Performance in Motion Magazine Vol. 6 No. 5

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August/September 2006 • Vol. 6 #5 • $3.95 Canadian

The Ultimate 1955 Chevy?

Goin’ Off road!

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL PRODUCT SALES AGREEMENT #40609642

R ick Kowalc zykowski, of Icon Photogr in Guelph, to aphy ok all of the incredible ph of R ichard R otos uiter’s stunn ing 1955 XV Thanks, R ick ette. ! See full story,

On the

Cover

page 12 .

Contents Augu

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August/September 2006 • P|M

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10 Editorial......

Letters.to.th.............................. 7 Off-Road.Je e.Editor................ 8 Cover.Stor y ep.......................... 10.

Nicest.‘55.C .•.X Vette hev y.ever?. .. ......... 12

24

28 Return.of.th Performanc e.Cool................... 23 Stylish.V W..e.World.20 06....... 24 New.Produc ............................. 28 ts. ................ ......... 30

Speedorama Mustang.Bo .London............... 34.

The.Relucta ok.Review............ 37 asks.“W ho’s nt.Passenger. .your.daddy ?”...... 38

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www.accel-ignition.com P|M • August/September 2006

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Editorial Performance in Motion Publications 1100 The Queensway Toronto, ON M8Z 1P7 Phone: 416-259-3678 • Fax: 416-259-6433 EDITOR/PUBLISHER CANADIAN ADVERTISING Bob McJannett bmcj@performanceinmotion.ca Phone: 416-259-3678 U.S. ADVERTISING Dick Van Cleve dvc@performanceinmotion.ca Phone: 1-818-506-7773 PRODUCTION DESIGN Rob McJannett rmcj@performanceinmotion.ca CONTRIBUTORS Thomas Andrews Rick Kowalczykowski Bob McJannett Robert Michaels Stephen Miller Jeff Norwell Stéphane Rioux Len Sly Joe Tricini Kayvene with Bonnie Staring as the Reluctant Passenger PROOFREADER “Spike” LaVigne MOVING? Please let us know!

E-mail both your old & new address to: moving@performanceinmotion.ca Return undeliverables to: 1100 The Queensway Toronto, ON M8Z 1P7 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40609642 PERFORMANCE IN MOTION is published six times a year: February, April, June, August, October and December.

Circulation is 30,000+ (ISSN 1703-8421) Copyright ©2006 and all rights reserved by Performance In Motion Publishing. The fine print: We respect your right to privacy, and do not sell our mailing list. This magazine may not be reprinted or duplicated without express permission of Performance In Motion Publishing. (We’re nice guys, just ask) All opinions are those of our writers, some of whom have sniffed too much nitrous. The information presented is from various sources from which there can be no responsibility by Performance In Motion Publishing as to legality, completeness and accuracy. Be good to the environment - recycle this magazine to your friends.

If you enjoy this magazine, drop us a line and let us know.

When did “Driving Like Idiots,” become illegal street racing?

T

here are two current pieces of legislation aimed at street racing being floated, Federal Bill C-19 and an amendment to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act 172-1 and 172-2. I don’t have any real axe to grind with C19. I only question the need for more laws that, with the exception of the words “street racing,” duplicate laws already in existence. How many times can you be sentenced to life in prison?

The Ontario amendment is another matter. If this one gets through, it would give a police officer authorization to impound your vehicle and suspend your driver’s licence for 48 hours, on the spot! No due process, no innocent till proven guilty, no day in court! As far as I know, Canada remains a country that respects the rule of law. This amendment should not pass; write your MPP and the Minister of Transportation now.

Deaths due to “street racing” are claimed to be between 32 and 36 over the last four to seven years (depending on which paper or broadcast you are listening to at the moment).

To the best of my knowledge, in each of these cases, the police have been able to determine a person or persons responsible. But when it gets to court the sentences are relatively light.

According to my copy of the highway traffic act, the police could charge the participants with either “Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death” or “Criminal negligence causing death.” In the first case, the penalties would be a maximum 14 years imprisonment and a discretionary driving prohibition. On the second charge, the participant could get up to life in prison and a discretionary driving prohibition. Instead of new legislation, what is needed is to give the judges the backbone to hit these offenders hard.

What possible reason could the politicians give for the recent car-crushing photoop, other than it was a great chance to get their faces in the paper and on television.

If the threat of life in prison won’t dissuade people from “Driving Like Idiots,” I doubt the image of a bulldozer crushing two cars will. If we want to see cars crushed properly, we could turn on Monster Jam any day of the week.

There is another problem with using the words “street racing” in any charge. You will have to prove it. Not an easy charge to prove.

Good lawyers will have a field day.

Finally, stop blaming everything on the car enthusiast. There are far more people “Driving Like Idiots” while at the wheel of daddy’s SUV, or their bone-stock Corvettes, BMWs and Mercedes, than there are true car enthusiasts doing the same thing. Oh, sure, there are some, just like there are some yummy mummies driving through red lights with their cell phone in one hand and hair brush in the other. No driver should be put under suspicion just because they modified their vehicle.

The long and the short of it is, people, no matter who they are, who are “Driving Like Idiots” are idiots. Let’s treat them like that and throw their lame asses in jail!

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P|M • August/September 2006

7

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August/September 2006 • P|M

I agree that the “Made in North America solution” of an ethanol based fuel (E85) is on the horizon.

