By Cristian Gonzalez

SEMA Show attendees seeking to sharpen and tune their knowledge and skills within the industry should explore the many programs offered by SEMA Education. This Show feature comprises courses designed to develop new skills, inform industry members and foster business strategies in an engaging classroom setting at the Las Vegas Convention Center during Show Week. Most sessions are included with your SEMA Show registration at no extra cost, providing unmatched value for attendees seeking to expand their expertise. Not yet registered? Qualified individuals can register for their SEMA Show badge in just a few steps at semashow.com/register.

Understandably, some attendees may hesitate to leave the Show floor, but SEMA classes and seminars are worth their time in gold, and most are only an hour long, so you can get right back into the action. In addition, several educational experiences and activations can be found in key Show areas, so it's a good idea to check out the many options. SEMA Education runs a three-day schedule, from Tuesday, November 4, to Thursday, November 6. A full schedule and breakdown of all the tracks and sessions are available at SEMAShow.com/Education.

Additionally, for 2025, SEMA Education returns to its traditional venue in the North Hall, a centralized location easily accessed from any point at the convention center. "It's going to be a lot easier to get to than last year, and we want to encourage aftermarket attendees as well as exhibitors to come, learn something that can advance their professional and business growth, and leverage that content in the coming year," says Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development, who heads the education program.

Previously, many SEMA courses came with a registration fee. However, "This year, Education is doing something different," says Vigil. "SEMA has always encouraged learning and self-advancement through education, so this year, we are making all sessions within our eight tracks free to encourage more attendees to take advantage of these educational opportunities."

SEMA Show Education courses keep attendees engaged through qualified instructors who interact with the class, along with hands-on technical sessions.

EDUCATION TRACKS

Each SEMA education session falls under one of eight tracks. These tracks categorize sessions according to subject matter, allowing attendees to more easily find programs that fit their interests. Take a look and see which tracks catch your attention to begin planning your Show education schedule.

• Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends: An abbreviated track with two thought-provoking sessions, this category offers a fast way to learn about the current state of the specialty-equipment market and the long-/short-term impacts of top trends. If you want to give yourself the intellectual tools to understand the automotive aftermarket and see where your business can be affected by future changes, these sessions should not be missed.
• Emerging and Executive Leadership: Sessions under this track heading cater to current and emerging industry leaders. Returning this year to assist is the Dale Carnegie organization, which will teach attendees how to listen and communicate to a workforce encompassing differing generations. Also, the SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium returns this year with a new format "designed to empower leaders with the skills, mindset and strategies needed to drive exceptional performance within their teams and organizations." Explore these and other leadership-development courses offered under this track.
• Inside the Shop: Trucks, hot rods, off-road vehicles, tires and wheels--whatever you work on, this track is all about what goes on in your shop. In these sessions, panels of technicians, shop managers and builders discuss current trends and challenges you might be contending with in your shop. (Also, be prepared to see big names announced for these panels soon.)
• Legislative and Regulatory: The Trump Administration has shaken up the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approach to regulating automotive emissions. These track sessions aim to clarify changes and misconceptions in emissions compliance under a Trump presidency. Discover how to manage risks, ensure compliance and drive business success by hearing from experts from all sides: manufacturers, distributors, retailers and regulators.
• Sales and Marketing: This track features some of the Show's most popular education sessions, focused on advancing your business through targeted social-media strategies. Learn how to engage your audience using platforms like Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, and gain insights from top industry sales and marketing experts. Whether you're looking to generate buzz for your brand or build a marketing plan for your repair shop, there's a session for you.
• Small Business Strategy: Find hacks and tools to help you grow your small business with these track programs aimed at small mom-and-pop shops and up-and-coming companies alike. Learn how to leverage AI, cloud computing and entrepreneurial operating systems (EOS), or how to run a functional family business while avoiding a feud. SEMA is always seeking to help small businesses take the next step. With 12 sessions available, this is the most comprehensive track in the SEMA Education program and something every small-business owner should consider leveraging.
• Talent Management: Just as skills and knowledge evolve with the market, so does SEMA Education. Last year, courses under this header were highly popular with attendees, who voiced that they would like to see even more topics. Vigil says the team is always listening to such feedback, and is happy to build on the clear appeal of the talent-management track. "These sessions focus on hiring and retaining young talent in the automotive industry through training, management and motivation," Vigil explains. "It's all about turning your team into a well-run machine."
• Vehicle Technology: Vehicle technology is becoming increasingly complex, making it tricky to repair, upgrade or modify consumer vehicles. These sessions aim to help aftermarket players stay up to date on the latest changes in advanced fuels and powertrains, suspension technology, and even advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

SEMA Show Education sessions are content-heavy, so savvy attendees are sure to bring a notepad. 

