20 CHEVY HIGH PERFORMANCE II OCTOBER 2019
Retro Nova Relives its Days of Glory
and drivetrain overhaul he made it
back to the 2018 season. “I custom-
built the complete turbo system,
including the headers and the exhaust.
I built a new 509ci Dart block with the
first set of AFR 18-degree conventional
heads. Mike Henson (Henson Racing
Engines) blueprinted both the block
and the heads in anticipation of 40-plus
pounds of boost. I’m expecting close
to 3,000 hp this year,” Dennis said. He
managed a Second-place finish in the
highly competitive SS/BB/PA class andran as fast as 7.86 at 183 mph.
Today, the Retro Nova is prepped
and ready for Drag Week 2019. It’s
reliving its glory days in ultimate
form with the culmination of Dennis’s
experience and spirit as a car builder.
“I’m turning 58 years old this year.
Most guys my age are still building
gassers, but I just want to build
7-second street cars,” Dennis said. With
his innovative work in the garage,
backed by his loving family, he’s sure
to continue proving his success. CHP