EVENTS
By Douglas McColloch
Builder Showcase 2020
38-Plus Exhibition Vehicles from SEMA360
While the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas has been postponed to November 2021, SEMA’s alternative “virtual” event, SEMA360, aroused widespread interest among the automotive specialty-equipment aftermarket when it was first announced last September. More than 700 companies signed up to participate in the event, held online November 2–6, 2020, and more than 300 exhibitor vehicles registered as well. What follows in these pages is a representative sampling of the vehicles that were in attendance at SEMA360.
’20 Land Rover Defender
Submitted By: Ashley Lazarus
This Defender is proof that building a capable overlander (or, in this case perhaps, a weekend camper) can be done simply and on a budget. In this case, it comes courtesy of a raft of products from Front Runner Outfitters, including a Slimline II roof rack kit for storage and an Easy-Out awning and roof-top tent for added shelter. A 42L Wolfpack water tank with mounting system transfers water to a rack-mounted shower arm, and a Braai spare tire mount also serves as a BBQ grate for camp cooking.
’05 Acura RSX
Submitted By: Joshua Contreras
Riding on a set of Toyo Proxes tires, this RSX boasts a ton of underhood mods and add-ons. A Skunk2 Ultra manifold with a full dress-up kit works with the Skunk2 composite fuel rail and a 70mm throttle body to feed the engine. Downstar provided upgrades with new gold-powdercoated motor mounts and bolts and a full-engine bay kit sporting black washers throughout. A Garage 16 custom crossmember brace bar keeps everything stable in the engine bay, and the vehicle’s dipstick, oil filler cap, clutch slave cylinder and radiator hoses were sourced from Hybrid Racing. A Mishimoto radiator and fans keep things cool.
’68 Chevrolet Camaro
Submitted By: Alfredo Rios
A shiny red ’68 Camaro, “Imposter” hosts a slew of parts sourced from Chevrolet Performance and All American Billet. Arizona musclecar builder Fesler USA contributed to the project, and Texas Speed engine internals provide a horsepower boost. The car rides on a RideTech suspension and rolls on a set of GFG Wheels rims and Toyo tires. A set of Brembo brakes is on call for stopping power, and a fuel tank from Rick’s Tanks allows for extra fuel capacity. A Kenwood audio system plays tunes inside, and the ride is adorned with a coat of Glasurit BASF paint outside.
’59 Chevrolet Truck
Submitted By: Brad and Mike Swaney
A Battle of the Builders finalist in 2019, this team brought this clean-looking resto to SEMA360. Under the hood are a host of performance parts from Billet Accessories and Eddie Motorsports, and a MagnaFlow exhaust expels the spent gases. Components from American Autowire provide electrical upgrades, and parts from Classic Instruments, Vintage Air and Lokar enhance the driving experience inside. The Chevy rides on a custom-engineered chassis, and a coat of Axalta red metallic adorns bodywork kept pristine with Wizards Products.
’70 Dodge Challenger
Submitted By: JD Davis
This blue softtop Challenger is equipped with a Ray Barton-prepped Hemi and rides on a Magnum Force modular suspension. The rolling stock is comprised of a set of color-matched American Racing wheels and Pirelli tires, and a Wilwood brake kit brings it all to a stop. Inside, Dakota Digital gauges keep the driver informed on underhood vitals, and exterior modifications include Kindig-It handles and Ringbrothers hinges.
’70 Chevrolet C10
Submitted By: Chad Whitlock
The recipient of a Duramax diesel swap, this ’70 C10 rides on a Roadster Shop chassis fitted with a set of Nitto Tires wrapped around Rotiform wheels that are halted by a Baer Brake kit. Under the hood, Wehrli Fab turbos feed the engine, Profab Performance headers handle the exhaust chores, and an American Autowire harness runs the electrical system with the aid of an Optima battery. Billet Rides mirrors, Oracle lights and BASF paint provide exterior dazzle, and Dakota Digital gauges, Relicate Leather and Vintage Air A/C enhance creature
comforts inside.