PARTNERED PROGRAMS

SEMA Education also features tracks in partnership with third-party entities, adding more supporting sessions to the program. These outside organizations include the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)--all of which broaden the range of the Show's specialized courses.

I-CAR will host hands-on MIG welding courses, as well as courses on safety protocols for working on electric vehicles with high-voltage systems. Additionally, with ADAS becoming more prevalent in modern vehicles, modifying or repairing these newer cars often require correctly working with ADAS hardware.

"This training is essential for technicians who want to ensure ADAS-equipped vehicles are repaired accurately, enhancing vehicle safety and restoring critical functions. You'll leave with practical strategies to diagnose and correct ADAS calibration failures while ensuring compliance with OEM guidelines," according to I-CAR.

You can also take advantage of I-CAR's two-course bundles to save on registration fees. 

Meanwhile, Show attendees in the wheel and tire industry will find great value in any of the TIA courses. Not only is TIA offering technical programs, but the organization is also leading courses that can help tire retailers protect themselves from liability with a 10-step defense outline in the event of customer lawsuits. TIA seminars also will teach attendees how to navigate the current employment market and retain talent in the tire segment.

SCRS's programs are densely packed with materials for anyone in the collision repair industry, especially if you're trying to put your business on a path of maximum efficiency, gain an online presence, view incoming trends and technologies and so much more. Register for SCRS sessions or purchase an SCRS full-series pass before September 26 for significant savings.

Don't wait to secure your 2025 SEMA Show badge. Qualified individuals can register for their place at the Show right now at semashow.com/register for just $75. And you don't want to wait—prices will go up before the event.

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

The "2025 SEMA Market Report"--your go-to source for the insights shaping what's next for the aftermarket--is now available for download. While market conditions evolve rapidly, understanding fundamental consumer spending patterns and category preferences remains your most powerful competitive weapon.

What's Inside the "2025 SEMA Market Report"

• 2024 Consumer Spending Analysis
• Industry Size and Scope Breakdown
• Vehicle Modification Patterns - What consumers are buying
• Regional Market Performance
• Category Growth Indicators - Which segments are accelerating

Go Deeper During Our Live Virtual Event on Thursday, July 10

Scheduled for Thursday, July 10, at 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT, SEMA's market research team will host a LIVE webinar to help you unlock the "why" behind the numbers and provide the opportunity for you to ask your most pressing questions.

What You'll Get:

• Live Expert Analysis: Industry specialists break down key findings
• Q&A Session: Direct access to report authors and market analysts
• Competitive Intelligence: Insights your non-member competitors won't access

Click here for more information or to register for the webinar.

By SEMA News Editors

The "2025 SEMA Market Report"--your go-to source for the insights shaping what's next for the aftermarket--is now available for download. While market conditions evolve rapidly, understanding fundamental consumer spending patterns and category preferences remains your most powerful competitive weapon.

What's Inside the "2025 SEMA Market Report"

• 2024 Consumer Spending Analysis
• Industry Size and Scope Breakdown
• Vehicle Modification Patterns - What consumers are buying
• Regional Market Performance
• Category Growth Indicators - Which segments are accelerating

Go Deeper During Our Live Virtual Event on Thursday, July 10

Scheduled for Thursday, July 10, at 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT, SEMA's market research team will host a LIVE webinar to help you unlock the "why" behind the numbers and provide the opportunity for you to ask your most pressing questions.

What You'll Get:

• Live Expert Analysis: Industry specialists break down key findings
• Q&A Session: Direct access to report authors and market analysts
• Competitive Intelligence: Insights your non-member competitors won't access

Click here for more information or to register for the webinar.

