MAXIMUM DETAIL
December 9, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
POPP TOP
“There’s no better sound than the high-winding pitch you get from a Kenne Bell supercharged 5.0L engine,” said Kevin Popp, a computer programmer and systems support specialist from Aurora, Colorado. And he should know; he owns one. We couldn’t agree more. The package makes very good sense, and we’re sure that once Popp gets to see his purple-flamed ’95 Mustang GT ragtop featured here, he’ll forgive the corny play on words for the sake of our article.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Derale Severe-Duty Cooling Kit Brings Serious Airflow to GM Trucks
The Derale Severe-Duty Cooling Kit is designed for builders and truck owners who demand more from their vehicles than a factory cooling system was intended to handle. Instead of piecing together individual cooling upgrades, Derale’s kit combines the major components needed for improved thermal management into one complete package. Included are a severe-duty radiator, dual high-output electric fans, PWM controller, and aluminum shroud.
TAKE A WALK ON THE MILD SIDE
For many hot rodders, the word “custom” conjures up images of chopped, channeled, molded and frenched cars with wild metalflake paint jobs. Such radical customs no doubt helped define the custom movement of the 1950s, along with such phrases as “if it don’t go, chrome it,” but in virtually every town in the USA there was a contingency of mild customs providing their owners with daily transportation, an occasional trip down the dragstrip, and a starring role in the local armory car show a couple of weekends a year. No, most of these cars didn’t hold the local track record, nor did they make it to the ISCA Grand Finale, but they were good examples of shade-tree customizing and hot rodding. Known mostly as a “mild custom,” a term that no doubt originated from car show classes, this style of car was extremely popular.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: BTR’s Red Hot Camshaft
Lighting the Fire in Your LS Build
Alright, let's talk camshafts—and not just any camshaft, but the BTR Red Hot Cam from Brian Tooley Racing. If you're looking to unlock some real grunt from your LS engine and make it scream like it’s ready to tear the asphalt in half, this thing is the hot ticket. No fluff, no filler—this cam delivers straight-up power, attitude, and everything you love about LS engines dialed up to 11.
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!
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