’18 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon
Submitted By: Rebecca Olavarrieta
Built to four-wheel as well as to show, this Wrangler boasts suspension and underbody upgrades courtesy of JKS Manufacturing components, Fox coil-over shocks, beefy HD Dana axles, bead-locked Raceline wheels and Nitto tires. Poison Spyder Customs provided ample body armor, and Rigid Industries provided exterior LED lighting. Inside, a Z Automotive JL module allows the driver to recalibrate the electronics on the fly. An Alpine audio system provides music, and a Warn winch is on hand should an extraction be required.
’69 Dodge Charger
Submitted By: Rick Fragnoli
This ’69 Dodge is built for performance, starting with the 6.2L Hemi Hellcat under the hood. It’s equipped with Kooks’ Headers and a 3-in. exhaust, and an ATI Performance Products damper helps to smooth out internal vibrations. The Dodge rides on a KW coil-over suspension and rolls on CCW Wheels rims and Pirelli P-Zero tires, with the combination damped by Brembo brake components. Inside, Moore and Giles Leather seating and G-Force Racing Gear harnesses keep occupants comfortable and secure. The exterior features custom one-off bodywork, and the Charger is coated with custom PPG Strangler Green paint.
’21 Rat Rod “Excalibur”
Submitted By: Sean Puz
A ground-up custom sporting aluminum bodywork, this one-off utilizes an aluminum link suspension equipped with Ohlin coil-over shocks. An AED Competition carburetor handles intake duties, while a Stainless Works exhaust handles the spent gases and Derale Performance cooling components keep the engine under control. Power flows to a Frankland Racing rearend, which turns a set of Hoosier tires on Vahlco rims guided by steering components from ididit and Borgeson. Additional support for the build came from Baileigh Industrial, Toolco and Bob Lipinski Racing.
’19 Ford F-150 SuperCrew
Submitted By: Don Sneddon
Standing atop a set of Mickey Thompson Baja Pro XS tires wrapped around OMF bead-lock rims, this Ford rides on a Bulletproof Suspension kit that’s supplemented by Atlas replacement springs and King shocks. Exterior mods abound, including parts sourced from KC HiLites, Bushwacker, Go Rhino and AMP Research. The F-150’s engine is aided by an aFe intake, and Duval Off-Road Designs provided additional build assistance.
’50 Chevrolet Suburban
Submitted By: Zac Love/Love Kustoms
This restomodded Chevy sits on a RideTech suspension and rolls down the road on BFGoodrich tires and US Mags wheels. Under the hood, Edelbrock parts handle the intake, while the exhaust is comprised of MagnaFlow and Pypes components. Flex-a-lite aids with cooling, and a Visual Impact 6061 drive belt kit keeps the motor-driven ancillaries functioning properly. Inside the cab, parts from Vintage Air, Classic Instruments and Lokar bring new-tech performance with an old-school look, and Bed Wood & Parts flooring enhances the aesthetics. Hagan Street Rod Necessities provided exterior trim, and the Chevy sports PPG off-white and candy-brown paint with custom graphics.
’67 Chevrolet Camaro
Submitted By: Jeremy Miranda
Rolling on Michelin tires and ADv1 rims, this Chevy sits on a Roadster Shop SPEC chassis and is halted by Wilwood brakes. Under the hood, a GM LS3 that’s equipped with a Magnacharger TVS2300 supercharger and a Concept 1 front-drive kit sends power to a 9-in. rearend. Inside the custom interior by Avant-Garde Design, Auto Meter gauges monitor engine vitals, Vintage Air provides climate control, Alpine and KL audio components deliver crisp sounds, and Speartech harnesses keep passengers secure. Outside, the Chevy has been treated to a coat of lustrous PPG paint.
’64 Chevrolet Corvette
Submitted By: Kyle Kuhnhausen
This Ballistic Beige ’64 rides on an Art Morison chassis and is powered by an LT4 engine and a 4L75 transmission engaged by a Lokar shifter. Michelin tires and Forgeline wheels comprise the rolling stock, JRI shocks damp the ride, and Wilwood discs slow it down. Inside, parts from Auto Meter, Sparco and Dakota Digital provide functional upgrades. ARP supplied the fasteners, C&R Cooling assists under the hood, and K&N filters help keep the engine free of contaminants. Prismatic Powders provided powdercoating, and Axalta paint and Cerakote ceramic coating keep the exterior looking like new.