From the Washington, D.C., office

SEMA recently shared the automotive aftermarket industry's important perspective on advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technology with congressional lawmakers looking at motor-vehicle safety and the work of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At a June 26 hearing, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) discussed issues related to motor-vehicle safety, including owners' rights to repair, modify and calibrate the vehicles they own, along with the regulation of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and ADAS.  

To reinforce SEMA's position as the leading voice for the automotive aftermarket industry, SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola submitted a statement for the record that stressed the importance of engaging with our sector on these issues, particularly as ADAS becomes more ubiquitous with the vehicles on the road.  

"SEMA members and vehicle owners face a growing challenge: they lack clear pathways to maintain the safety and performance integrity of ADAS from production through post-sale service, repair and modification," Spagnola wrote. "This includes ensuring vehicles remain safe and reliable after undergoing changes, including ADAS calibration. Even simple modifications, such as adding bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, adding a winch to the front bumper, and lifting a vehicle--which is especially important for driving off-road--can impact the sensors and cameras that make up ADAS." 

Spagnola's statement outlines several significant challenges that the automotive aftermarket faces in modifying and customizing vehicles with ADAS features, along with potential solutions for Congress to consider: 

• Automakers do not share ADAS calibration information, data and testing procedures/information.  
• Vehicle manufacturers are not required to provide full vehicle lifecycle support for ADAS, including instructions, application guides, proper mounting or functionality tolerances or the access needed to safely make modifications.  

This presents a challenge to correctly and safely calibrate ADAS and ensure optimal performance after basic, common modifications, such as installing larger tires and wheels, lift kits, lowering kits, bumpers, grills, push bars, light bars, bike racks, and winches. 

U.S. Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Neal Dunn (R-FL) questioned witnesses from across the industry, including representatives from the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute, and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, on whether the aftermarket has the data and information they need to work on and customize modern vehicles, including those with ADAS. The hearing presented a critical opportunity to shape vehicle policies that impact the majority of specialty aftermarket businesses and the majority of vehicle owners.  

Questions? Please reach out to Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock  

From the Washington, D.C., office

SEMA recently shared the automotive aftermarket industry's important perspective on advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technology with congressional lawmakers looking at motor-vehicle safety and the work of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At a June 26 hearing, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) discussed issues related to motor-vehicle safety, including owners' rights to repair, modify and calibrate the vehicles they own, along with the regulation of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and ADAS.  

To reinforce SEMA's position as the leading voice for the automotive aftermarket industry, SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola submitted a statement for the record that stressed the importance of engaging with our sector on these issues, particularly as ADAS becomes more ubiquitous with the vehicles on the road.  

"SEMA members and vehicle owners face a growing challenge: they lack clear pathways to maintain the safety and performance integrity of ADAS from production through post-sale service, repair and modification," Spagnola wrote. "This includes ensuring vehicles remain safe and reliable after undergoing changes, including ADAS calibration. Even simple modifications, such as adding bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, adding a winch to the front bumper, and lifting a vehicle--which is especially important for driving off-road--can impact the sensors and cameras that make up ADAS." 

Spagnola's statement outlines several significant challenges that the automotive aftermarket faces in modifying and customizing vehicles with ADAS features, along with potential solutions for Congress to consider: 

• Automakers do not share ADAS calibration information, data and testing procedures/information.  
• Vehicle manufacturers are not required to provide full vehicle lifecycle support for ADAS, including instructions, application guides, proper mounting or functionality tolerances or the access needed to safely make modifications.  

This presents a challenge to correctly and safely calibrate ADAS and ensure optimal performance after basic, common modifications, such as installing larger tires and wheels, lift kits, lowering kits, bumpers, grills, push bars, light bars, bike racks, and winches. 

U.S. Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Neal Dunn (R-FL) questioned witnesses from across the industry, including representatives from the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute, and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, on whether the aftermarket has the data and information they need to work on and customize modern vehicles, including those with ADAS. The hearing presented a critical opportunity to shape vehicle policies that impact the majority of specialty aftermarket businesses and the majority of vehicle owners.  

