A Tale of Two Tensioners
March 6, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
HOW A G-MACHINE WORKS
Not your ordinary Hemi Challenger, this low-slung, force-fed, Hemi-powered G-Machine has more going for it than meets the eye, although what you see initially ain’t all that bad. The R/T hood and subtle R/T markings don’t begin to tell the whole story. Designed by Jason Rushforth, this E-body Mopar has some serious long and fat legs.
Golden Anniversary Special
Just about any gearhead would be thrilled by the opportunity to work with legendary automotive collector and all-around funny guy Jay Leno. Dave Killackey, owner of Performance Transmissions in Azusa, California, not only had the opportunity to work on a number of Leno’s projects, but along the way he’s developed a friendship with the late-night TV host. It’s a close enough friendship that Leno teamed with automotive designer Chip Foose and his “Overhaulin’” TV show to completely transform his rusted-out ’56 Chevrolet Nomad. So yes, you did read this correctly; Dave Killackey is indeed one of the luckiest car guys on the planet—he’s friends with Jay Leno, and he owns a ’56 Nomad that has been overhauled by Chip Foose and the rest of his team.
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.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 1973–1979 Ford Truck LED Digital Gauge Panel by Intellitronix
A Direct-Fit Digital Dash Upgrade for 1973–1979 Ford Trucks
Time to stop staring at that dusty old dash and upgrade your cockpit like a boss. The Intellitronix 1973–1979 Ford Truck LED Digital Gauge Panel isn’t just a swap—it’s a straight-up modern takeover for your classic Ford. Clean, mean, and screaming tech.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Intellitronix
Direct-Fit, Zero Drama
No hacks. No cutting. No guesswork. This panel plugs right in and owns that dash like it was born there. Every sensor you need—speed, temp, oil pressure—is built in and ready to throw down, so you can install it fast and hit the road even faster.
All the Tech, None of the Fluff
Digital speedo? 255 MPH readout, odometer, trip meter, 0-60 times, quarter-mile times, and high-speed recall—all at your fingertips. Want next-level accuracy? Add the optional GPS speedometer sending unit, a true plug-in solution with a simple 3-wire hookup and built-in GPS that works with 4,000 / 8,000 / 16,000 PPM speedometers, eliminating errors from tire or gear changes altogether. Tachometer? Sweeps 0-9900 RPM like it’s nothing. Water temp, oil pressure, volts, fuel level—check, check, check, check. Turn signals and high-beams? Still there, but now LED sharp and impossible to miss.
Style That Commands Attention
White, red, blue, teal, or green—pick a color that matches your swagger. This isn’t a subtle upgrade; this is a dash that makes people stop and stare. Whether you’re finishing a resto, building a show truck, or tricking out your daily driver, this panel gives your ride all the tech with zero compromise. Lifetime warranty? Yeah, they’ve got your back.
Why This Panel Crushes
Stop pretending your classic Ford is modern. This digital dash injects life, precision, and pure street cred into your cockpit. It’s sleek, it’s smart, and it tells everyone who walks by: you didn’t just show up—you leveled up.
Lifetime Coverage You Can Count On.
They come with a Lifetime Guarantee and are made in the USA! If you’re not 100% completely satisfied, then just arrange to send it back!
Upgrade Your Dash. Upgrade the Drive.
Ready to ditch the outdated gauges and bring your Ford truck into the modern era? The Intellitronix 1973–1979 Ford Truck LED Digital Gauge Panel delivers clean looks, serious tech, and a true direct-fit install that doesn’t compromise your build. Whether you’re finishing a full restoration or dialing in a restomod, this is the kind of upgrade you’ll appreciate every time you turn the key. Upgrade the dash, sharpen the drive, and let your classic Ford read like it means business.
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