Performance in Motion Magazine Vol. 7 No. 5 by Performance Improvements

August / September 2007 • Vol. 7 #5 • $3. 5 Canadian

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL PRODUCT SALES AGREEMENT #40609642

August/September

Contents

Robb Strawson’s 1933 Ford Sedan Delivery, “Sudden Delivery” on page 23.

Editorial ...... Hero of the ................................. 5 Virgin Find Salt ........................... 6 Street Class ................................. 8 ics Cruise .... ........... 12

Innocent un or Car Crushtil Proven Guilty? Speedy Deli ing Time? ............ 14 Owens Salvaver y ........................ 23 ge ................ .......... 26

Got the R ig Book Reviewht Spark Plugs ....... 30 New Produc ............................. 32 Reluctant P t Showcase ............ 34 assenger ...... ........... 38

16 Years Of Innovation, Integrity & Leadership

■ Chassis

Harnesses ■ Fuel Injection Harnesses ■ Relay Kits ■ Connectors ■ Terminals ■ Battery Accessories ■ Fuse Blocks ■ LEDs ■ Switch Control Centers ■ Switches

PERFORMANCE

PRODUCTS

w w w. p a i n l e s s p e r f o r m a n c e . c o m

August/September 2007 • P|M

HP274_Wanted_DragIllsrtd.qxp

3/15/07

3:30 PM

Page 1

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE

14 $25.00-$75.00 BOUNTY WILL BE PAID! BUY a new Mallory Digital Ignition Box (6852M, 6853M or 685) between April 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2007, SEND us your ORIGINAL purchase receipt (make a copy for yourself) and the bar code label from the Mallory package, along with your dead or alive MSD ignition box postage prepaid, to Mallory Ignition - MSD Bounty, 10601 Memphis Ave., #12, Cleveland, OH 44144

WE will send you a $25.00 - $75.00 Bounty check, depending on MSD box returned: $25.00 Bounty - MSD 6200 & 6300 $50.00 Bounty - MSD 6320 & 6420 $75.00 Bounty - MSD 6350, 6462 & 6520

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DARE TO COMPARE • The Mallory 6A, 6AL, and 6AL2 have the same wire color coding and mounting pattern as MSD’s 6A and 6AL analog ignitions for simple replacement • The Mallory 6AL Ignition has 1 stage of rev-limiting that requires NO chips for adjustment - unlike the MSD 6AL that requires extra-cost chips for specific RPM settings • The Mallory 6A, 6AL and 6AL2 Ignitions have 19% more spark energy, 10% more primary output voltage and 40% lower energy draw than comparable MSD boxes for maximum performance and reliability For a complete product comparison of Mallory vs. MSD ignition boxes, visit www.MalloryRacing.com/Comparison Redemptions must be submitted by January 31st, 2008. The dead or alive MSD boxes become the property of Mallory Racing and will NOT be returned. MSD is a registered trademark of Autotronic Controls Corporation. Both the use of MSD and the likeness of the MSD ignition box are used for comparative reference only. Void where prohibited. ©2007 Mallory Ignition

12 P|M • August/September 2007

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK.

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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 Bob McJannett bmcj@performanceinmotion.ca Phone: 416-259-3678 U.S. ADVERTISING Dick Van Cleve Phone: 1-818-506-7773 PRODUCTION DESIGN Rob McJannett rmcj@performanceinmotion.ca CONTRIBUTORS Thomas Anderson Bob Bahboughie Jeffry Conger Bob McJannett Robert Michaelson Louise Ann Noeth Jeff Norwell Leonard F. Slye Joe Tricinci with Bonnie Staring as the Reluctant Passenger ILLUSTRATIONS Kayvene PROOFREADER Spike “The Machine” 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 ©2007 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, most of whom have sniffed too much paint fumes. The information presented is via said paint huffers 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 our magazine, be sure to let us know! Hey now - How did the Sopranos end anyway? Thank you Spike!

Proudly Created in Canada!

DRIVING WHILE STUPID E

lsewhere in this issue is an exploration of potential pitfalls that could affect the car enthusiast with the passing and enforcement of Bill 203, an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. I hope you will take the time to read and understand just how serious this is. This law takes due process out of the equation. The police officer on the scene, if he or she so desires, can impound your vehicle and your driver’s licence for seven days, based on what they think they have seen. There is no mechanism to appeal; the officer is now judge and jury. If that doesn’t sit well with you, take the time to write to your MPP, the opposition, and Premier McGuinty expressing your concerns. Unfortunately, at the same time as Bill 203 is passed, Attorney General Michael Bryant has gone off on a rant threatening to crush your car even if they think you might be planning to race. Rational thought has been thrown to the wind, and the media is having a field day with his statements. The problem remains that the police insist on calling these events street races instead of what they really are “DWS” (driving while stupid). When charges are laid, they should be for dangerous driving, reckless driving or any of the other more serious sounding charges that have always had huge fines and jail sentences attached to them. Obviously, the magistrates and judges don’t take the racing charge seriously, based on the light sentences that they are giving. A racing charge indicates an agreement by at least two parties. Unless it can be proved, a good lawyer will get these charges thrown out. According to my Canadian Oxford dictionary, a race is a contest of speed between vehicles. A single car zipping from lane to lane at far above the speed limit is not a race, it is just plain stupidity. The only voice of reason in the media has been Mark Richardson, Wheels editor of the Toronto Star. His June 21, 2007, editorial in the Wheels section hit the nail on the head. At press time both Ian Law and Jim Kenzie have added their common sense ideas to the subject.

As for me, I think that our politicians have been caught up in the frenzy and let the Bill pass without realizing the true ramifications of its wording. I do not have the same confidence as my MPP in the ability of the police to always understand what they have seen. There needs to be some type of “innocent until proven guilty” mechanism in place. What should be done you ask? I suggest the politicians and the media stop blaming the car enthusiasts. Mr. McGuinty, please stop your ministers from making inappropriate statements that only cause your constituents to question the sanity of their elected representatives. I read all the reports of these incidents and find that they are often unmodified, original cars, in many instances belonging to other family members, but are being driven by unskilled young people with too much testosterone. This is not street racing, this is DWS (driving while stupid). The vehicle is not the problem, the driver is. If you really want to have some effect, make driver’s licences far more difficult to earn. Teach safe-driving skill sets and train future drivers on the dangers driving holds. The current driving tests are a joke. Ask Ian Law of Car Control School, Bill Brack of Advanced Driving Academy or Gary Magwood of Driveability Car Control Clinics what needs to be done. They all run driving skill schools that teach already licensed drivers how to do it right. Teaching proper driving skills would go a long way to improving road safety. After all, isn’t that the real purpose of this rhetoric?

P|M • August/September 2007

• Guest Editorial by “landspeed” Louise Ann Noeth

HERO WORSHIP,

reat accomplishments, especially in sports, tend to cultivate admirers. Sometimes, the feat is so fantastic or the ability to deliver repeated outstanding performance so incredible, that fans pop up in droves with a little help from the media. Sometime, these people are elevated to the exalted state of “Hero” or “Heroine.” They begin to reap the monetary benefits of generous endorsements packages, increasing their fame as they hawk a particular service or product. “Appearance” fees can easily exceed their sports paycheck.

