MAGAZINE • VOL.
18 NO.
4 • CANADA
Ford Motor Company Trademarks and Trade Dress used under license to Mothers, Inc.
PIM
PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY Late Model, Classic & Muscle Cars
E VERYB O DY ’ S AUTO M OTIVE MAGA ZINE
The Best Garage in Town
Published Oddly VOL.18 NO.4
Publisher Editor Writer Proofreader
Bob McJannett Rob McJannett Bonnie Staring Carol “Spike” LaVigne
Contributors Kenny Kroeker Mark Rogerson Jim Madigan Dave Thomas
Tom Hough
FEATURES Editorial............................................................................. Bob McJannett
5
Resurrecting a 1958 Chevy Fleetside ............. Bob McJannett
6
Fastest Batteries in the World................................................ Len Sly
9
519-753-9722 14 Dundas St. E, Brantford, Ont. N3R 1R5
Drift Jam 2018...................................................... Ash & Dave Thomas 10 Speed Parts........................................................................................ Len Sly
12
AVS2 Carbs............................................................... Thomas Anderson 15 ELTA & the Big Go Drags...........................................Mark Rogerson 16 Book Review: LS GEN IV ENGINES ...................................... Len Sly 2 5 Aeromotive Gen II Stealth Fuel Tanks..... Thomas Anderson 26 Ron Dolson R.I.P........................................................... Bob McJannett 28 Unreluctant Passenger............................................. Bonnie Staring 30
ON THE COVER: Kenny Kroeker captured the hedquarters of the Disciples of Speed before hauling ass at the ELTA Go Big Drags!
MOVING? Please let us know! Email both your old and new address to: info@performanceimprovements.com Performance in Motion Publications, 87 Advance Road, Toronto, ON M8Z 2S6 • Phone: 416-259-3678 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40609642 • Canada Post: Please return undeliverable magazines to: 87 Advance Road, Toronto, ON M8Z 2S6 PERFORMANCE IN MOTION is published irregularly. Circulation is 30,000+ (ISSN 1703-8421) Performance in Motion Copyright ©2018 by Performance In Motion Publishing. 87 Advance Road, Toronto, ON M8Z 2S6. Be good to the environment, recycle this magazine – give it to your friends! We respect your privacy, and do not sell our mailing list. If you enjoy our magazine, be sure to let us know! All opinions are those of our writers, (the usual gang of idiots) most of whom think gas fumes are acceptable as aftershave. The information presented is via said gas sniffers from which there can be no responsibility by the Publishers as to legality, completeness and accuracy. Working on automobiles is inherently dangerous. Performance Improvements is not liable for injury or damage due to incorrect installation or use of their products. All products are sold with the understanding that the safe and proper installation and use of the products is the customer’s responsibility. Follow factory workshop manual procedures and instructions. Some tasks will require professional advice or services which Performance Improvements cannot provide.
•
www.PerformanceImprovements.com
3
4
Performance in MOTION
Editorial
Photo by Daniel Joseph Petty from Pexels
No
matter what you want to call it, the “new” USMCA, NAFTA 2.0, or MWOTH (My way or the highway) agreement will have interesting consequences for us “car guys and girls.” Our negotiators, particularly Chrystia Freeland, spent 13 months wrangling with an untenable adversary who was determined to get their way. In the end, we appear to have achieved most of the concessions that were possible. The dairy access that the dairy farmers don’t want or like can be deflected if we all remember to BUY CANADIAN! So, what does this mean to the enthusiast, two things will affect us. The U.S. has not removed the tariffs on steel or aluminum, so products that have a large portion of either of those two in them will cause the manufacturer to require a price increase. But it is the U.S. putting tariffs on us, why would the American manufacturers have to worry? Surprisingly, a fair amount of our steel and aluminum goes south to be turned into products that will eventually end up on the performance retailers’ shelves. If the cost of their major component increases 20 to 25%, a retail price increase will follow. In fact, we are seeing price increases coming from major brands now. So will the U.S go elsewhere for these materials? Guess who the largest steel producer is, China. Since our friends in the south are getting involved in a trade war with them, their costs will increase too. Plus the freight to get steel across the big pond will be substantially more than it was to get it from Canada.