Questions? Please reach out to Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock  

Turn 14 Distribution, the industry leader in vehicle aftermarket parts wholesale distribution, just announced that purchases on select brands at Turn 14 Distribution earn points toward a chance at taking home the company's one-of-a-kind Turn 14 Distribution x SuperPro '23 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.
 

From now through November 30, 2025, Turn 14 Distribution customers can earn points toward winning the Sequoia TRD Pro by purchasing products from the following featured brands: SuperPro, aFe Power, Hawk Performance, Firestone Airide, LIQUI MOLY, MagnaFlow, Mickey Thompson, WELD Racing, Baja Designs, sPOD and Rally Armor.
 

At the end of the promotion period, the Top 8 customers with the highest points totals in their respective bracket will be named as finalists. One lucky finalist will drive away in Turn 14 Distribution x SuperPro's head-turning '23 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro SEMA build—a vehicle built for adventure, performance and rugged style.
 

"We're thrilled to offer our customers and partners the chance to take home our '23 Sequoia TRD Pro, a build that reflects the bold spirit of the off-roading community," said Magali Tranié, vice president of marketing at Turn 14 Distribution. "This campaign is our way of saying thank you while highlighting some of the most trusted brands in the industry."

Turn 14 Distribution customers can access more details on this promotion at turn14.com.
 

About Turn 14 Distribution, Inc.

Turn 14 Distribution is the leading, award-winning wholesale distributor of automotive and powersports aftermarket parts in the United States. With strategically located distribution centers, the company provides ground shipping to 100% of continental U.S. dealers within two days. Leveraging proprietary technology, Turn 14 Distribution drives automation, real-time data and innovative logistics to deliver best-in-class service. Privately owned and operated, the company is run by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. Learn more at turn14.com.
 

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show, taking place from November 4–7 in Las Vegas, offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members.

With more than 2,000 exhibitors, the SEMA Show continues to be the place where business gets done. From groundbreaking technology and next-generation tools and products to expert-led education and face-to-face networking, the Show offers everything automotive aftermarket professionals need to stay competitive in today's fast-changing landscape. It's where relationships are built, products are evaluated, strategies are sharpened and opportunities come to life.

Don't wait to secure your 2025 SEMA Show badge. Qualified individuals can register for their place at the Show right now at semashow.com/register for just $75. And you don't want to wait—prices will go up.

Below are seven reasons why you need to secure their registration (available online here and at the bottom of this article) for this year's SEMA Show:

• Exhibitors: Discover the latest product and vehicle trends across dozens of product categories: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Business Services; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace; Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment; Global Tire Expo--Powered by TIA (tires) and Wheels & Accessories; and First-Time and Featured Exhibitors.
• New Products Showcase: Visit the New Products Showcase to discover thousands of the latest exhibitor products displayed in one location of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Use the SEMA Show mobile app's "Product Scanner" feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your app long after the SEMA Show has ended.
• Education: SEMA Show Education is the single most crucial week of the year to power a professional development plan for your business and career. Through sessions and unique, immersive programs that explore the industry's most significant challenges and offer immediate takeaways, there is something for every automotive professional.
• Networking: The SEMA Show is where connections are built—network with exhibitors, industry leaders and VIPs/celebrities from more than 140 countries and regions. Use the Show's mobile app to view lists of all events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances, and speakers, including date, time, and location. In addition, this year's program includes SEMA Council & Networks receptions, happy hours and meetings--all designed to help you advance your business and grow your network. You'll also have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with others in the industry and build meaningful relationships that'll lead to real results and high-quality connections.
• Show Features: The SEMA Show is teeming with the latest innovations and trends, showcased in several dedicated areas like the SEMA Battle of the Builders; the SEMA FutureTech Studio; the outdoors Optima Village; feature vehicle displays; SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions and Product Development; the Collision Repair & Refinish Stage; the Overland Experience; the SEMA Show Art Walk, the new-for-2025 International Pavilion at the Westgate Las Vegas and more to be announced.
• Show Events: Unique events and activations, such as the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, the SEMA Industry Honors now at the iconic Fontainebleau, and vehicle demonstrations, will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite.
• And much more: Of course, attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the best way to boost an automotive professional's business and career path, but be sure to make the most of your time in Vegas with ancillary events like after-hours networking and SEMA Fest, a celebration of motorsports, music and car culture. Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not provide access to SEMA Fest. Visit SEMAFest.com to stay up-to-date and discover when tickets will be available.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $75 per person through September 27. After September 27, registration online or on-site will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show is now accepting submissions to participate in the 2025 Bin Program, which offers automotive publications a simple way to gain mass exposure for their magazine.