The list goes on, but why take up space with what you already know? The point is, if we, the spectators, the adoring fans, ignore the bad behaviour, we send a message to our youth that acting irresponsibly, recklessly, and even criminally, is OK – just so long as you make the next game and score those points. That, if you play sports well, the world will forgive you acting like a horse’s ass, hurting people, lying, cheating and stealing. Come now. What rational, caring parent wants that ideology stuffed into their kid’s head?

Over the past few years, we have seen a lot of heroes and heroines, but I wonder if the moniker is rightly deserved. By my reckoning, people we admire, (especially people our children admire) ought to be required to live up to the title by demonstrating more than the ability to chase a ball, smack a puck or look good under hot camera lights.

If this great nation allows crummy conduct, then we as a nation fail not only to our youth, but dishonour our national heritage as well. Many of us learn by example and, if the example set by our heroes and heroines is poor, then we had better not complain when the kids grow up without a sense a shame when they act badly.

Is it so much to ask of a role model to conduct themselves in a dignified manner, to live a life that will pass the test of time and not require an excuse? In other words, “Wow, what a tremendous [insert sport] player, too bad he beats his wife.” What about those two pro-sports clowns who thought drag racing their exotic cars on city streets was macho until one of them punched out?” Thankfully, the damn fool didn’t take any innocent bystanders with him.

When the baseball strike came along, it lost me as a fan. One too many contract disputes over big bucks made it clear to me that the players and owners were playing the greed game. I chose not to let them worry about my money ever again.

If heroes and heroines want to bask in the limelight of admiration, it is my opinion that they should not: • be arrogant and cruel to fans • be compulsive gamblers • buy, sell or use drugs • steal sponsor money • beat their spouses • drink and drive • assault people • be alcoholics • kill people

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Over the years, the bad behaviour has become bolder, meaner, and humiliatingly arrogant. I was ashamed for the country when Charles Barkley spewed out his mean-spirited, snide comments about sportsmanship at the Olympics. I was astonished that bully Sprewell was allowed to again play basketball after attacking his coach. That Pete Rose and Michael Jordan were such gambling addicts showed me they had more money than good sense. Let’s not forget the unconscionable conduct of Tonya Harding and crew. As for the Iverson case, can someone tell me why the authorities allowed that jackass to cavort with abandon for days after he brandished a loaded firearm and physically abused his wife?

The team owners are not without blemish either. A survey by the editors of Sports Illustrated found ticket prices skyrocketed as much as 80% over the past decade. Excuse me, but the playing hasn’t got 80% better. Who needs em! Not me. Not America. Certainly not the youth of America. My disappointment with professional sports also extended into motorsports. Sponsors have taken such a front and center role, splashing their corporate message like a tidal wave over the spectators in the hopes of dislodging the contents of their wallets, that the racing has started to take a back seat. The merchandising is so overwhelming that fans are becoming “message weary” of the garish marketing display that subliminally nags fans to “spend, spend, spend.” I’m no fool. I realize it takes money to campaign a pro car. Competing for points in a series can mean a dollar hemorrhage just to stay competitive. What happened to racing for the love of the sport, not the thought of adding commas to a bank balance? Things had just about got to the point where I thought all professional sports was a load of hooey. Then, I met a few land speed racers. Attended time trials at El Mirage and Muroc and met a few more. Watched some fine driving, enjoyed some outstanding hospitality and reveled in the inter-team congeniality. By the time the Bonneville Speedweek rolled around, I hardly noticed that I had become a fan and found a whole new set of heroes and heroines. It is marvellous how husbands and wives, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, uncles and aunts, grandmothers and grandfathers, all combine to wage war against a timepiece. The whole affair unfolds on one of planet earth’s most majestic natural wonder a fragile, crystalline surface that has astounding resilient tenacity when it comes to supporting high-speed time trials.

THE SICK TRUTH

Land speed racers call themselves amateurs. Ha! Sure. Tell me another one. These people are as good as it gets when it comes to exhibiting professional competitive deportment. By nothing more than their actions and genuine humility for a homespun sport, they embody the best of what the American Spirit ought to represent. Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” plays in my head when I think of them. If this is amateur, America needs more of this, and the “professional” would do well to be more like the land speed racer. Nothing made this clearer to me than at the 200MPH Club banquet, an annual party where members who have exceeded the namesake speed, gather to re-congratulate themselves, induct new members and pay tribute to the greatest among in the sport. Rounds of

polite applause would sound as names were read, until Al Teague’s name was mentioned. Everyone began clapping, beers were abandoned and 300 people rose to their feet. As for the man at whom the honour was directed, geez, he was in an awful state. It was obvious he appreciated the recognition, but he was uncomfortable being in the limelight. Here was guy who the entire room admired. Why? I discovered Al Teague is the hero of the salt. Just a regular guy who built a dream in his mother’s one-car garage and tinkered with it until just right. In five years, I have yet to find anyone who had anything bad to say about the guy. Here, at long last, after a long, weary search, was a true-blue American Hero. People admired him, racers tried to

emulate him and fans were in awe of him every time he fired up his midnight blue streamliner and roared off down the nine-mile course in search of another piece of history. As humble as he is fast, this country could use a few dozen more like Teague. Oh, and by the way, he doesn’t beat his cheery wife Jane, shootup heroin or speed on the street. Maybe that’s why he isn’t a household name. You think?

“Landspeed” Louise Ann Noeth is an award-winning writer and photographer based in California. She has an insatiable interest in land speed racing. Check out her other accomplishments on her website:

www.landspeedproductions.biz.

Al Teague and his Bonneville Crew “LandSpeed” Louise Ann Noeth Photo

P|M • August/September 2007

Virgin Find

1962 Sprint Car Survivor - travelled from shop Story and Photography by: Bob McJannett When you visit a person for the first time, you will often get a clue about their interests. If you are in a kitchen filled with high-quality cooking tools and the latest appliances, there is a good chance a serious cook lives in the house. If rooms are filled with high-end stereo systems and the latest flat screen liquid crystal television, it’s a safe bet an audiophile resides there. When we first met, Robb Strawson took us to his playroom in the lower section of his home. The walls are covered with NASCAR and sprint car art, the cabinets and shelves overflowing with model racers and other racing paraphernalia. We decided

August/September 2007 • P|M

that Robb might be a serious race fan. As we turned in the room, there was a complete sprint car frame sitting in the center. “My wife bought it for my birthday, she knew I would love it.” said Robb. It seems Robb is more than a race fan; he is a

dyed-in-the-wool sprint car fan. He and his wife travel all over the country visiting sprint car museums and attending races. It was on one of these travels that he found his pride and joy. In his garage, rests a brand new never-raced 1962 CAE (Culbert

Automotive Engineering) sprint car. We just knew there was a tale to tell here. In October, 2005, Robb stumbled upon Marlin Heller who has a large collection of vintage sprint cars. Marlin invited Robb to his home to look at his collection. There amongst the other cars, was this untouched, 44-year-old CAE chassis and body. Marlin allowed that he might sell this one, since it had never been raced and had no history.

