MORE THAN A CAMEO
November 11, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
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Spotlighter
Our SEMA 2025 Hot List
A handpicked lineup of the coolest parts we spotted across the show.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen & Courtesy of SEMA
Innovation Hiding in Plain Sight
SEMA always delivers sensory overload — the unveilings, the crowds, the horsepower echoing off every hall. But this year, the real thrill came from the unexpected. Tucked between the headline builds and mega displays were the parts that made us slow down, lean in, and say, “Okay… now that’s something special.”
Spotlighting the Innovators Who Brought the Heat
We walked the aisles looking for creativity, not trophies. The products that impressed us weren’t chasing attention — they earned it with clever engineering, problem-solving design, and the kind of builder-minded details that make your life easier and your projects better. These are the manufacturers who quietly push the industry forward while everyone else chases the spotlight.
The Parts That Deserve Your Attention
Our SEMA 2025 Hot List is built around one simple idea: highlight the gear that genuinely stood out. From performance upgrades to practical shop solutions to the kind of wild ideas that make this industry fun, these picks represent the energy and innovation we love to see in the aftermarket.
Let’s Get Into the Good Stuff
Below, you’ll find the standout parts and manufacturers that earned a spot on our radar — the components we think builders should know about, talk about, and maybe even add to their next project.
ARP Inc.
CHEVY LS CAM BOLT KIT M16
When ARP decides to upgrade a factory part, you know it’s not just an improvement — it’s an exclamation point. Their Chevy LS Cam Bolt Kit M16 is a prime example: a no-nonsense, bombproof replacement built for anyone who refuses to trust their valvetrain to stock hardware. Each bolt is forged from 8740 chrome moly steel, heat-treated in-house to a monster 190,000 psi tensile strength, and finished with ARP’s signature J-form threads rolled after heat-treat for unbeatable durability.
Bottom line? If you’re pushing an LS past factory intentions — or just want the peace of mind only ARP-level hardware delivers — this cam bolt kit is the kind of upgrade that keeps your engine happy when the revs climb and the power comes on hard. A small part, sure… but absolutely critical when you’re playing with real horsepower.
CHEVROLET BIG BLOCK BRODIX ALUMINUM BLOCK MAIN STUD KIT
Big-block power demands big-league hardware, and ARP shows up ready to play. Their Chevrolet Big Block Brodix Aluminum Block Main Stud Kit is built for engines where “stock” stopped being relevant a long time ago. Each stud is crafted from ARP2000, heat-treated in-house to a brutal 220,000 psi tensile strength, and finished with precision J-form threads rolled after heat-treat to handle serious cylinder pressures and high-RPM abuse.
Every kit comes fully loaded with hardened washers and premium nuts, giving your bottom end the kind of clamping force only ARP can deliver. If you’re building a Brodix-based BBC that’s expected to live at the ragged edge, these studs are the insurance policy your block deserves. This is the hardware pros use when failure isn’t an option.
AutoMeter
DashPlay Connected Car Experience
AutoMeter is stepping straight into the future with the DashPlay Connected Car Experience, an 8-inch, full-featured infotainment powerhouse built for builders who want modern tech without sacrificing style. Designed to drop cleanly into single DIN or double DIN openings, DashPlay brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sharp audio performance, hands-free calling, and even GPS navigation—all in a sleek, slim-mount package that instantly modernizes anything from a classic cruiser to a daily driver.
Connectivity is the star of the show here. DashPlay packs in wireless smartphone integration, an included rearview camera, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a dedicated GPS antenna for rock-solid navigation, even when cell service gets sketchy. Add in 240 watts of peak power, a 10-band EQ, audio presets, subwoofer controls, and a vibrant 8-inch touchscreen with customizable colors and wallpapers, and you’ve got a dashboard command center that hits hard on both function and personality.
AutoMeter even nails the presentation—clear, full-featured packaging that helps customers understand exactly what they’re getting before it ever goes into the dash.
From classic restomods to modern builds craving a tech refresh, DashPlay turns your cockpit into a connected, customizable, high-tech command hub.
