As the saying goes, “some guys have all the luck.” Out in the great state of New York, there is more going on than the Manhattan madness that most folks envision. There’s a distinct geographical separation between the urban density of Manhattan and the more rural confines of the area known as upstate New York. Most of us think of New York the city, where all the cars seem to be yellow, but in other parts of the state, driving is not a form of gladiatorial combat and there are more than a few hot rods around.

Building an engine that produces more horsepower than its stock configuration can be done in many ways. However, supercharging has proven to be one of the best ways to make the most horsepower over stock. Superchargers are air pumps that force a “super” charge of air into an engine, which in turn allows the engine to make more power. A Roots supercharger or blower is a sealed case with two rotors inside. It is driven through the crankshaft by belts and pulleys, causing the spinning rotors to force compressed air into an engine.

Undoubtedly, the most significant and influential hot rod component in recent history is the American Racing five-spoke Torq-Thrust wheel. It has been the most-copied wheel ever, as American Racing continues to fight off design infringements. In its many legitimate variations, it has—in many ways—influenced the whole of the aftermarket automotive car culture. No single wheel has ever made such a significant impact on the customizing scene as the Torq-Thrust has.

On May 19, 2025, the hot rod community lost one of its most respected and beloved figures—Tom Prufer. For those familiar with polished frames, hand-fabricated parts, and the unmistakable smell of hot oil on cold mornings, Tom was more than just a builder—he was a quiet giant in the world of traditional rods and custom craftsmanship.

Ronnie Staples has been enjoying custom cars for more than five decades, which not only dates him but also makes him somewhat of a well-versed enthusiast who knows what he wants in a modern super rod.

Decades ago, Ford made the jump from four-speed manual transmissions to five-speeds. Newer Cobras even feature six-speeds, so it’s natural that those who own earlier Mustangs with four-speed manuals now feel a little gear envy. Many people love the feel of having a manual transmission, but if you’re still using a four-speed, you’re missing out on a lot of performance and economy potential. Adding a transmission with additional gears places your gears closer together for better acceleration and gives you more gears to choose from for easier cruising. But which transmission is right for your Mustang? You need one that’s strong, smooth and capable of bolting to your engine, and it’s not easy to find all three attributes in the same gearbox.