This 1972 Chevy van was created for one very specific reason – to absolutely shred any rubber deemed worth of destruction. Now, we’re getting the inside look at what this Chevy is packing in the following video feature.
Coming to us from Hoonigan AutoFocus, hosted by celebrated automotive photographer Larry Chen, this video provides an in-depth look at the build that went to into transforming this Chevy van from workhorse to smoke machine. The owner, Rob from Squarebody Syndicate, clearly made the right moves, as his creation took the win in the burnout contest at Holley LS Fest in Las Vegas this year.
This Chevy van started life as a work vehicle, and was later purchased by Rob, who found it in Tucson, Arizona. Rob kept the look mostly intact, which includes one very sweet patina, but everything else was under the skin was overhauled.
Upgrades include a full Ridetech suspension with four-link coilovers and custom front tubulars, plus a minitub in back to fit larger wheels and tires. There’s also a ton of one-off parts (unsurprising given performance upgrades are hard to come by) such as new ducting in the grille to keep fresh air pumped into the tight engine bay.
Out back, this Chevy van now sports steel wheel wells with a quarter-inch steel plate that was shaved to a knife’s edge in order to cut the tire when it pops, keeping the body panels intact. This is now complemented by several pounds of rubber dust stuffed behind the rear wheels.
Providing the motivation is a 6.0L V8 with a new cam and long tube headers. The owner estimates out around 500 horsepower. This thing is also still street legal, and now includes A/C, while a set Baer brakes with front discs haul it down.
The rear cargo area has mounts for spare tires after a burnout session, plus some lovely wood paneling. Most of the original components are in surprisingly good condition, and there are new Dakota Digital gauges too.
Check out the full video below:
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Comment
Oh cool, let’s spend thousands and thousands of dollars tricking out a work van just to do burnouts?
Can you say, moron?