However, price increases will affect everyone, not just Canada, so our real hope is our friends in the U.S. realize just what is causing them to have to pay more for not only performance parts but refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, cars, etc. Virtually everything will go up unless there is a change in what is coming. After all, if our 36 million are affected, so will their 325 million. This is really an opportunity to make America poor again. So, buy Canadian first, support Canadian companies with Canadian employees, and support international companies who are hiring Canadians. Caveat: I am writing this two days after the “agreement in principle” was announced. I have not read the 240+ pages, nor will I ever, that’s a job for someone more knowledgeable than I. Of course, either Parliament, Congress or the Mexican Senate could throw a wrench in the spokes by not approving it. Then what?
bob@performanceimprovements.com
www.PerformanceImprovements.com
5
RESURRECTION
Story by Bob McJannett Photos by Jim Madigan
If
1958 Chevrolet Fleetside
you were around Toronto’s west end in the 60s, you may remember Wilcox Esso located on Church St. in Mimico, soon to become Royal York Road south of the Queensway. Wilcox Esso, as well as being a regular gas station, was also home to local car enthusiasts, since son George was one, his pals had a place to visit when they wanted to talk about the neighbourhood hot rods etc. Their shop truck was a neat 1958 Chevrolet Fleetside.
Eventually, the area began to change and Mr. Wilcox closed his station and retired. Son George took over the truck, with a plan to rebuild it. Sadly it sat, mostly ignored, George had trouble finding the time necessary to work on it, then George passed away. The truck remained in his family garage for the next 15-20 years. In fact, it hadn’t been running in over 25 years. Finally, George’s wife wanted her garage back. To the rescue
came Don “Doc” McCartney, a friend of George’s. With the garage door open, there was the truck, buried in leftover equipment and inventory from the old station. After a couple of days cleaning all the stuff out, the Chevrolet was brought out into the daylight. This is when the fun began. If you ever wondered why anyone would belong to a car club here are the facts. “Doc” took the whole truck apart, and working with his Roadmates Car Club members, fixed everything necessary, returning all parts too pristine condition. Long hours were invested to bring this truck back to perfection. “Doc” working with Art Hagner made the body better than GM had when they built it. He and Robert Verdurmen built a small block Chevrolet engine to bring the power level up to today’s standards and Rick Norton helped with the wiring. Once everything was right “Doc” began the assembly process. Putting it back together is far more stressful than taking it apart. Now, you have to be careful you don’t scratch or damage any of the parts that you have worked so hard to bring back. I am sure you will agree with me that this is truly a resurrection. George would be proud.
•
6
Performance in MOTION
www.PerformanceImprovements.com
7
Rd. E Stone Church
tawa 1515 Upper Ot 905-574-6940
Taunton Rd.
ad 87 Advance Ro 416-259-9656
Islington Ave.
St. N 1487 Simcoe 905-725-3533
Kipling Ave.
Simcoe St. N
Upper Gage Ave
HWY. 410
. Rutherford Rd
Rd. S 12 Rutherford 905-453-9901
Upper Ottawa
der Pkwy
Lincoln Alexan
Queen St. E
HWY. 400
.W 422 Dunlop St 705-735-1274
N
P.I. HAMILTO
P.I. BRAMPTON
P.I. BARRIE
P.I. TORONTO
P.I. OSHAWA
Advance Road Norseman St.
O T N O R O T + A W A H S O + N O T L I M A H + N O BARRIE + BRAMPT Dunlop St. W
8
Performance in MOTION
Clark Blvd.
FASTEST BATTERIES IN THE WORLD? Story by Len Sly • Photo by Holly Martin, courtesy Thompson LSR.
If you’re looking for pure battery power, look no further. OPTIMA® batteries deliver the long-lasting, unsurpassed performance that today’s auto professionals and enthusiasts demand. Their unique SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY® and AGM (Absorbed Glas Mat) design give OPTIMA batteries over 15 times more vibration resistance and increased cycle life compared to traditional batteries. And every OPTIMA battery is NON-SPILLABLE so it can be mounted in any position and maintenance-free for your absolute peace of mind. So, no matter how extreme the conditions, OPTIMA batteries deliver the ultimate in power, performance and reliability. Optima offers three families of high-quality batteries aimed at the performance vehicle owner. When you are building a car or adding electronic devices, we recommend buying any of the Optima batteries with both top and side terminals. You can use the top terminals for the battery cables and the side terminals to add electronics. RED TOP BATTERIES This is your best starting battery, offering high cold cranking amps. It is designed to deliver a strong burst of ignition power for a reliable start-up every time. It has high-power delivery and extreme resistance to the most common causes of battery failure.
