BLACKBIRD
October 30, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
COLOSSAL COLUMBUS
Colorful street rods and street machines filled the huge Columbus Fairgrounds, with an estimated 8,000 cars in attendance. This panorama shows just a small section of the event, and the building in the background is where the swap meet was held.
MEN AT WORK
Is it us, or does it seem that Jim Bell and his crew at Kenne Bell turn out hot trucks at truly astounding rates? In the past, they have built such a wide variety of trucks and SUVs that it’s hard to count them all. But when you consider all their other projects, such as their ’05 Mustang, the ’04 Focus and the ’04 Escape, it seems they have been busier than a one-armed paper hanger (whatever that means). One of their latest projects is this ’04 Ford F-150. As with most all of the other Kenne Bell projects, it started out as a new vehicle and was destined to be displayed in its SEMA booth.
Strong Armed
Chevy engineers began using trailing arm and coil spring rear suspension designs back in 1958, and in one form or another, this treatment ran through 1964 without much change. Good news for families but bad news for performance enthusiasts, the crossframe cars were remarkable in that they began an era in which suspensions concentrated more on ride quality than on nimble handling.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Braille Battery – Drop the Weight. Keep the Power.
Lightweight Lithium Power for Hot Rods & Street Rods
Every hot rod builder obsesses over horsepower, suspension geometry, and shaving pounds wherever possible. Yet one of the easiest ways to lose dead weight while improving reliability often gets overlooked—the battery. That's where Braille Battery comes in.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Images courtesy of Braille Battery
For more than two decades, Braille has been building lightweight, high-performance batteries that have earned the trust of everyone from street rod builders and Pro Touring enthusiasts to drag racers, road racers, and championship-winning professional teams. Whether you’re putting together a high-end ’32 Ford, a Tri-Five Chevy, a C10, or a weekend autocross machine, Braille delivers the kind of starting power that lets you ditch bulky lead-acid batteries without sacrificing confidence every time you hit the key.
i34X Intensity: Big-Car Power Without the Big Weight
Modern hot rods are no longer just about big cubic inches and polished valve covers. Today’s builds are loaded with EFI systems, electric fans, fuel pumps, digital dashes, air conditioning, high-output ignition systems, and other accessories that demand dependable electrical performance. The Braille i34X Intensity was designed for builders who want lithium weight savings without compromising the needs of a fully equipped street machine.
Weighing just 10.8 pounds, the i34X replaces many conventional Group 34 batteries that can weigh four to five times as much. Despite its featherweight construction, it cranks out an incredible 1,438 Pulse Cranking Amps, giving high-compression V8s all the muscle they need to fire instantly.
Built around Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) technology, the i34X offers fast recharge times, exceptional vibration resistance, and a service life that can be several times longer than a traditional lead-acid battery. It’s the perfect fit for everything from a cross-country street rod to a Pro Touring build that sees both highway miles and track time.
i34X Intensity Highlights
- Ideal for: Street rods, Pro Touring builds, muscle cars, restomods, and high-performance street machines
- Perfect for: EFI-equipped vehicles and builds with increased electrical demands
- Only 10.8 pounds for massive weight savings
- 1,438 Pulse Cranking Amps for quick, dependable starts
- 22.5Ah capacity with 450A continuous discharge capability
- Advanced LiFePO₄ lithium technology for longer service life and faster recharge times
- Built for enthusiasts who want modern performance in a classic package
G30S GreenLite: Maximum Weight Savings
If your build is all about trimming every unnecessary pound, the Braille G30S GreenLite takes things even further.
At just 8.25 pounds, it’s the kind of upgrade that makes a noticeable difference without turning a wrench on the engine. Removing weight from the front of the car improves overall balance, handling, and responsiveness—exactly what builders chasing performance are looking for.
The G30S is designed for lightweight hot rods, race-inspired street machines, and performance builds where every ounce counts. Despite its compact size, it produces 1,197 Pulse Cranking Amps, providing plenty of power for small-blocks, LS swaps, big-inch street engines, and weekend cruisers. Its compact footprint also makes it ideal for custom engine bays, tight installations, and relocated battery compartments.
G30S GreenLite Highlights
- Ideal for: Traditional hot rods, lightweight street machines, drag cars, autocross builds, and track-focused vehicles
- Perfect for: Builders chasing maximum weight reduction and improved vehicle balance
- Ultra-light 8.25-pound design
- 1,197 Pulse Cranking Amps for reliable starting power
- 20Ah capacity with 400A continuous discharge capability
- Compact size for custom builds and relocated battery applications
- Advanced LiFePO₄ lithium technology for durability and long service life
- Built for enthusiasts who believe less weight means more performance
Built for the Street. Proven on the Track.
Braille may have earned its reputation in professional motorsports—with products helping power competitors at the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Formula One—but the same technology is just as valuable in the garage of the weekend builder.
For hot rod enthusiasts, every pound removed is another step toward a better-driving car. Swapping a 40- to 50-pound lead-acid battery for an 8- to 11-pound Braille lithium battery is one of the simplest ways to improve weight distribution while gaining faster starts, longer battery life, and rock-solid reliability.
Whether you’re finishing a Ridler-worthy street rod, building a Pro Touring machine, or freshening up your favorite weekend cruiser, Braille Battery gives you one less excuse to carry unnecessary weight—and one more reason to turn the key with confidence.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Braille Battery, Inc
Get the winning edge with Braille Batteries! ⚡️ Used by top racing teams on the street and track, our batteries set the standard for performance and reliability. Upgrade to Braille Batteries and experience the difference top-tier technology brings!