to shop - until finally restored to perfection How wrong he turned out to be. Robb fell in love, after promising he would restore it to perfection, a deal was struck. In the 60s, Culbert Automotive Engineering was one of the premier builders of open wheel sprint cars. Based in San Diego, they were shipping race cars worldwide. The west coast was, and still is, a hot bed of sprint car activity. The California Racing Association (CRA) was formed in 1946 to help the track roadster builders of the day with rules and race

sanctioning. By 1956, the CRA switched to sprint cars and still sanction sprint car races today. Here is the legend of the virgin race car that Robb acquired in 2005. In 1962, the Morales Brothers were one of the CRA’s strongest sprint car teams. Morales cars were driven by the likes of Parnelli Jones, Rich Vogler, Chuck Hulse and Ronnie Shuman, all the hot shoes of the day. They ordered three or four CAE chassis for their team. The idea being that as they used up a car they could have a replacement

ready to go in a couple of days. As things happen, by the time they would have had to use the last car, technology had moved forward. Other more modern chassis were the hot lick, so the Morales bought them. The CAE chassis, now an orphan, got pushed to the back of the shop. A few years later, it got traded to Davis Motors, a dealer in the San Jose area. From this point until 1982 ,the trail gets fuzzy, except for the fact that the car seemed to remain with Davis all this time.

C.K.Spurlock, who promoted a number of country singers including Kenny Rogers and Loretta Lynn, was also a huge sprint car fan. In 1980, he started Gambler chassis, another manufacturer of top quality sprint car components. Somehow, Robb discovered that C.K. had ended up with the CAE car that now resided in his garage. After a lot of sleuthing Robb reached C.K.’s son K.C. Spurlock. If you are a fan of NHRA drag racing, you will remember K.C. as a fuel funny

P|M • August/September 2007

BODY

• CAE nine-piece fiberglass sprint car body • CAE cast aluminum front grille • Front, side and rear chrome nerf bars

COMPLETE CAE CHASSIS • Quick disconnect roll cage • CAE chrome tubular front axle • International front spindles • Halibrand six-pin front and rear hubs • Halibrand six-pin pressure plates • Halibrand steel knock-offs • Chromed radius rods • CAE cross-spring front suspension • CAE 147 & 14 chrome steering arms • Chrome tie rod assemblies • Monroe racing shocks • Torsion bar rear suspension • CAE 154 birdcages • Airheart four-piston disc brakes • Airheart master cylinder • Heat-treated alloy torque plate • CAE aluminum fuel tank The chassis weighs 124 lbs, plus another 42 for the roll cage.

1962 Sprint CAr

ENGINE & DRIVELINE

• 307 small-block Chevrolet engine • Flat-top racing pistons • Halibrand 3” open-axle magnesium quick change rear end • Hilborn eight-stack fuel injection system • Hilborn cam-driven fuel pump • Speedway cam-driven water pump • Vertex magneto • Forward sweep sprint car headers • Brass high capacity radiator • CAE case-hardened crankshaft flange • CAE 200 in and out box • Steel floating torque tube

INTERIOR

• Custom aluminum race seat • Padded seat and cockpit enclosure • Latch type six-point safety harness • Magneto ground switch • SW mechanical fuel pressure gauge • SW mechanical oil pressure gauge • SW mechanical temperature gauge • Schroeder manual steering box with quick release hub • Schroeder four-spoke quick release steering wheel with chest pad

WHEELS & TIRES

• Halibrand magnesium six-pin 1 /550 Speedway Kidney Bean front wheels • Firestone 1 /550 Dirt Track ribbed front tires • Halibrand magnesium six-pin two-piece 15/11 rear wheels • Buck’s sure-grip, dirt rear tires

August/September 2007 • P|M

car driver. K.C. in turn passed Robb’s request for information to his father C.K. On Dec. 12, 2006, Robb’s phone rang; on the other end, anxious to tell this story was C.K. Spurlock. “That sprint car cost me $375,000 back in 1983!” said C.K. Around that time, Gambler chassis was becoming very successful. Spurlock was selling his products through distributors around the US. One of his distributors was Ron Shaver of Shaver Racing Engines (Ron is still a major race engine builder today). In turn, Ron set up a sub-distributor deal with Davis Motors, where the CAE car now resided. After a period of great success, Davis ran into financial difficulties, eventually going broke. The bankruptcy left Gambler owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Spurlock was forced to sue for the assets of Davis Motors, a suit he eventually won. In an effort to recover their lost monies, Gambler auctioned off all the assets they received. When the dust settled, C.K. was left with the CAE car and an outstanding debt of $375,000. By now, the CAE car was over 20 years old, never raced, yet complete with all the right parts to assemble. In fact, it was thought to be one of the last cars that Culbert had built.

TIRED OF THE USUAL? circle is complete, since way back at the start of this history, you will remember Robb purchased his CAE car from Marlin. As a fascinating aside, when Tommy Saunders began working at Gambler, the CAE car was already there. He never knew how C.K. ended up with it; it was just part of the furniture. In Robb’s words “it is hard to believe that a car of this historical magnitude in the sprint car world could sit virtually untouched for 44 years.” As you can see by the photos, Robb lived up to his end of the bargain, having restored the CAE car to perfection, as promised.

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C.K. decided he would keep it, assemble it and donate it to a suitable race car museum. So once again, it was pushed to the back of a shop, where it rested until Gambler Chassis was sold. With the sale, the old CAE car was again looking for a new home. C.K. gave it to one of his Gambler employees Tommy Saunders, another well-known individual in sprint car circles. To get the rest of the story, Robb was finally able to track down Tommy in 2006. Tommy fi lled in the blanks. Eventually, Tommy sold the car to Harold Lockwood who also planned to assemble it. Unfortunately, before he could, Harold passed away. His family sold the CAE car to one of Harold’s friends Marlin Heller. Thus the

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www.dnamufflers.com P|M • August/September 2007

Street Classics

Story by: Thomas Anderson • Photography by: Leonard F. Slye

eorge Farrugia’s interest in cars began at a very early age. Like most young boys, his spare time was spent building model cars. Soon, he was modifying these models to create the “hot rods” he could see in his mind’s eye. All the time, he dreamed of the moment when he would be able to build a real car. Moving into the 60s, George got a driver’s licence, a job, some money and bought a “semi-started” 32 Oldsmobile Coupe. In order to get some help with the creation of his dream car, he joined the Etobi-Cams, a west end Toronto car club. With the help of its members, George was able to finish his car. For the next couple of years, he was a fi xture at the indoor car shows throughout the area. His car was even featured in Car Craft magazine. This was just the beginning. In the years since, he has built a 31 Chevy Coupe, a 64 Pontiac with big block power, a 66 Thunderbird restoration. Today, you will see him driving a beautiful 1955 Ford F100 pickup, “built Ford tough, with Chevy stuff.” In 2000, George and his wife Bonnie started the Street Classics Cruise.

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First year, they were pleased to get 25-40 cars every Saturday night. Originally based in Mississauga, the Street Classics Cruise was moved to the Canadian Tire lot on The Queensway at the bottom of Highway 27. Seven years later, the car count is now averaging 250-300 an evening. Are we dedicated? Well, in the seven years since it was started, George and Bonnie have never missed a Saturday night. If a wide variety of cars make an event a success, the Street Classics Saturday night get-together is certainly a success.

