Dan Swan’s 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle might look familiar at a glance, but take a closer look and you’ll find something far more serious under the skin. While the body still wears a classic silhouette and retains a mostly factory interior, the performance underneath is anything but old-school. With a forged 370 cubic-inch LS engine, a T56 six-speed transmission, and a Boost District 2650 supercharger bolted to the LS, this A-body is a purpose-built fusion of vintage style and contemporary muscle.
From the paint choice to the suspension geometry, this car was built to be driven. It’s not a garage queen or a trailer-bound showpiece. Instead, it’s a well-balanced street machine that hits the sweet spot between brutal horsepower and modern-day comfort. Whether you see it parked at a show or hammering down the highway, there’s no denying that Dan’s ’69 Chevelle delivers on all fronts.
Forged Power With Modern Boost
The heart of this ’69 Chevelle is a forged 6.0-liter LS engine, bored out to 370 cubic inches and assembled by Rostro Performance. To keep everything together under boost, Dan opted for a 10-rib LSX front-drive system, ensuring belt grip even when the engine is under serious load. A Brian Tooley Racing Stage 3 PDS camshaft was selected to complement the centrifugal blower’s power curve, helping the engine build torque down low while still screaming up top.
Sitting on top of it all is a Boost District 2650 supercharger, an Eaton-based unit known for its consistent power delivery and OEM-like reliability. Dan added a custom supercharger badge machined by Evans CNC, giving a personal touch to the high-powered setup.
The combination isn’t just strong, it’s been dialed in properly. The tuning was done by “Tuned by Teo,” a known figure in LS circles, and it brings all the components together for a smooth, streetable package that still hits like a hammer when the throttle is buried.
Transmission, Exhaust, And Rearend
Power is sent through a T56 six-speed manual transmission, giving Dan total control over the car’s powerband. It’s a choice that keeps the driving experience raw and engaging, perfectly matching the rest of the build’s street-focused nature. Out back, a 12-bolt rearend fitted with 3.73 gears puts the power to the pavement. It’s the kind of setup that delivers serious acceleration off the line without turning the car into a chore at cruising speeds.
The exhaust system is just as serious. A set of 3-inch stainless pipes connects to a pair of Black Widow Race Venom mufflers. The sound is deep and aggressive but controlled, loud enough to get your attention, and refined enough to drive for hours without fatigue.
Paint, Suspension, And Stance
Visually, the car makes a strong impression without resorting to loud colors or over-the-top graphics. The body is sprayed in PPG Ashen Grey Metallic, borrowed from the 2012 Camaro palette. It’s a subtle but modern shade that suits the Chevelle’s muscle car roots while hinting at the upgraded hardware underneath.
The stance comes from a well-thought-out suspension setup built for real-world driving. Aldan American double-adjustable coilovers on all four corners let Dan dial in the ride height and firmness. At the same time, UMI’s full tubular suspension and sway bars add the rigidity needed to handle the car’s increased power. Whether it’s carving corners or blasting down the freeway, the setup gives confidence without beating up the driver.
Steering components from Proforged further tighten things up, translating every bit of input from the wheel into immediate road response.
Wheels, Brakes, And Rolling Stock
This ’69 Chevelle rolls on Weld Ventura wheels, finished in black and sized just right to fill the wheel wells without looking cartoonish. Up front, 18×8.5-inch wheels are wrapped in 235/40/18 Falken tires. In the rear, 18x10s hold a meaty 295/40/18 tire, giving the car plenty of grip to harness the supercharged torque.
Hauling it all down is a full Baer brake setup finished in Arizona Copper, which plays well with the car’s dark metallic paint. Up front, 13-inch Pro+ rotors are clamped by 6-piston calipers, while the rear features Baer’s SS4+ kit. A matching Remaster master cylinder ties the system together for consistent pedal feel and solid stopping power.
Interior With Subtle Upgrades
Inside, the car retains much of its factory look, but with a few carefully chosen upgrades that make a big difference. A set of Dakota Digital gauges replaces the stock cluster, offering modern readability and accuracy without sacrificing style. Vintage Air A/C keeps things cool in the summer, and a Massive Audio sound system handles the tunes.
It’s an interior that strikes a balance between old-school charm and new-school comfort, nothing flashy, just thoughtful upgrades that elevate the driving experience.
Fueling And Final Details
Feeding the boosted LS is a complete fuel system from Tanks Inc., ensuring reliable delivery under all conditions. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle, especially with a high-output engine that demands consistent pressure and flow.
Every detail on the car reflects Dan’s approach to the build: functional, reliable, and refined. Everything on this ’69 Chevelle, from the precision-machined supercharger badge to the meticulous suspension tuning, feels like a thoughtful addition. This Chevelle is a comprehensive package that exemplifies what can be accomplished when the right parts are combined with the right mindset.