Know before you wrench.
Straightforward explanations for the decisions that make or break a street build.
FUEL & AIR
What size carburetor does your V8 need?
A bigger carb is not automatically a faster car. Start with the engine you have, the RPM you actually use and the intake it bolts to.
Read the guide ↗COOLINGWhy your hot rod runs hot in traffic
If the temperature climbs at a stoplight and falls on the highway, investigate airflow before throwing another radiator at it.
Read the guide ↗IGNITIONIgnition upgrades: fix the miss before buying parts
A shiny ignition box cannot rescue a loose ground, damaged plug wire or distributor that is wrong for the engine.
Read the guide ↗ELECTRICALPlan a hot rod wiring harness without the spaghetti
Reliable wiring starts with a circuit list, not a roll of red wire.
Read the guide ↗BUILD PLANNINGThe street hot rod build order that saves rework
Start with the car you want to drive. Then choose parts that work together.
Read the guide ↗DRIVETRAINRear gears, tire size and highway RPM explained
A gear ratio that feels great leaving a light can get old after an hour on the interstate.
Read the guide ↗