The Independent Way
September 25, 2022
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
B-Series Bullseye: Part I
What can we say about VTEC Honda motors that hasn’t already been said thousands of times? Accolades have been bestowed upon the B-series Honda at an almost embarrassing rate—and we might add that all of its praise is well deserved. But we have already begun to turn our attention to the newer K-series motors, which by all accounts are even better motors than the B-series. They are sure to start a revolution of their own, but that is a discussion for a different day.
StreetFighter Trans
Discover the critical role of a properly matched transmission in your truck’s performance and longevity. This article delves into the signs of transmission failure, emphasizing the impact of driving habits on transmission health. Explore an alternative to the common flatbed trip to the dealership by learning about TCI Automotive’s StreetFighter transmission. With its robust build, enhanced performance features, and no-core-charge policy, TCI offers a convenient and reliable solution for truck owners. Follow a detailed account of a 4L60E StreetFighter transmission installation, providing valuable insights for DIY enthusiasts and a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship at TCI Automotive’s Mississippi facility.
HOW TO SHOW YOUR CAR
WHAT DO YOU do when you have one of the hottest show cars in the country and need something to take you to the next level? What do you do if you have a very nice modified car, but want something more? How about a true show display setup? We have talked to a number of people in the industry, including some of the most qualified judging sanctioning bodies, and they have given us plenty of insight into what’s hot and what’s not in the world of show car displays.
Spotlighter
Pyramid Optimized Design: The Builder’s Secret Weapon
The Quiet Partner Behind Custom Automotive’s Biggest Victories
When a build needs to go from “cool idea” to “everyone’s talking about this,” the pros call Pyramid Optimized Design. They’re the team behind some of the most talked-about show cars on the planet — using custom automotive design services to transform raw ideas into fully engineered, show-winning, road-ready components. Pyramid doesn’t just make parts. They bring visions to life, concept to completion.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Images courtesy of Pyramid Optimized Design
Their Work Wins — At the Highest Level
You don’t land in the winner’s circle by accident. Pyramid helped craft the headlights and taillights on the 2025 Ridler Award–winning ’55 Chevy Nomad “Gray Madder.” When the top award in custom car building is on the line, builders choose Pyramid — because their design, engineering, and execution deliver championship-level results.
And it’s not just cars. Pyramid even fabricated the Big Oak Garage Celebrity Pick trophy for the Triple Crown of Rodding, proving their talent scales from precision components to industry icons. If it needs to look incredible and function flawlessly, they’re the ones trusted to build it.
The RMS Camaro goes Commando
On the RMS Customs ‘69 “Commando” Camaro, Pyramid didn’t just contribute—they helped define the car’s identity. Their custom full-housing taillights are engineered with precision: no LED bleed, crisp illumination, and a plug-and-play fit that looks factory-born but unmistakably modern. RMS trusted Pyramid not only for the part, but for how the part integrates into the Camaro’s aggressive redesign. That’s what Pyramid Optimized Design does best: they create harmony between vision, function, and form.
Full-Service Design That Goes Beyond Parts
What sets Pyramid apart is their broad suite of custom automotive design services. They can step into any stage of a build and elevate it. Sketching, scanning, engineering, prototyping, production — everything driven by deep technical chops and creative horsepower.
Whether you need carbon fiber bodywork, intricate lighting, a complete interior redesign, or a one-off component that’s never existed before, Pyramid’s process blends art and engineering in a way few shops can match.
Capabilities That Turn Dreams Into Reality
Pyramid’s capabilities read like a dream wish-list for any serious builder. They leverage industry-leading 3D scanning, advanced reverse engineering, and full CAD development, backed by both 3-axis and 5-axis machining for precision component creation. Their 3D printing arsenal covers FDM, resin, and metal printing, giving them unmatched flexibility in prototyping or producing final parts. When a project calls for production-grade materials, they offer injection molding, plastic casting, sand casting, and investment casting, allowing them to engineer components in whatever medium the build requires. And when things need to be welded, shaped, or handcrafted, their TIG and MIG welding, wheel design and manufacturing, suspension engineering, chassis design, and full in-house fabrication ensure that even the wildest concept can be brought to life with precision and style. This isn’t just a parts shop — it’s an entire innovation ecosystem.
Bring Your Vision to Life
Got something in your head that feels “too crazy” for most shops? Perfect — that’s where Pyramid Optimized Design does their best work. Their blend of 3D scanning, CAD engineering, precision machining, 3D printing, casting, welding, and fabrication gives them everything they need to take napkin sketches all the way to award-winning hardware.
Whether you’re crafting custom lighting, rethinking a chassis, engineering a suspension system, or developing a bespoke part that only exists in your imagination, Pyramid has the technology and the talent to turn it into reality.
Your build deserves more than off-the-shelf solutions. It deserves a partner that can dream with you — and then engineer the dream into metal.
Ready to make your vision real?
CLICK THE BANNER BELOW!
Visit Pyramid Optimized Design to explore their full range of services and get in touch with the team behind some of the biggest builds in the game!
Pyramid Optimized Design
A contract design firm focused on manufacturing custom automotive parts, products, and solutions.
Collaboration beyond the status quo.
