When you think of wagons you don’t really think of torque creating monsters. Instead you think of a family car that is very easily overlooked by car enthusiasts. Trust us when we say, you won’t forget this wagon! Let us introduce you to Blake Hughes’ ’66 Nova Wagon, which hides a little secret under the hood. The wagons factory engine has been replaced by a 6.6L Duramax Diesel that produces an estimated 550 horsepower and an astronomical 850lb-ft of torque!
The first thing you notice about the wagon is how perfect the paint scheme fits this classic. But the truth is, that is the factory paint that has been subject to years underneath the hot California sun.
The Duramax diesel has been equipped with a pair of Buick Grand National Turbos pumping out 6lbs of boost. The factory Allison transmission was way to big and heavy to fit under the wagon, so Hughes replaced it with a 4L80E with a 2200RPM lockup converter.
Hughes also fabricated a custom 26 gallon fuel tank, and replaced the original suspension with a used RideTech Shock-wave suspension kit. The car also received a 4 wheel disk brake upgrade, and has also had a 9-inch dropped in the rear.
We have to admit, we are quite impressed with the design of this unique wagon. But it does kind of beg the question… Why? Which we believe can be answered by a simple.. Why Not?
“A lot of research went into this swap to make sure it was safe and drivable,” said Hughes on LS1Tech Forum. “I like to drive my cars a lot!! I plan to drive the wheels off this beast.”
This car was seen on the 2010 power tour. But we recently came across this beast on eBay, which sold for just over $34,500. You can view the listing here.
So what do you think of this wagon, beauty or beast? Let us know by leaving us a comment below.
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