Factory LS blocks have their limits. Smeding Performance raises the bar with its Aftermarket LS Aluminum 6-Bolt Engine Block, engineered for serious horsepower with billet steel main caps, six-bolt head clamping, and priority-main oiling.
Builds
Say “350” around a group of car people, and you probably won’t need to explain yourself. For generations, the GM 350 small-block has been the engine under the hood of a first truck, a favorite cruiser, or the project that taught someone how to turn a wrench. It’s familiar, straightforward, and backed by a depth of parts availability and knowledge that helps make owning an older vehicle enjoyable. The 350 became a classic choice for a reason.
By Wednesday, October 7, Cruisin’ The Coast 2026 had hit its stride, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast was looking more like a rolling automotive museum than a vacation destination. Hot rods, muscle cars, customs, and classic trucks were everywhere, with thousands of enthusiasts making the most of the event’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Day 4 brought one of the week’s biggest attractions, the Biloxi Block Party, along with autocross competition, tire-smoking drifting, and an evening of celebrity appearances and live entertainment. If you couldn’t find something to get your motor running, you probably weren’t looking hard enough.
There’s something about old cars, vintage gas stations, and a good burger that just seems to go together. Now, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has a new destination that brings all three under one roof.
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Ford’s Garage officially opened its doors near Hamilton Place Mall, marking the restaurant chain’s first location in the Volunteer State. The Auto Builder was there on opening day to check out this latest addition to Chattanooga’s automotive scene, and it’s safe to say this isn’t your typical burger joint.
Whether you’re a newcomer to street rodding or a long timer, the name Andy Brizio is almost certainly familiar, and for good reason. He has, in one way or another, been closely involved with this hobby since he was a youngster growing up in San Francisco. Yet after more years and cars than he cares to remember, this street-rodding legend has decided to build one last roadster.
Through the years, Dave Lane has owned a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from Hyundais, Hondas and MG Midgets to vintage Deuces and T-Birds. He’s also had his share of General Motors products, including a ’28 Pontiac sedan, a ’35 Chevy coupe, and now this beautiful ’59 Chevy Kingswood wagon.
Mind you, this big Bow Tie hasn’t always looked this good. In fact, were it not for many tireless evenings and weekends with family, and friends like Robert White and Paul Radcliff nearby, it might still look as it once did. However, the time was spent and the effort rewarded in a car that is every bit a driver, and a pretty one at that.
Cowboy hats, wire wheels, velour interiors and plenty of homebuilt hot rods—Gerry Burger takes us back to Detroit for the second annual NSRA Nats North in 1981.
Tucked away in rural Northern New Jersey is a collection of some insanely cool hot rods and I know the mildly insane guy that built ‘em. I’m proud to say I knew Lance Sorchik even before “Jersey Suede” hit the road. It’s hard to believe 45-years have passed since that fateful day when a “mild-mannered” guy stopped by our Rodder’s Digest Magazine booth at the 1982 Nats East carrying a portfolio of his artwork.
Now in its fourth year, the Triple Crown of Rodding had given builders and enthusiasts plenty of reasons to circle the calendar. The 2026 edition added another impressive lineup to that reputation, bringing together cars and trucks whose appeal went well beyond a polished exterior. These were builds that rewarded a closer look, with craftsmanship, creativity, and thoughtful execution giving each its own identity.
Big horsepower gets expensive fast. Between the rotating assembly, cylinder heads, valvetrain and power adder, an LS build can burn through a budget before the first bolt gets tightened. Your engine needs a strong foundation—but buying one shouldn’t derail the entire project.