The problem is no matter how much you drive towards the horizon, you never actually get there. Many media outlets have been reporting ethanol as a low cost alternative fuel. However, despite the assurances of the ethanol lobby’s friendly and fuzzy mascot, Corn Cob Bob, they cannot deliver actual savings at the pumps now, and probably not in the future.

The current “low cost” of ethanol is achieved through massive government subsidies in the U.S. and Canada. The Ontario government alone will fund $500 million to support ethanol production over the next decade. A chronic oversupply in the North American corn industry has required massive farmers’ subsidies to keep them in business.

As the demand for ethanol increases, so will demand for corn and there will no longer be any need to subsidize the crops. The cost of the corn will rise with the increased demand, raising the cost of E85 at the pump. Expect to pay more for other corn-based products, like chicken and steak.

Ethanol’s main problem is that it does not have the same amount of energy as gasoline.

Vehicles consume a greater volume of E85 than gasoline to travel an equal distance. So the lower price at the pump does not directly translate into lower fuel costs. The website www.fueleconmy.gov lists 33 different models of 2006 E85 “flex fuel” vehicles that can run on regular unleaded or E85. They calculate the costs of operating “flex fuel” vehicles, on both types of fuels for one year, with fuel prices set at $2.20/gal for E85 and $2.93/gal for regular unleaded. Of those 33 vehicles, only 13 showed any kind of financial savings running on E85. This means that even when E85 is 25% cheaper than gasoline, 20 of the 33 vehicles are still cheaper to run on gas. So the question is, how much does E85 sell for?

Of the 52 filling stations reporting E85 fuel prices on www.cleanairchoice.org only five showed E85 selling for 25% or less than regular gasoline. The vast majority of the filling stations priced E85 at only 10-18% less than regular unleaded. At this price NONE of the

33 E85 capable vehicles offer any savings at all vs. filling up with regular unleaded. E85 may be many things as a fuel, but cheaper is not one of them.

For hot-rodders, ethanol does indeed have a high octane rating. Octane, however, does not directly translate to horsepower. Octane is the measure of a fuels ability to resist detonation. Ask anyone who has ever driven an E85 vehicle on both Gas and E85, which fuel provided the best power. The E85 blend is reported to have “sluggish” acceleration rates compared to 87 Octane gas.

To think that hot rodders would convert to E85 is ludicrous. Remember the carburetor?

Manufacturers stopped putting carbs on cars around 1987. The average hot rodder managed to resist converting to fuel injection for decades, even with the promise of increased gas mileage and drivability. I think that any aftermarket manufacturer who embraces the concept of E85 conversion parts, will have similar inventory turnover of those who bought into the “2 Fast 2 Furious” marketing programs.

While increases in efficiencies will surely come as volume of production ramps up, E85 fuel is barely cheaper now and the demand is hovering around zero. Once there is a thousand-fold increase in demand, there appears to be very little way to keep costs down. E85 costs more. I can only hope that its true cost is realized before we commit to billions in infrastructure that could be better spent looking for a true alternative fuel.

Oh, and the foreign oil that everyone in the U.S. is worried about, isn’t coming from Osama and his kin. It is coming from Calgary, AB, CANADA. Andy McJannett Etobicoke, ON Interesting reading: www.cleanairchoice.org www.fueleconomy.gov Bedard, Patrick. “Farm-raising our own energy independence: Could it happen?” Car and Driver July 2006 : 112-120 Elmer, Howard J. “Out of fuel; If ethanol is so wonderful, how come the pump is dry?” Toronto Star 3 June 2006 :G1 Olive, David. “Tory ethanol plan waste of money and energy.” Toronto Star 24 May 2006 : F1

See this issue’s editorial for more of Bob’s “crazy” thoughts.

Street Racing

Dear Bob, In the last few days, I have seen several stories on the new proposed street racing laws in Ontario. I noticed that you were featured on CBC news regarding street racing laws in Ontario. Since I make my living from selling performance parts and accessories, I decided to write several news outlets with my thoughts. None of the mass media outlets have responded.

I have been a car enthusiast all of my life. Since I owned my first car, I have put time, effort and money into personalizing it. The “modifications” I have made include both aesthetic and performance upgrades. I consider myself a safe driver, and I have never participated in street racing. But I fear that I will soon be targeted because my car may appear to be a “street racer” to those who are not educated. Mainly police who are trained what a street racer looks like and not how a street racer behaves.

The new proposed federal law (I think it’s Bill C-65) does take a step in the right direction, by banning the actions of the driver, and not the type of car they drive. However, the mass media is still focusing on the vehicles.

Why do we need a specific law banning street racing? It’s already illegal to street race.

We have plenty of laws to ban and enforce dangerous driving. If these laws are ineffective, then they should be changed. I am glad your magazine is available to give a voice to all of us who may be targeted by this new law.

Thanks for your time.

Michael Minialoff Toronto, ON Thank-you for the kind words. Be sure to read this issue’s editorial for more of Bob’s thoughts on the crack down on “Street Racing.”

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Letters

to the Editor Performance in Motion Publications, 1100 The Queensway, Toronto, ON M8Z 1P7 Canada Fax: 416-259-6433 or E-mail: bmcj@performanceinmotion.ca Letters may be edited for length, and all submissions become the property of Performance in Motion.

P|M • August/September 2006

9

Goin’ Off-road!