YELLOW TOP BATTERIES This high-performance AGM battery is one of the few true dual-purpose automotive batteries available. With premium cranking power and impressive cycling capability, this heavy-duty battery is also perfect for modern accessory-loaded vehicles. Low internal resistance also provides more consistent power output and faster recharges. If you own a late model car or truck that is loaded with electronics, the Yellow Top is designed to handle the extra loads necessary.
BLUE TOP BATTERIES Aimed at the marine and RV market this is a high-performance AGM battery with exceptional running time and more recharges than you’d get out of a traditional battery. On top of providing outstanding vibration resistance, the BLUETOP’s efficient power delivery and faster recharge time mean you’ll spend less time worrying about your battery. Thus more time for fun. This flexible boat and RV battery is ideal for those who need a sure-starting, strong-cranking, maintenancefree power source.
How good are these Optima Batteries?
Well, the Yellow Top was the battery that Danny Thompson took to Bonneville when he got the record his dad was trying to get 50 years ago! Danny brought the Challenger 2 out of storage eight years ago, rebuilt it and set the record at 448.757 MPH. A great tribute to his dad Mickey Thompson and to the enormous efforts of Danny and his crew. www.PerformanceImprovements.com
9
At
the start of 2018, Devo and Jover decided to shake up the Ontario Drift scene with the introduction of Drift Jam. From the gates open to gates closed, it’s clear to see that the organizers, Devo and Jover, care about their series the drivers and the spectators. Heck they even care about us media folk as well. Actions speak louder than words, and the actions they took to make their events run better went a long way. Throughout 2018, their Throwdown events have hosted a respectable field of drivers. Bettering that, the driving at Drift Jam events has been some of the best in Ontario. The 2018 overall series results shook out as follows: Pat Cyr got number one, Dan Paska and Franky Becerra tied for second, and Aaron Mazzacone and Josiah Fallaise tied for third. From the outside looking in, the Drift Jam format appears to have worked really well. From AM to PRO, the driving was exceptional, and it looked like everyone was having a great time.
•
10
Performance in MOTION
Story by Dave Thomas • Photos courtesy Ash & Dave Thomas
When Ash Thomas isn’t taking photos like the ones on this page, he likes BMX, NinJago, and seeing Up/Down cars with Dad. Dave & Lyndsey Thomas are his proud parents. See more of Dave’s work at: www.stanceiseverything.com
•
www.PerformanceImprovements.com
11
Latest Products on the Shelf Photos courtesy Manufacturers
If you have ever found yourself on the side of the road changing a tire at night, lying under your project trying to see clearly something you are trying to repair, or simply looking for a light source to help you see something, Brightsource has the lamp for you. 5x7 heavy duty rechargeable work light is now available. Completely portable with two power settings. Take it anywhere. On high 750 lumens lasts for 3-4 hours, low 375 lumens lasts 5-6 hours without a recharge. There is also a flashing feature. This lamp features 10 watt LED lighting, A USB port to recharge your portable mobile device, plus small size will fit into a glove box or centre console. Each light comes with the necessary cable plus a full one year warranty. We said it was heavy duty! Well, it will withstand the weight of your car. So, when you need extra light, pull it out, adjust the arm to the position you want and there you go.
•
BRIGHTSOURCE - BS791102R
Vibrant Performance quick-release fittings are lightweight and constructed entirely from 6061 aluminum alloy. They allow for quick and easy disassembly by hand of any fluidrelated component with no mess or spillage. They’re perfect for use on oil, coolant, and fuel lines. Vibrant Performance quick-release fittings are available in sizes ranging from -4 AN to -12 AN in an anodized black finish. Performance Improvements is your source for the full line of Vibrant Performance products. VIBRANT - VP20804 NEW RACE-GAS ULTRA is specifically designed for the requirements of very high compression, boosted or nitrous engines. ULTRA, when mixed with pump gasoline, will create racing fuel with octane between 108 and 112 r+m/2. Like our original product, ULTRA increases the octane, chemical oxygen and chemical energy of the fuel to equal commercially distilled racing fuel. RACE-GAS ULTRA is a much different formula than original RACE-GAS. “In testing we found the requirements of very high compression engines were different than engines with lower compression or lower boost. We needed to create a formula that could achieve the high octane while still meeting our requirements of high chemical energy and high chemical oxygen in a consistent and predictable way. We chose to use the highest quality pharmaceutical grade chemicals and to avoid using alcohols or naphthalene which don’t meet our design standards” said Dan Muldowney.
