BUILT TO WIN: The Battle for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award 2026
February 11, 2026
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Not A Mini Makeover
Pawl Shanley’s 1985 Dodge D350 dually isn’t your average pickup. This British truck has been transformed into a show-stopping masterpiece with an air suspension that lets it kneel at the pavement, a BMW Montreal Blue paint job with intricate marbleizing, and a custom interior by Aerotrim, a company that usually specializes in aircraft. Despite the challenges of modifying such a large vehicle, Shanley’s vision has resulted in a truly unique and impressive truck that stands out even in a country known for its Minis.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: BTR’s 4130 Chromoly Steel Pushrods
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the glory it deserves but is crucial for any high-performance build—pushrods. And who better to get the job done right than Brian Tooley Racing (BTR)? These guys know their stuff, and their pushrods are proof.
Holden Onto Tradition
EFIJY… It’s the show car that has taken the world by storm. Everyone from hot rodders to corporate leaders is reveling in the execution of this great design exercise. The only sad part is, this car will not see production, because it was truly an exercise in design, an effort from the car-loving designers who by day create fully functional and very popular Holden automobiles for the Australian motoring public, and who by night lust for the curvaceous lines of times past and tinker away on hot rods in their home garages. Yes, the design team at Holden is laced with true car enthusiasts, and it shows in their daily work. Even more so, it shows in the EFIJY show car they created in a mere eight months.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Big Block Chevy Round Port Custom Header Build Kit by Stainless Headers MFG. INC.
The Ultimate Custom Header Build Kit for Your Big Block Chevy
When it comes to muscle, power, and performance, you can't beat a big block Chevy. And if you want to harness that raw power, there's no better way to do it than with a custom set of headers. Enter the Pro Series Big Block Chevy Round Port Custom Header Build Kit from Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc. – the ultimate toolkit for any serious fabricator.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Stainless Headers MFG. INC.
If you live for pulling trucks, racing, or high-performance applications, this build kit has everything you need to bring your vision to life. It’s designed to fit the standard bore space of big block Chevy heads, making it versatile enough for a variety of builds.
Unparalleled Precision and Quality
What sets this header build kit apart from the rest? It’s all about the details:
- Flanges: The kit includes two American-made, precision laser-cut 3/8″ thick header flanges specifically designed for Big Block Chevy heads. You can also opt for eight single port flanges for easier fabrication and installation.
- Full Bank Port Size Options: Choose from 2″, 2 1/8″, 2 1/4″, 2 3/8″, or 2 1/2″. Single port flange options are available in 2 1/4″, 2 3/8″, or 2 1/2″.
- Mandrel Bends: You get twelve 180-degree J bends with 6″ and 12″ legs. These extra-long legs mean you won’t need to buy additional straight tubing. The bends are crafted from American-made 304 stainless steel, which forms better, welds better, and lasts longer.
- 4 into 1 Collectors: The kit offers precision-formed 4 into 1 collectors or optional super high-flow slip-on merge collectors with four sets of collector tabs. Like the bends, these collectors are made from top-quality American-made 304 stainless steel.
- Collector Stars: These laser-cut stars simplify the fabrication process, acting as a weld-in block between the tubes before attaching the collector.
- Purge Caps: Back purging is a breeze with these caps. Each kit includes four primary caps and one collector cap.
- O2 Bungs: Two precision-machined, weld-on O2 bungs are included. Made from 304 stainless billet, they weld beautifully.
- Tig Filler Rod: The kit includes a half-pound package of filler rod, ensuring you have everything you need for a perfect weld.
Performance You Can Count On
The Pro Series Big Block Chevy Header Build Kit is engineered to handle serious horsepower:
- 2″ Primary Tube Header Kit: 450-600 Naturally Aspirated Horsepower
- 2 1/8″ Primary Tube Header Kit: 600-800 Naturally Aspirated Horsepower
- 2 1/4″ Primary Tube Header Kit: 800-950 Naturally Aspirated Horsepower
- 2 3/8″ Primary Tube Header Kit: 900-1100 Naturally Aspirated Horsepower
- 2 1/2″ Primary Tube Header Kit: 1100+ Naturally Aspirated Horsepower
Stay Connected and Inspired
Head on over to the Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc. community on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Stay updated on customer projects, watch how-to videos, and get the latest information about their extensive product lineup.
So, whether you’re building a beast for the strip or the street, the Pro Series Big Block Chevy Round Port Custom Header Build Kit from Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc. is your go-to choice for unparalleled performance and quality. Get yours today and unleash the full potential of your big block Chevy!
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