There is far more to running a great event than just sitting back and waiting for the cars to come. George, Bonnie and a group of dedicated volunteers who in addition to helping during the event, solicit and collect door prizes, arrange for local merchant coupons all to be given to participants. They want Saturday to be family night. To ensure the ladies feel welcome, each receives a door prize ticket, just as the vehicle’s driver does. While other cruises only allow certain years of vehicles, the Street

Above: George and Bonnie pause for a moment to let us get a shot of them with their beautiful Ford F100 Pickup. Below: The Street Classics support trailer holds all the equipment necessary to run a smooth operation.

The Street Classics Cruise has a place for everyone. 85 and up swing to the left, 84 and down to the right.

Red Mercury Marrauder is a perfect example of one of those cars that were not as popular when they were new, now don’t we all wish we had one! Classics event is open to any enthusiast, with a car as late model as 1985. In fact, you can come out and see even newer cars on display; there is a separate parking lot featuring 85 and up vehicles. If it’s a nice car and the owner keeps it pristine, it will be welcome at the Street Classics Saturday night event. The last time I attended, there was a magnificent 48’ trailer with matching cab on display. It was wall-to-wall polished aluminum with loads of running lights and acres of custom paint. It is variety

like this that brings the participants back week after week. The Street Classics cruise has a serious side too. Each week they hold a 50/50 draw and sell refreshments. The profits from their efforts are donated to two worthy charities: Rose Cherry’s Home for Kids and the Canadian Breast Cancer Society. After seven years, they can proudly boast that through the efforts of volunteers, supporters and cruisers, they have donated $29,500 to the Rose Cherry home and $2,000 to breast cancer.

Rare 1932 Ford four-door looks great, and it is painted Henry’s favourite colour.

1956 Ford Fairlane hardtop makes a great cruise vehicle. Lots of room and plenty of comfort.

Finished or unfinished, everyone is welcome on Saturday night. George and Bonnie are quick to point out that there would be no cruise without the hard work and dedication of their helpers. “I would like to thank all volunteers and cruisers who have helped Street Classics become the #1 cruise to attend,” said George. “Don’t forget the sponsors. Without their support, we would be unable to give away all the great donated prizes.” The future will bring continued success. There will be lots of space for the cruisers, great prizes and giveaways, along with

a welcoming atmosphere for all who attend. Drop by any Saturday night for a look at some of the great cars in attendance. You will just be part of the family.

You will see almost anything at a Street Classics cruise.

Shoebox Ford sports all the correct custom touches. Smoothed and filled, nosed and decked, lowered etc. P|M • August/September 2007

O T T N A IW

H S U CR R U O Y

R A C

Souped-up vehicle can be seized before it hits the road, Bryant says

, r a c r u o y h s u r c “We will ” . s t r a p e h t h s u r c we will l Bryant - Attorney General Mic

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ha e

“Likening speed shops that make street racers to bomb factories or illegal drug labs, Attorney General Michael Bryant warns “juiced-up” cars could be seized and destroyed before even hitting the road.” Toronto Star • June 21, 2007 Robert Benzie and Peter Edwards

s r a C g n i h s u r C , Seizing Property

s r o t a l s i g e Have our L

? R A F O GONE TO annett Article by: Bob McJ to Star

Toron With ﬁles from the

their desire to rid our roads of DWS (Driving While Stupid), have our legislators gone too far? The Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), has introduced new legislation (Bill 203) to reduce “street racing,” and in their haste, they are allowing police to charge you and seize your vehicle for anything they think is “racing,” “stunting” or a “contest.” We all agree that street racing is just plain stupid, but now the police can impound your vehicle for burnouts, donuts, squealing tires, motorcycle wheelies, or anything that gets their attention. They don’t even have to stop you when they see you “racing” or “stunting.” They can seize your vehicle days or weeks later, possibly even from private property – that’s all allowed in the new law. They can also suspend your drivers licence right on the spot, and you must pay all the fees involved to get your vehicle and licence back, including towing, storage, licence replacement, etc.

Worst of all, you have no way to appeal the licence suspension or the impoundment, because under the Highway Traffic Act, the officer’s word is the final word – period! There is no appeal to the suspension or impoundment. No thinking car enthusiast is in favour of street racing. Certainly not any of us. What we are concerned about, is the ability of the police officer to be judge and jury, with no recourse to the accused. To make matters worse, Attorney General Michael Bryant, in a recent interview, confirmed our concerns that rational thought would be thrown to the wind. He claims he can seize cars being built for “street racing” before they get on the road, and destroy them even if no actual driving offence was committed! He recently made these statements:

“If we can establish someone has parts and they’re juicing up their car — obviously for the purpose of street racing — then we can seize those vehicles.” “We can seize that car if we have information from police and, just on the balance of probabilities, if we can establish that that car is being used for the unlawful purpose of street racing, we will seize it and you will never see it again. We don’t need to wait until that car hits the road fully loaded.” “We will crush your car. We will crush the parts. You will never see it again.”

Street Racing is a driver problem, not a vehicle problem. The mere existence of performance products is not probable cause for its seizure and destruction.

P|M • August/September 2007

r, a c r u o y h s u r c l il “ We w .” s t r a p e h t h s u r c l we wil y General Michael Bryant - Attorne

Bryant also said that “car junkies who pour thousands of dollars into their vehicles to make them as fast as possible are wasting their money,” and he compared shops that modify vehicles to illegal drug labs and bomb factories! All this despite the fact that, almost all accidents that have been blamed on “racing” have involved stock, unmodified cars, many of them not even high performance models, being driven recklessly by idiots who have no respect for anyone’s life or safety. This heavy-handed approach by MTO, the Attorney General, and the police will result in unwarranted charges, licence suspensions, vehicle impoundments, and harassment of law-abiding owners of specialty vehicles all across Ontario, and a potential loss of business for

the specialty shops who sell the parts and services you want. If these unreasonable laws bother you, you must make your concerns known. Contact your local Member of Ontario’s Provincial Parliament (MPP) and make sure they know how you feel about this – see web address below. Owners of specialty vehicles should consider the effect of these laws on the peaceful possession of their vehicles, and also the consequences of their actions while driving. Join the Canadian Street Rod Association or Specialty Vehicle Association of Ontario. These are organizations that will speak on your behalf. There is strength in numbers. Unfortunately, our politicians have been led to believe that car enthusiasts are outlaws. We have to prove them wrong! Please – drive safely and slowly this summer and remember, the future of your vehicle depends on YOU !

Who is working for the car enthusiast to try to get the politicians to understand that portions of Bill 203 adversely affect vehicle owners or drivers rights?

The Specialty Vehicle Association of Ontario That’s who!