12
Performance in MOTION
“Further, when we did our engine dyno testing we did “like for like” testing against commercial racing fuel. We first did a series of “pulls” with commercial racing fuel. We then drained the fuel and fuel rail and added RACE-GAS ULTRA blended with pump gas. We then repeated the test. We did not change the engine set up or tune during testing” “We found that we were able to create the same horse power and torque as commercial racing fuel and that the fuel performed consistently under different conditions.” 1 Can RACE-GAS ULTRA + 4 gallons of 89 = 4 gallons of 108 Octane R+M/2 1 Can RACE-GAS ULTRA + 4 gallons of 91 = 4 gallons of 110 Octane R+M/2 1 Can RACE-GAS ULTRA + 4 gallons of 93 = 4 gallons of 112 Octane R+M/2
•
Race Gas ULTRA Race Fuel Concentrate 32oz RG200032 Race Gas Race Fuel Concentrate 32oz RG100032
CONVERSIONS Lumens High Performance Lighting strives to be the leading manufacturer of high-quality lighting upgrades for vehicles at a reasonable cost to consumers. They have become the go-to brand for anyone looking for improved lighting for their vehicle. Their newest light is a series of LED POD Lights easily installed in places where additional lighting is needed. Currently available in White, Blue, Red and Amber. LED POD Lights are small 2 ⅜” long and 1 ½” wide, but powerful. These surface mount LED POD Lights are great for adding a powerful light source on many types of applications: cars, pickup trucks, 18 wheelers, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, boats, retail displays, and more. Anywhere you need more light. Let your imagination run wild! Being waterproof, you can comfortably use these pods inside or outside. Rugged design via die-cast aluminum housing. 15W of LEDs provide an extremely bright light source. Specially designed polycarbonate lens provides a wide and even light pattern. Simple to install with easy positive/negative wiring. Each LED POD Light comes with all necessary mounting hardware. No matter if you want to install one on a flat or curved surface, there are two rubber mounting options to make it easy. No additional controller to install/mount. Not limited to the number of pods a controller would have.
•
Amber - HILDPOD15WA Blue - HILDPOD15WB
Red - HILDPOD15WR White - HILDPOD15WW www.PerformanceImprovements.com
13
Performance Improvements is your source for Covercraft Industries, the leading manufacturer of automotive protection products including vehicle covers, seat covers, front end masks, dashboard covers, floor mats, window sunscreens, RV covers, patio furniture covers and others. The company focuses on custom patterned products with a library that includes more than 400,000 distinct automotive patterns. Many different fabrics available including the wild new Grafix Series! Use our new online lookup to find the right protection for your vehicle.
In 1979, a US Air Force retiree living in Arizona noticed the number of vehicles driving around with towels on the dash area in an effort to reduce the harsh heat and glare of the desert sun. He experimented with a number of different materials, looking for both the ideal texture (to reduce glare) and insulation (to reduce heat build-up) and, after adding a latex backing for shape retention, he introduced the perfect carpet for his new product – DashMats. Seat covers help protect seats from daily abuse – kids, dogs, dirt, spills, weekend adventures – a good quality seat cover can help keep your seats looking new for years. All Covercraft seat covers are easy-on/easy-off and are machine washable. Covercraft SeatSavers™ are custom tailored for a perfect fit and include headrest and armrest covers where applicable. Choose from our traditional polycotton fabric, Carhartt Duck Weave, Carhartt Mossy Oak Camo, Prym1 Camo or our waterproof polyester.
