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1963 Nova Wagon with LS3

The Cota Brothers have recently completed installation of a LS3 in a 1963 Nova Wagon. The stock clip and steering box was used as well as equal length headers and power brakes. No sheet metal was cut to install motor or 4l65E transmission. All together the Nova weighs 2985 pounds. Without a tune the motor is still pushing out 486 horsepower and 465 ft. lbs. torque.

1963 Nova Wagon with LS3 swap

1963 Nova Wagon with LS3 swap

LS3 in a 1963 Nova Wagon engine bay

Source: LS1Tech

16 thoughts on “1963 Nova Wagon with LS3”

  1. The Cota Brothers have recently completed installation of a LS3 in a 63 Nova Wagon. Stock clip and steering box,equal length headers and power brakes. NO Rack. No sheet metal was cut to install motor or 4l65E trans. Wagon weighs 2985 pounds. Motor has 486 HP and 465 Torque WITHOUT a Tune.

  2. I saw this car first hand in Minneapolis, MN at “Back to the 50’s”. The car was very well put together and was even asked to be shown on GM’s “corner” where they have a display booth and give customer’s a chance to showcase their awesome rides. Job well done, everything looks factory, even down the the airbox.

  3. The Cota Brothers attended the 2010 Car Craft Summernationals July 16-18 in St. Paul Minnesota. GM Performance Division invited us to showcase our LS3- 63 Nova Wagon next to their display friday and saturday. On Sunday Car Craft photographed the wagon for an upcoming feature story.

  4. Received a letter from Snap On Tools confirming our LS3 Nova Wagon will be featured in Snap On Tools 2012 Wall Calendar.

  5. The Cota brothers LS3 Nova wagon is currently featured in a 6 page-15 photo article in LS -Series Power Magazine. Now on sale at your local newsstand until 4-3-12.

  6. I guess its nice to have a stock project as this, but don’t quite understand why anyone would not use one of the front end conversion kits to make the car drive as good as it looks. I’ve driven 2 doors and 4 doors many years with the stock front ends and they can be a handful, not to mention ride quality is very poor.

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