’72 Ford Bronco
Submitted By: Maxlider Brothers
Finalists at last year’s Battle of the Builders, this team returned this year with this ’72 two-door. A Ford Performance 5.0L Coyote sends motive power to a Bowler racing transmission and an Atlas II transfer case, which helps turn BFGoodrich tires that are steered by ididit and braked by Wilwood. The interior boasts gauges from Classic Instruments, climate control from Vintage Air, and two-tone seating courtesy of Twin Cities Upholstery. The custom blue paint is from PPG and was applied by the experts at A&B Paint Supply.
’08 GMC Sierra
Submitted By: Jonas Neels
This tall-riding GMC sits atop an custom Machine Tech suspension that’s outfitted with remote-reservoir King coil-over shocks. Under the hood, aFe headers and up pipes assist with exhaust, and Wehrli Custom Fabrication provided the turbo piping. PSC hydro-assist steering makes directing the large tires easier, and
Powerstop brakes bring the truck to a stop. Royal Hooks bumper hooks adorn the front end, and a Gen-Y hitch rests in back. Seating from leatherseats.com provide comfort, and a set of Horn Blasters air horns lets you know when the truck is near.
’20 Jeep Gladiator
Submitted By: Murray Pfaff
The Jeep JT is already a capable vehicle, but a few add-ons can improve power and performance, as “Outkast” shows. The Magnuson supercharger helps the 3.6L to make an estimated 440 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, and the engine gets additional help from an MRT Performance cat-back exhaust. The suspension was replaced by an Eaton Detroit Spring lowered setup, which gets an assist from Hellwig swaybars and Bilstein shocks. Baer brakes bring the Jeep to a stop, and KC HiLites provide illumination. Axiom Graphics designed the wrap and signage, and Katzkin leather trim provides comfort inside.
’71 Ford Ranchero
Submitted By: Randy Borcherding
A division winner at 2019’s Battle of the Builders, this entrant returned for SEMA360 with this Ford that’s sporting a coat of custom-mixed PPG Maroondy Pearl paint. A Ford Performance powertrain gets assistance with components from Holley, Optima, Doug’s Headers and Pypes Exhaust, and the engine stays cool with the aid of Heatshield Products. The truck rolls on a RideTech suspension. Inside, Dakota Digital gauges monitor the engine and electrical system, and Restomod Air keeps the cabin comfortable. A set of Mac’s Tie-Downs resides in the bed, and Sata spray guns assisted in paint application.
’57 Studebaker Roadster
Submitted By: Paul Jurewicz
A Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner last year, this roadster is truly a hybrid car. Its bodywork is a composite that incorporates a ’60 Pontiac nose section and a ’59 Thunderbird hood. The rear sheetmetal was taken from a ’63 Corvair, the trunk uses parts sourced from an ’88 Quattro wagon, and the headlights are courtesy of Harley-Davidson. (The Studebaker windshield was retained, however.) House of Kolor Sunrise Pearl paint provides visual dazzle, and other components found in the build come from MSD, Ron Francis Wiring, Diamondback Tires, Griffin, Weld and Wilwood.
’64 IH Loadstar 1700
Submitted By: Rod Neilson
This unique forward-cab, which is coated in Sherwin-Williams candy orange and silver paint, rides on a set of Mickey Thompson tires that are braked by a Wilwood disc kit. An AEM cold-air intake aids the engine with aspiration, while an RCI fuel cell stores the go juice that’s delivered via an Aeromotive fuel pump. Painless Wiring provides an electrical upgrade, and Flaming River components handle the steering chores. Inside, Arc Audio and JW speakers supply tunes on demand, Dakota Digital gauges monitor underhood functions, and parts from Energy Suspension help ensure that the ride is quiet and rattle-free.
’63 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova
Submitted By: Zip Simons
This silver and matte-grey ’63 runs a Dart Industries 427 stroker that’s outfitted with Brodix heads and an Eddie Motorsports serpentine drive belt, and it’s backed by a Tremec T56 transmission that sends power to the Michelin tires wrapped around Forgeline wheels. Suspension is courtesy of TCI Engineering, with the aid of QA1 coil-over shocks. Inside, a Vintage Air climate system keeps passengers cool on hot days, and Dakota Digital gauges keep an eye on the underhood activity. The exterior has a number of nice touches, including door hinges from Ringbrothers.