14
Performance in MOTION
EDELBROCK AVS2 CARBS Interestingly, this new product is the third generation of the Edelbrock carb. First, there was the Performer which has been out there making people happy for 30 some years. Next came the AVS Thunder series, now there is the AVS2. The folks at Edelbrock, plus loads of others, believe that this is the best carb yet for a street driven car. Currently available in 500 and 650 cfm configurations designed and calibrated for optimum street performance in small-block and some big-block engines. The AVS2 features annular flow primary boosters with a new calibration for improved off idle and cruising performance. The annular flow booster design delivers improved fuel atomization to eliminate flat spots that may be encountered when the carburetor transitions from idle to full throttle. Each annular flow booster features eight, equally spaced orifices to improve fuel metering from idle to the main circuit. The improved flow metering makes this carburetor ideal for use with a wide variety of small-block and big-block engines with either dual- or single-plane intake manifolds.
These Edelbrock AVS2 carbs include both timed and full vacuum ports for ignition advance and include the appropriate metering jets, metering rods, etc. The AVS2 offers improved idle and throttle response plus better fuel mileage if you are not trying to bury the throttle.
•
What can you expect from the new AVS2 • The latest in updated internals • Increased driveability • Increased power • Increased mileage • More bottom end torque • Improved throttle response
Downleg boosters (on the left), are located in the carburetor primaries and simply provide fuel down the centre of the venturi. Annular boosters (on the right), feature eight equally-spaced small holes for better fuel atomization. Improved fuel atomization eliminates flat spots when the carburetor transitions from idle to part throttle for better low rpm performance.
The Techs at Edelbrock believe this is the nearest thing to fuel injection available.
500 CFM MANUAL CHOKE ED1902
650 CFM ELECTRIC CHOKE ED1906
For the latest pricing and availability, visit one of the Performance Improvements Speed Shops or order from our website www.performanceimprovements.com.
•
www.PerformanceImprovements.com
15
16
Performance in MOTION
Photo by Kenny Kroeker www.PerformanceImprovements.com
17
Story by Bob McJannett & Mark Rogerson Photos by Jim Madigan, Dave Thomas & Kenny Kroeker
In
2009, Mark Rogerson and Mike Roi decided there should be a car club in their area, so the ELTA was born. The East London Timing Association (ELTA) also known as the “Disciples of Speed� have been around ever since, originating out of London, Ontario, where they have hosted their famous street party for the last 13 years
18
Performance in MOTION
outside of their clubhouse, a former 1930s bottling factory. The ELTA shop has become an unofficial shrine to Canadian hot rod and drag racing history. In addition to a wide variety of ELTA cars, the shop is filled with an amazing display of Canadian drag racing memorabilia attracting gearheads from all over the world.
In addition to building cars, they have had three major projects. The Summer Bash, an open house where everyone is welcome, that has grown each year and now completely fills the surrounding streets. The second has been their Big Go Drags, held at St. Thomas Raceway Park. Third is a fall mixer held in the Moorse Blacksmith Shop that has been in
Photo by Kenny Kroeker
business since 1886. This year, it was decided to combine these first two events into one massive undertaking. So for three days in August 10-12, the dragstrip played home to both the street party and the Big Go Drags. St. Thomas Raceway Park is the perfect location for a nostalgia event. The strip built by Bob and Helen Harvey on their farm property in 1962 is considered the first purpose-built drag strip in Canada.
Originally named St. Thomas Dragway, the first race was held May 27, 1962. The Harveys were great operators, treating both their racers and fans well. Unlike the strips of today, their pits had grass and some trees. Food booths were staffed by locals and their offerings were better than the norm. Some of the eras most famous racers ran down their quarter mile. Hospitality included some interesting events. The Harveys lived about
a mile from town in a nice home with a big porch. If you were from a long distance away, the racers often congregated on their porch for an adult beverage before they began the long trip home. Locals did too. At times, parking became a problem; to solve it, one day Phil Bonner from Georgia simply left his rig at the track and drove his A/FX Falcon down. As you can see, St. Thomas is the right location to celebrate where we all came from. www.PerformanceImprovements.com
19
With a year of planning and promotion, the trailers started showing up at the track on Tuesday and continued to Sunday, bringing every type of vintage drag machine one could imagine. The variety of licence plates on the trailers and cars coming through the gates was ever changing… Michigan, Ohio, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida,
British Columbia, Quebec, and all over Ontario. It was great to see so many different hot rods, muscle cars, customs, trucks, stock rides stuffed around this historical track all weekend. The cool part about the Big Go Drags is, street cars can be part of the 1/8-mile drag action all weekend, as long as they pass the ONDR inspection.