W

Installation & Photography By: Joe Tricinci and Stéphane Rioux

hen a shoe maker is done at the end of the day, the last thing he wants to do is walk. Bobby Mota gets into his Silver 2000 Jeep XJ to give his feet a rest.

Going to and from work in the Jeep was fine, but Bobby began looking enviously at the mud-covered Jeeps he passed on the street. The time came for his XJ to get dirty too. That’s when he decided to take it to the next level.

Joe and Stéphane were only too happy to give Bobby’s Jeep a raise. Installing the 6” Rubicon Express lift kit and long-arms was straightforward. Minor trimming of the front bumper was required to clear the massive meats.

Bobby says the best thing about his Jeep is that it’s his, and not a TJ. It sure beats walking! A big thank-you to Rebecca for her help and understanding.

A Hypertech chip and throttle-body spacer help with power, but the Jeep’s stock ride height was not too impressive.

A shot of Joe, smiling after completing the rear suspension.

The kit includes these front coils, and a huge mess of parts.

Installing bearings on the new shaft, to reinstall in the transfer case.

A shot of stock coil on the left, compard to the new coil.

Installing the long-arm brackets on the left side.

Welding up the frame where the stock control arms once were.

Setting the length of the new Long Arms.

Measure twice, adjust once.

Front arms awaiting the new much longer coil springs.

10

August/September 2006 • P|M

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www.dnamufflers.com P|M • August/September 2006

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Photos by: Rick Kowalczykowski Story by: Bob McJannett 12

August/September 2006 • P|M

Richard Ruiter is one focused individual.

Most car nuts jump from car to car, brand to brand, building whatever strikes their current fancy. Not Richard. Over the years, he has built a 1955 Chevrolet Hardtop, a 1955 Chevrolet 2-door sedan, and a 1955 4-door sedan. Each of these cars became more elaborate than the last one. But still was not the “Ultimate 55,” that Richard had in mind.

Xvette

was to be the “Ultimate 55.” Originally to be based on a 1955 sedan delivery body that Richard had been saving for nine years, for just such a project. He felt he was on the way when he added a C-5 Corvette suspension, torquetube transmission and a 1990 ZR1 engine to his parts bin. However as plans and ideas were being thought out, there were second thoughts about the sedan delivery body. It just didn’t offer the impact Richard desired. In the fall of 2001, a ‘55 convertible was added to his fleet. This body style would become the Xvette, Richard’s “Ultimate 55.”

Xvette

P|M • August/September 2006

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14

August/September 2006 • P|M

Xvette

Once the body style was settled, work began. The convertible body was badly rusted, having sat outside for 20 years, to bring it back to pristine, it had to be completely disassembled and every part renewed. The goal was to have a body that retained the basic 1955 body lines while smoothing and improving the hiccups that were there when it was originally brought to market. Items such as headlights, taillights, marker lights, grille openings were all subtly modified to create the “new car” look. Superfluous items such as door handles, hood and deck trim etc. were removed and mounting holes filled. The hood opening was reversed, and the floating Chevrolet-style grille bar was custombuilt by Richard.

To get the correct, ultra-low, ride height, Richard designed and built his own 1-5/8” tube frame, attaching the C5 Corvette suspension components at all four corners. The actual suspension is handled by four AirRide Suspension ShockWave air bags. Even the C5 Corvette brakes were upgraded with a set of Baer crossdrilled and slotted rotors. Richard custom-built the anti-sway bars to fit the chassis. To ensure everything had proper clearance, the front end was narrowed nine inches and the rear seven.

Power comes from a stock, all-aluminum, LT5 (ZR1) 32-valve 350 cubic-inch Corvette engine. With the exception of much smoothing and detailing the engine only required a set of custom-built headers. Estimated horsepower at 7800 rpm is 450, more than enough to keep the “Ultimate 55” out in front of the traffic flow.

The dashboard was custom-built to flow from the center console all the way to the doors,

in one smooth transition. Classic Instruments installed in custom-built bezels, provide the necessary operating information for the driver.

Vintage Air provided the air-conditioning components, while Budnick supplied the billet steering wheel. Bucket seats, covered in light grey leather are fitted to all four corners of the cab.

The convertible top is covered in black Mercedes cloth.

While there is so much that makes this car unique, by far the leading detail is the fact that it is owner built. Richard indicates that the only parts of this great car that were not done in his home shop were the final fit, finish and paint, done in Parry Sound at Mikes Customs and the upholstery, done in Mississauga at Tack Upholstery. Richard, his sons Josh and Brad plus a whole host of talented friends are responsible for the bulk of the build on the “Ultimate 55.”

There is a saying that “the devil is in the details,” well, here is a car that you can look at for ages and still not see all the little subtleties that have been built into it. Hundreds of hours were spent smoothing and creating great looking brackets, all hardware is stainless, wiring and plumbing are hidden from view, the front bumper is a ‘55 unit mounted upside down, while the rear is a modified version of a Nomad item.

Graphic details are hidden in the side trim, while miniature grille bars trim the bucket seats. Tail light and parking light lenses are hand-formed.

There are far too many to fully detail. Don’t take our word for it, either study the photos or, better yet, watch for Xvette at a show near you and look for yourself.

P|M • August/September 2006

15

Budnick wheels, Corvette calipers, Baer rotors combine to create a great stopping package.