“I drove the ‘06 Hot Rod Power Tour with my Speed Demon-equipped Factory Five Cobra. I got 18.5 mpg in the city traffic and averaged 22-24 mpg during highway driving. Art Townshend, Long Hauler, Hot Rod Power Tour ‘06 “I toured with my 460cid ‘81 Chevy Malibu - I’m running an 850 annular Mighty Demon and I’m getting an impressive 22mpg or 19mpg with 4 passengers with the A/C on!” Joe DeMarco, Hot Rod Power Tour ‘06 “I’m proud to be the first West Coast customer to purchase the Six-Shooter and test it on my roadster. This system runs great in town or on the freeway and delivered 23 mpg when I drove it to Del Mar last year. I love it and I hear it’s won the Goodguys award” - Dean Ferrari “I run a supercharged Brizio-built Roadster and I switched it to Demon Inline Twin carburetors. The Inline Twins are boost-referenced—the first of their kind – and the performance and fuel economy of my car improved immediately; in fact, my mpg figures are similar to those of my pals’ Roadsters, which are unblown! The Inline Twins were easy to install, easy to tune—especially float level checking, and they look terrific.” – Al von der Werth

Call for a dealer today (706)864-8544 www.barrygrant.com Demon™ carburetors are not Holley® products and not affiliated with Holley®. Demon™ carburetors are designed and manufactured by Barry Grant, Inc. These products are not legal for pollution-controlled vehicles.

August/September 2007 • P|M

Members of SVAO have prepared a seven page discussion paper pointing out the problems we see with Bill 203. Within this document are sections on the lack of appeal provisions, accountability, enforcement, prohibited equipment, off highway enforcement and the recent comments of the Attorney General Michael Bryant. • To reach SVAO visit: www.corskan.on.ca/svao In addition to the discussion points there are three sizes of posters that you could download and use as handouts to tell your story to your politicians. SVAO members have had meetings with at least one MPP and have plans for others. If this concerns you do two things, contact your MPP and express your concerns and join SVAO. • To reach your MPP, visit: www.ontla.on.ca then click on “contact an MPP.”

BILL 203 The complete Bill is very lengthy, what we have printed here is the part of interest to the automotive enthusiast. We have highlighted the particularly onerous parts, and written our concerns.

- What qualifies as a “stunt?” This wording leaves a lot of leeway regarding enforcement. - If a police officer “believes” a car has been driven while performing a “stunt,” it can be impounded? Can the vehicle be impounded from a parking lot? Private property? BILL 203

21. Section 172 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: Racing, stunts, etc., prohibited 172. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway in a race or contest, while performing a stunt or on a bet or wager. Offence (2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both, and in addition his or her driver’s licence may be suspended, (a) on a first conviction under this section, for not more than two years; or (b) on a subsequent conviction under this section, for not more than 10 years.

Steering Solutions 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.

Police to require surrender of licence, detention of vehicle (5) Where a police officer believes on reasonable and probable grounds that a person is driving, or has driven, a motor vehicle on a highway in contravention of subsection (1), the officer shall, (a) request that the person surrender his or her driver’s licence; and (b) detain the motor vehicle that was being driven by the person until it is impounded under clause (7) (b). Administrative seven-day licence suspension (6) Upon a request being made under clause (5) (a), the person to whom the request is made shall forthwith surrender his or her driver’s licence to the police officer and, whether or not the person is unable or fails to surrender the licence to the police officer, his or her driver’s licence is suspended for a period of seven days from the time the request is made. Administrative seven-day vehicle impoundment (7) Upon a motor vehicle being detained under clause (5) (b), the motor vehicle shall, at the cost of and risk to its owner, (a) be removed to an impound facility as directed by a police officer; and (b) be impounded for seven days from the time it was detained under clause (5) (b).

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BILL 203

line prove lane d iscip : im to g in h yt an le l do How will this Bil 9% of drivers ig nore the simple ru 9 on our hig hways?

Pass. o t t p e c x E t h g i R Keep

- A police officer can impound a vehicle “believed” to have “stunted” and there is no appeal? - Is the ban on Nitrous the first step to further prohibitions of performance equipment in the Whatever happened to innocent supposed belief that this will improve road until proven guilty? safety? Release of vehicle (8) Subject to subsection (15), the motor vehicle shall be released to its owner from the impound facility upon the expiry of the period of impoundment. Early release of vehicle (9) Despite the detention or impoundment of a motor vehicle under this section, a police officer may release the motor vehicle to its owner before it is impounded under subsection (7) or, subject to subsection (15), may direct the operator of the impound facility where the motor vehicle is impounded to release the motor vehicle to its owner before the expiry of the seven days if the officer is satisfied that the motor vehicle was stolen at the time that it was driven on a highway in contravention of subsection (1). Duty of officer re licence suspension (10) Every officer who asks for the surrender of a person’s driver’s licence under this section shall keep a record of the licence received with the name and address of the person and the date and time of the suspension and shall, as soon as practicable after receiving the licence, provide the person with a notice of suspension showing the time from which the suspension takes effect and the period of time for which the licence is suspended. Duty of officer re impoundment (11) Every officer who detains a motor vehicle under this section shall prepare a notice identifying the motor vehicle that is to be impounded under subsection (7), the name and address of the driver and the date and time of the impoundment and shall, as soon as practicable after the impoundment of the motor vehicle, provide the driver with a copy of the notice showing the time from which the impoundment takes effect, the period of time for which the motor vehicle is impounded and the place where the vehicle may be recovered. No appeal or hearing (13) There is no appeal from, or right to be heard before, a vehicle detention, driver’s licence suspension or vehicle impoundment under subsection (5), ( ) or (7), but this subsection does not affect the taking of any proceeding in court.

… 18

August/September 2007 • P|M

172.1 (1) No person shall drive or permit to be driven on a highway a motor vehicle manufactured or modified after its manufacture such that nitrous oxide may be delivered into the fuel mixture unless, (a) the part of the fuel system that may connect to a canister, bottle, tank or pressure vessel capable of containing nitrous oxide can be clearly seen by looking at the interior or exterior of the motor vehicle; (b) there is no canister, bottle, tank or pressure vessel connected to that part; and (c) if the part of the fuel system that may connect to a canister, bottle, tank or pressure vessel capable of containing nitrous oxide is located inside the passenger compartment, there is no canister, bottle, tank or pressure vessel capable of containing nitrous oxide in the passenger compartment.

…

This is a condensed version of Bill 203. To read the entire Bill visit: www.ontla.on.ca

then click on : - “Bills & Lawmaking” - “Status of Legislation” - “Bill 203, Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act”

Contact your MPP : www.ontla.on.ca/web/members Let them know your thoughts on this legislation.

Hon Michael Bryant Attorney General 803 St. Clair Ave W Toronto ON M6C 1B9 Tel 416-656-0943 Fax 416-656-0875 mbryant.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

Hon Dalton McGuinty Premier

1795 Kilborn Ave Ottawa ON K1H 6N1 Tel 613-736-9573 Fax 613-736-7374 dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

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BARRIE 705-735-1274 422 Dunlop St. West (Hwy 90) M - F 9am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm OPEN SUNDAY 12-5!

NEWMARKET 905-954 -1630 180 Davis Drive (Hwy 9) M - T 10am - 6pm W - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm

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

OSHAWA 905-725-3533 1487 Simcoe St. N. M - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm

GUELPH 519-821-6740 672 Woolwich St. M - T 10am - 6pm W - 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

HAMILTON 905-574-6940 891 Upper James 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!

LAVAL 450-688-4536 3236 Boul. St. Martin O M - W 10am - 6pm T - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm Toll FREE Number: 1-877-471-6700 www.performanceimprovements.com Prices are valid from Aug 1, until Sept. 30, 2007.

