SEMA 2025: Toyo Tires Treadpass Showcases Empire Fabrication’s 1969 Nova

If you went to SEMA and didn’t stop by Toyo Tires Treadpass, you certainly missed out. Representing a blend of artistic creativity and innovation, Treadpass provides a platform for talented builders to prominently showcase their work at one of the largest automotive events in the world. One of the most impressive of this year’s 28 premieres was undoubtedly Sean Ramage’s 1969 Chevy Nova. 

While some of you might know Sean Ramage as the CEO of Empire Fabrication, he’s also built his skills at a variety of premium aftermarket outfits like Wargasser Speed Shop, Hollywood Hot Rods, and Nelson Racing Engines. Sean started Empire over a decade ago in a small garage in Ventura, California. He specializes in building custom cars that, despite incorporating extensive metal fab, maintain a fairly stock appearance.

The Sinister Nova

Looks fairly stock, right? Look closer. The outside of this Nova plays it cool with a series of detailed and tasteful mods that add both character and presence. The car’s tucked and shortened front bumper incorporates a custom aluminum splitter that features subtle LED fog lights. A low-rise cowl induction hood, fully shaved and closed on the bottom, caps a fully reimagined engine bay that includes a custom bayonet in front of a stamped out firewall and custom inner fenders. Tightened gaps flow past Ringbrothers mirrors to a BMW soft close trunk latch, which rides above a second tucked bumper that was shortened by an inch at the bottom, increased by an inch at the top, and completely closed to the car.

BBT Fabrications door handles make excellent use of micro switches and Cadillac Escalade soft close latches to showcase this Chevy’s fully custom cockpit. A hand-fabricated dash frames full Holley instrumentation above Pioneer touchscreen audio. Leather and alcantara buckets, complete with BRAUM five-point harnesses, frame a hand-fabricated console. All switches and A/C vents, designed in CAD and intricately machined, are one-off items exclusive to the Sinister Nova.  

The Nelson Effect

One thing that isn’t subtle is this Nova’s engine. Stacking a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger on 427 cubic inches of Dart LS V8, the Nelson Racing Engines mill produces an impressive 1,200 horsepower on the dyno and roughly 900 horsepower at the rear wheels. That power flows through a 4L80 4-speed to a Strange differential. Braking duties are handled by Baer calipers at all four corners. A Detroit Speed hydroformed subframe leads a Detroit Speed QUADRALink rear-clip. Naturally, excellent Toyo Proxes R888R tires, sized 225/40ZR18 and 335/30ZR18, wrap sleek Forgeline GA3 wheels.

Sean Ramage’s Sinister Nova is a masterclass in restraint and brutality. Equal parts artistry, engineering, and fearless creativity, it’s the kind of build that defines the Toyo Tires Treadpass. If you’re out on the show circuit this year, don’t just pass this Nova by. Stop, stare, and learn how modern builders are redefining what “custom” really means.