CIMTEX RODS SUPER CAMEO: PART 4
February 19, 2024
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
SPECTACULAR SUVS
Since the start of the modern automotive era, shortly following WWII, the SUV has been used for mass transportation, taking people to and from their desired destinations. This began with the early depot hacks, and that has turned into a massive SUV marketplace, complete with blinged-out Tahoes, Suburbans, Explorers and all manner of crossover vehicles made to look more truck-like, and offering two and three-row seating. These larger-than-life automobiles and trucks have made as much of an impact on the truck-buying public as the pickup.
CANDY LEXUS
The Lexus IS300 is not only stylish in its outside appearance, but because of its acceptance as a true sports sedan by most tuner enthusiasts, it’s a desirable starting base for creating a potent street performer. This RWD Lexus is factory-fitted with the rugged 2JZ-GE 3.0L DOHC inline V-6 engine, as used in Toyota Supra models in past years and updated with VVT-i Variable Valve Timing. It also features double wishbone front and rear suspension systems, as equipped from the Toyota factory. A limited-slip differential option helps put the power to the ground, and the edgy Lexus body produces an impressive 0.29 coefficient of drag. This is definitely a slippery package with both good looks and ample performance.
NOPI Georgia 2026 Proved the Revival Is Real
The NOPI Regionals NDRA and NOPI Drift event at South Georgia Motorsports Park didn’t just meet expectations — it reinforced exactly why the name still carries weight in the automotive world. What started as a revival effort in 2025 came back stronger this year, with bigger crowds, deeper competition fields, and a noticeably elevated energy across every corner of the venue.
Spotlighter
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
