HPX 2025 Award Winners
June 13, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
CAMARO COMPARO
As recognizable as the first-generation Camaro coupes and convertibles are, distinguishing a ’67, ’68 or even the extremely popular ’69 can be difficult for the uninformed. This can be especially true when considering the number of available options, including hoods, SS and RS option combinations and custom body modifications. However, making an accurate and quick identification of a potential project car, as well as tracking its history, options and drivetrain, is simple if you’re armed with the correct information and tools.
HISTORY RECOVERED
Having already gathered a number of special Fords in his collection, Tennessee’s Kayo Erwin was more than pleased when he first located a ’63 Ford Galaxie lightweight. It was in relatively good condition and certainly ready for a complete restoration, although not all was as it seemed. What Erwin didn’t realize was that beneath the numerous layers of paint were the remnants of true history, and if not for the vision of Erwin’s wife, Brenda, the dramatic finding could have been wiped away forever. Ready to chemically strip the body of its outer layers, Brenda’s concern over what might be hidden beneath led Erwin’s restoration team to take a more involved path that would eventually uncover a truly amazing discovery. Slowly but surely, with each pass of the dual-action sander, a little more evidence came to light, first with one word, then another, and then three words that would prove to be very informative: “South Bend, Indiana.”
Beyond the Lift: Navigating New Heights with Upgraded Steering
Steering is one of the two most important systems on any vehicle, along with the brakes. Unfortunately, steering is often neglected for modifications that yield more visual impact, such as suspension lifts and larger tires. These are the exact modifications, however, that make attention to steering so important. Suspension lifts can alter steering geometry while big, heavy tires may cause increased wear to steering components, particularly if the tires are out of balance.
After a springover conversion was performed on the Dana 44 front axle in our ’67 Toyota Land Cruiser, the new spring location interfered with the steering geometry. The draglink was then bent as a temporary fix, but this sacrificed strength and resulted in poor steering angles.
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!
