Before divulging the motor, horsepower and component details, we’ll reveal how the power gets to the rear tires. The “deuce” has a Hughes XP-4 Powerglide trans with a Hughes Torque converter specifically designed for Ten-wide racing. An Alston aluminum driveshaft connects to a Chassisworks FAB9 rear axle housing equipped with a Strange Engineering center section and 40-spline billet axles. The Ford-style rear end contains 4:30 gears at most tracks.

Early versions of the Nova, running in the 10.5 street tire classes, used big block Chevrolet power.  However, with the change to the Outlaw 10.5 class, Chris needed more engine block stability and power so he chose a Hemi billet block and cylinder heads similar to those used by virtually all nitro-burning Top Fuel and Funny Car teams.

Miner Brothers Racing Engines in nearby Stockton, Calif., did the machine and assembly work on the 526 cubic inch alky-burning Hemi Mopar. To provide the power for Outlaw 10.5 competition, a Vortec V-28 123A crank driven supercharger that makes 45 pounds of boost was selected and is attached using an Alston front supercharger drive kit.