Ford Fever in the Smokies
September 30, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Epic Adventurer
In the realm of off-road adventures, few vehicles command the same level of respect and admiration as the Ford Bronco. Harking back to its origins over half a century ago, the Bronco has remained synonymous with rugged exploration and uncompromising agility. Now, in a bold move that redefines the off-road experience, Ford reintroduced the Bronco Sport SUV, marrying heritage with modern innovation. Many people consider the Bronco Sport to be the baby brother of the full size Bronco. This build by Hypertech and LeachCo looks more than capable of hanging with its big brother.
PRI 2025 New Product Round-Up
The 2025 PRI Show just tore through Indianapolis, and if you weren’t there, you missed a full-throttle showcase of racing tech that doesn’t mess around. Builders, racers, and gearheads packed the floor, and the energy was absolute chaos—in the best way. The products? They didn’t whisper—they slammed onto the scene, sharp, loud, and ready to make your ride better, safer, faster, meaner.
GOD OF FIRE CORVETTE
“Corvette Bill” Bartenstein and his son, Bill Jr., are renowned around the state of Hawaii—more specifically Kailua—for their car-building talents. But that’s not all—at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson auction at Scottsdale, Arizona, a candy-blue Bartenstein-built ’69 Pro Touring Camaro fetched a record $182,000. It just so happens that this Firemist Red ’66 Corvette Sting Ray resto rod—another Bartenstein creation—rolled across the B-J auction block that same weekend and sold for an incredible $130,000. So what makes a Bartenstein-built car so attractive? Let’s take a closer look.
Spotlighter
Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products HARDCORE Manowar Valve Covers for Small Block Ford
Perfect Finishing Touch for Your High-Performance Small Block Ford
If you’re building a serious Small Block Ford, the details matter — and nothing finishes off an engine bay like a killer set of valve covers. Enter Bill Mitchell Products BMP D70870 Valve Covers, branded with the unmistakable HARDCORE Manowar logo. Originally part of BMP’s 600hp street engine crate program, these covers are now available individually — and at a can’t-miss closeout price.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Bill Mitchell Products
Hardcore Style Meets Hardcore Performance
These tall-style, die-cast aluminum valve covers aren’t just for looks. The taller profile offers plenty of rocker arm clearance, making them perfect for performance builds running aftermarket valvetrain components. Each cover is highly polished to a mirror-like shine, then CNC-machined with the HARDCORE Manowar logo in blue — a subtle but unmistakable statement that your Ford isn’t just another small block.
Built to Last
Made from heavy-duty die-cast aluminum, these covers are more rigid than typical stamped steel versions, meaning fewer leaks and a better seal over time. The polished finish resists corrosion and makes cleanup easier after a hard run. Whether you’re chasing show points or horsepower, these covers can hang in both worlds.
Limited Quantity, Big Savings
Because these valve covers are from BMP’s discontinued crate engine program, stock is limited — and so is the price. Normally $274, they’re now only $75. When they’re gone, they’re gone.
Tech Specs at a Glance
-
Fitment: Small Block Ford
-
Style: Tall, for extra rocker clearance
-
Material: Die-Cast Aluminum
-
Finish: Polished with CNC-etched HARDCORE Manowar logo in blue
Was $274.00
CLOSEOUT PRICE $75.00
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of hardcore performance and show-ready style, these BMP valve covers are a no-brainer. Snap them up while you still can — because deals like this don’t idle for long. CLICK HERE to order yours now
ARTICLE SOURCES
