
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured

Revving Up Nostalgia
Every year, automobile enthusiasts and vintage car aficionados gather in Louisville, Kentucky, for the highly anticipated NSRA Street Rod Nationals. This event is a celebration of automotive craftsmanship, where classic car owners and builders from around the nation come together to showcase their meticulously restored and customized street rods. The show offers a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, as attendees are treated to a mesmerizing display of vintage vehicles, creative modifications, and impressive engineering.

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.

Tow, Tow, Tow Your Boat
What makes the Dakota perfect is that you get all the attributes of a full-size pickup in a mid-size package. Even the styling of the new Dakota reminds you that this truck is definitely a member of the Dodge family. The grille is bold and bright, but with more angular shapes than on the full-size trucks. Large quad headlamps, a lower airdam and a giant front bumper say this truck means business. From the side, the Dakota features chiseled quarter panels that flare out to accommodate the standard 16-inch tires or optional 17s on SLT and Laramie versions. In back, the Dakota features “afterburner” taillamps and a sculpted tailgate that finishes the overall design treatment. All in all, it’s quite stylish.
Spotlighter
POPULAR READS
-
Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products Aluminum LS Engine Block
-
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 60-66 Chevy C10 Fresh Air Vent Block Off Plate
-
Product Spotlight: Pyramid Optimized Design Sequential Aurora Taillight for 1964½–1966 Mustang
-
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Cam Covers for GEN/3 Coyote from Pyramid Optimized Design
Sustainable Trails
Tread Lightly's 3-D Hill Restoration: A Model for Sustainable Recreation
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Wendy Miles
In the heart of Moab, Utah, an impressive environmental restoration project is underway, setting a new standard for sustainable outdoor recreation. The 3-D Hill restoration project, led by the non-profit organization Tread Lightly!, showcases the importance of community and conservation.
A Commitment to Conservation
Tread Lightly! has always been a strong advocate for responsible recreation. They promote the T.R.E.A.D principles: Travel Responsibly, Respect the Rights of Others, Educate Yourself, Avoid Sensitive Areas, and Do Your Part. These principles are the foundation of the organization’s values and drive their restoration efforts.
The Easter Jeep Safari Initiative
During the 2024 Easter Jeep Safari, Tread Lightly! demonstrated their commitment to these principles. Volunteers came together to rebuild fences and install signage around 3-D Hill, ensuring the preservation of the area’s natural beauty for future generations. This initiative not only protected the landscape but also served as an educational opportunity for off-road enthusiasts.
Balancing Recreation with Nature
The 3-D Hill project goes beyond restoration; it serves as a blueprint for balancing human activity with environmental stewardship. By maintaining trails and educating the public, Tread Lightly! helps minimize the impact on Moab’s delicate desert ecosystem, which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life.
A United Effort for a Sustainable Future
Supported by industry partners like RealTruck and funded by the Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program, Tread Lightly! leads the way in sustainable outdoor recreation. The 3-D Hill restoration project exemplifies what can be achieved when a community collaborates to protect and enjoy the natural world responsibly.
Looking forward, the success of the 3-D Hill restoration reminds us that each individual plays a role in preserving our beloved outdoor spaces. Through mindful action and collective effort, we can ensure that the beauty of Moab and other natural treasures remains accessible to all.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Tread Lightly!
801 Robinson Dr., Suite #400
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
(801) 990-9807









