{"id":102119,"date":"2023-07-14T18:58:32","date_gmt":"2023-07-14T23:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=102119"},"modified":"2023-07-21T14:55:53","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T19:55:53","slug":"the-volvo-powered-nova-returns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=102119","title":{"rendered":"The Volvo-Powered Nova Returns"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"1973<\/a><\/p>\n

In 2016 Robin D\u2019Agostino<\/a> shared his unique 1973 Nova<\/a>. Since then he’s enjoyed driving the Volvo-powered classic while gathering a list of improvements. Last year Robin set out to complete those in anticipation of the Castle in the Clouds show in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. <\/p>\n

\"1973<\/a><\/p>\n

\"1973<\/a><\/p>\n

Robin’s first task was fixing the headliner. He knew it was hiding some nasty secrets after seeds fell out. Robin donned a respirator and pulled back the cloth headliner to reveal a 3-inch-deep mouse hotel. After removing the biohazard, Robin installed a new headliner.<\/p>\n

\"old<\/a><\/p>\n

There was no chance Robin was replacing the headliner and leaving the old carpet. After removing the carpet he uncovered rust on the floor. Robin treated the corrosion with rust converter before covering it in sound deadening and new carpet. <\/p>\n

\"old<\/a><\/p>\n

\"sound<\/a><\/p>\n

\"new<\/a><\/p>\n

A big part of the upgrades was improving the electronics. Robin started by installing a Dakota Digital RTX display made to look like the factory gauges. A smartphone app allows him change the display colors and select different outputs on the right-side digital screen. It can display fuel pressure, oil pressure, intake temp, water temp, air-fuel ratio, and boost pressure.<\/p>\n

\"Dakota<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Dakota<\/a><\/p>\n

The B230FT \u201cRedblock\u201d inline-four now runs on a Haltech Elite 1000 ECU while the 4L60E transmission runs on a Simple Shift controller. Both units are housed in a metal cash box on the transmission tunnel. In the glove box Robin made a custom metal base for holding the Haltech fuses and relays, Dakota Digital control box, wideband controller, and gear shift indicator. It also holds a Dakota Digital BIM-01-2-HAL which decodes engine information from the Haltech ECU for the digital display.<\/p>\n

\"electronics<\/a><\/p>\n

\"electronics<\/a><\/p>\n

Robin used a vintage Black & Decker box to hold the main fuses and American Auto Wire Highway 15 fuse block. The final piece of the electrical upgrades is a Optima Redtop battery. <\/p>\n

\"electronics<\/a><\/p>\n

Underneath the car Robin installed a 3-inch dual-exhaust kit from Summit Racing. He needed to modify and flip some parts for it to work. He realizes the exhaust is overkill for a 2.3 liter engine but the unique sound is worth it. Robin added an electric exhaust cutout which increased the sound and onlookers\u2019 confusion with the flip of a button.<\/p>\n

\"exhaust<\/a><\/p>\n

Many years ago a member in the TurboBricks<\/a> community made a small batch of custom intake manifolds for Volvo Redblock motors. Robin always wanted one and after a long search he purchased an unused intake. It now proudly flanks the motor <\/p>\n

\"custom<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Volvo<\/a><\/p>\n

Up front Robin installed a set of tubular upper and lower control arms from Speedway Motors. The change lowered the front 1.5 inches and gave the Nova a raked stance. Robin upgraded the factory cast-iron brakes to aluminum Wilwood two-piston calipers. <\/p>\n

\"underneath<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Wilwood<\/a><\/p>\n

Robin had a difficult time finding LSx ignition coil mounts that would work with the Volvo engine. He channeled his frustration into making his own custom mounts. Robin replaced the shaft-driven distributor with a camshaft angle sensor (CAS) from a 1989-1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse (4G63) thanks Yoshifab\u2019s billet adapter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Volvo<\/a><\/p>\n

Robin still has more work planned. He wants to install sound deadening to the inside of the doors and quarter panels. He also wants to install a sequential turbo system since the current turbocharger only provides boost over 3,300 rpm. Until then he’ll enjoy the fruits from this round of work. <\/p>\n

