2026 Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run
April 22, 2026
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Literally Lightning
From showstopper murals to Nitrous Express-fueled speed, Darren Pellechia’s 2002 Ford SVT Lightning lives up to its name in every way. Don’t be fooled by the lowered stance and sleek custom bodywork – this truck packs a punch under the hood with a 75hp nitrous system and tuned Eaton-supercharged engine. Inside, Von Otto murals and premium sound complete the package, making this Lightning a true masterpiece on wheels.
The Great 8 at Detroit Autorama 2025
We were back in the Motor City for the 72nd Detroit Autorama, held from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at Huntington Place. Over 800 custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles filled the halls, showcasing everything from high-dollar, jaw-dropping builds to gritty, backyard-bred machines. But the biggest prize? The Don Ridler Memorial Award, aka the Ridler, handed out to the one car that stands above all others for design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Final Assembly Tips From The Pros
When building a street rod there are a great many facets of the construction process that go into making the car an award-winning creation. First, there’s planning. The planning of the car can and should include attention to each and every area of the car, from concept to reality. Even the most basic of projects should have the proper planning involved, no matter what the final product might be. Once work has begun on the project, countless hours are generally involved in attending to every detail. From making the many modifications to the chassis to attain the desired drive train, to the matching and mating of the different components together, this becomes an involved process requiring a great deal of skill in fabrication and engineering.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 1994-2007 Ford PSD DIESELSITE 40-Row Transmission Cooler
Push Your Powerstroke Further—Without the Heat Risk
When you're pushing the limits of your 7.3L or 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel—whether you're running big power or hauling heavy—you’re playing a high-stakes game with your transmission. Heat is your enemy, and stock transmission coolers simply weren’t designed for the kind of loads serious truck owners demand. That’s where DIESELSITE steps in with a battle-ready solution: the 40-Row Transmission Cooler.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Product Images Courtesy of Dieselsite
Designed to Dominate Heat
Unlike other aftermarket coolers that top out at 37 rows, DIESELSITE’s 40-row stacked plate design leads the pack in both fluid capacity and heat dissipation. This means more surface area, more cooling power, and more confidence—whether you’re towing up a mountain pass or hammering down the highway with a fully built rig.
Tested up to a jaw-dropping 90,000+ GVW, this cooler absolutely crushes the OEM spec of 28,000 GVW on 1999–2003 7.3L trucks. That’s more than triple the capability. Translation: no more sweating over transmission temps.
Built for Reliability. Backed by R&D.
Every DIESELSITE product is engineered with obsessive attention to detail—and this cooler is no exception. It’s purpose-built for both the 7.3L and 6.0L platforms, with hardware options tailored for each engine. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or daily workhorse, this cooler adds a massive layer of insurance to your build.
Why It Matters
Power means nothing if your transmission can’t keep up. Don’t let overheating sideline your investment. The DIESELSITE 40-Row Transmission Cooler is a must-have upgrade for anyone serious about protecting their drivetrain under pressure.
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