Showcase your magazine where it matters--the aftermarket's premier event--and make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to get your magazine in front of the SEMA Show's 160,000-plus attendees and exhibitors.

In exchange for one standard full-page color ad in your publication, participants will get to display and distribute their publication at the 2025 SEMA Show.

Get your magazine seen by thousands of potential subscribers and advertisers; act now and submit your details here.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on July 1, 2025. Submissions for the Bin Program at the 2025 SEMA Show are now closed. Questions? Contact Lynne Johnson, SEMA Marketing Director, Agency and Creative Services, at lynnej@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), one of America's premier resources for the collective vehicle community, has established a new judging class that specifically recognizes Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles.

JDM has proven to be a fast-growing segment of the antique automobile hobby, particularly appealing to younger hobbyists. These vehicles were designed and built exclusively for Japan and never officially imported and sold in America. They are small, reasonably affordable and include unique performance and styling features of interest.  

Examples of JDM cars include the Nissan Figaro, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar, Mazda Autozam AZ-1, Mitsuoka Le-Seyde and many others.

"We're pleased to welcome members with unmodified Japanese domestic vehicles to our national show fields and have already featured them in Antique Automobile magazine. We encourage the new crop of JDM owners to join AACA and enjoy the myriad of membership benefits and camaraderie," said AACA Vice President of Judging Dave Bowman.

AACA defines an "antique" as any 25-year-old-or-older self-propelled vehicle that is intended for passenger use. The non-profit organization based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to the history, maintenance, restoration, judging and enjoyment of any and all such automobiles in the inclusive spirit of sportsmanship and good fellowship.

For more information or to join the AACA, visit aaca.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By Cristian Gonzalez

Over the Past Few Years, Fox Bodies Have Made a Comeback––and the Aftermarket Is Responding With Increasing Ingenuity

They are so back!
 

And who would have thought? The iconic Fox-Body Mustangs of the '80s and early '90s are making a comeback in the restomod arena as well as increasing inroads into pro-touring motorsports.
 

If you attended the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas or the PRI Show in Indianapolis, you might have noticed a more significant Fox-Body presence, signaling a return of these vehicles to the automotive spotlight amid the cultural zeitgeist for all things retro. They are popular once more—but why, and why now?
 

A RETURN TO GLORY DAYS

Fox Bodies have always had a presence in grassroots drag racing. Growing aftermarket interest in the platform is expanding applications to other motorsports. Courtesy of Damon At E3XTREME.
 

The Fox-Body Mustang is the third generation in the Ford Mustang lineage, following the uncelebrated run of the Mustang II. Its manufacturing years were from '79–'93, with a significant change to the front end from a "four-eye" design to the more popular and recognizable aeronose in '87. Rear-end styles encompassed the notchback, hatchback or the less popular convertible. Ford offered such powertrain options as the 2.3L inline-4 Lima and the 3.8L Essex V6; however, it was the 5.0L High Output 302ci V8 that became synonymous with the platform.
 

To better understand the current market and find out what demographic is restomodding Fox Bodies, we contacted Manir Karim, owner of Our Dream Resto Mod, out of Salsbury, North Carolina. The hot-rod shop never labeled itself a Fox-Body specialty shop, but Karim considers himself a fan of the platform. Owning a few in his lifetime gave him the eye and creativity for some pristine builds. Word of the shop's work got around, and now Fox Bodies are their bread and butter.
 

"I would say we've been messing with them on a business level for the last 13 years or so," says Karim. "And definitely from when I first started to now, I'd say the last five years have been crazy as far as popularity."
 