Battery Tender
Charge N Start 5 AMP Battery Charger & 2000 AMP Jump Starter
When convenience meets raw power, you get Battery Tender’s Charge N Start 5 AMP & 2000 AMP — a compact 2-in-1 beast built to get you back on the road fast. This unit isn’t just a charger; it’s a full-on jump starter capable of firing engines up to 8.0L gas or 6.5L diesel, all while keeping your 12V batteries healthy with its 5A charging mode.
Lightweight, tough, and compatible with every battery chemistry — including lithium, this ultra-portable powerhouse fits in your garage, toolbox, or trunk without taking over. Whether it’s a quick top-up or an emergency start, Battery Tender delivers reliable, professional-grade performance in one sleek package. Stop worrying about dead batteries — start dominating them.
12V 10Ah Lithium Starter Battery
Power, endurance, and featherweight performance — Battery Tender’s 12V 10Ah Lithium Starter Battery packs a serious punch without the bulk. Built with a patented BMS, it offers full-spectrum protection: overcharge prevention, under-voltage safeguards to keep your systems alive, and an emergency jump-start mode that unleashes every ounce of power when you need it most.
This battery isn’t just smart; it’s durable. 5X longer life, 10X more starts, and 2X lighter than traditional lead-acid units, all backed by a 3-year warranty. For builders and enthusiasts looking for reliable starting power without the weight, this lithium starter battery is a game-changer. Small in size, massive in performance.
BluePrint Engines
GM LS Compatible 376 c.i. Engine & ZF 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
When turnkey performance meets reliability, BluePrint Engines delivers in spades. Their Builder Series GM LS-compatible 376 c.i. engine mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is a fully integrated powerhouse ready to drop into your next build. With 510 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque on pump gas, this combo doesn’t just move — it dominates, offering smooth, modern drivability straight out of the crate.
Built on BluePrint’s high-strength cast-iron LSX-style block, this engine is designed to withstand serious use while maintaining a long life. The package is backed by 30 months / 50,000 miles, giving builders the confidence to push the performance envelope without hesitation. For anyone looking for a ready-to-run LS upgrade with modern automatic versatility, this setup is a plug-and-play winner.
Borla Performance
SEMI-CROSS RAM
Take your LS build to the next level with Borla Performance’s Semi-Cross Ram, the ultimate EFI jewelry for Gen 3 LS and Vortec engines. Designed for LM7, LQ4, LQ9, LM4, and L33 engines with rectangular port LS3-style heads and a rear-mounted cam sensor, this induction kit blends form and function in a way that turns heads before the throttle even opens.
Featuring cast aluminum runners and billet 55mm low-profile throttles, the Semi-Cross Ram isn’t just about horsepower — it’s about style, precision, and delivering a throttle response that feels instantly alive. For builders who demand standout performance and jaw-dropping aesthetics under the hood, this is the induction system that earns every glance.
BORLA PERFORMANCE INDUSTRIES
Main Line: 805.986.8600
Toll-Free: 877.GO.BORLA®
(877.462.6752)
Dakota Digital
RTX-88C-PU-X Chevy/GMC 1988-91 RTX Gauge System
The OBS Chevy and GMC trucks (’88–’91) are hotter than ever in the collector and enthusiast market, and Dakota Digital knows exactly how to keep them looking fresh while staying true to their roots. The RTX-88C-PU-X gauge system brings modern precision to classic styling, delivering pinpoint accuracy and rock-solid reliability without compromising the vintage vibe.
At first glance, these gauges blend seamlessly with your dash, echoing the original equipment look. Flip the switch, though, and the customizable LED backlighting bursts to life in your chosen color scheme, instantly transforming the interior while keeping that classic OBS charm intact. For fans, restorers, and builders chasing performance with period-correct style, this RTX system is the perfect bridge between past and present.
Detroit Speed
Fox Body Mustang Short Long Arm Conversion System
Detroit Speed just turned the Fox Body Mustang into a handling powerhouse with their Short Long Arm (SLA) Conversion System. This isn’t just a suspension upgrade — it’s a complete reimagination of what a Fox Body can do in the corners.
Featuring a no-compromise double wishbone design, the system replaces the outdated factory geometry with modern engineering that delivers increased strength, race-proven adjustability, and precision handling. Every component is crafted for premium fit and finish, giving builders a turnkey solution that transforms a classic Mustang into a track-ready machine without sacrificing street usability. For anyone serious about taking a Fox Body from nostalgic cruiser to precision performer, this SLA system is a must-see.