Please be aware that descriptive, typographic or photographic errors sometimes occur and are subject to correction. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

sudden delivery Robb Strawson’s 1933 Ford Sedan Delivery Story by: Thomas Anderson • Photography by: Leonard F. Slye

lsewhere in this issue, you will see a story on Robb Strawson’s CAE sprint car. If you have already read it you know that it had a very interesting history. Plus the travels it took until it arrived in Robb’s hands. Well, Robb’s 1933 Ford Sedan Delivery has another similar tale without the race car history. It seems that Robb and his father owned and operated Fitzsimmons Foodservice Wholesale in Thunder Bay, Ontario. As a means of advertising their business, they thought they would like to have a panel truck similar to the one that Robb’s dad owned in 1947.

Back in those days, Mr. Strawson drove an International Harvester Panel Delivery. Unfortunately, they were never able to find a suitable vehicle. However the die was cast. Robb soon became fixated on someday finding a sedan delivery. As time passed, Robb’s car tastes moved towards the popular 33-34 Ford body styles. He liked the slightly more swoopy lines that Henry had added to his styling in those years. But he never forgot about the sedan delivery. While searching the Internet, he came across someone who told him about a work in progress. That was the good news.

The bad news; its owner had recently passed away. Should he place a call or not. Finally, he called the wife and left a message that he would be interested in the car if she was so inclined to sell it. He soon had a return call from the widow who was anxious to sell off all her husband’s accumulated “junk.” The next thing you know, Robb and his friend John McGuire were in Robb’s Suburban, with car hauler in tow, heading for Illinois. They weren’t sure of what they would see, but after talking with the widow, it seemed there was a chance they might find that elusive piece of automotive treasure.

In this instance, patience was rewarded. Upon arriving, they discovered, spread throughout two barns, the parts of an all-steel 1933 Ford Sedan Delivery. For a car 65 years old, the pieces were in remarkable condition, plus there were loads of extra parts. A deal was struck; the swag was loaded into the trailer and away the boys went back to Ontario. While making the trek back home, they took time to discuss just what type of car Robb wanted to build from his new-found treasures. John McGuire owns J&B Street Rods in Caledon, with his knowledge of car construction he was able to steer Robb in the right direction.

P|M • August/September 2007

sudden delivery Careful planning can save the builder a substantial amount of time and money, keeping him from doing things twice and making mistakes. The time they spent in the truck planning the project stood them in good stead later, as they progressed through the build. Robb decided he wanted a sedan delivery that maintained the fine lines that Henry had designed, but was completely updated with all the creature comforts of a new car. Only the top was to be chopped. This was to be a true street rod capable of being driven anywhere in complete enjoyment. Oh, and it had to match Robb’s view that a true hot rod was, “bright, loud and flamed.” Work was begun, the original frame rails were boxed and a number of cross members added to accept the late model components in the plan. Coilover components and a four link attach the 9” Currie rear end out back. For front suspension, they decided on one of Garry Heidt’s Superide 11 stainless independent units. To get the frame up on all fours, Robb mounted a set of American Torque Thrust to some BFG Radial TAs At the same time each of the body pieces was stripped of

August/September 2007 • P|M

paint, primer and any work necessary to make them pristine was completed. Hugh Brooks, John McGuire and Robb spent thousands of hours assembling and making everything perfect. Hugh Brooks applied the paint and Brian Stronghill buffed it to perfection. The inside was even more of a challenge. If you remember Queen’s song, “I want it all, I want it now,” you know just what Robb had in mind. Keyless remote door openers, power cowl vent, air conditioning, power windows, late model entertainment center, cruise control, tilt steering are all pieces that had to be adapted to the normally sterile truck interior space. Robb is quick to note that it took all of John McGuire’s ingenuity to fabricate and assemble all this and more. Once everything was fitted, Ed Mann’s Caledon Trim Shop was called in. Ed took on the task of creating a super comfortable, ultra-modern all leather interior. As usual, Ed was up to the task. For power, the delivery was fitted with a GM ZZ 430hp 350 crate engine topped off with a Street and Performance chromed Ramport, Fuel injection system and all the other Street and Performance chromed engine

parts. [See side bar for complete details on Robb’s delivery.] Four years after the adventure began, “Sudden Delivery” took to the streets. This car is not a “trailer queen.” It was built to be driven. On one recent trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the annual Goodguys event, Robb and his buddies left Caledon in sleet and rain that unfortunately didn’t end until the border of North Carolina Today, Robb and his family drive their truck to cruise nights,

car events and just for fun. In the winter, he enters the local car shows earning numerous awards and trophies. There is talk of hooking up a trailer hitch, building a trailer and towing the sprint car to events as well. We think that it would be great, two pieces of automotive history on the road together. I’ll be watching for it. You should be too.

BODY

• All steel 33 Ford Sedan Delivery • 3” Chopped top • Roof filled with ‘ 1 Dodge station wagon top. • Cowl vent converted to power. • Door handles shaved • Keyless remote system installed • “Lime Fire” by Hugh Brooks

CHASSIS

• Original frame rails boxed • Racing-style cross members installed • Coil over rear suspension tied in with a four-bar system • Currie ” Ford 3:70 rear end with Trac Lock • Heidt Superide 11 stainless front suspension • Wilwood brakes • American Torque Thrust Wheels with BF Goodrich T/A tires

ENGINE & DRIVELINE

• 307 small-block Chevrolet engine • Chevrolet ZZ 430HP 350 cu. in. • Crate motor • Street and Performance Ramport Fuel Injection • GM 700R4 automatic transmission

INTERIOR

• Full leather interior by Ed Mann • Wilton wool carpets • Seats originally from a Honda Prelude • Power doors, windows and cowl vent • Full gauge package Center console with Panasonic DVD CD AM-FM player with eight speakers • Tilt steering • Vintage air system

P|M • August/September 2007

All in the Family Words and Photography by: Jeff Norwell

ave you looked everywhere for that elusive part in Canada with no luck? Here is a source to consider. Way down in Wellington, Texas, about 800 miles north of the Mexican border, there is a salvage yard that speaks enthusiast cars. Owens Salvage Co. has over 65 acres of old cars, old trucks and even old tractors. In 1964, Robert Owens operated a gas station in Wellington. He was also a hot rodder and drag racer. As is often the case, he ended up with more cars than his gas station lot would hold. To solve the problem, he bought 5 acres of land a little way down the road. He moved all his projects, parts cars and pieces down to the new property. Of course with the added space, came more vehicles. Soon he found himself having to leave the gas station to help local car enthusiasts with parts that they needed. People bothered him

August/September 2007 • P|M

so often that he finally had to give up the gas station and get into the salvage business full time. Business expanded and more property was acquired. Now the yard covers 65 acres of land. Every acre is bulging with donor cars of every make and model. Today the yard is operated by Robert’s son Bob. He is the person to call if you need to find a part for your project. Bob is a soft-spoken, polite Texan that is truly interested in helping you find the part you need. He tells me that Texas is number three in low body rust on old cars, only California and Arizona might have better sheet metal. If you need a fender, your chances of getting a good one are far greater in Texas. Bob’s earliest car today is a 1917 Dodge, his heaviest inventory is 40’s, 50’s and 60’s vehicles. He will gladly ship to Canada, and offers lots of advice to help you get your project finished.

