1973 Chevy Van Goes Custom-Crazy with Side-Piped Corvette Engine, 24-Inch Wheels

With the constant rise of SUVs, it seems like the minivan genre, which emrged in the 1980s to offer a more practical approach to moving people compared to full-size vans, is almost ready for retirement. However, in the world of custom machines, there’s room for everybody (pun intended). And it appears that modded custom vans are experiencing a resurgence. Case in point with this 1973 Chevy van, which has just recently removed from the oven.

Mark Pierson, the builder behind the project, completed the vehicle earlier this month, recently going for the first road trip with his wife. And who wouldn’t take this custom 1973 machine for an extended drive?

For one, the power if fully there, since the van now sports an LS3 V8. This is the 6.2L V8 that used to power the revamped C6 Corvette, while also being available as a crate engine. So, this machine should have at least 430 hp and 424 lb-ft (575 Nm) for the road to swallow.

This was one of the early members of GM’s third-generation G-Series vans, which entered production in 1970 and solidered on until 1996 thanks to multiple updates. In factory trim, these big boys mixed their unibodies with mechanical components taken from the second and third iterations of the C/K-series trucks (here’s a slammed ’71 C10 rocking Escalade firepower).

However, the leaf-sprung front axle of the pickups made room for an independent setup, which increased the space up front—unlike their predecessor, this iteration kept its engine up front, hence the distinct hood section.

These super-sized wheels will probably required further suspension changes

And while we’re talking about the suspension, the enthusiast, who’s been runing his own shop (Mark’s Hot Rod Garage) for decades, lowered the G-Series on massive wheels. Supplied by Boyd Coddington, the custom wheels come in a 24-inch size at the rear, while the front end sports 19-inch units.

Other exterior mods involve the eye-catching 3D-hexagonal side window at the back, the side pipes bringing that LS3 soundtrack (this 1953 Chevy Bel Air has such a motor too), the sun visor and the custom LED headlights, but that’s about it.

Otherwise, the bespoke look of the van relies on its striking shade of orange, which also covers the bumpers, while black is used for the nose of the vehicle.

It won’t surprise you to find out that the cabin is where the custom work got dialed to eleven. From the wood-built rear platform, to the four individual seats, the custom dash and home-brewed door panels, this van is literally a party starter—how could you not think of a celebration when you see that fuzzy orange cabin trim? Of course, the audio system of the vehicle is always up for the job.

Now, as Mike explains on Instagram, he’s looking to replace the current coilover suspension of his Chevy van with air springs, so this bad boy gets to lay frame (in case you’re wondering, it’s rubbing right now). And when you think that, according to the builder, the whole project started out as a mere respray…

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