CHEVY TRUCK ID: 1934-1972
December 3, 2025
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THE AUTO BUILDER
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LS1 CAM SWAP AND DYNO TEST
When it comes to adding power to your small-block Chevy, the camshaft is an integral part of the performance equation. Luckily for owners of Chevy’s latest iteration (Gen III) of the famous small block, the modern fuel-injected LS1 responds just as well to camshaft upgrades as the LT1s, L79s and L48s of old. Naturally, cam technology has come a long way since the days of the Duntov 30-30 profile. The improvements in cam technology are important, as the new LS1 is head and shoulders above any of the old ’60s and ’70s muscle-car small blocks, regardless of the advertised power ratings.
Truck Triumphs at the Triple Crown of Rodding 2023
In the world of rodding and customization, there are certain moments that stand out as big achievements—proof of how dedicated, creative, and skilled the builders can be. The first Triple Crown of Rodding show in 2023 is one of those moments, a big success that everyone in the car world will remember. It was organized by industry juggernauts, Bobby Alloway and Gary Case, and it brought together some of the best builders in the business, like Roy Brizio, Art Morrison, Troy Trepanier, Chip Foose, and Alan Johnson just to name a few! Car fans from all over the country came to the Nashville Superspeedway to celebrate car craftsmanship and meet the people who made these amazing cars.
15 Tech Tips
I have been working as a marine tech for about five years now, and one thing I have learned is that you have to be somewhat of a contortionist to deal with some boats. I have learned many things that can make the job a lot less painful. If you find yourself in a situation with your own boat that seems impossible, try calling your local marine shop. Chances are that the experts there will be able to give you some advice to help you through the problem. Meanwhile, here are a few tips to help you out with some common problems you may run into.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: VDOG® by Flaming River
Get The Right Angle With this Steering Solution from Flaming River
We’ve all been there—slamming a monster LS, Coyote, or Hemi into an old muscle car or hot rod and hitting that inevitable roadblock: how the heck do you get the steering shaft through that tight engine bay? The answer, my friends, is the VDOG® from Flaming River. You’ve probably heard the name tossed around, but let’s dig into why you need this in your arsenal.
What the Heck is the VDOG®?
First off, VDOG® stands for Variable Degree Operational Gear. Think of it as the ultimate 90-degree angle gear specifically designed to handle those tight steering angles. Created by the brainiacs at Flaming River Industries in Berea, Ohio, the VDOG® is a hybrid of a universal joint and a gearbox, bringing the best of both worlds.
Here’s the lowdown: one end of the VDOG® has a fixed ¾”-36 spline shaft, and the other end has a variable degree gear with the same spline size. What sets it apart is its ability to rotate 360 degrees at a +/- 35-degree angle thanks to a universal joint inside. The heart of this beast is a hardened gear drive system, giving you a solid 1:1 steering ratio from one side to the other. No chains, no sprockets, just pure, unadulterated reliability. Plus, it’s pre-lubricated, so you can set it and forget it.
Real-World Applications
We’re not just talking theoretical here. Flaming River has put the VDOG® through its paces in some serious builds. Take their 1949 Dodge Pickup Truck, for example. They mounted the VDOG® by the rack and pinion, showing it’s not just a firewall trick. Then there’s their 1954 Chevy Pickup, where they used it at the firewall to nail that tight turn. And get this—some customers have even run two VDOG® units: one at the firewall and another at the steering box for the ultimate custom ride.
This thing isn’t just for specific setups either. It’s versatile enough for everything from cab-overs to classic muscle cars. If you’ve ever tried to squeeze a big ol’ LS engine with aftermarket headers into your ride, you know what a game-changer this can be.
Accolades & Awards
The VDOG® isn’t just all talk. It cleaned up at the 2019 SEMA Show, bagging the Best Engineered Product and Best New Street Rod Product awards that we previously covered in our article 20 NEW Product Innovations at the 2023 NSRA “Nats”. That’s right, two trophies from the biggest stage in the industry. It’s a testament to the VDOG®’s killer design and rock-solid performance.
Bottom Line
If you’re serious about your builds and you want to avoid the headache of steering issues with modern engine swaps, the VDOG® from Flaming River is your new best friend. It’s the kind of innovative solution that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it. Keep the VDOG® in mind for your next project and steer clear of those tight angle nightmares. CLICK HERE to learn more about the VDOG® or go to Flaming River’s website.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Flaming River
800 Poertner Drive
Berea, OH 44017 USA
(800) 648-8022