Photos by Kenny Kroeker
This past August 14th, ELTA Summer Bash and Big GO Drags rolled into historical St. Thomas Dragway. The East London Timing Association, brought their famous street party to the track this year plus their second Big GO Drags format, which was run what you brung, let’s have FUN and “NO GOOFS.”
20
Performance in MOTION
www.PerformanceImprovements.com
21
Photos by Mark Rogerson
Photo by Kenny Kroeker
As one walked the pit area, one couldn’t help but see some very notable drag machines: Rankin Ford “Wild Child”; the “Comanche” top fuel dragster; Don Moyers “Rebel Reaper” 1941 Willy’s wheel standing gasser; the Rini brothers with the “The Canadian” top fuel dragster; Michigan’s own Dave Gray in the high flying “Gold Chainer” 32 Ford; Dave Adam with the “Iron Mistress” 1951
22
Performance in MOTION
Chevy Gasser out of Cleveland Ohio; Terry Denomme’s “Ford Country” 1958 Ford sedan delivery gasser; the old Gene Snow funny car Vega from Franklin, Ohio, and many more. This was also an outstanding weekend for anyone into Canadian drag racing history. It wasn’t hard to see those special ELTA yellow Pioneer of Drag Racing tags that
were worn by all the past original racers all weekend. Such pioneers and Hall of Famers as “Ontario” George Gray, Ev Rowse, Scott Wilson, FJ Smith, Wayne Huber, Bob “The Shoe” Tindale, Norm Noddle, Bill Kydd, Charlie Haviland, “Wild Man” Bob Walker, Andy Marsh, just to name a few. Hall of Famer Rob Potter was in the tower announcing and doing the play by play all
1941 Willys taking on “The Falcon” Steve Stephenson in his 1939 stunt plane for family bragging rights when they raced each other Saturday afternoon. Don Becker Jr. wowing the Saturday night crowd with his flame burnouts. ELTA’s own John Chandler and his nitro rail pals lit the evening sky up with an outstanding nitro dragster cacklefest which was followed by one of Ontario’s best
surf bands, “The Thing From Outer Space”. And not to be outdone… dragster builder Dave Paddle had hot rod movies running in the pit area till the wee hours. From Friday to Sunday, there was an awesome turnout of Gassers running hard, fast and wheels up. Most of the comments from people that came was the fact that they hadn’t been to an event that contained such a
Photos by Jim Madigan
weekend. There was a great turn out of car clubs: Hamilton Road Runners, Brantford Piston Pushers, Windsor Shakers, Ancaster Rod Masters, Galt Strokers, Dog Patch Devils from Picton and the Cambridge Tyrods for example. The showmanship was second to none, with such great drag racers like “Mr. Excitement” Kevin Trimble in his wild
www.PerformanceImprovements.com
23
24
Performance in MOTION
and Ontario Gassers for coming out to help and support “Canada’s favourite HIGH octane party,” and everyone else that made the 14th ELTA Summer Bash and Big Go Drags so much fun. Mark August 9 to 12 on your calendar for 2019 to come to the best nostalgia party and race around. See you there!
•
Photos by Dave Thomas
variety of cars on and around the track. From open-wheel altered to flashy door slammers and pro mod’s to even a Ford Model T making passes…lol… there was something for all to cheer on. There were great memories made around the track that weekend and around the campfires. The ELTA would like to also pass on sincere thanks to ONDR
_REVIEW LS GEN IV ENGINES 2005 - PRESENT: HOW TO BUILD MAX PERFORMANCE There is an enormous amount of information on the GM Gen IV engine family on the pages of Mike Mavrigan’s latest book. He details the differences between the four iron blocks and the six cast aluminum versions. Explains the idiosyncrasies in each engine and warns of the pieces that should be strengthened if increased horsepower is your plan. Once you have digested all the features of the stock LS engines ,Mike moves to things that will make your LS engine even more fun to own. Particularly interesting are the differences between the OE cylinder heads and OE rocker arms. No matter what part of the engine you are concerned about there is a chapter on it. Blocks, crankshafts and rods, cylinder heads, pistons, camshafts, rocker arms oiling systems, EFI, and intake manifolds are all explained in great detail. Part two documents two high-performance LS engine builds. Number one a dual carb LS408 ends up at 670.5 horsepower at 6500 rpm. The second build with a Dart LS Next block and a single Holley 850 carb provided 665.2 horsepower at 6000 rpm. So, if you have a hankering for one of these LS engines, you definitely need to have this book.