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August/September 2006 • P|M

There is even graphic flaming detail in the Bel Air’s side trim.

Attention to detail is everywhere.

Leather-wrapped Budnick steering wheel is a nice finishing touch.

Sunk in the console is the stereo and Air Ride Technologies control center. Clean and neat is the style for XVette.

DE

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P|M • August/September 2006

17

Xvette 1955 Cheverolet Convertible CHASSIS

Custom built 1 5/8” round tube-frame 2000 C5 Corvette front suspension narrowed 9” Baer 13” cross drilled rotors Airride Shock Wave air suspension 19 X 8 Budnick aluminum wheels 235/35 ZR 19 BFG tires 2000 C5 Corvette rear suspension narrowed 7” Baer 14” cross drilled rotors Airride Shock Wave air suspension Torque tube 6-speed transaxle 20” x 10” Budnick aluminum wheels 285/30 ZR 20 BFG tires 1987 Corvette C4 steering box Custom-built anti sway bars

BODY

1955 Chevrolet Belair Convertible Reversed hood opening Nosed & decked Extraneous trim pieces removed Custom-built parking and taillights Jeep Liberty headlights Custom-built grille opening and grille bar 55 Chevy front bumper modified and mounted upside down Modified Nomad rear bumper Paint Dupont Hot Hues SILVA

INTERIOR

Custom dashboard and console Classic instruments Vintage Air GenII air conditioning Custom bucket seats Budnick billet steering wheel Full light-grey leather interior

ww

Unbelievable attention to detail Stainless hardware used throughout

ENGINE

1990 Corvette LT5 350 ci (ZR1) 32 valve aluminum V8 Custom built tubular headers Centerforce dual friction clutch assembly Custom-built engine and radiator cover

18

Photos courtesy of: Rick Kowalczykowski ICON PHOTOGRAPHY INC. www.iconphotoinc.com August/September 2006 • P|M

We’re car Guys ! if it’s got wheels, we’re into it! *

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Mounted & Balanced including:

• WHEELS • TIRES • CAPS • LUGS • VALVE STEMS • ALL NEEDED HARDWARE

All you do is bolt them on!

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Many different wheels available, see store for details.

Falken ZE512 or choose

4 - Fast GROOVE 17” rims mounted & balanced on 205/40R17 tires

899

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Ted Barnes, son Jackson & father Bill barnes standing in front of the Performance improvements datsun 510

17”

17”

m

4 - Fast VIRUS 17” rims mounted & balanced on 205/40R17 tires

4 - Fast mirage 17” rims mounted & balanced on 205/40R17 tires

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20”

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on any package $999 or less with coupon.

on any package $1,000 or more with coupon.

Package Price is wheel & tire only. coupon expires aug. 31, 2006 4

August/September 2006 • Performance Improvements SALE

GUELPH 519-821-6740 672 Woolwich St. M - T 10am - 6pm W - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm HAMILTON 905-574-6940 891 Upper James M - T 10am - 6pm W - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm

on all IN-STOCK Wheel & Tire Packages!

50 $ 100

BRAMPTON 905-453-9901 12 Rutherford Rd. S. M - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm

4 - CL COMPTON 20” rims mounted & balanced on 275/45R17 tires Falken STZ04 $

1,999 IN STOCK ONLY!

LAVAL 450-688-4536 3236 Boul. St. Martin O M - W 9am - 5pm T - F 9am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm

NEWMARKET 905-954 -1630 180 Davis Drive (Hwy 9) M - T 10am - 6pm W - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm OSHAWA 905-725-3533 1487 Simcoe St. N. M - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm PIERREFONDS 514-626-1866 4909 Boul. St. Charles M - W 10am - 6pm T - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm SCARBOROUGH 416-757-7377 1180 Kennedy Rd. M - T 10am - 6pm W - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm TORONTO 416-259-9656 1100 the Queensway M - F 9am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm OPEN SUNDAY 12-5!

Toll FREE Number: 1-877-471-6700 www.performanceimprovements.com Prices are valid from August 1 until September 30, 2006.

Please be aware that descriptive, typographic or photographic errors sometimes occur and are subject to correction.

We reserve the right to limit quantities.

Return of the Cool!

Story by: Thomas Andrews • Photos by: Robert Michaels

Once you have an efficient radiator, there are a number of other tricks to ensure maximum cooling.

L

ast issue, we spoke of the importance of a good quality radiator and described some of the catastrophic results that could occur if your radiator should fail.

In this issue, we would like to move this discussion a step further. One of the unwanted results of increasing the horsepower of an engine is a corresponding increase in engine heat. If you improve your horsepower by 20%, you will have a similar increase in the amount of engine heat created. A highly modified power plant creates an enormous amount of heat.

Here are just a few of the modifications that can increase heat produced. Boring the cylinders to a larger size will make cylinder walls in the block thinner, increasing the amount of heat produced. Installation of a high stall torque converter improves vehicle acceleration, to get that higher

stall speed often the converter is smaller in diameter holding less fluid. Decreased fluid capacity creates higher heat. Incorrectly set ignition timing can also generate unwanted heat.

On the assumption that you have a good radiator properly installed, there are a number of additional changes you can make to alleviate over heating problems.

First be sure that all settings and adjustments are correct for your project.

