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OVER AND UNDER
Our old 350 Chevy-powered ’47 International was running a three-speed 350 Turbo trans with 4.11 gears, which, as you know, is not a great combination for this type of highway cruising. It is fine, however, for those who absolutely love in-town, short-?distance, stop-and-go cruising, as it does prove great low-speed throttle response. On the highway, however, it spins up the engine and uses more fuel. We decided that after having our low-speed fun, we were using too much fuel and weren’t comfortable listening to the whine of the small block as we approached 70 mph. It was time to make a change. We looked around for a number of answers and talked to many classic truck owners who had either installed a new set of gears, an overdrive trans or a Gear Vendors overdrive/underdrive unit. We figured that the new 700R4 trans best fit our application budgetwise, although future plans may call for a Gear Vendors unit, as it represents the best of both worlds. But we first wanted to start with a newer, more modern trans.

F(AST)-150
When it comes to improving horsepower, one of the main names is Magna Charger. Long known for its supercharger systems for Chevy pickups and even hot rods, Magna Charger has more recently turned its attention to the Blue Oval. It was in late 2005 that the company introduced a system for the ’04-’06 Ford F-150 pickup truck equipped with the 5.4-liter Triton engine. Aiming to improve horsepower and torque in the 1,200-5,500-rpm range, Magna Charger chose to utilize its fifth-generation MP112 hybrid Roots-style supercharger system in this effort. The Gen 5 is equipped with an internal bypass valve, which the Magna Charger folks say reduces parasitic losses while cruising for increased efficiency and economy. Also, the Magna Charger system is intercooled, and everyone knows that cool air is denser than hot air, and denser air makes more power.

’63 FORD FASTBACK
“Total Performance” is what the Ford Motor Company called its corporate racing program back in the early ’60s, and it was a great way to show the buying public how strong and well engineered the automaker’s vehicles were. In a bold and blatant fashion, Ford was heavily involved in competition—in a big way.
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Gary Sinise Brings Star Power and Patriotic Spirit to Triple Crown of Rodding 2025
The Lt. Dan Band Proves It’s Got Serious Legs at TCOR 2025, All While Helping Heroes
A Rally of American Pride
The Triple Crown of Rodding 2025 wasn’t just the biggest hot rod event in the nation — on Saturday, September 6, it became a rally of American pride at the Nashville Superspeedway. Actor, advocate, and true patriot Gary Sinise lit up the night with his Lt. Dan Band, delivering a high-octane rock ’n’ roll concert that saluted our service members, veterans, and first responders.
Red, White, and Blue Energy
From the first guitar riff to the final encore, the show felt more like a red, white, and blue block party than a concert. With more than 3,500 custom vehicles, 190 exhibitors, and thousands of fans waving flags, the crowd embodied everything the Triple Crown stands for: American craftsmanship, unity, and gratitude for our heroes.
A Concert with a Mission
Sinise’s performance wasn’t just entertainment — it was a mission. Funds were raised for the Gary Sinise Foundation
Support America’s Heroes
Want to make a real difference for the men and women who serve our country? The Gary Sinise Foundation provides vital support to veterans, first responders, and their families—building mortgage-free homes for severely wounded heroes, equipping first responders, and honoring the families of fallen service members.
CLICK HERE to donate and help ensure our heroes get the support they deserve.
Gary Sinise Foundation
"While we can never do enough for our nation's heroes, we can always do a little more."
- Gary Sinise




