STRAIGHT-AXLE FEVER
May 7, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 60-66 Chevy C10 Fresh Air Vent Block Off Plate
If you’re working on a 60-66 Chevy C10, you know every detail matters. From the engine to the suspension, every component needs to be just right. And when it comes to your truck’s interior, comfort is key – especially if you’re planning on installing an aftermarket air conditioning system or just want to eliminate those pesky leaks once and for all. That’s where R.S. Restorations’ Fresh Air Vent Block Off Plates come in.
PROJECT ’67
In the long continuation of our Project ’67, the 1967 Chevrolet C10 buildup, several major components and systems have been previously addressed, most notably the Goodwrench LQ4 6.0-liter 366ci Escalade engine buildup by Arizona Speed & Marine. This included the versatile Magnuson Radix supercharger, 4L60E transmission and numerous performance parts and accessories. Continuing along those performance lines and all-out fashion, we would need to contend with the great amount of power this engine package would deliver. Initially, we can’t say that the stock brakes on the C10 were ever designed for the shear torque that would be applied to these assemblies, so it would eventually be necessary to address the stopping performance as well as the go performance. And, after all, brake upgrading was a part of this project plan from the beginning.
CURE FOR A CLUNKER
If you are towing your rig with a ’99-’06 General Motors truck, or a Chevy or GMC vehicle, there’s a good chance you have experienced a strange clunking noise when making slow turns. The clunking noise seems to originate from within the steering column, and some owners can actually feel a small vibration in conjunction with the clunking. If you have encountered this problem, it’s not your imagination, as there appears to be a unique conundrum associated with Chevy and GMC pickups, and their corresponding SUVs.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Braille Battery – Drop the Weight. Keep the Power.
Lightweight Lithium Power for Hot Rods & Street Rods
Every hot rod builder obsesses over horsepower, suspension geometry, and shaving pounds wherever possible. Yet one of the easiest ways to lose dead weight while improving reliability often gets overlooked—the battery. That's where Braille Battery comes in.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Images courtesy of Braille Battery
For more than two decades, Braille has been building lightweight, high-performance batteries that have earned the trust of everyone from street rod builders and Pro Touring enthusiasts to drag racers, road racers, and championship-winning professional teams. Whether you’re putting together a high-end ’32 Ford, a Tri-Five Chevy, a C10, or a weekend autocross machine, Braille delivers the kind of starting power that lets you ditch bulky lead-acid batteries without sacrificing confidence every time you hit the key.
i34X Intensity: Big-Car Power Without the Big Weight
Modern hot rods are no longer just about big cubic inches and polished valve covers. Today’s builds are loaded with EFI systems, electric fans, fuel pumps, digital dashes, air conditioning, high-output ignition systems, and other accessories that demand dependable electrical performance. The Braille i34X Intensity was designed for builders who want lithium weight savings without compromising the needs of a fully equipped street machine.
Weighing just 10.8 pounds, the i34X replaces many conventional Group 34 batteries that can weigh four to five times as much. Despite its featherweight construction, it cranks out an incredible 1,438 Pulse Cranking Amps, giving high-compression V8s all the muscle they need to fire instantly.
Built around Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) technology, the i34X offers fast recharge times, exceptional vibration resistance, and a service life that can be several times longer than a traditional lead-acid battery. It’s the perfect fit for everything from a cross-country street rod to a Pro Touring build that sees both highway miles and track time.
i34X Intensity Highlights
- Ideal for: Street rods, Pro Touring builds, muscle cars, restomods, and high-performance street machines
- Perfect for: EFI-equipped vehicles and builds with increased electrical demands
- Only 10.8 pounds for massive weight savings
- 1,438 Pulse Cranking Amps for quick, dependable starts
- 22.5Ah capacity with 450A continuous discharge capability
- Advanced LiFePO₄ lithium technology for longer service life and faster recharge times
- Built for enthusiasts who want modern performance in a classic package
G30S GreenLite: Maximum Weight Savings
If your build is all about trimming every unnecessary pound, the Braille G30S GreenLite takes things even further.
At just 8.25 pounds, it’s the kind of upgrade that makes a noticeable difference without turning a wrench on the engine. Removing weight from the front of the car improves overall balance, handling, and responsiveness—exactly what builders chasing performance are looking for.
The G30S is designed for lightweight hot rods, race-inspired street machines, and performance builds where every ounce counts. Despite its compact size, it produces 1,197 Pulse Cranking Amps, providing plenty of power for small-blocks, LS swaps, big-inch street engines, and weekend cruisers. Its compact footprint also makes it ideal for custom engine bays, tight installations, and relocated battery compartments.
G30S GreenLite Highlights
- Ideal for: Traditional hot rods, lightweight street machines, drag cars, autocross builds, and track-focused vehicles
- Perfect for: Builders chasing maximum weight reduction and improved vehicle balance
- Ultra-light 8.25-pound design
- 1,197 Pulse Cranking Amps for reliable starting power
- 20Ah capacity with 400A continuous discharge capability
- Compact size for custom builds and relocated battery applications
- Advanced LiFePO₄ lithium technology for durability and long service life
- Built for enthusiasts who believe less weight means more performance
Built for the Street. Proven on the Track.
Braille may have earned its reputation in professional motorsports—with products helping power competitors at the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Formula One—but the same technology is just as valuable in the garage of the weekend builder.
For hot rod enthusiasts, every pound removed is another step toward a better-driving car. Swapping a 40- to 50-pound lead-acid battery for an 8- to 11-pound Braille lithium battery is one of the simplest ways to improve weight distribution while gaining faster starts, longer battery life, and rock-solid reliability.
Whether you’re finishing a Ridler-worthy street rod, building a Pro Touring machine, or freshening up your favorite weekend cruiser, Braille Battery gives you one less excuse to carry unnecessary weight—and one more reason to turn the key with confidence.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Braille Battery, Inc
Get the winning edge with Braille Batteries! ⚡️ Used by top racing teams on the street and track, our batteries set the standard for performance and reliability. Upgrade to Braille Batteries and experience the difference top-tier technology brings!
