TheAutoBuilder.com

Street Rods

WHO NEEDS THE LOTTO?

As the saying goes, “some guys have all the luck.” Out in the great state of New York, there is more going on than the Manhattan madness that most folks envision. There’s a distinct geographical separation between the urban density of Manhattan and the more rural confines of the area known as upstate New York. Most of us think of New York the city, where all the cars seem to be yellow, but in other parts of the state, driving is not a form of gladiatorial combat and there are more than a few hot rods around.

SUPERCHARGING FOR BIG POWER

Building an engine that produces more horsepower than its stock configuration can be done in many ways. However, supercharging has proven to be one of the best ways to make the most horsepower over stock. Superchargers are air pumps that force a “super” charge of air into an engine, which in turn allows the engine to make more power. A Roots supercharger or blower is a sealed case with two rotors inside. It is driven through the crankshaft by belts and pulleys, causing the spinning rotors to force compressed air into an engine.

AMERICAN RACING TORQ-THRUST

Undoubtedly, the most significant and influential hot rod component in recent history is the American Racing five-spoke Torq-Thrust wheel. It has been the most-copied wheel ever, as American Racing continues to fight off design infringements. In its many legitimate variations, it has—in many ways—influenced the whole of the aftermarket automotive car culture. No single wheel has ever made such a significant impact on the customizing scene as the Torq-Thrust has.

SPLIT-LINER

Ronnie Staples has been enjoying custom cars for more than five decades, which not only dates him but also makes him somewhat of a well-versed enthusiast who knows what he wants in a modern super rod.

From Four to More: A Modern Manual for Your Vintage Mustang

Decades ago, Ford made the jump from four-speed manual transmissions to five-speeds. Newer Cobras even feature six-speeds, so it’s natural that those who own earlier Mustangs with four-speed manuals now feel a little gear envy. Many people love the feel of having a manual transmission, but if you’re still using a four-speed, you’re missing out on a lot of performance and economy potential. Adding a transmission with additional gears places your gears closer together for better acceleration and gives you more gears to choose from for easier cruising. But which transmission is right for your Mustang? You need one that’s strong, smooth and capable of bolting to your engine, and it’s not easy to find all three attributes in the same gearbox.

Red, White, and Chrome: Dayton’s Strawberry Festival Cruise-In Drives Home the Spirit of Community

On Friday, May 9, the streets of downtown Dayton filled with the rumble of engines, the shine of polished chrome, and the unmistakable buzz of community. As part of the 78th Annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival, the Cruise-In Car Show once again proved to be more than a car show — it was a meeting place for car lovers, families, and locals who know small towns shine brightest when they come together.

RODS ON THE RIVER

A look back at the 2006 Strawberry Festival in Dayton, Tennessee, where The Auto Builder hosted the first Rods on the River car show, drawing crowds, classic cars, and community spirit.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Slant-Edge 100 Amp Alternators by Factory PerformanceTM Parts

In the world of high-performance builds, attention to detail sets great cars apart from the rest. That’s why Factory Performance™ Parts, a division of PROFORM® Parts, has taken a fresh approach to a time-tested workhorse with the launch of the new Slant-Edge 100 Amp Alternators—a stylish, high-output evolution of the iconic GM 10SI. Designed for those who care as much about what’s under the hood as how it looks when the hood is up, the Slant-Edge delivers form and function in equal measure.

NO NOMAD FOR ME

The year 1954 was a big one for the Ford Motor Company. That was the year that Ford’s new Y-block V-8 replaced the long-serving Flathead V-8, and it was also the final year before a major styling redesign. Thus the ’54 models are somewhat unique.

Scroll to Top

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

* indicates required
Interests

For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.