Edelbrock
Victor® LSXR™ Supercharger for LS3-Swapped Vehicles
If you’re looking to turn your LS3 swap into a monster, the Edelbrock Victor LSXR Supercharger is your ticket. Engineered with Smart Boost™ technology, it gives you precision power control from 650 up to over 1,300 horsepower through the easy-to-use Smart Boost app — meaning the boost is as customizable as your build.
With a 120mm inlet, triple intercooling, and aerospace-grade 300M shaft, this supercharger doesn’t just look mean in its sleek black finish — it delivers race-level strength, reliability, and consistent performance under extreme conditions. For LS3 enthusiasts chasing maximum power with full control, the Victor LSXR isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a statement.
Flaming River
1982-1992 Camaro Tilt Column
Flaming River brings precision and functionality to classic Camaros with their 1982–1992 3rd-Gen Tilt Column. This direct-fit upgrade keeps the dash looking clean while modernizing your steering experience, complete with tilt functionality, turn signals, hazard lights, and high/low-beam microswitches.
It even integrates wipers with delay, thanks to a 5-pin switch that plugs into the original GM connector, while the 1” DD output ensures a perfect match to your steering linkage. Made in the USA with attention to detail, this tilt column is the kind of quality piece that makes driving your classic Camaro smoother, safer, and more enjoyable — all without sacrificing authenticity.
HKS
COLD AIR INTAKE BOX KIT GZEA14H (US)
HKS brings form and function together with their Cold Air Intake Box Kit GZEA14H, a carbon-fiber powerhouse that elevates both performance and style in the engine bay. Combining a high-performance Racing Suction intake with an elegantly integrated upper air duct and radiator cover, this kit delivers high-capacity airflow while keeping intake temperatures at their lowest.
The result? Optimized engine breathing, improved throttle response, and a sleek, precision-engineered look that makes your build stand out at first glance — and under full boost. For enthusiasts chasing maximum performance with a refined aesthetic, this HKS intake is a perfect match.
Holley Performance Brands
Terminator X Bluetooth Module (558-483)
Take wireless tuning to the next level with Holley’s Terminator X EFI Bluetooth Module. This smart little device unlocks the full potential of your Terminator X EFI system, letting you monitor and adjust your engine in real time directly from your iOS or Android device.
Whether you’re dialing in performance on the dyno, tweaking drivability on the street, or just keeping tabs on critical engine data, this Bluetooth module makes it fast, easy, and precise. It’s the ultimate companion for LS swaps, EFI builds, and anyone who wants full control over their engine without ever touching a laptop.
Kontio Tyres
WhitePaw Vintage
Kontio Tyres brings classic style to modern builds with the WhitePaw Vintage whitewall tire, a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern engineering. Inspired by the iconic 1940s–50s zigzag tread pattern, these tires capture the look of the golden age of hot rods and classics while delivering today’s reliability and performance.
Available in 6.00-16 for classic Chevrolets, Fords, and Ferraris, and 6.70-15 for 1950s American icons, the WhitePaw Vintage is a standout choice for builders who want period-correct style with contemporary tire technology. Mounted on Boyd Coddington wheels, they turn any vintage ride into a head-turning showpiece.
McLeod
V6 Pro Pack Single Disc Clutch Kit
McLeod is stepping up the game for V6 Mustang owners with their Pro Pack Single Disc Clutch Kit. This all-in-one solution delivers everything you need for a clean, reliable, high-performance clutch upgrade in one package.
Engineered for smooth engagement, durability, and consistent performance, the Pro Pack takes the guesswork out of clutch upgrades while giving your V6 Mustang the responsiveness and confidence of a pro-level setup. Whether you’re hitting the strip or upgrading your street machine, this kit is built to handle enthusiast-level power with precision and reliability.
Miller Electric Mfg LLC
Millermatic® 211 PRO
Miller Electric is back with a welder built for the builders who never quit. The Millermatic® 211 PRO is portable, adaptable, and fully customizable, designed to make every weld faster, cleaner, and more efficient.