If you are stuck for that elusive part, give Bob a call. You will be pleased with the reception you get and the quality of the pieces he has. If you are traveling in the Texas panhandle, be sure to stop by in Wellington and say Hi. Bob would be glad to show you around.

Bob Owens

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P|M â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2007

All in the Family

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August/September 2007 • P|M

2007

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performance enthusiasts. Visit royalpurple.com for details. Call 866-769-3517 today for a free product catalog. P|M • August/September 2007

ARE YOU RUNNING THE WRONG SPARK PLUGS? Story by: Leonard F. Slye

ecently, in discussions with the NGK representative, I became painfully aware that changes in motoring are affecting the efficiency of our vehicles. If you are driving a vehicle built before 2006, chances are good that you are suffering from increased fuel consumption. In these days of $1.00 plus fuel costs, no one wants to use more fuel than necessary. If you have noticed your fuel consumption has increased, or the check engine light comes on, and when checked, a lean code is displayed, there is a reason. Today’s fuels are blended with ethanol. In fact, most brands now have 5% to 10% ethanol blends. The addition of ethanol to gasoline results in an increase in combustion heat and a decrease in the amount of energy a litre of fuel will provide. To restore your car to correct fuel mileage and improved performance, all that is necessary is to change spark plugs. In the past, performance enthusiasts were aware that the changes they made to their engines required a change in spark plugs. The addition of increased compression ratios, supercharging or turbocharging, performance camshaft profi les all result in the need for a colder range of spark plugs.

Today’s technology also requires a change of plug. Spark plugs serve two purposes, to ignite the air/fuel mixture and to remove heat from the combustion chamber. It is important to remember that spark plugs do not create heat, they can only remove heat. The spark plug works as a heat exchanger by pulling unwanted thermal energy away from the combustion chamber and transferring the heat to the engine’s cooling system. The heat range is defined as a plug’s ability to dissipate heat. Changing to a colder range of plug should resolve the problems that ethanol blending brings us. In addition to replacing your plugs with colder plugs, you should adjust the spark plug gap to .010 tighter than the factory spec. Do not reduce the gap below .035. Other factors are also affecting your fuel mileage. Installation of performance air fi lters such as Airaid or K&N allows up to 35% more air flow than the factory calibrated for. A change of plug will resolve this issue. Engines modified with power chips or computer modules such as the Superchips

Flashpaqs, Hedman Headers or Nitrous Oxide systems all benefit from colder plugs. Modified engines, high annual mileage, abnormal driving habits, trailer towing, continuous heavy loads will all benefit from a change in heat range. In some instances you should change to two heat ranges cooler. Again reduce the recommended gap setting by .010 just don’t go below .035.

Spark plugs do not create heat, they only remove heat. The spark plug works as a heat exchanger by pulling unwanted thermal energy away from the combustion chamber, and transferring the heat to the engine’s cooling system. The heat range is defi ned as a plug’s ability to dissipate heat. 30

August/September 2007 • P|M

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NE W now with

10% Ethanol

Colder Plugs

• Retro-look Gray wire color for early muscle cars •350 ohms spiral-wound conductor for RFI suppression • 8mm diameter 100% silicone 2-layer jacket • Features ProBoot® • Also available in red, black, blue, orange, yellow, purple & hot lime

Also check out other high performance & race wires from TAYLOR. ThunderVolt ® 8.2

With Ethanolblend Fuel, Your car needs

8mm Spiro-Pro

• 50 ohm ferrite spiral-wound coated core for RFI / EMI suppression • 8.2mm diameter 100% silicone 2-layer jacket • Superior spark energy • Continuous heat protection up to 600° F • Available in black, blue or red

HEI Distributors

ThunderVolt ® 50

• 50 ohm ferrite spiral-wound coated core for RFI / EMI suppression • 10.4mm diameter 100% silicone 3-layer jacket for superior heat and abrasion protection • ProBoot® featuring vibration proof double spring locking terminals • Available in black

“409” Pro Race

• 350 ohms spiral-wound conductor for RFI suppression • 10.4mm diameter 100% silicone 3-layer jacket for superior heat and abrasion protection • Features ProBoot® • Available in black, blue & red

• Precision CNC machined A354 T-6 cast alloy housing for maximum accuracy • Centerless ground shaft reduces friction and provides concentric operation • 50,000 Volt coil with dust cover • High-output GM style module • A hardened steel gear machined to exact tolerances for a tighter mesh with cam gear • Direct plug-in replacement for easy OEM style plug and play installation • Replacement, Blueprinted and Chevy race models available

NEW Smaller Embossed Aluminum Battery Boxes

• Two new box sizes are now available to fit both Optima® and Odyssey batteries • Optional battery cable kits are also available

TaylorVertex.com • 1-816-765-5011

TAYLOR...WHERE PERFORMANCE COMES DOWN TO THE WIRE!

For further information check out the NGK web site or visit your nearest performance retailer.

• www.ngksparkplugs.com

P|M • August/September 2007

Book Review:

ENGINE MANAGEMENT

ADVANCED TUNING

With today’s late model vehicles, proper engine tuning is critical. However, the old ways are no longer viable; today, we need to have a complete understanding of the computer and just what actions it controls. SA Design’s latest offering is titled “Engine Management Advanced Tuning” written by Greg Banish. Greg is a graduate of GMI Engineering and Management who works as an OEM calibrator by day and a professional engine tuner in his spare time. On the pages of this book you will find all the secrets to unlock the hidden performance of your late model, computer controlled vehicle. Today’s engine tuners work with laptop computers instead of timing lights and wrenches. To accomplish the high degree of tune the enthusiast is looking for requires a clear understanding of the EFI system and the knowledge of what the EFI system controls. Using this book

the reader can gain an understanding of all the popular systems in use today. Learn the secrets of making good working engines better. Greg’s book covers inputs, outputs, ignition, data logging and much more. There are special sections on superchargers, turbochargers and nitrous tuning. He has chapters on GM tuning, Ford tuning and the aftermarket systems. If you are willing to spend the time learning the technology this will be a great book for your library. One caveat, if you have no interest in the subject, but own a car that you would like tuned to peak performance you will be better off finding someone who does the tuning and understands the EFI system. It is not a subject for outright beginners. - Bob McJannett Engine Management Advanced Tuning By Greg Banish • Published by SA Design SA#135 • Retail $35.99 cartechbooks.com

Oops – boy, did we get it wrong!

In our last issue, in a photo on page 23, we gave Studebaker credit for building those ground-breaking Pony cars from American Motors. If this wasn’t bad enough, we had already identified that Studebaker had finally closed its doors in Canada in December 1966. Only an idiot wouldn’t know that the AMX in the photo was a 1968. Apologies to Steve Johnson, Colin Sizer and all the other Studebaker and AMC fans who called to point out our mistake — yup we blew it. To the readers who recognized the mistake and just thought we were blind, thanks for not calling. Apparently Mom was right – sniffing too many gas fumes can cause brain damage! August/September 2007 • P|M

P|M â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2007

New Product Showcase

RICHMOND GEAR – Looking for a high-quality, made in the US, gear set for your street performance car? Check out the latest Sportsman offerings from Richmond. Manufactured in Liberty, South Carolina, using the same technologies that Richmond uses to make their Double Diamond extreme performance gear sets. Sportsman gears offer low cost with high performance. See your Richmond dealer today.

