
Featured

From Rough to Righteous
Pickup trucks from the ’30s were never meant to be high-quality hot rods, but several builders, including Jeff Lilly Restorations, are ready to change that theory. Lots of beater trucks are being built and driven frequently, and it’s great to see some of the cool ideas that come from these old farm or service trucks. Pickups are hot right now, and while some rodders are using low-gloss paint for their final coatings, many opt for a super-slick appearance with precision gaps and laser-straight panels.

CIMTEX SUPER CAMEO: PART 5
When we selected a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 twin-cam, small-block 350 V-8 engine for our Cimtex Rods Super Cameo, we knew that we would be breaking new ground in the sense that GM never built a “production” automatic-transmission-equipped Corvette ZR1. However, there is record that a couple of Corvette ZR1s were specially equipped with automatic electronic overdrive transmissions for physically challenged Corvette enthusiasts. We don’t know whether it was done by the factory or by the private sector.
Nonetheless, it was our intent to run an automatic transmission behind this awesome powerplant. After all, we wanted our ’56 Super Cameo to be as civilized as possible, yet still be able to handle all the available torque and horsepower that will be the result of this twin Powerdyne (BD11-A) supercharged and intercooled Corvette ZR1 engine. But what type of GM automatic transmission would we actually be using?

PUMP THE POWER: PART 2
Auto manufacturers are constantly working to develop trucks that safely tow and haul more weight. However, the byproduct of high load capabilities is a rough unloaded ride. On a recent visit to J&D Performance, we found the crew beginning work on an Air Ride system for the owner of a 1999 F-350 two-wheel-drive dually. The owner of the truck was happy with its ability to tow and haul, thanks to Part-1’s addition of a full Banks Power Pack, but extremely unhappy with the truck’s ride when unloaded.
Spotlighter
POPULAR READS
-
Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products Aluminum LS Engine Block
-
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 60-66 Chevy C10 Fresh Air Vent Block Off Plate
-
Product Spotlight: Pyramid Optimized Design Sequential Aurora Taillight for 1964½–1966 Mustang
-
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Cam Covers for GEN/3 Coyote from Pyramid Optimized Design
Corvette Expo 2026 & Chevys in the Smokies Take Over Pigeon Forge
The 49th Annual Celebration of Bowtie Horsepower in the Smoky Mountains.
Corvette Expo 2026 and Chevys in the Smokies Fill the Smoky Mountains with Horsepower
The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for the blue haze that gives the range its name—but during the 49th Annual Corvette Expo 2026 and Chevys in the Smokies, the mountains were a little smokier than usual. Some of that haze came from cammed-up V8s, hot rubber, and thousands of horsepower rolling into Pigeon Forge for one of the biggest Chevrolet performance events in the region.
For a full-throttle weekend, the quiet mountain town turned into ground zero for Bowtie horsepower, drawing builders, collectors, and die-hard enthusiasts from across the country to one of the Southeast’s premier Corvette car shows.
Corvettes Take Center Stage at the LeConte Center
The heart of the action was the sprawling LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, where row after row of Corvettes—from early C1 roadsters to modern supercharged street weapons—packed the show floor during Corvette Expo 2026.
But the party didn’t stop with America’s sports car. Camaros, Chevelles, trucks, and every flavor of Chevrolet muscle imaginable filled the hall, turning the event into a massive showcase of Chevrolet engineering, creativity, and performance.
Park ‘n’ Show, Swap Meets, and Classic Chevy Muscle
Outside, the energy spilled into packed parking lots and surrounding streets with a huge Park ‘n’ Show, vendor midway, swap meet, and sales corral buzzing with activity during Chevys in the Smokies.
Spectators drifted through rows of polished show cars, aggressive pro-touring builds, meticulous restorations, and street-driven muscle cars while the sound of lumpy idle cams and revving big blocks echoed off the surrounding mountain ridges.
One of the Largest Chevrolet Gatherings in the Southeast
Together, Corvette Expo 2026 and Chevys in the Smokies once again proved why this event has become one of the largest Chevrolet gatherings in the Southeast. It’s where decades of Corvette heritage collide with the broader world of Chevrolet performance—from vintage classics to modern high-horsepower builds—all in one high-octane weekend.
Below you’ll find galleries featuring some of the Corvettes and Chevys that caught our attention, showcasing the variety, craftsmanship, and pure Bowtie firepower that filled Pigeon Forge during this year’s event.
Corvettes
ARTICLE SOURCES
Corvette Expo
Corvette Expo was established 1977. Diamond Awards judging inside/outside, Vendors inside/outside, Sales corral, VIP/Club Reserved Parking, Park N Show, CRUISE THE DRAGON and Hard Rock Cruise-In. Free parking.
Chevys in the Smokies
In conjuction with Corvette Expo! Diamond Awards judging inside/outside, Vendors inside/outside, Sales corral, VIP/Club Resevered Parking, Park N Show, CRUISE THE DRAGON and Hard Rock Cruise-In. Free parking.