\"1973<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In 2016 Robin D\u2019Agostino shared his unique 1973 Nova. Since then he’s enjoyed driving the Volvo-powered classic while gathering a list of improvements. Last year Robin set out to complete those in anticipation of the Castle in the Clouds show in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Robin’s first task was fixing the headliner. He knew it was… Read More »The Volvo-Powered Nova Returns<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":102731,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":70,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-102119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nova"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1973-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Volvo-2.3-L-B230FT-Redblock-inline-four-25.jpg?fit=2200%2C1650&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10448,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=10448","url_meta":{"origin":102119,"position":0},"title":"American Iron with Swedish Power","author":"swaptastic","date":"August 12, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Sometimes an idea for a project comes out of nowhere. It doesn't matter how difficult or unusual it might be because once that idea takes hold, it's all you can think about. Robin D'Agostino had an idea of combining two two of his favorite automotive companies into one really unique\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nova"","block_context":{"text":"Nova","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=49"},"img":{"alt_text":"1973 Chevy Nova with a Volvo 2.3 L B230FT Redblock inline-four","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1973-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Volvo-2.3-L-B230FT-Redblock-inline-four-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1973-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Volvo-2.3-L-B230FT-Redblock-inline-four-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1973-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Volvo-2.3-L-B230FT-Redblock-inline-four-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1973-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Volvo-2.3-L-B230FT-Redblock-inline-four-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1973-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Volvo-2.3-L-B230FT-Redblock-inline-four-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":119803,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=119803","url_meta":{"origin":102119,"position":1},"title":"RWD VW Polo with a Turbo Volvo Inline-Four","author":"swaptastic","date":"August 21, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Robin Tagesson, Robert Flysj\u00f6, and Fredrik Sernemo are building a special VW Polo 6R called \"NukedPolo\" at Nuke Performance in Sweden. The project is a rally inspired race car that is street legal. For power the team went with a naturally aspirated 1.6 L Volvo B4164S2 inline-four. It will stroked\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Polo"","block_context":{"text":"Polo","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=698"},"img":{"alt_text":"RWD VW Polo with a turbocharged Volvo inline-four","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Nuke-Performance-RWD-VW-Polo-with-a-Turbo-Volvo-Inline-Four-01.jpg?fit=961%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Nuke-Performance-RWD-VW-Polo-with-a-Turbo-Volvo-Inline-Four-01.jpg?fit=961%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Nuke-Performance-RWD-VW-Polo-with-a-Turbo-Volvo-Inline-Four-01.jpg?fit=961%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Nuke-Performance-RWD-VW-Polo-with-a-Turbo-Volvo-Inline-Four-01.jpg?fit=961%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":112988,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=112988","url_meta":{"origin":102119,"position":2},"title":"1979 Nova with a Nissan VQ30 V6","author":"swaptastic","date":"March 18, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"8Garage was tasked with swapping the powertrain in this 1979 Chevy Nova for owner @myliobatischevy. In the engine bay the company installed a 3.0 L Nissan VQ30DE V6 with a water\/methanol injection system and a set of custom exhaust headers. Behind the V6 they installed a Toyota W57 five-speed manual\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nova"","block_context":{"text":"Nova","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=49"},"img":{"alt_text":"1979 Chevy Nova with a Nissan VQ30 V6","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1979-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Nissan-VQ30-V6-02.jpg?fit=1080%2C771&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1979-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Nissan-VQ30-V6-02.jpg?fit=1080%2C771&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1979-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Nissan-VQ30-V6-02.jpg?fit=1080%2C771&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1979-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Nissan-VQ30-V6-02.jpg?fit=1080%2C771&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/1979-Chevy-Nova-with-a-Nissan-VQ30-V6-02.jpg?fit=1080%2C771&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":100889,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=100889","url_meta":{"origin":102119,"position":3},"title":"The Rotary Nova Returns with a 9.45 sec","author":"swaptastic","date":"May 29, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"The rotary Nova visited Thunder Valley Raceway in Lexington, Oklahoma for a test and tune. While there the 1972 Chevy Nova went 9.451 sec at 146.34 mph in the quarter-mile. The unique car is powered by a turbocharged 1.3 L 13B-RE two-rotor built by RotaryEngine.com featuring large street port, Garrett\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nova"","block_context":{"text":"Nova","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=49"},"img":{"alt_text":"1974 Chevy Nova with a turbo 13B two-rotor","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1974-Chevy-Nova-with-a-turbo-13B-two-rotor-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1974-Chevy-Nova-with-a-turbo-13B-two-rotor-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1974-Chevy-Nova-with-a-turbo-13B-two-rotor-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1974-Chevy-Nova-with-a-turbo-13B-two-rotor-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1974-Chevy-Nova-with-a-turbo-13B-two-rotor-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":117587,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=117587","url_meta":{"origin":102119,"position":4},"title":"1966 Nova with a LS3 V8","author":"swaptastic","date":"July 1, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Charlies Custom Creations built this 1966 Chevy Nova called \"Novatron\" at their company in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In the custom engine bay is a 6.2 L LS3 V8 producing 430 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. 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The company was tasked with rebuilding the car with a contemporary appearance and powertrain. The project started with one of Schwartz Performance's G-Machine chassis. On that they installed\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nova"","block_context":{"text":"Nova","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=49"},"img":{"alt_text":"1974 Nova with a Supercharged LT1 V8","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1974-Nova-with-a-Supercharged-LT1-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1974-Nova-with-a-Supercharged-LT1-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1974-Nova-with-a-Supercharged-LT1-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1974-Nova-with-a-Supercharged-LT1-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1974-Nova-with-a-Supercharged-LT1-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=102119"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":103025,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102119\/revisions\/103025"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/102731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=102119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=102119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=102119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}