’70 Chevrolet K20
Submitted By: Darren Sammartino
A multi-year project, this Grabber Blue 3/4-ton runs a swapped-in ’92 Cummins 12-valve diesel that works in tandem with an Industrial Injection fuel pump, a K&N intake, a Mishimoto radiator and an MBRP 3-in. exhaust. Backing it are a Getrag 360M transmission and an NP 205 transfer case. A Dana 60 front and a 14-bolt rear turn RBP Cobra bead locks and Interco Cobalt tires. KC HiLites provide illumination, and a Smittybilt winch residing in a Chassis Unlimited bumper can provide extraction. Interior upgrades include products from Auto Meter, BS Sand Seats and Hornblasters.
’70 Chevrolet Chevelle
Submitted By: Cary Kissner
This ’70 packs a punch underhood, starting with the Borowski Race Engines LS7 sporting All Pro heads and a custom billet serpentine system. It’s topped by a Whipple 2.9 supercharger and backed by a Hughes Custom 4L80E transmission that sends power to a Dana 60 rear that’s equipped with a Positraction limited-slip. The vehicle rides on a custom-powdercoated Art Morrison chassis that’s outfitted with a JRI coil-over suspension. Chip Foose rims and Hankook tires comprise the rolling stock. Inside, components from Alpine, Dakota Digital and Vintage Air are on hand, as is pushbutton start and keyless entry.
’59 Pontiac Bonneville
Submitted By: Christian Borucki
Wearing a coat of Riviera Blue paint, this classic ’59 rests atop a one-off Art Morrison chassis that hosts a LS376 engine sporting a Flowmaster exhaust and backed by a 4L70 automatic transmission. Power flows to a Strange 9-in. rearend that turns American Racing rims and BFGoodrich tires. Wilwood disc brakes reside at all four corners, and the wheels are turned courtesy of ididit steering components. The suspension is coil-overs in front and a four-link in the back. Redline Lumtronix LED headlights light up the road, Ogden Chrome lends exterior shine, and Rockford Fosgate audio components provide on-road entertainment inside.
’68 Chevrolet Camaro
Submitted By: Cody Medeisis
Built to race, this ’68 Camaro is equipped a Dart SHP short-block that’s outfitted with Frankenstein Monster-series heads, a Crower camshaft and hydraulic lifters, JE Pistons, a Holley throttle body, a Vortech V-7 YSi-B Supercharger and a custom stainless-steel exhaust equipped with MagnaFlow mufflers and Granatelli Motorsports exhaust cutouts. A Pro Series 5.5 Powerglide transmission transfers power to a modified 9-in. rearend. Mickey Thompson tires and wheels are braked by Wilwood discs and located by QA1 suspension components. Other performance parts include products from Aeromotive, ATI Performance, Derale and Optima.
’20 Jeep Gladiator 6x6
Submitted By: Graham Adams
Designed for serious backcountry travel, this Gladiator 6x6 conversion is home to some crucial parts for overlanding, including a Warn winch, Road Armor bumpers, Maxtrax safety mats, Factor 55 recovery gear, a Cascadia tent, a Viair portable air compressor, and Lock’erDown storage solutions. A Jamo Performance exhaust helps with aspiration under the hood. The Jeep’s suspension receives an assist from a set of Fox remote-reservoir coil-over shocks, and the lift accommodates a set of big Black Rhino wheels. KC HiLites provided auxiliary lighting, a Kicker audio system resides in the cab, Hornblasters air horns make a loud statement, and Keg Media supplied the original rendering.
’78 Chevrolet C10
Submitted By: Finish Line Speed Shop
This purple and white square body is home to a massive array of performance parts, starting with a Fi-Tech-injected LS engine that replicates an original small-block. It’s equipped with a Crower cam and a set of Hedman ceramic-coated headers, and it’s backed by a 4L65 automatic transmission. The vehicle rides on an AccuAir air suspension system that utilizes QA1 components, and Budnik wheels and Toyo Tires grace the wheelwells. The custom black/aluminum interior is home to an 800-watt Kicker sound system, and extensive sheetmetal work is abundant throughout. Other performance products incorporated into the build include parts sourced from B&M, Eaton, Trans-Dapt and Painless Wiring.