Whether you’re fabricating, restoring, or building your dream ride from the ground up, this machine is engineered to keep up with the hardest-working hands in the shop. Weld longer, tackle more projects, and do it all with a welder that’s as tough, reliable, and capable as the people behind the torch.
Miller Electric Manufacturing Co.
1635 W. Spencer St.
P.O. Box 1079
Appleton, WI 54912-1079
Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels
MT Classic Forged Wheels
Mickey Thompson raises the bar for performance and style with the MT Classic Forged Wheel, a monoblock forged marvel crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Precision-engineered for strength and durability, these wheels are designed to pair seamlessly with Baja Belted II Series tires, delivering both form and function.
With extreme widths of 14” and 16”, aggressive 3.5” backspacing, and 15–17” diameter options, the MT Classic Forged Wheel fits everything from classic restorations to modern builds. Finished in a radiant high polish, these wheels aren’t just built to perform — they’re built to turn heads at every angle. Perfect for builders who demand precision engineering with show-stopping style.
Speedway Motors
Hoodini™ 1973–80 C/K Series Pickup & Blazer Steel Hood Hinges
Hoodini™ brings some serious magic to the ’73–’80 GM C/K trucks and Blazers with their new steel hood hinges—a tough, smart, and cost-effective upgrade for the surging squarebody crowd. Built from 7- and 10-gauge steel and finished in a black phosphate coating, these hinges deliver OEM-style looks with modern strength and reliability baked in.
Smooth, quiet hydraulic gas struts make every lift feel premium, while the built-in adjustment points give builders the precision fitment they’re after. Fully assembled and outfitted with stainless hardware, this setup delivers the performance of premium billet hinges at a wallet-friendly price. Perfect for anyone refreshing, restoring, or dialing in a squarebody with style.
Turbosmart
LOCK Sleeve (Weld-Free Turbo Compressor Outlet Adapter)
Turbosmart’s LOCK Sleeve takes all the guesswork out of direct-mount turbo fittings with a weld-free, fully adjustable design that snaps your turbo plumbing into place without a single pass of a TIG torch. Built around a precision-machined, screw-together ferrule, the LOCK Sleeve creates a mechanically secure, high-pressure seal capable of handling up to 150 psi, thanks to its durable, heat-resistant sealing rings.
Available in 2.5” and 3” sizes and offered in straight or 90-degree configurations, the system adapts Turbosmart turbochargers to Vibrant, Plazmaclamp, and standard hose fittings with ease. The threaded top ring locks everything together, while the bottom ring interfaces with popular clamp styles for a clean, professional, weld-free installation.
For builders chasing boost without the fabrication hassle, the LOCK Sleeve is the simplest, smartest way to get a rock-solid connection—no torch, no drama, just boost.
Vapor Trapper
Vapor Trapper (4-Inch New Model)
Vapor Trapper is solving one of the most annoying problems in the garage—fuel smell—without adding complexity to your build. Their new 4-inch Vapor Trapper is the only patented, rechargeable charcoal vapor canister that works with virtually any fuel tank or fuel cell vented to the atmosphere.
Whether you’re running a street car, hot rod, restomod, or a full-blown custom with a vented cell, the Vapor Trapper locks down the unwanted fumes and raw fuel odors that tend to sneak into your garage or trailer. Easy to adapt, simple to service, and engineered to keep your workspace smelling clean, it’s the kind of smart, builder-friendly solution every project deserves.
Wilwood
2.00″ Drop Aluminum Bolt-In Hub ProSpindle Kit
Wilwood continues to raise the bar for performance braking and suspension upgrades with their new 2.00-inch Drop Aluminum Bolt-In Hub ProSpindle Kit—a precision-engineered solution built for safer, sharper, and more modern driving dynamics.
This lightweight ProSpindle delivers a durable, bolt-in drop that improves stance and handling while pairing seamlessly with Wilwood’s custom-fit brake kits ranging from 12.19” to 15.00” rotors. Even better, it’s ABS-compatible, giving builders the freedom to design braking systems for older vehicles that perform with true modern confidence.
For anyone chasing upgraded geometry, improved brake performance, and a cleaner install, Wilwood’s new ProSpindle kit brings big capability in a smart, bolt-on package.