Karim believes nostalgia plays a significant role in the platform's current revival. Most customers bringing in their Fox Bodies are in their 50s and 60s—either original owners or enthusiasts who recently bought the same model they drove in the '80s or '90s to relive the good times with modern upgrades.
 

The extent of vehicle modification has also paralleled the platform's popularity. Fox Bodies have always been easily modifiable cars with strong aftermarket support. But where modifiers were previously apprehensive about putting big money into restomodding them, Karim says that's not the case anymore.
 

"We've done many no-budget Fox-Body builds, which was unheard of because it was almost like you're throwing your money away. People would do it on fastback Mustangs or 'Cudas. Whatever it took, they would fix them, make them nice, but no one would do that with a Fox Body. But we have done quite a few six-figure builds, which in the grand scheme of things in the restoration world isn't much, but for Fox Bodies, it's a lot."
 

Karim, along with every other source for this article, sees the original targeted demographic for this vehicle now at an age where they are monetarily stable enough to invest in their high-school dream cars.
 

With more premium Fox-Body builds making waves, like Holley's pro-touring notchback at the recent SEMA Show, it's a green light for others to follow suit and take it further.
 

THE AFTERMARKET

Originally coming with a four-lug wheel pattern, five-lug conversions were among the first mods to be installed for more wheel options and performance benefits. Courtesy of QA1. 

Several factors make third-gen Mustangs so popular within their restomod circles: their abundance in the secondhand market, their low market cost, aftermarket support, and how relatively simple they are to work on.

Modifiers typically start with five-lug conversions, permitting a wider wheel selection, followed by upgrades that enhance stance and handling, such as suspension and brake improvements. "Getting the stance right and putting a nice set of wheels goes a long way on these cars," expresses Karim.
 

Detroit Speed and Engineering made serious strides in the Fox-Body suspension market at the 2024 SEMA Show as the architect behind Holley Performance's Fox-Body build. (At that time Detroit Speed was under the Holley umbrella, but since has been acquired by QA1.) The performance notchback was Holley's booth vehicle promoting domestic muscle products and garnering favorable attention from attendees. Nathan Peterman, senior product design engineer at Detroit Speed, says with the rise in Fox-Body interest, the company wanted a project vehicle for use as a research and development canvas—a way to test new suspension systems.
 

"They're extremely well supported on a lot of the driveline stuff," says Peterman. "But we saw a hole for high-end-racing and pro-touring-type suspension. There's a lot of suspensions that have been on the market for a long time, but of course, with time you learn new things, and there's ways to improve upon it."
 

Companies like Detroit Speed are making third-gen Mustangs more prevalent in motorsports. While the vehicles have always been present in the drag-racing world, their unibody flex has hindered their cornering performance in other types of racing. But the aftermarket has been catching up to alleviate that trouble, and Detroit Speed has demonstrated the platform is far more capable than previously noticed.
 

The company has different levels of suspension conversions for the front and rear systems, but its notchback project utilizes Detroit Speed's Short Long Arm (SLA) conversion system that incorporates upper and lower control arms with coilovers. According to Peterman, track testing has demonstrated a significant drop in lap times when the front strut setup is exchanged for the new SLA system.

"We got a good chance to do back-to-back, similar weather, fresh tires for both runs on the same racetrack to see how advantageous it is to go to an SLA compared to a max effort strut suspension. We headed up the local track that we use and went from a minute 45 lap to a minute 43, just from the front suspension change."
 

In racing, 2 seconds can feel like an eternity, and when you add a Ford Performance 363 crate engine with a Holley 4150 intake and a Sniper throttle body, you show the performance world that Fox Bodies can hold their own beyond the dragstrip.
 

Peterman and the Detroit team "took it on Power Tour and probably put 8,000 to 10,000 miles on it last year, just driving it on the road to different events. We autocrossed it, we drag-raced it, drove on road courses, and all around it turned out to be a good everything vehicle… We saw a big uptick in road racing and autocross and the street pro touring scene. We wanted to jump on that and ride that wave of popularity on those."
 