’50 Ford Panel Truck
Submitted By: Shannon Waltz
Used originally by a bakery for deliveries of fresh bread, this ’50 panel has been reborn as a one-of-a-kind restomod. Under the hood is a Cummins 4BT diesel four-cylinder backed by a TH400 automatic transmission. Power flows to a narrowed Ford 9-in. rearend, which is located by a triangulated four-link. The front suspension was grafted from a Mustang II, and disc-braked Detroit Steel wheels reside at all four corners. An Accuair air suspension with CVT management is also in the mix, as are custom glass and moldings from Service Auto Glass and a headliner and custom leather seating from J&J Upholstery.
’33 Ford Coupe
Submitted By: Greg Friedrich
Small in size, this ’33 Ford is big on power, thanks to a 541 Chevy big-block that runs an 8/71 supercharger as well as performance parts from Holley, Weiand, Aeromotive, Eddie Motorsports and Fragola Performance Systems. Backing the massive mill is a 700-R4 automatic that transfers power to a Winters quick-change rearend. The front suspension is from Kugel’s, while the three-link rear was custom fabricated. Afco double-adjustable coil-overs at all four corners damp the ride, and Brembo GTR brakes provide stopping power. The Ford rolls on a custom-fabbed chassis from Gizmo’s Custom Car Shop.
’03 Nissan 350Z
Submitted By: Kerry Brown
A Formula Drift competitor, this 350Z is equipped with a Vortech supercharger, AFR cylinder heads, CP Carrillo pistons and Callies connecting rods as well as an ARE dry-sump lubrication system and a Nitrous Outlet NO2 system. A MoTec 150 ECU works in tandem with a MoTec PDM 30 power distribution module to send engine output to an RTS 6XD sequential transmission and a Winters quick-change rearend. The GT Radial tires are halted by Powerstop brakes, and the ride is damped by a Wisefab racing suspension and Feal coil-over shocks. Inside, Sabalt seats keep the driver comfortable, and a quick-release NRG steering wheel directs the car.
’57 Chevrolet Bel Air
Submitted By: John Wargo
Mixing the classic and the contemporary, this ’57 sports a GM Performance 406 under the hood. It’s been bored and stroked and fitted with a Vortech supercharger and a set of Hooker headers. A Bowler-prepped automatic resting behind the engine turns Billet Specialties wheels and BFGoodrich tires that are stopped by Wilwood discs. The chassis was boxed and smoothed to accommodate a custom four-link suspension that uses Alton coil-over shocks. Inside the Enduratex-adorned interior is a Sony audio system, and the bodywork has been coated in ProSpray orange pearl paint.
’20 Jeep Gladiator
Submitted By: Kim Tremelling
This Gladiator can work as well as four-wheel, as evidenced by the Truck Covers USA roll cover/rack-mount system atop the truck bed. A Yakima rack lends extra space for cargo, Road Armor bumpers provide protection and style, and a Warn winch rests inside the front bumper in the event of the need for extraction. The suspension gets a boost from a set of King shock absorbers, and Toyo Tires ride on Fifteen 52 cast-alloy wheels.
’15 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Submitted By: Jorge Geo Ramos Jr.
You’d think 707 hp would be plenty for most, but this SRT ups the ante with a host of underhood performance parts. A BWoody cold-air intake handles the inhalation duties, and a Fore Fuel pump and a set of Injection Dynamics injectors keep the cylinders fed with VP Racing Fuels X85 racing gas. A Nitrous Outlet NO2 system is on hand for still more oomph, and a BMR ice tank keeps intercooler temps down during races. All that power turns (smokes?) a set of Mickey Thompson tires mounted on Race Star wheels.
