More Than a Plain White Wrapper, Dean Tepen’s 10-Second Nova Takes Aim on the Dial Your Own Class
First cars can have a long-lasting effect on people. In the case of Dean Tepen, holding the keys to his first Nova at the age of 15 has kept the Chevrolet model in the forefront of his mind.
So, when it was time to build another fun car for street and strip use, the Chevrolet Nova was a given. But instead of another Gen-3 model (1968-1974) to join his 1969, Dean opted for the 1962-1965 Gen-1 design.
The 1965 model that Dean acquired was a little rougher than expected, so a cleaner shell was procured so Dean and son Drew could have a better starting point.
Finishing the car in the original white, Dean also kept the striking red stock-type interior a few updates, including a 6-point roll bar to legally blast times as quick as 10.00.
To get to those 10-second time slips, Dean opted for a LS-based 408 cubic inch powerplant, but to keep a hint of old-school, the LS is topped with a carburetor.
The modern small block is backed with an overdrive 700-R4, and a 12-bolt rear end. Going for the overall stock vibe, short of the Weld wheels and the mild cowl induction hood, this Chevy II still features all the trim and chrome.
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Dean already had four Hot Rod Drag Weeks, as well as a few Rocky Mountain Race Week events in his rear-view mirror by the time he joined the 2022 Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive.
Jumping into the Dial Your Own (DYO) class, Dean collected four timeslips between a best of 10.58 and a 10.74, and completing the week.
In 2023, he hopes to make his time slips a little but quicker, but is mainly looking forward to warmer temperatures and racing in winter time. “We are from the Midwest, so Florida during winter is great,” said Dean “The tracks are all awesome, and hopefully we can post low 10-second times this year.”
- Written by Derek Putnam. Photo courtesy of Motion Raceworks.