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THE PROJECT
When the time comes to begin building a new project, the process can often end up going in a different direction. By the time you are finished, the truck you started with can take on a whole new appearance, as if the French built it. That wasn’t going to happen with Rick Parsons’ project.

34 Expert Restoration Tips for Classic Car Enthusiasts
Every detail matters when it comes to restoring or customizing a vehicle. Whether you’re smoothing out seams, fine-tuning trim, or upgrading outdated systems, the right techniques can make the difference between a show-stopping build and a project that falls flat. We’ve compiled 34 expert tips to help you refine your restoration skills, sourced directly from the pros at Jeff Lilly Restorations. Dive in and discover actionable advice that will streamline your workflow, enhance your results, and help you achieve the classic car of your dreams.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Now, it may seem crazy that anyone would take sandpaper to a new paint job, but if you want to have a glass-like finish that is exactly what happens. Of course, it is special sandpaper, and the person doing the work needs to know exactly what he is doing or that paint job can be toast. One of the things that makes color sanding possible is that the paper used is meant to be wet while the job is taking place. The water not only works as a lubricant, but it also removes the fine paint sludge from the area. The problem is getting that water in the proper place and having enough of it to do the job. After all, who really likes sticking his arm into a cold bucket of water time after time?
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Boost in a Box
Unlock Big Horsepower and Torque with E85 & Proflex Commander
Author
Jamie Dent
Photos Courtesy of Advanced Fuel Dynamics
LS Fest is our kind of playground—a realm where automotive dreams become reality, and where the heart of every beastly machine, the LS and current gen LT engines reign supreme. It’s more than just an event; it’s a symphony of speed and power, where passion and performance converge in a thunderous cacophony of horsepower. And at the heart of it all lies E85, the elixir that propels these mechanical marvels to dizzying heights.
Pure Adrenaline for Your Engine
Now, why E85, you might wonder? It’s simple, really. With its potent blend of up to 85% ethanol, E85 is the undisputed choice fuel of speed freaks seeking peak performance. Its sky-high octane rating and unmatched cooling prowess make it the go-to fuel for those craving maximum performance. The denser intake charge it provides translates into jaw-dropping gains in horsepower and torque, igniting the adrenaline of every racer on the track.
But E85 isn’t just about brute power; it’s about practicality too. Unlike pure alcohol fuels, it’s less corrosive and easier to ignite, making it a user-friendly powerhouse. Its exceptional knock resistance allows engines to run at higher compression ratios, squeezing every drop of power from the roaring beasts under the hood.
And let’s talk forced induction engines—they absolutely thrive on E85. Its ability to handle higher boost levels than traditional gasoline can double the output, transforming already formidable machines into rockets on wheels. In essence, E85 is the cost-effective, high-octane rocket fuel that LS Fest racers rely on to unlock their machines’ ultimate potential.
While at LS Fest, we noticed several drivers spending a lot of time tuning their rides before hitting the track, dialing them in to try and gain an edge over the competition. This left us puzzled. If you’re looking for an edge, there’s no better way to optimize your performance with E85 than with a flex fuel system from Advanced Fuel Dynamics.
Flexing like a Pro
Now, when it comes to maximizing performance, look no further than Advanced Fuel Dynamics (AFD). Their ProFlex Commander is a game-changer in the world of performance flex fuel systems. Unlike other systems out there, it doesn’t tie you down to just one fuel blend. No sir, it’s like having your own personal tuner riding shotgun, making adjustments on the fly to whatever mix of ethanol you’ve got in your tank.
AFD places safety at the forefront of their design philosophy. These systems undergo rigorous dyno-testing to guarantee they deliver performance enhancements while steadfastly maintaining engine safety.
Installation is easy. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. In under an hour you’ll be ready to hit the road while the guys using other E85 systems are on their laptops, dialing in their rides. With the ProFlex Commander, its instant automatic adjustments ensure your engine runs smoothly, regardless of ethanol content. Just plug it in and forget it. No more juggling multiple maps or manual tweaks—the ProFlex Commander handles it all, effortlessly optimizing your performance.
Don’t just take our word for it. At the 2024 Holley LS Fest Texas, Mike Phillips clinched several victories and came tantalizingly close to breaking into the Top 4 at the Drifting Competition. Battling it out in his C6 Corvette—a “street car” no less—against a lineup of fully-built competition machines, Phillips showcased exceptional skill and determination, and attributes much of his success to the Advanced Fuel Dynamics flex fuel system, which significantly boosted his car’s power just in time for the showdown.
So if you’re looking for quick and easy horsepower gains for a competitive edge on the track or just want to maximize the benefits E85 in your daily commute, look no further than Advanced Fuel Dynamics. Head on over to the Advanced Fuel Dynamics website to learn more.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Advanced Fuel Dynamics
Performance Flex Fuel Systems
@mike.phillips.52
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