RADICALLY DIFFERENT
December 11, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
THE SMART CHARGER
If you are going to connect anything automatic to your car, especially when dealing with electricity, lead and acid, you owe it to yourself to do a bit more research rather than pulling just any super-discounted, off-the-shelf item and connecting it to something as potentially volatile as a lead-acid battery. But we have, haven’t we?
THE INTRUDER
From the first time you see this beautiful ’57 Ford Ranch Wagon, you know it’s special, both in its concept and its execution. You might also know this is the latest creation from one of the Midwest’s elite rod builders, Troy Trepanier, a guy who has been doing it his own way since he first started shaping specialized vehicles back in the late 1980s. Since that time, Troy and his crew have been stopping people in their tracks with fresh, leading-edge designs, and their latest innovation certainly carries that tradition into a new era. After taking possession of another Trepanier creation, the ’54 Plymouth known as the Sniper, George Poteet decided he wanted Rad Rods By Troy to rework another car that he had been thinking about for some time. As with all such projects, it began simply enough, but soon a well-worn Ford station wagon was well on its way to an entirely new life.
ON THE LEVEL
The ’07 Tahoe, Chevrolet’s premature baby, hit the street in late March 2006. Introducing the next generation of Tahoes so early was part of some master marketing scheme, born and nurtured in the hallowed halls of Chevrolet corporate. In any case, the ’07 Tahoe’s rear ride height measured 23-1/8 inches from the center of the hub to the lip of the fenderwell, while the front measured only 20-1/4 inches. As usual, the rear stood considerably higher than the front.
Spotlighter
Product Spotlight: Proform’s Super-Street GM LS Aluminum Roller Rockers
Unlock Maximum LS Power with Super-Street Roller Rockers
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Proform Specialty Auto Parts U.S.A.
When you’re chasing horsepower, every ounce of wasted motion is power left on the table. That’s why the Super-Street GM LS Aluminum Roller Rockers are worth a hard look. Proform went back to the drawing board and rebuilt their rocker lineup from the ground up—stronger, smoother, and better-looking than ever.
These beauties are machined from lightweight aluminum, anodized in that unmistakable deep blue, and laser-etched with the Proform “P” and 1.7 ratio. But the real magic is inside: full cage bearing trunnions keep things planted at high RPM, while steel roller tips slice friction like a hot knife through 10W-30. The result? More efficiency, more valve lift, and more of that glorious LS top-end pull.
Designed for Gen III LS1/LS6 (1997–2004) and Gen IV LS2/LS4 (2005–present) V8 engines, these self-aligning rockers are a straight bolt-on with the included M8 hardware and pedestals. They’ll even clear valve springs up to 1.400 inches in diameter, giving you room to get rowdy with your cam choice later.
Why We Love Them: Race Tech for the Street
Because it’s not just about making power—it’s about making power reliably. These rockers reduce friction, sharpen valvetrain response, and look good doing it. They’re engineered to handle the abuse of big cams and high RPM, yet still right at home in a street-driven LS. In short: race-bred tech without the “only on Sundays” attitude.
Key Features & Highlights
- 1.7 Ratio for increased valve lift and flow
- Cage Bearing Trunnions = rock-solid stability
- Steel Roller Tip for minimal friction and wear
- Blue Anodized Finish with etched Proform logo & ratio
- Complete Set of 16 with M8 mounting bolts included
Ready to Upgrade Your LS Valvetrain?
To learn more, CLICK HERE to head over to the Proform to get the full scoop.