LSD DOORS – LSD-Doors is now offering the worlds only crash tested lambo-style door system for 1992-1996 Chevrolet Impala SS and Chevrolet Caprice or 1980-1987 GM GBody platforms. (Buick Grand National, Regal, Chevrolet El Camino, Chevelle, Malibu, Monte Carlo SS, Oldsmobile Cutlass, or 442)

August/September 2007 • P|M

SPECTRE – New from Spectre is the EMSPro engine management system. Claimed as the first stand-alone EMS you can afford. The EMS Pro is a small computer designed to control a wide variety of engines and engine functions on engines with electronic fuel injection, similar to OE computers found on Fords and GM, but featuring the ability of customizing a number of performance enhancing functions. The EMS Pro will support a number of power adders such as nitrous, superchargers or turbochargers, plus much more. Included with your EMS Pro is the software, a USB cord and a shock mounting system. See your dealer for details.

These easy to bolt-on kits offer M.A.R.A. (Multiple - Axis - Rotational - Assembly) and Magic Stick Technology. A patented Side Impact Safety Lock is integrated into each LSD-Door system. The M.A.R.A. C-shaped pivot arm provides a range of adjustment for proper gap clearance for smooth operation.

STREET SCENE – Street Scene has launched three different styles of functional fender vents that will add an elegant style to your truck or SUV. Available in unfinished, chrome and carbon fibre finishes and constructed of ABS plastic using a hinge clip mounting system for a much cleaner installation than other fender vents. Street Scene Fender Vents use the Speed Grille design at the base of the vent and are supplied with rubber gaskets, cutting template and detailed instructions for a clean installation. Easy to install, practical with a great look.

The “Magic Stick” technology provides a second hinge point and supports the door when closed. Each LSD-Door kit is vehicle specific and offers factory like fit. Kits are available for many other applications, see store for details.

Performance Directory

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 2007

New Product Showcase EDELBROCK – Edelbrock has just released a number of “Top End Kits” featuring all the parts you would need to complete a short block crate motor, offering increased horsepower and torque. Just add the Edelbrock carburetor that best matches your application. SMALL-BLOCK CHEVROLET Small-Block kits include almost everything you need to duplicate the performance proven 410 hp, 435 hp or 460 hp small-block Edelbrock Performer RPM Crate Engines. Kit contains intake, heads, cam and lifters (except roller lifters), head and intake bolt kits, as well as a complete gasket set. Push rods and rocker arms not included. Simply finish the system with the Edelbrock carburetor that best matches your application BIG-BLOCK CHEVROLET The All-New Big-Block kit improves your ZZ502 to a whopping 611 hp/579 lb/ft of Torque in one simple bolt-on package. The Big-Block Top End Kit includes: Victor Jr. intake manifold, Victor Jr. 24º cylinder heads, hydraulic roller camshaft, timing chain and gear set, head and intake bolt kits, as well as a complete gasket set. SMALL-BLOCK FORD Each kit includes: intake, heads, cam & lifters (except roller lifters), head and intake bolt kits, a complete gasket set as well as a timing chain and gear set. Push rods and rocker arms not included. If you want real performance muscle at a reasonable price, think of this. Starting with a GM ZZ4 short block add the Edelbrock top end kit and all the other pieces needed to have a 410 horsepower engine (everything from carb to pan, flexplate to balancer) for under $6,200. Real muscle at reasonable cost.

MICHELIN – Tired of getting lost or worse yet having to ask for directions? Check out the new, low cost, X-930 portable GPS Navigation system. This is a compact and portable GPS unit that is easily transferred from car to car. Simple to operate with touch screen technology, the X-930 comes with clear detailed maps that are easy to follow. Additionally, you can have turn by turn voice instructions, points of interest, find nearby restaurants, hotels and much more. Once you have planned your journey, you can also receive the following information: distance remaining, time remaining, arrival time, time, speed or direction. How much information do you need? Check these out – they’re great.

DESIGN ENGINEERING DEI is now offering a pit crew safety kit. The kit includes Clear ANSI Approved safety glasses, one Kevlar Sleeve and one set of ear buds to protect you from heat, flying objects, and your girlfriend complaining. Protection and safety at a reasonable price.

August/September 2007 • P|M

Performance Business Directory

P|M â&#x20AC;˘ August/September 2007

Wax On, Wax Off

Even if you haven’t seen The Karate Kid, you’re probably aware of the lesson about patience…or appearing in cheesy movies. And sometimes catch phrases like “wax on, wax off” can help reluctant passengers on this journey that can appear to be going uphill both ways from time to time. There’s a lesson to be learned from films like The Karate Kid. No, not the “wearing your karate-inspired headband in public” one, but taking the time to gauge a situation and respond in an appropriate way. That’s what our relationship with drivers really boils down to: understanding. Like when to make a comment or simply smile innocently. Or knowing that the fuel gauge has been wonky and ensuring a fill-up before heading to the out-of-town car show. And, most importantly, when to show your ride knowledge and when to sneak away so you don’t get caught in the driveway all weekend. Here are a few bits of wisdom that may help you avoid ride-maintenance hassles and, in some cases, gain points with your automotive enthusiast: Wax poetic…or poorly Waxing is a thankless job and, depending on the type of paint on the vehicle, is sometimes not recommended. If your driver insists that applying a coat of wax is the only thing between him and happiness (or a show trophy), develop the habit of reciting horrible poems about spray cheese as you work. Or screw up the process by putting the wax on too thick, in the wrong areas (glass and chrome) or on the kids. Media blackout It’s best to keep newspapers and magazines out of the car because there’s nothing worse than newsprint stains or the reversed image of a bad celebrity moment on upholstery. Can you really think of a situation more uncomfortable than sitting on Nick Nolte—the mug shot one? Didn’t think so.

Swiss-Army purse For those times when feigning a coma can’t get you out of a road trip, carry along a few items in your purse so that you can become Mrs. MacGyver when the need arises. A small tin of WD-40 will get car parts out of a jam, a pack of baby wipes will clear up any spilled jam and a roll of gaffer tape (which is much stronger than duct tape) will put anything back together or, when placed on the floor, can act as a cup holder. Your purse may now weigh 45 pounds, but you’ll be a superhero in his eyes.

Pointing out the flaws Sometimes a passenger needs to take on the role of “critique partner” in order to show a driver where he could do better or seek professional help. While this can be a dangerous job, if handled correctly, you will reap many rewards. The challenge is in knowing what to say and when to say it—like with an ignition chain, timing is everything. These are just a few steps in the whole “peace with being a passenger” process. Okay, maybe peace isn’t quite the right word. After all, we’re dealing with hard-core car nuts. Enjoy the ride.

About the Author: Bonnie Staring is a comedian, advertising copywriter and one of those people who enters all kinds of contests. To see what else she’s been ranting about, visit her website: www.bonniestaring.com Illustration by Kayvene • website: www.kayvene.typepad.com

August/September 2007 • P|M