Remove the automatic transmission lines from the bottom of the radiator and install a standalone transmission cooler. B&M and Flex-a-lite both make good quality coolers that are easy to install. This change removes the heat the transmission creates from the radiator, moving it to the stand-alone cooler. Next, it increases the capacity of the transmission by the amount of fluid the

cooler will hold. Installing a deep pan on your transmission will also increase fluid capacity. Additional capacity results in a cooler running transmission.

Similar changes can be made to the engine. Edelbrock, Weiand and others offer high performance water pumps for popular engines.

These pumps provide maximum flow, maximum pressure and equal distribution in the engine’s block.

Increased coolant flow results in improved heat transfer. If you are still trying to get more horsepower, you might consider running an electric water pump drive kit, this kit removes the belt and drives the pump with an electric motor.

Tests have shown an increase of up to 4 hp. As in the transmission, in-

creasing the amount of lubricant the engine carries will improve heat transfer. Mr. Gasket, Transdapt, Hamburger and others offer a wide variety of custom-made oil pans that carry more oil than the original pan.

Cooling is the key to enjoying your high performance engine.

It is simply no fun driving a car where you have to constantly keep an eye on the temperature gauge.

Improving coolant flow and air flow will solve 90% of those pesky cooling problems.

Who Says Image isn’t everything?

High performance aluminum water pumps produce greater pressure and volume than the factory pumps.

By adding one of the Mr.Gasket electric drive kits, you remove the horsepower robbing belt drive from the system.

Adding a stand-alone transmission cooler, such as this B&M Supercooler, removes a heat source from the radiator and increases fluid capacity.

Check out our complete line of colorful performance-tested hose, tubing and plug wire routing kits with Unconditional Warranty.

www.made4uproducts.com

ph:760-868-6962 fx:760-868-2131 P|M • August/September 2006

23

This supercharged, completely polished and chromed 383 engine powers Ed Wieczorek’s immaculate 1963 Chevy ll. It was not surprising to see him take home a best engine award.

Performance World

I

2006

Story by: Robert Michaels • Photos by: Thomas Andrews

n early March each year, the best place to shed the winter blues, for a car enthusiast in the GTA, is the annual Performance World Car and Truck Show. Once again this year, show management brought out the cars. For three days, the International Center was filled with the smells of car wax and tire cleaner. Fenders were polished, interiors cleaned and great car displays were created. Space prevents us from showing you all the exhibits, here are just a few to peak your interest. To see them all, plan to attend the 2007 show.

Street rod builder Tony Deluca finally built one for himself.

His 1939 Ford Coast To Coast bodied convertible, was still being polished the day the show started.

Ryan Maxey’s beautifully painted Nissan 350Z featured a wicked wheel and tire combo.

Jeff Cunninham took home the radical custom truck award with his 1998 Dodge Pickup.

Tom Doerner’s 1962 Corvette is powered by a 510 horsepower supercharged 1999 LS1.

24

August/September 2006 • P|M

The Honda Civic of Tony Coelho showed great restraint in modifications. The stunning silver colour is nicely accented by the aluminum and red custom wheels. Stance is just right.

Jim Pearsall, the Canadian Rep Director for the Right Coast Association, had his unusual 1939 Oldsmobile Coupe “Orange Twist” out for the show.

Steering Solutions

®

The rat rod look is moving into other vehicle types. Curtis Bick has created his own version from his 1992 Blazer. Flat black, wide whites, chrome reverse and sidepipes all combine for the look.

UNIVERSAL JOINTS and SHAFTS • Splined or cut to length 3/4 DD • Needle Bearing Design • Stainless or nickel 5 AND 6 bolt ADAPTER fits perfectly with the Flaming River tilt steering columns and wheels.

“WaterFall” FR20150

From Ed McLean’s stable came this Minotti bodied, LS1 powered 1937 Ford. Fully detailed from top to bottom, Ed’s car was chosen one of the top ten in show.

Flaming River designs and builds steering systems including universal joints, tilt columns and rack & pinions for virtually any application:

TILT COLUMNS • All new components • Laser crafted stainless at our Cleveland facility • Column shift with only 8 inches upper housing length

Custom Adapter Required

Steering Accessories

Mustang II Style Power Rack & Pinion FLAMING RIVER INDUSTRIES. Inc. 1-866-897-5493 • FAX 440/826-0780 www.flamingriver.com P|M • August/September 2006

25

Performance World

2006

Al Collins brought his super straight two-tone 1934 Ford Coupe over from Mount Albert. This one got lots of looks.

If you like Camaros you will be astonished at Eric Latino’s 1967 version. Powered with a much modified 2004 ZO6 LS6, this is one of the nicest and straightest Camaros we have seen.

Jose Fernandes’ great looking yellow with silver graphics Chevrolet S10 pickup stood out in the back room with the funkmaster displays.

Remember the era of wheelstanding pickups? The father and son team of John MacDougall Sr. and Jr. are returning their 1960 Fargo pickup to its 1966 racing livery. Power will be from a 392 Chrysler Hemi.

26

August/September 2006 • P|M

P|M • August/September 2006

27

Stylish VW Does this car sit right or what? Lowered suspension and carefully smoothed body panels make this Karmann Ghia one of a kind.

F

ollowing the second World War, Volkswagen was faced with the fact that their only model offerings were the homely “Beetle” and the V W Bus. Management felt that they needed a more attractive model to reach the buying public, an image car.

