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SLOWING DOWN A FAST MUSTANG

2025 Detroit Autorama: A Gearhead’s Dreamland

Hollywood, Bikes and Boats
Ever see those boats on the TV show Fear Factor? Those are Ultra Custom Boats built by John West and his team in El Cajon, California. Ever watch Monster Garage? That is Jesse James from West Coast Choppers, which is based in Long Beach, California. What happens when these two guys get together to build a boat and a bike is what we have here.

FROM RAW TO REALITY
In the midst of all the wait comes this brand-new and, dare we say, quite revolutionary roadster/convertible, and a whole new wave of “…there’s not a chance.” Opinions surfaced. We took the high ground, as we have sat and listened intently to the plans for HRH, have visited facilities where some of the early work had been done, and are of the opinion that what the company has set out to do is not much different than any of us, only HRH bit off a whole mouthful.

MERC-O-MATIC MAKEOVER
Gil Losi, the owner of this super-slick ’54 Mercury Monterey—which was a year in the making—has quite a liking for the ’54 Mercury body style. He’s owned several of the stylish Monterey hardtops, but this one tops them all with its slammed stance, laser-straight paint and bodywork and 32-valve DOHC engine. One of the many great aspects of this particular Mercury Monterey is that Steve Cook’s team started with a good body. It was solid and already featured a low-down stance, but the crew reworked every part of the car into what you see here.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: BTR’s Red Hot Camshaft
Lighting the Fire in Your LS Build
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Brian Tooley Racing
The Numbers That Matter
We’re not gonna bury you in flowcharts here. The BTR Red Hot Cam is all about the numbers that count. We’re talking 223/232 duration, .613/.597 lift, and a lobe separation angle of 109. Those specs scream aggression and mean this cam is here to make horsepower, torque, and plenty of noise. If you’ve been dreaming of a cam that pulls hard across the RPM range and leaves no doubt you’ve got something special under the hood, this is it.
Built to Rip, Not Just Talk
A camshaft is more than a part—it’s the heart of your engine’s attitude, and the Red Hot Cam is a straight-up bruiser. Whether you’re launching hard at the drag strip, roasting tires on a backroad, or just trying to wake up that stock LS, this cam delivers a fat, usable powerband that hits hard where it counts. It’s not a one-trick pony, either. This cam pulls clean, keeps building power, and puts a big stupid grin on your face every time you mat the throttle.
Quality You Can Beat On
BTR isn’t messing around when it comes to quality, and they never have. These guys have been at the top of the LS game for a reason, and the Red Hot Cam is proof. Precision-engineered, rigorously tested, and built to take abuse, this cam is ready for whatever you throw at it. Street? Strip? Both? No sweat—the Red Hot Cam handles it all with a “bring it on” attitude.
That Sound? Oh Yeah, That Sound
Let’s be real—the best part of slapping a new cam in your LS is hearing it fire up for the first time. The Red Hot Cam delivers that signature ‘LS camshaft sound’ with an aggressive, lumpy idle and performance exhaust note that’ll have exhaust tones turning heads and setting the tone before you even hit the throttle (check out the video below). Whether it’s the growl at idle or the roar at wide-open throttle, this cam makes sure your LS sounds as mean as it performs. With the Red Hot Cam, you get that unmistakable lope that’ll have your neighbors peeking out their windows and anyone at a stoplight craning their necks. This thing doesn’t just make power—it makes a statement. It’s the kind of idle that says, yeah, I’m faster than you, before you even get out of first gear.
Plays Well With Others
BTR didn’t just make a killer camshaft—they made it versatile, too. The Red Hot Cam works with stock or ported heads and bolts right in alongside a wide range of valve train components. That means whether you’re building mild or wild, this cam slots into your LS build with ease. And if you hit a snag, BTR’s tech support and guides are some of the best in the business, so you’re never left hanging.
Results You Can Measure
At the end of the day, the proof is in the dyno charts—and the Red Hot Cam backs up every bit of its swagger. Horsepower? Expect LS horsepower gains of up to 50 horsepower over stock. Torque? With noticeable LS cam torque improvements, you’re looking at significant midrange increases that will have you glued to the seat. Fun factor? Let’s just say it’ll transform your LS into a tire-roasting beast that delivers power where it counts. This cam has earned its stripes with racers, builders, and LS junkies who know what it takes to make real power.
So here’s the deal: if you’re ready to wake up your LS, turn some heads, and light a fire under your car’s performance, the BTR Red Hot Camshaft needs to be on your list. It’s not just another upgrade—it’s the upgrade. CLICK HERE to head on over to the BTR website and get your TODAY!


