Howards Aluminum Rods

History of Howard's Aluminum Rods and Components

Howard's "Twin Bear"
(Click to enlarge)

The company was founded by Howard Johansen as Howard's Power & Racing Equipment, as a manufacturer of racing cams in 1945. Howard was the first to produce a forged aluminum rod for racing in 1957, which were first used in the famous Howard "Twin Bear" dragster. He was a great innovator and was responsible for many racing engind components still used today.

Howard and his wife, Elizabeth retired in 1965 and turned the business over to his oldest son, Jerry, who ran the company until his untimely death from cancer in 1985. Jerry was considered one of the top engine turners of his day, and along with Don Madden, ran a series of "Howard Cam Rattler" and "Howard Cam Special" top fuel cars out of the shop as test beds for new products. He wa primarily responsible for the great popularity and performance of the top Fuel Big Block Chevy dragsters and funny cars of the late 1970's and 1980's. He was also the irst person to produce a special camshaft for blown alcohol engines that provided a giant lead forward in performance and horsepower. That basic cam timing is still used today!

Howard's "Cam Rattler"
(Click to enlarge)

Howard's "Cam Special"
(Click to enlarge)

After Jerry's death in 1985, the company was split into two divisions with youngest son, Bob Johansen taking over the aluminum rod division. In April 2001, Roger McMartin, after working at Childs & Albert and Arias Pistons, for a combined 25 years, purchased half of the company.

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Howard's Aluminum Rods and Components
10116 South Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90003
(323) 755-1168
(323) 755-1936 fax
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