A deal was struck with the German coachbuilder Karmann to build a more public-pleasing car. In turn, Karmann approached the Italian design firm Ghia who provided a revamp of a design that Chrysler had turned down. This design was altered to fit the Beetle f loor pan, and

the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was born.

The first cars were designated as 1956 models. The design caught on and lasted with continual improvements through to 1974, Originally coming to Canada from England, Patrick Rushe brought with him his taste for interesting European cars. You have already seen his rare Triumph Stag in our pages. In 1991, when he saw this 1974 Karmann Ghia convertible, he knew he had to take it home.

Over the next year and a half, he added his own touches to the Karmann

Aluminum Porsche style wheels really dress up the wheel wells. Looks great going away too!

28

August/September 2006 • P|M

Story & Photos by: Len Sly

Ghia design. Since 1993, the car you see in these pages has been seen on the streets of southern Ontario taking Patrick to meet with his customers or just out for fun. Reaction has been amazing. Patrick notes that kids really like it for its unusual looks and great colour.

To get his car in the shape you see here, Patrick working with Gary Rynsoever on the body and paint, Nobby Siegried who built the engine and Alpha Auto Trim for the interior, made the changes he felt would improve an already excellent design. Here is what they did to build Patrick ’s dream Karmann Ghia.

All badges, trim pieces and other geegaws were removed, the only identifying mark left is the classic Karmann Ghia script on the engine cover. The original headlight assemblies were removed and slanted units from a 1965 V W Beetle were installed, greatly improving the front fender appearance. The original bumpers from the 1973 looked like bumpers from a mid-50s Plymouth, ugly. Patrick replaced these with great looking fiberglass units.

To get his Ghia to sit as it should, the suspension was lowered and it rolls on a set of 15 x 7 American Eagle Porsche replica aluminum wheels mounted with 195-50 Michelin tires.

For the interior, a new dash was in-

Custom dash with gold-trimmed VDO gauges dress up the full custom interior.

Twin Weber carbs plus loads of polished aluminum and chrome dress up the engine compartment.

stalled featuring a full complement of gold -trimmed VDO instruments. A Honda Accord donated the front seats, and the complete interior was retrimmed in off-white material with red piping. Carpets were replaced with red material even into the trunk (front) area.

Around back, the engine is from a 1968 model, compression has been raised to 10-1, the camshaft has been replaced and big valves installed in the heads. Fuel f lows through twin 48 Weber carbs. Everything that could be polished was!

Check out our photos carefully. Patrick has taken an already nice design and turned it into a spectacular example of what a Karmann Ghia should look like.

P|M • August/September 2006

29

New Product Showcase

FLEX-A-LITE - New from Flex-a-lite is the Black Magic S-blade fan. This is a 16” S-bladed fan with a built-in fan shroud. Mounting brackets are universal, and this unit would fit any rad that offered a 16” or wider mounting surface. Both an air conditioning relay and an adjustable thermostat are included with the unit. Removing the belt driven fan and replacing it with a more efficient electric fan will free up more than 17 horsepower currently being used to drive the stock fan. Fuel mileage is improved since drag on the engine is removed. The Model 160 fan will move 3,000 cubic feet of air.

BARRY GRANT - Hot fuel causes horsepower loss and poor engine performance. Barry Grant’s new Heat Sink is designed to work with flow-through style fuel pumps (pump motor is cooled by flowing fuel). The Barry Grant Heat Sink can be installed on both EFI and Carbureted applications as long as they have a flow through fuel pump, a diaphragm bypass and return line to the fuel cell or tank. The heat sink keeps fuel cool and prolongs the life of your fuel pump. Two models are available depending on the size of fittings you need.

Check these out at your nearest Barry Grant retailer.

HOLLEY - Holley Performance Products is proud to announce availability of their new 870 CFM manual choke Street Avenger carburetor, P/N 0-81870. The manual choke Street Avenger is a perfect fit when the driver wants to control the choke.

These carburetors retain all the same award winning, No Trouble™ features of the electric choke versions. No Trouble™ features include quick change vacuum secondaries calibrated for optimum street use, fourth-generation power valve design with lifetime blowout protection guarantee, four vacuum ports consisting of PCV, spark, power brake and vacuum accessories, clear sight plugs to ensure fuel level can be seen during adjustment, and builtin secondary fuel filter system in primary and secondary fuel bowls.

The Street Avenger fuel metering system is designed to provide lightening fast acceleration, monster low end torque, crisp throttle response, and unmatched top end horsepower. For further information contact your nearest Holley retailer or www.holley.com.

FLAMING RIVER - The leader in rack and pinion steering kits have added a steering conversion system for the first generation Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova models from 1962-1967.

The heart of the Flaming River conversion system is the precision jig-welded rack cradle, which is a direct bolt-in installation to stock mounting holes on frame.

The Flaming River 62-67 Chevy II/Nova conversions include the BAER - This new system is the ultimate in road-going, race-quality, high performance brakes. The EXTREME PLUS system features forged 6-piston MonoBlock calipers coupled with eye-dazzling 14” cross-drilled, slotted and zinc-washed rotors. These systems work equally well on the street or at the track. Baer brake components are world-class. No matter what level of performance you desire from your braking system, Baer has the parts to meet your needs.

30

August/September 2006 • P|M

steering column plus all fasteners (Grade 8), wiring, universal joints and shafting to complete the installation. Best of all he system installs with ordinary hand tools.