•
Mike Mavrigian has written for magazines since 1977 and worked in the automotive industry for three decades. Mike is the editor and chief of Auto Service Professional and is a technical editor contributing technical articles to Engine Professional magazine. He has authored a number of titles for CarTech Books.
SA413 144 pages, soft cover $26.95 Available at all Performance Improvements locations www.PerformanceImprovements.com
25
AEROMOTIVE GEN II STEALTH FUEL TANKS
The Next Generation of Stealth Tanks
A
eromotive, the leader in fuel technology, has brought out their line of Gen II fuel tanks. These tanks are the solution to converting your OE fuel system to suit today’s technology. The Gen II will modernize your classic muscle car to accept electronic fuel injection systems, GM LS engine swaps and today’s high-performance carburetors. Gen II tanks are available with either a 200 lph or a 340 lph high flow super quiet fuel pump. The 200 lph will support up to 750HP, while the 340 lph will support a 1000 HP depending on the type of fuel delivery system on your vehicle.
26
Performance in MOTION
Gen II tanks are plug and play, there is no assembly necessary; they fit in the original location, accept the original tank mounting straps, etc. Each tank comes with the fuel pump of your choice, baffle, fuel level sending unit, and anything extra necessary to make an easy installation. Unique to these tanks is the Aeromotive Phantom technology that controls the fuel around the pump ensuring no fuel starvation during extreme driving conditions.
•
Models currently available • CHEVY II 1962-1967 • MUSTANG 1964-1972 • NOVA 1968-1979 • SKYLARK/CUTLASS 1964-1972 • IMPALA 1961-1966 • CHEVELLE/MALIBU 1964-1969 • FIREBIRD 1970-1981 • CHALLENGER/BARRACUDA 1970-1974 • CAMARO 1967-1979 • DART/DUSTER 1970-1976 • CHEVY 1955-1957
T HE FU T URE OF C A RBURE T ION “When compared to the Holley, it’s not even in the same league – the AVS2 out performs it easily!” Brian Hosenfeld, 1966 Chevy Nova with a 408 SBC
AVS2 HAS HUGE BENEFITS!
great crusin’ performance
crisp throttle response
improved fuel economy potential
REGULAR DOWNLEG BOOSTER
ANNULAR FLOW BOOSTER
The Edelbrock AVS2 Series features annular flow primary boosters with a new calibration for improved off idle and cruising. The annular flow booster design also delivers improved fuel atomization to eliminate flat spots that can be encountered during idle to full throttle transitions. Best of all, the AVS2 has a starting price of $317.95! Available at all Performance Improvements Locations
EDELBROCK.COM TECH LINE: 800-416-8628 MONDAY - FRIDAY 7AM - 5PM PST NOT LEGAL FOR SALE OR USE ON POLLUTION CONTROLLED MOTOR VEHICLES. ©2018 EDELBROCK, LLC
Ron Dolson R.I.P.
Ron Dolson (on the right in one of his trademark hats) and his unique “NASCAR themed” 1950 Mercury. Later the nose was covered with yellow to orange flames.
One
of the good guys passed on Friday, October 19, 2018. Ron Dolson was a licenced mechanic who worked at a number of Ford dealerships in Oakville, Ontario. In addition, he was always willing to help anyone building a specialty car. Often when necessary Ron helped out at Ken Stewart’s Linken Manufacturing, lending his skills to help wherever needed. In fact, he helped a lot when Ken was building my 33 coupe. He also built cars for himself. Over the years there was a 1958 Thunderbird that he installed the engine out of his Dodge Charger, a T-Bucket when they were the thing, a 1940 Ford and the car he was most noted for, a unique Red 1950 Mercury on the ground loaded with all the NASCAR tricks plus a roll cage. The Merc caused a sensation wherever it went, and it went everywhere. It saddens me to lose another of the “Good Guys.” Rest in peace Ron, you and your talents will be missed.
