20 Years Ago
January 2001: 180 pages, $3.99
Tried and true, a budget small-block Chevy build made the cover of this issue. Inside, Tech Editor Terry McGean walked through the process of building the 383 small-block from the bones of a 350 pulled from a one-ton dually in the junkyard. Adding a mail-order stroker kit, he and the folks at JMS Racing Engines ran a couple different Crane hydraulic flat tappet cams through it and three sets of cylinder heads across the top. They started with a disappointing 354 hp with stock “Camel Hump” heads from the ’60s and ended up making a much more respectable 421 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque with Trick Flow heads and a Performer RPM intake. Total price of the long-block: $1,985. Further back in the book, JeffKoch took an in-depth look at performance builds of Oldsmobile’s Quad 4 engine, Steve Magnante sang the praises of the Dana 60 rear axle, and Kevin Oeste documented the rebuild of the front suspension in a ’62 Galaxie.
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Hot Rod.
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This story is from the January 2021 edition of Hot Rod.
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Making Connections
Project T-top Coupe: We install a Terminator X Max for big power.
LET IT BREATHE!
Project X’s new ZZ632 big-block needed to breathe, and this do-ityourself stainless exhaust kit was just the ticket to make it happen.
TUNING OPTIMIZED
VARIABLES WITHIN FUEL-INJECTOR CONSTRUCTION CAN LEAD TO POOR ENGINE OPERATION. HERE'S HOW TO TUNE YOUR FUEL INJECTORS.
Re-Flange It!
We check out the fab skills needed to run a flat hood on a 1970 Mustang with a very unique and too-tall engine.
THE TRIBUTE FOR THE WIN
Ron Capps wins the NHRA U.S. Nationals driving a Don Prudhomme-Hot Wheels tribute Funny Car.
So Close
Following a nearly flawless performance, a pít lane penalty kept the C8.R off the top of the podium in the IMSA Sportscar Weekend.
A RADICAL SHIFT
When you're a teenager and the police know you by name, it's not usually because of your volunteer work or class-topping GPA. Not at all. That was especially true for Jeff Kainz when he was behind the wheel of his 1975 Camaro. In the '80s, while cruising his hometown in North Dakota, his buddies with police scanners often heard the police tell one another: \"Kainz is out on Main Street.\"
WILD MASH-UP
Built to long-haul the 2023 HOT ROD Power Tour, this 1984 Monte Carlo’s facade hides a performance secret!
6 TIMER!
Tom Bailey captures his 6th HOT ROD Drag Week Unlimited/Overall title with his Sick Seconds 1.0 Camaro.
JIM MCFARLAND'S INFLUENCE WENT WAY BEYOND HOT ROD MAGAZINE.
Jim McFarland, the multitalented, multifaceted Texan who enjoyed several careers in the automotive performance industry, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 88.
