
THE AUTO BUILDER
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Revving Up Nostalgia
Every year, automobile enthusiasts and vintage car aficionados gather in Louisville, Kentucky, for the highly anticipated NSRA Street Rod Nationals. This event is a celebration of automotive craftsmanship, where classic car owners and builders from around the nation come together to showcase their meticulously restored and customized street rods. The show offers a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, as attendees are treated to a mesmerizing display of vintage vehicles, creative modifications, and impressive engineering.

AFTER-CAT INSTALL
The white ’99 Silverado was beginning to show the wear and tear of fighting the highway wars the last few years. The once proud and pampered show truck—a standard cab shortbed with matching cab-high camper shell—hadn’t spent much time in daily service until recent years, but now it bore its share of dings, dents and scratches. It was obvious that the 50,000 miles on the odometer hadn’t done the 5.3-liter V-8 much good. Part of the reason for the dissipated performance was the exhaust system, a very tired, less-than-top-quality aftermarket after-cat that had started banging, squeaking and leaking.
Installing a new after-cat from MagnaFlow was at the top of this owner’s agenda. He acquired a MagnaFlow (part No. 15617) polished stainless steel after-cat performance system for his Chevy, and because he’s in the automotive business and has a lift at his own facility, all he had to do was enlist the help of a colleague experienced in exhaust system installs to lend a hand with the hookup.

WE HAVE A WINNAH!
This beauty is easy on the eyes. It’s lightning-quick on the throttle and a lot of fun to cruise around town in—but it wasn’t always that way.
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The Auto Builder’s Hottest Product Picks from The Triple Crown of Rodding 2026
Product Spotlight: BTR PLATINUM LS DUAL SPRING KIT
Upgrade your LS engine with unmatched valve control, durability, and performance for any build, from daily drivers to 1,000+ HP monsters.
Unmatched Valve Control
The lifeblood of any performance engine is valve control, and this kit delivers in spades. With spring specs of 155 lbs @ 1.780″, 380 lbs @ 1.180″, and a whopping 400 lbs @ 1.130″, you’re looking at stability that doesn’t flinch under extreme RPMs or power loads. The coil bind at 1.070″ is engineered to perfection, giving you confidence no matter how hard you push that throttle.
Whether you’re running a nasty N/A stroker, a big-boost turbo build, or just a stout cammed street car, keeping your valves in check at high RPM is crucial. And this dual-spring setup? It’s like having a bouncer for your valvetrain—rowdy but controlled.
Top-Shelf Components
Brian Tooley Racing doesn’t mess around with second-rate materials, and neither should you. This kit comes packed with:
- Dual polished springs: Designed for maximum durability and consistency.
- Titanium or chromoly steel retainers: Light yet strong, the perfect combo for high-performance applications.
- Valve locks and seals: Built to keep things tight and leak-free.
Oh, and did I mention it’s all designed to work seamlessly with stock rocker arms? That’s right, no extra surprises or costly modifications needed. This is a drop-in solution for 15° LS heads, and if you’ve got LS7 heads, just toss in a .045″ shim, and you’re good to go.
No-Nonsense Installation
Even if you’re not wrenching full-time, this kit is as user-friendly as it gets. With everything included, there’s no chasing down extra parts or playing compatibility roulette. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or tackling your first LS upgrade, the BTR Platinum Dual Spring Kit lets you get the job done without pulling your hair out.
Proven Performance
Here’s the deal: it’s been tried, tested, and thrashed in everything from daily drivers to 1,000 hp turbo monsters. This kit’s been engineered to withstand the abuse we all know these engines can dish out. High-lift cams demand precision and durability, and the SK001 delivers both in spades.
So whether you’re hunting 600 hp with a naturally aspirated build or turning up the boost on your turbo setup, this spring kit is the MVP of your valvetrain upgrade. It’ll handle the heat, the abuse, and the late-night dyno sessions—no sweat.
Why Choose BTR?
Because Brian Tooley Racing doesn’t just slap a name on a box and call it good. These guys live and breathe LS performance, and the Platinum LS Dual Spring Kit is a testament to their commitment to quality. When you’re investing in your build, you’re not just buying parts; you’re buying peace of mind.
Make the Move
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re serious about squeezing every ounce of performance out of your LS engine, the BTR Platinum LS Dual Spring Kit – .660 Lift (SK001) is the move. It’s strong, reliable, and ready to handle whatever you throw at it.
Stop waiting and start building. The next level of performance is just a wrench turn away. CLICK HERE to head on over and get the BTR Platinum LS Dual Spring Kit today and give your LS the upgrade it deserves!