•
28
Performance in MOTION
(L-R) Susan McJannett, Diane and Ron Dolson enjoying a cruise in a wood boat someetime in the 80s.
SUPERIOR BRAKE TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE BRAKE PADS
STOP YOUR VEHICLE Engineered and Produced in Canada
QUICKER!
Available at:
• TORONTO • BARRIE • BRAMPTON • HAMILTON • OSHAWA •
www.msport.ca
PERFORMANCE ROTORS
THE
Reluctant Passenger N U
Susan McJannett,
entrepreneu r, a u t o m o t i v e enthusiast, volunteer, world traveller, advice giver, loyal Red Hat Society member, adequate choir singer and a pretty good equestrian, reached the end of her mortal road on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. We like to think she’s now cruising in her 1958 Pontiac Parisienne two-door hardtop, catching up with the family and friends she hasn’t seen in a while. This savvy businesswoman wasn’t always involved with hot rods and performance parts. Her early career aspirations included Royal Canadian Air Force pilot (she was inspired by Uncle Joe, the hunk of the family, but women weren’t allowed to fly back then), and Eastern Airlines stewardess (but eyeglasses weren’t allowed and she would’ve had to pay for her own contacts). Eventually she found herself in the wild world of administration, saving up to buy her first car, a 1953 Chevy, then her second—that Parisienne we mentioned before. Numerous men were in Susan’s life. Oh, and women too. She grew up with her pesky younger brother Jim, who had it so much easier than she did. That’s because she broke most of the rules their parents Tom and Marion McKee set for them. In exchange, when Susan wasn’t ready to turn 50, she asked Jim to claim to be her older brother, which he did graciously. She dropped five years, just like that. Way before then, she had tons of good friends—and a few crummy boyfriends. A sticking shifter in her 1953 Chevy (no, that’s not a euphemism) brought Susan and
dashing high school dropout Bob McJannett together. Little did they know that one auto part would lead to lifelong love and a thriving speed shop empire, er, successful retail and online business. Performance Improvements would not have existed without Susan’s initial investment. She knew it would pay off—and have Bob stop complaining about getting parts. The birth of their business preceded their wedding in 1965. Their two boys, Rob and Andy—both rule-breakers just like their mom—grew up in a home filled with love, laughter, some time-outs and plenty of dog hair. It’s hard to say which came first, the boys or Susan’s need to belong to Royal York United Church. Bob and Susan raised two fine sons who respect others, the road and the necessity to possess a sense of humour when things get rough. Susan couldn’t be prouder. The “younger” sister enjoyed seeing more women enter the family circle with sister-
in-law Johanna and favourite (only) niece Bonnie. She was also delighted to welcome Kim and Jen to the McJannett family. Although the automotive community provided great connections and lasting friendships, Susan shared her fabulous smile and positive spirit with many more people. Lunches, dinners and get-togethers had to be booked well in advance. Church choir practice, volunteering, palliative home visits, Buzz Megg events, gardening, Red Hat gatherings and taking up horseback riding at the young age of 60 is a partial list of what Susan got up to. Oh, and never forget the parties at the house—they were legendary. We will remember Susan’s amazing smile, her nurturing nature, her contagious laugh, her fantastic attitude, the birthday cakes she baked with wrapped-up coins hidden inside for the boys, her fondness for wine and her ability to talk about horses at length, especially Marty. She taught us to never be afraid to try anything, no matter your vintage or mileage.
•
Those of us still riding shotgun would like to thank Susan for making P.I. possible. Without her belief in that first Speed Shop all those years ago, our drivers, garages and time on the road would be a lot less interesting. Thanks for the ride.
30
Performance in MOTION
PROTECTION FOR ANY WEATHER. GUARANTEED FOREVER.
At WeatherTech® we embrace Canadian winters. Which is why we’ve spent over 25 years perfecting our laser-measured FloorLiner™ and Cargo Liner, providing complete interior protection that’s guaranteed to outlast this winter, next winter and every other winter. For as long as you own your vehicle. Find yours online at WeatherTech.ca.
Available at