience and a Source of Pride: While the Traegers have collaborated on numerous automotive projects, the LS-powered Nova presented a new set of challenges and learning opportunities. Andy Traeger found the LS swap particularly daunting initially but was encouraged by the availability of aftermarket kits designed to facilitate such conversions. The project became a testament to their shared passion and their ability to overcome technical hurdles. The final result is a head-turning 1970 Nova, featuring a three-inch exhaust with electric cutouts, delivering both striking looks and an impressive sound. For the Traegers, this labor of love culminates in immense pride, knowing that they personally brought this unique machine to life.
Summary:
- 1970 Chevrolet Nova with an LS6 engine swap.
- T56 six-speed manual transmission.
- Moser 12-bolt rear end with Wilwood brakes.
- Custom-fabricated subframe connectors and traction bars.
- Frame-off bodywork with Hugger Orange paint and Yenko stripes.
- Mostly stock black interior with updated seat covers and Apple CarPlay.
- 15-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels with Dean Stinger tires.
- Three-inch exhaust with electric cutouts.
Disclaimer: Modifications have been made to this vehicle that may affect its performance and intended use. The LS6 engine swap may not comply with local emissions regulations. Consult local authorities regarding legality for street use.
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