The Chevy II/Nova rack & pinion conversions are for small block V8 engines (stock to mild performance) with stock-type oil pans, manual or automatic transmissions. Use of rear dump-style headers is recommended.

gord-triad.pdf

6/19/2006

Performance Business Directory

11:45:57 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Mississauga Classic Car Club presents:

Classics in the Country!

Sunday September 3, 2006 Rain or Shine / 9am to 5pm

$15 Per Car

Driver, Passenger & 2 lunch tickets

Spot Prizes – Best of Awards – People’s Choice Awards SHOW FEE Paid at Gate: Mississauga Classic Car Club Complex 5936 Eighth Line, Hillsburg, Ontario

Door 50/50 Prizes!

Draws!

Visit www.MississaugaClassicCarClub.com for updates

BBQ!

Or Contact: Blaine 905-821-2965 • Rod 905-824-4705 • Rob 519-853-0955

P|M • August/September 2006

31

New Product

HoleShot Converter ™ ™

QuickSilver Shifter ™ ™

Polished SuperCooler

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Shift Improver Kit

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Whether it’s Shifters, Torque Converters, Kits, Coolers or Fluid - B&M is at the forefront! For over fifty years B&M has been the leader in automatic transmission technology!

For more info, come see us at www.bmracing.com!

Racing & Performance Products 818.882.6422 32

August/September 2006 • P|M

COMP CAMS - If you are a Chrysler engine fan, Comp Cams has some parts that you should look at. No matter if you are working with a small block (273-360), big block (383-440) or a Hemi (426) check out the latest offerings from Comp.

Even though these are older engines, Comp has created a line of Xtreme Energy Retro-Fit Hydraulic Roller Cams for each engine family. These cams bring the latest in cam technology, incorporating all the latest technical advances into their designs.

Xtreme Energy Retro-Fit Hydraulic Roller Cams utilize modern “fast ramp” designs that result in a dramatic increase in horsepower and driveability. You will get real seat of the pants performance increase and drastically improved throttle response.

Combine these cams with a set of Pro Magnum Retro-Fit Hydraulic Roller lifters and you will see remarkable performance increases. These are a true drop in replacement, you will not require any type of engine block modifications to complete the installation.

If you love those Chrysler engines now you can realize untapped horsepower with high quality Comp Cam components. For further information contact your nearest Comp Cam retailer.

PROFORM - This PROFORM® Flywheel Tool features a spring-loaded action, which makes turning your flywheel and reciprocating assembly a snap. Equally important, it folds for compact storage. If you’re into tools for almost any automotive application, log on at www.proformparts.com and check out your next must have PROFORM® tool.

Showcase

®

7 out of 8 of America’s top engine builders prefer Royal Purple*

*Find out why Royal Purple® is the choice of racers and performance enthusiasts.

Visit royalpurple.com for details.

DNA - Long-awaited Full Throttle Collector Mufflers available now.

Call 866-769-3517 today for a free product catalog.

This new smaller bodied muffler uses the same patented DNA sound deflector technology, but comes in a compact 4” diameter for those really hard to fit vehicles. The Full Throttle Collector muffler comes in 3”, 3.5” and 4” inlet/outlet sizes and can handle up to 1,000HP per muffler.

The 4” Full Throttle Collector Muffler does not have the in-car drone that is associated with so many aftermarket mufflers. For further information, contact your nearest DNA retailer or www.dnamufflers.com.

P|M • August/September 2006

33

Bill Sangster’s 2002 PT Cruiser turns lots of heads when he drives by. A full body kit and custom paint assure he gets noticed.

This 1963 Chevrolet Nova SS owned by Rick and Judy Grasey was being pushed by one of those crying kids on roller skates.

Speedorama London

O

Story by: Thomas Andrews • Photos by: Robert Michaels

ne of my favourite smaller indoor car shows is the Speedorama London event. The show sets up in the Progress Building located on the Western Fairgrounds.

Across the parking lot is the Casino. First you go in and win your entrance money, then head on over to the show! How come it never seems to works this way for me?

Speedorama London is hosted by the London Auto Modifiers, one of the oldest car clubs in Canada. One of the reasons I like this show is the small-town feeling. Everyone is friendly and most seem to know each other. It is a nice place to hold a show.

This 1989 Mustang owned by Milton, Ontario’s Sanda Grella, sees lots of trips down the drag strip.

34

August/September 2006 • P|M

Here are some shots of the cars at this year’s event. Be sure to mark March 23-25 on your calendar and plan to attend the show in 2007.

This small-block Chevrolet engine with a Potvin front-mounted blower is a duplicate of the engine run in the Miller and Gregory roadster in the 60s. Rick Proctor has plans to stuff this one in one of his projects.

The way it was. Back in the Gasser heydays, these two cars would have raced down the tracks at St. Thomas and Cayuga almost every week. Chilly Willy has been recreated by Danny Bilyk, while Paul Dunbar is the guiding force behind the James Boys. These cars were from the glory days of Southern Ontario gasser racing.

Performance Business Directory

Nown!

Ope Auto Services Ltd.

P• 905-471-3335 F• 905-471-7274 C• 647-228-3434

Doug Lamb 60 Bullock Dr. Unit #8 Markham, ON L3P 2P2

P|M • August/September 2006

35

Speedorama LONDON

1.

2.

