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CONCEPTUALLY ’40
It was a sketch published in another street rod title, and while it brought many interesting comments, to our knowledge no one acted on the sketch to convert it to a real roadster. Enter Sam Magarino of Sussex, New Jersey. Now, Magarino likes hot rods, and lately he has enjoyed building some pretty outrageous hot rods with the help of Barry Lobeck and his crew at Lobeck’s. This would be a project of great magnitude, and that was the name aptly applied to this car for the show season.

The HEAR & NOW
Delve into the world of classic truck customization as we guide you through the installation of a Custom Autosound USA-5 unit into a 1972 Chevy C10. Learn how to seamlessly integrate modern sound technology into your vintage ride without altering its original aesthetics.

PUMP THE POWER: PART 2
Auto manufacturers are constantly working to develop trucks that safely tow and haul more weight. However, the byproduct of high load capabilities is a rough unloaded ride. On a recent visit to J&D Performance, we found the crew beginning work on an Air Ride system for the owner of a 1999 F-350 two-wheel-drive dually. The owner of the truck was happy with its ability to tow and haul, thanks to Part-1’s addition of a full Banks Power Pack, but extremely unhappy with the truck’s ride when unloaded.
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Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products Aluminum LS Engine Block
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Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products Aluminum LS Engine Block
Lightweight Muscle for Serious Builds
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Bill Mitchell Products
Precision Dimensions for Big Performance
The block sports a 9.240″ deck height with 4.115″ cylinder bores and 4.400″ bore centers, perfectly engineered for aggressive builds while maintaining true LS compatibility. Five billet steel main caps, all four-bolt and cross-bolted, keep the crank planted no matter how hard you push. Torque the studs to 75 ft-lbs, the cross bolts to 30 ft-lbs, and you’ve got a bottom end that laughs at high RPMs and boost alike.
Rebuildable and Engineered for Longevity
Each cylinder comes with a replaceable dry ductile steel sleeve, pressed to exact tolerances for maximum durability. Builders can safely bore up to 4.165″, opening the door to serious displacement upgrades. And with priority main oiling and dry-sump provisions, this block ensures your engine gets the lubrication it demands under even the harshest conditions. Screw-in freeze plugs, cam plug, all dowel pins, and pipe plugs come included—this block is ready to go straight from the box to your build.
Built for Builders
Every detail of the BMP‑086515 is designed with the engine builder in mind. Standard GM LS bearings, camshaft placement, and lifter bores make assembly predictable, while the block’s LSX head bolt pattern and drilled-and-tapped motor mounts give you flexibility for retrofits or high-performance swaps. From oil passages to bearing alignment, Bill Mitchell has dialed in the details so your build goes smooth and fast.
Quick Specs
Application: High-performance GM LS replacement
Material / Weight: 357T6 Aluminum, 135 lbs w/ caps & sleeves
Deck Height: 9.240″ (standard) | Bores: 3.990″ or 4.115″, replaceable dry sleeves
Main Caps: 5 × 4-bolt billet steel, cross-bolted
Cam / Lifters: Standard GM placement & tie-bar lifters
Oil System: Priority main, dry-sump provisions
Stroke Clearance: Up to 4.250″ steel rods
Head Bolt Pattern: LSX standard | Motor Mounts: OEM & SBC retrofit-ready
Freeze Plugs / Starter / Water Pump: Stock
Why the BMP Aluminum LS Engine Block Stands Out
This isn’t just another LS block—it’s a high-performance weapon. Lightweight, rigid, and engineered for serious horsepower, it’s perfect for boosted monsters, high-revving naturally aspirated screamers, or retro LS swaps into classic rides. If your goal is power, precision, and bulletproof reliability, this block won’t just meet expectations—it will crush them.
Classic engineering. Modern muscle. Builder-approved.
👉 Ready to turn your LS vision into reality? Grab the BMP Aluminum LS Engine Block today at BillMitchellProducts.com

















