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1175 HP
This engine, and others like it, has opened up a brand-new chapter in the ever-evolving, wild world of Chevrolet power. By design it has a bore and stroke of 4.60 inches by 4.25 inches and Big Chief II heads, which are about 2 inches taller, that feature oval-shaped intake ports. This, they say, is for maximum cylinder filling. Years ago, creative racers would angle-mill heads to arrive at the desired combustion chamber size and to improve the valve angle in combination with the incoming intake flow. These heads are nicknamed “11-degree” heads, as they have been designed with a built-in 11-degree angle right out of the box. There’s no angle milling needed here. A special valvetrain is necessary, along with longer stem valves. Quarter Mile Performance feels that these heads are worth 200 additional horsepower over the very best “shorter” heads.

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.

The Shoe Fits
In the late ’40s, car manufacturers looked for different ways to modernize their vehicles, and this strategy was evident when the Big Three introduced their ’49 line of passenger cars. For the most part, the pickups stayed the same, but many things changed for the better when the slabside approach went into a more modernized production process. Those looking for a new car said goodbye to fat fenders, slabsided doors and dated suspension that were the norm with previous models. Of those manufacturers, Ford was certainly the leader in this revolutionary new-car building technique, as it produced a stylish ’49 model range to bring in this new production process.
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Beyond Burnouts
The Art and Adrenaline of LS Fest West's Donut Pit
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
The Ultimate Burnout Challenge at LS Fest West
Alright, so you wanna talk about the LS Fest West burnout challenge? Well, buckle up, ’cause we’re diving deep into the heart of automotive madness.
This ain’t just your run-of-the-mill burnout challenge, oh no. This is where the raw instinct of every gearhead gets elevated into a noble pursuit of creativity. Crafting the perfect burnout ain’t just about mashing the pedal to the metal; it’s about finesse, precision, and yeah, maybe a touch of madness thrown in for good measure.
Sac Speed Shop and LS Fest West teamed up to create the legendary Up in Smoke Show. This ain’t Cheech and Chong. We’re talking about the Donut Pit, where the asphalt sizzles under the heat of roaring engines and spinning tires.
It’s like stepping into a high-octane playground, where thrill-seekers and gearheads alike can let loose without worrying about the fuzz breathing down their necks. We’re talking about a safe haven where you can push your build to the limit, unleashing horsepower like never before.
And when it comes to the show itself, it’s like a Viking funeral pyre, an offering to the automotive gods, sending roaring flames and billowing smoke up to the heavens. We’re talking about a weekend-long extravaganza where participants can shred tires, put on a jaw-dropping display for the crowd, and leave their mark in a cloud of smoke and burning rubber that ascends like an infernal tribute.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a greenhorn looking to make a splash, the Donut Pit is where you wanna be. This is where art and adrenaline collide in an unforgettable display of automotive excess.
Burnout Challenge Winners
Friday
1st Place – Dustin Hallinan
2nd Place – Diana Martiniez
Saturday
1st Place – Adam Stafford
2nd Place – Carlos Alexandre
ARTICLE SOURCES
Holley LS Fest West
Las Vegas Motor Speedway









