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Choosing The Right Cam
Cam-speak is a language all its own. Well, maybe not from a linguistic point of view, but it is a specialized dialect of car-guy talk. Although spoken by a good portion of enthusiasts, Cam-speak is really fully understood by only a handful of those same enthusiasts, as it is a very specialized, nuanced dialect. Those who do not speak the lingo can instantly be singled out. Those who are fluent in cam-speak are listened to intently, even when those listening do not fully comprehend whatʼs being said and how to apply it to their particular applications. Few within our ranks are particularly fluent in this highly specialized jargon.

Shade-Tree 1.6.
Okay, we weren’t quite that naive about what we read regarding upgrading to 1.6 rockers on our small-block Chevy for the first time, but it was close.
The engine in question was a decent runner with 30,000 miles on the mild-performance rebuild. The rebuilt engine was purchased used, and among its selling points were 0.030-over 9.5:1 pistons, moly rings, 1.5 roller rockers, a Performer RPM intake and a brand-new Holley 750cfm carburetor. The cam wasn’t a perfect match to the torque converter used in the previous installation nor was the final-drive gear ratio. As a result, the owner planned on stepping down on the cam chart to a Comp 286H-10 cam, which came with the engine in its original box. Also included were a brand-new factory Z28 oil pan and a factory timing chain cover to replace the cheap chrome pieces. For $300, the engine package was a deal, and one we couldn’t pass up. We sold the aforementioned chrome pieces and matching valve covers for $50, getting us the engine at the bargain price of $250, and we still had the new cam and lifters on our shelf.

Final Assembly Tips From The Pros
When building a street rod there are a great many facets of the construction process that go into making the car an award-winning creation. First, there’s planning. The planning of the car can and should include attention to each and every area of the car, from concept to reality. Even the most basic of projects should have the proper planning involved, no matter what the final product might be. Once work has begun on the project, countless hours are generally involved in attending to every detail. From making the many modifications to the chassis to attain the desired drive train, to the matching and mating of the different components together, this becomes an involved process requiring a great deal of skill in fabrication and engineering.
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RUGGED LUXURY
Hypertech and John Garrett Outdoors team up to build a unique F150 for the 2021 SEMA Show
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Phoptography by Scott Killeen
The Utility of Vehicles: More Than Just a Status Symbol
Cars and trucks are all about utilitarianism. Although vehicles have become status symbols, at the core, it’s all about getting people or things from one place to another. Through the years, Ford Motor Company has solidified its place in the annals of automotive history with its incredible lineup of consumer and commercial trucks. As the nameplate has been expanded and new options made available, Ford’s famed F-Series truly offers something for everyone.
John Garrett Outdoors and the Ultimate Off-Road Ford F150
John Garrett Outdoors, a company known for its top-tier guided hunting and fishing expeditions, has recently unveiled their latest creation—a fully modified 2021 Ford F150 Lariat hybrid. John Garrett teamed up with Hypertech to design and build a truck that is equally at home on and off-road. This impressive vehicle is not only equipped with everything one might need to survive off the grid (or in the world of competitive bass fishing), but it also boasts several modifications that make it stand out in a crowd.
Luxurious Comforts for the Great Outdoors
One of the most notable features of the John Garrett Outdoors F150 is its electric-powered grill, refrigerator, icemaker, microwave, and washer/dryer combo. These appliances allow users to enjoy all the comforts of home, even when they are miles away from civilization. The Ford 7.2Kw Pro Power Onboard Generator ensures that these appliances have a constant supply of power, even when the vehicle is not running.
Enhanced Off-Road Capabilities
In addition to these luxurious amenities, the F150 is also outfitted with several practical modifications designed to enhance its off-road capabilities. These include a 3-inch lift kit, off-road wheels and tires, and plenty of storage options for anything you might need for a successful hunting or fishing trip. The vehicle also boasts numerous exterior modifications, such as fabricated front and rear bumpers, along with a winch, to help it should the terrain become too much.
A Showstopper at the 2021 SEMA Show
Overall, the John Garrett Outdoors F150 is a true marvel of modern engineering. Its combination of luxury amenities and rugged off-road capabilities make it the perfect vehicle for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The F150 was recently on display at the 2021 SEMA show, where it received rave reviews from attendees. It is sure to become the blueprint for anyone who loves to explore the great unknown and is looking to get off the grid in comfort.
Base Vehicle
- 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab 5’, 5” Bed
- 5L PowerBoost, Hybrid V-6
- Automatic transmission
Powertrain
- 430 HP / 570 lt. lb. torque
- 12,700 lb towing capacity
Chassis
- Bilstein 3” Lift / Level kit
- Ford Performance by Borla Cat-Black Exhaust System
Wheels & Tires
- Centerline Racing Wheels
- Toyo Open Country Tires – Size: 35X12.5R18LT
Exterior
- Ford Performance Portable Air Compressor Kit by ARB
- Ford Accessories Bedslide 5.5” bed
- Ford Rear Bumper step
- Yakima Roof-Top Fishing Rod Box
- Yakima Load Warrior Roof Cargo Basket
- Rigid Industries Adapt E LED Light Bar 50.0 Inch
- Rigid Industries Diffused Surface Mount Pair D-Series Pro
- Rigid Industries 1 X 2 65 Degree DC Power Scene Light Black Housing
- SAE J583 Compliant Selective Yellow Fog Light Pair D-Series Pro Street Legal Surface Mount
- Rigid Industries Spot Diffused Midnite Surface Mount Pair D-Series
- Rigid Industries Driving Surface Mount Amber Pair D-Series Pro
- Off Road Under Body Lighting – Rock Light Kit
- Warn Winch VR EVO 12-s
- Leer Truck Cap with Leer Locker and Storage
- Howard Horn Pinstriping – Custom hand painted logo and pinstriping
- Electric grill, Microwave, Ice Maker, Washer/Dryer and Prep Sink
Interior
- Ford Cargo Organizer – Soft-sided Large Folding with logo
- Ford Cargo Organizer – Underseat
- Vehicle Safe by Console Vault – Arm Rest Console
- Floor Liner Tray Style Mats (3 piece) Ford Logo
- Ford 5″ Step Bars with black SlipNot Coating