When a Fox Body grabs a spotlight in a Holley booth, it's clear the platform isn't just back. It's building prominence. But Holley and Detroit Speed weren't the only ones making a buzz at SEMA with a Fox Body.
 

A NEW FRAMEWORK

Roadster Shop had a unique eye-capturing display at the 2024 SEMA Show to debut their SPEC Chassis for the Fox Body. Courtesy of Eastwood Garage. 

More Fox and a little less Body, Roadster Shop's booth featured a remarkable display debuting their new SPEC Chassis for third-gen Mustangs. The display featured the new chassis bolted to a half-skeletonized body to mock up how their new frame would interact and bolt up to the original subframe.
 

Roadster Shop specializes in aftermarket chassis for both body-on-frame and unibody vehicles, and the SPEC chassis give the unibody cars body-on-frame handling while eliminating the shock towers, allowing more engine bay room and compatibility with popular powertrains.
 

The display certainly grabbed attention and widened some eyes, but just how responsive was the public to the release? Was there much demand for aftermarket products starting at $15,000 for this platform? According to Roadster Shop Co-Founder Jeremy Gerber, demand has indeed made the chassis a hot commodity.
 

Gerber explains that when they unveil a new product, it's typically a slow rollout. It's never a floodgate of overwhelming demand. However, "This particular product was the closest thing I could say we've experienced [to instant demand]. Honestly, I was shocked by the reaction and by how many initial sales we got… Right out of the gate, it's a pretty damn good performing product."
 

Roadster Shop didn't time the market for this release, but Gerber believes this phase in the platform's aftermarket growth was bound to explode based on its history. "It's not like it just came out of nowhere," he says. "It's been a popular car that people modify ever since its inception. It has a huge fan base… So I don't think we necessarily timed it to when the car became popular. I think we timed it so the right demographics are now getting to the point that they're willing to spend a little bit more money than in years past."
 

A GROWING FUTURE

Detroit Speed and Engineering's notchback Fox Body received prominent display in Holley's booth at the 2024 SEMA Show. Courtesy of Eastwood Garage.

The aftermarket future looks bright for Fox Bodies. "I think it's just getting started," asserts Gerber, noting that the demand for higher-end level builds will increase. Shops like Our Dream are already making great strides with his new frame.
 

Karim had ordered the SPEC chassis for a client with an '81 T-top coupe and has big plans for the project. He hopes to show more consumers that a high-end Fox Body build is worth pursuing. "We're going to flush fit all the glass… And then we're going to [build] a pretty wild coyote. Hopefully, [we'll get] a four-digit car with more than 1,000 hp. We have some ideas on the body. We might do some unique engine bay stuff since the Roadster Shop chassis gives us a blank canvas for the engine compartment."
 

New products like the SPEC Chassis and Detroit's SLA system are opening new opportunities for Fox-Body builders and, as Karim expressed, offering a new slate for higher-end builds in a market seeking more from the platform. So, what's next?
 

Having built numerous Fox-Body Mustangs and being familiar with their stock and modified architecture, Karim hopes to see more support in exhaust systems. "There's tons of exhaust systems for these cars," he says, "but there's not an exhaust system that goes from the headers back that fits. Usually, this company will make a great header. That company will make a great mid-pipe, and then this company will make a great cat-back. But when you try to put it all together, you have to modify something to get it to fit nicely."

For Gerber, higher-end bodywork is a gap that has yet to be filled in these builds. That could very well change in the coming years as more products are released for the platform, encouraging top-tier, SEMA Battle of the Builders-level vehicles.
 

Josh Stamper, vice president of marketing and new product development for SS Tubes, is familiar with the platform, having developed a two-piece fuel-line system that works around aftermarket subframe connectors for the third-gen. Stamper agrees we'll see significant movement with the body of these Mustangs in the coming years and predicts the Fox-Body aftermarket will soon mirror that of the first-generation Mustangs in some aspect.
 

He explained that with companies like Roadster Shop now offering complete chassis, a growing market for reproduction body panels—similar to what exists for late-'60s Mustangs—is likely to follow. Stamper concludes, "I think with Fox Bodies, in the next 10 years, we'll be able to purchase a brand-new shell and custom panels. I think they'll be that popular."