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Chasing Immortality: The 2026 AMBR Competition at the Grand National Roadster Show
The nine-foot AMBR trophy doesn’t celebrate excess. It rewards builders who understand proportion, restraint, and craftsmanship at the highest level—where every decision carries weight and every imperfection is amplified. Under the scrutiny of an expert judging panel, the 2026 AMBR contenders were evaluated on the fundamentals that have always defined America’s Most Beautiful Roadster: stance, line, finish, engineering, and an unshakable respect for roadster tradition. The margin between first and last place was razor thin, and the pressure showed in every detail.

Rad Win by Rad Rides
We knew this one was special the moment we first spotted it at the 2024 Grand National Roadster Show. Now it’s official—the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish has crowned Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy as the best overall builder of the year with his jaw-dropping Fenderless ’36 Ford Roadster.

FAST FISH
Xtreme Velocity Motorsports is a muscle car builder whose name is not a put-on. While there are a huge number of shops around the country with a ton of talent for fabrication, much of this fabrication is performed for cars that will hardly see a world beyond the show schedules and their trailers. So XV takes its name seriously, and it builds its cars to drive hard—on the street or on the track. In fact, the company’s reason for being is to make old Mopars drive like new sports cars, but to pull off a trick like that, you need a lot more than dead reckoning.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Stainless Headers’ Chevrolet LS Custom Header Build Kit
Unleash the Beast with The Ultimate Chevrolet LS Custom Header Build Kit
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc.
What’s in the Box?
First things first, what do you get when you crack open this box? Inside, you’ll find everything you need to custom-build a set of headers for your Chevy LS engine. We’re talking high-quality, mandrel-bent 304 stainless steel tubing, designed to withstand extreme conditions and ensure maximum durability. The kit includes:
- Pre-bent primary tubes
- Collector assemblies
- Laser-cut flanges
- Oxygen sensor bungs
- And all the necessary hardware
That’s right, folks, it’s a complete package, engineered to provide you with a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Why Go Custom?
You might be asking, “Why should I go through the hassle of building custom headers when there are plenty of off-the-shelf options?” Well, here’s the deal. Off-the-shelf headers are designed to fit a range of applications, which means they often come with compromises. Custom headers, on the other hand, are tailored to your specific build. You get to control the length and shape of the primary tubes, the placement of the collectors, and the overall design to ensure you’re squeezing every last horsepower out of your LS engine. It’s about achieving the perfect balance of performance and efficiency.
Quality You Can Trust: Made in the USA
When it comes to quality, Stainless Headers doesn’t cut corners. Each component in this kit is meticulously crafted from premium materials, ensuring top-notch performance and longevity. And here’s the kicker: it’s all made right here in the USA. That means you’re getting the finest craftsmanship, supported by American ingenuity and rigorous quality standards. So, when you choose Stainless Headers, you’re not just buying parts; you’re investing in a legacy of excellence.
Installation: A Labor of Love
Now, let’s be real. Building custom headers isn’t a walk in the park. It requires precision, patience, and a bit of skill. But hey, that’s why we love this hobby, right? The Chevrolet LS Custom Header Build Kit is designed to make the process as straightforward as possible. With the included hardware and detailed instructions, you’ll be able to tackle this project in your garage without needing a degree in mechanical engineering. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from knowing you built something with your own two hands.
The Payoff: Performance and Sound
Here’s the kicker: the payoff. When you fire up your LS engine with these custom headers, you’re not just going to hear the difference; you’re going to feel it. Expect improved exhaust flow, increased horsepower, and torque, and that deep, throaty roar that sends chills down your spine. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes every drive an event.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re serious about your LS build and you want to take it to the next level, the Chevrolet LS Custom Header Build Kit is a must-have. It’s a game-changer, a performance enhancer, and, let’s be honest, a badge of honor for any true gearhead.
Want to see these components in action? Join the Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc. community on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. They’ve got customer projects, how-to vids, and all the latest on their killer product lineup. CLICK HERE to learn more, or head over to the Stainless Headers website to grab your kit today, and tell them you saw it on The Auto Builder!