1. Rick Lojko brought his immaculate 1969 Camaro Z28. Under the hood rests a 540 cu in Dart Merlin Block with AFR heads.

There are Budnick wheels on each corner, 18” on the front with 20” at the rear.

2. Ted and Carol Brisseau from London showed this really neat 1949 Ford Pickup. Under the hood is a 396-cubic-inch Chevy Big Block engine. You have to admit it’s Orange.

3.

36

August/September 2006 • P|M

3. “British Class with Chevy Blast” said the sign on this Corvette powered 1952 Jaguar Mark V Saloon. What a cool cruiser!

Book Review:

High Performance Mustang Builders Guide T

his book covers the wide range of performance cars built by Ford on the SN95 platform. No matter which of the power plants you are interested in, this book covers all the options. Written by Canada’s own Sean Hyland, owner of the Woodstock, Ontariobased Sean Hyland Motorsports. Sean is an acknowledged expert on all things Mustang, In addition, he is the expert on racing for the Speed Channels’ well received “Sports Car Revolution” program. He knows what he is writing about.

For a fact-fi lled 128 pages, Sean describes virtually every type of modification a Mustang owner might make. Chapters cover all the engine combinations, plus there is a chapter on transmissions, stock and aftermarket options are described. Considering changing the rear

gears? Sean offers a complete section on ratios, axles and differential types, all fi lled with installation tips to help you make the correct choice for your type of driving.

If you are interested in taking your Mustang to the track, there is a complete listing of available safety equipment everything from roll cages to driving suits. He has also included a discussion of all the racing associations with descriptions of what they do, plus contact information.

The book is well illustrated with loads of full colour photos. A must for the Mustang owners library, no matter if you are ready to jump into racing or just want to see what is available for your ride.

- Bob McJannett

By Sean Hyland Published by SA Design Item #106 • Retail in Canada $35.99

The Dean AWARD

$10,000 returning to toronto for 2007

Overhaulin’ tv star

Chip

Foose

Cars! T-Shirts! Monsters! and now the

$8,000 Prize + first time shown bonus of $2,000! $1,000 First time in Ontario, $1,000 First time at Exhibition Place.

MOVIE!

January 26, 27, 28, 2007 The Automotive Building, Exhibition Place, Toronto

For more info or registration: 416-462-0132 • gary@SpeedoramacarShows.com

www.speedoramacarshows.com

Speedorama Shows P.O. Box 85103 RPO Chester Toronto, ON, M4K 3Z2 P|M • August/September 2006

37

by Bonnie Staring

Who’s your Daddy?

The relationship between a car and driver is a very powerful thing. So we’re not going to mess with that. Well, not today.

The typical auto enthusiast possesses more than one piece of identification to prove who he is, be it a driver’s licence, passport or Brew of the Month Club membership card. With a bonus Brewmaster stamp and everything.

For his automobile, it all starts with its VIN. That stands for Vehicle Identification Number, otherwise known as automotive DNA. It’s a number that—if you really need to see it for yourself—is found on the vehicle in question’s firewall, inside door jamb or windscreen plate. If your enthusiast’s car is of British pedigree, the number should be on the flitch panel or front valance.

Don’t know what a flitch panel is? Don’t worry, you’ll also find the VIN on the ownership. Clean and simple.

Now some die-hards go nuts for vehicles that are “numbers matching”. Those are the cars that are worth their weight in…at least high-grade steel.

Numbers matching is a mystical oasis that occurs when the VIN matches the number on the engine block. Or vice versa. And you can even have the number on the tranny match too, if you really want to go crazy.

But why should you care? Because he does. And there’s something you can give him that will bring a tear to his eye and make him think that you actually understand the way he feels about his ride: a window sticker or heritage paper.

On the day his vehicle entered the world, some detail-oriented individuals kept track of all its specifications. Model, make, year, colour, engine size and a lot of other stuff were all noted. Like a birth announcement, except without the photo of the wrinkly newborn.

These items were then listed on the sticker that appeared in the new car’s window while at the dealership, waiting for someone to take it home for the very first time. Of course, the original is long gone, but you can order a reproduction of it.

38

August/September 2006 • P|M

It’s hard to believe that a little piece of paper can bring so much joy to a car nut’s world.

While there are a number of web sites offering such replicas, this reluctant passenger found that most online searches ended at www.window-sticker.com, where you can obtain Chrysler, Ford and GM sticker replicas dating from 1959 onward. Mustang stickers are also available at, you guessed it: www.mustangstickers.com.

For those who have a British vehicle in the garage, you can obtain a heritage certificate (ooh, doesn’t that sound proper?) for rides that have crossed the pond. Go to www.heritagemotor-centre.co.uk for all the details. Wherever you go, depending on the age, make and model of the vehicle, results may vary*.

It’s hard to believe that a little piece of paper can bring so much joy to a car nut’s world, but it does. I have the photographs to prove it.

Just think about all the brownie points you’ll earn.

And if he already has all the papers he needs, let him ride with the top down this weekend.

Weather permitting, of course. *It should go without saying, but buyer beware. Please use caution when conducting business online. And don’t blame us if anything weird happens. Caveat emptor.

About the Author: Bonnie Staring

is a comedian, advertising copywriter, coupon-user, and a baker of unusual things. www.weirdbonnie.com.

Illustration by Kayvene www.kayvene.com.

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