’05 Subaru WRX-STi/WRC
Submitted By: Mike Pateras
Built to drift, this WRX sports a full wide-body conversion utilizing custom-fabricated body panels and interior cage work. The 2.8L engine sports a Garrett G35 GTX Gen II turbocharger with an intercooler, a Turbosmart 45mm wastegate, a Race Port blow-off valve and an ALV 40 anti-lag valve. It’s kept cool by a C&R Custom radiator, and the six-speed transmission uses a Tilton Engineering cerametallic clutch. The car runs a Cusco USA Competition Zero3X coil-over suspension and is halted by a set of Essex/AP Racing brakes. Inside, a six-point harness keeps the driver in place during high-g cornering.
’69 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS
Submitted By: Luis Zschocke
This classic Camaro gets its motive power from a Holley-fed GM Performance Parts 396 V8 that’s been outfitted with a Comp cam and is assisted by Mallory electrical components. Power is transferred to a set of BFGoodrich tires wrapped around Vintage Wheels rims. Inside the cab, many of the original components such as lap belts are still utilized, but many other have been replaced by OE replacement parts, including a Vintage Air HVAC system and a Classic Industries steering wheel, while a Hurst shifter engages the four-speed transmission. Outside, the vehicle sports Pilkington glass and coat of Glasurit BASF Hugger Orange paint.
’67 Chevrolet Nova SS
Submitted By: Mike Rutter
Originally planned as a straight-up resto, this Arctic White ’67 evolved over time into a complete ground-up restomod. The car sits on an Art Morrison chassis, and between the framerails rests an engine bay sporting components from Holley, MSD, Flowmaster and SPAL Automotive. A Currie-built rearend sports a PML diff cover and spins BFGoodrich tires that are slowed by Wilwood brakes and steered by Flaming River components. Inside, parts from Vintage Air, Classic Instruments and Lokar bring new technology to classic iron, and the paint came courtesy of Axalta.
’03 Ford F-250 XLT 4x4
Submitted By: ProTech Industries
Wearing a custom wrap, this build makes an already-capable 4x4 an even more versatile performer on-road and off. The stock PowerStroke engine and drivetrain were left alone in favor of a raft of exterior parts from ProTech Industries, including the aluminum flatbed that utilizes 6061 T6 alloy crossmembers. Also riding in the back are a set of underbody boxes, a dog box, storage boxes for tools, rear fenders, running boards and a removable and configurable lumber rack with an integrated storage basket. A Warn M12-S winch provides entrée into the far backcountry, and the Ford’s front end has been retrofitted to accommodate a set of Warn premium manual-locking hubs.
’70 Plymouth Sport Satellite
Submitted By: Randy Weaver
This pristine ’70’s exterior sports a number of unique touches, including a custom hood, custom bumpers and flush-mounted glass. Under the hood sits an engine that’s been equipped with a Texas Speed cam, Speed Engineering headers, K&N filters and Flowmaster exhaust. Electrical upgrades are afforded by American Autowire, and a fuel tank from Rick’s Tanks provides extra fuel. The suspension comes courtesy of RideTech coil-overs, with tires sourced from Mickey Thompson and brakes from Wilwood. Inside, Dakota Digital gauges monitor engine functions, and a Kicker audio system provides entertainment.
’68 Ford Mustang
Submitted By: Tony Arme
Want to stand out in crowded stable of musclecars? Try swapping in a twin-turbo Ferrari V8 sourced from an F430 and mate it to a T56 transmission and a 9-in. rearend. Suspension chores are handled by RideTech coil-overs and a four-link rear, while Wilwood brakes stop the Toyo R888R tires mounted on Avant Garde rims. Additional underhood upgrades are from Holley, AEM, Odyssey, Heatshield Products and Vibrant Performance. Inside the cab, Vintage Air provides cooling and Dakota Digital gauges keep an eye on the F430. Outside, the largely custom bodywork has been treated to a coating of Glasurit BASF Silver paint.
’19 Ram 1500 Sport
Submitted By: Jared Grossman
This Ram rides on a Superlift suspension that clears a set of 20-in. Rebel Racing Off Road wheels and 38-in. Atturo Trail Blade Boss tires that are halted by an R1 Concepts brake kit. Beefy Magnum bumpers ride at both ends of the truck, with Grote light bars and custom Hercule LED headlights providing illumination. The truck is covered in a Radioactive Green vinyl wrap from Avery-Dennison, and other sources for the build include Rhino Linings, Tonno Pro, Billet Badges, Katzkin and QuietRide Solutions.
