Performance in Motion Magazine Vol. 10 No. 3

THE

BONNEVILLE EXPERIENCE RACING ON THE SALT

Vol.10 #3 •

FALL 2010

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40609642

MLS EXHAUST GASKETS for Drag Racing, Oval Track & High-Performance Street • Multi-Layered Steel (MLS) exhaust and header collector gaskets are designed for extreme cylinder pressures produced by high horsepower–high compression turbo-charged, supercharged and nitrous oxide engines.

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216-688-8300 www.mr-gasket.com

Performance in Motion 1100 The Queensway Toronto, ON M8Z 1P7 Phone: 416-259-3678 Fax: 416-259-6433

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Bob McJannett bmcj@sympatico.ca PRODUCTION DESIGN Rob McJannett CONTRIBUTORS Thomas Anderson Joshua Baron-Cohen Mike Bennett Leonard Lee Frank Malfara Robert Michaelson Amir Rosenbaum Leonard F. Slye with Bonnie Staring as the Reluctant Passenger PROOFREADER Spike “The Machine” LaVigne Are you Moving? Let us know, email us at: moving@

Table of Contents Editorial ...................................................................5 Kings & Klassics.......................................................6 Autofest 2010 ...........................................................8 SEMA Show & Shine ..............................................14 Motorcycles ............................................................20 Book Review ...........................................................22 The World’s Fastest Cadillac ..................................24 Why Land Speed Racing? .......................................35 Product Showcase ...................................................40 Product Showcase ...................................................42 Directory Ads .........................................................44 Reluctant Passenger ...............................................46

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performanceimprovements.com PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40609642 • PERFORMANCE IN MOTION is published four times a year: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Circulation is 30,000+ (ISSN 1703-8421) Copyright ©2010 All rights reserved by Performance In Motion Publishing. The fi ne print: We respect your privacy, and do not sell our mailing list. All opinions are those of the usual gang of idiots, most of whom sniff gas fumes. The information presented is via said gas sniffers, from which there can be no responsibility by the Publishers as to legality, completeness or accuracy. Recycle this magazine - give it to your friends. If you enjoy our magazine, be sure to let us know! Th is magazine may not be reprinted without permission of Performance In Motion Publishing. (We’re nice guys, just ask) • Thanks for everything Mr. D • None of this would have been possible without you. •

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FALL 2010 • PiM • 3

Below is the information SEMA is providing to all car enthusiasts in the U.S. regarding increasing the amount of ethanol in gasoline. While this is currently a U.S. problem, how long will it be before Canada’s regulators decide this is something they should do?

EPA Threatens to Raise Ethanol Content in Gasoline

Under pressure from ethanol producers to raise the ethanol content in gasoline, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could issue a decision later this month allowing the use of E15 in late-model cars. It could permit the use in other cars at a later date. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) opposes the shift from E10 to E15 due to concerns that the additional content will harm automobiles of all ages, including special interest collector and historic vehicles. To date, there is a lack of conclusive information regarding E15’s effect on engines of different model years. In addition to the potential harm of E15 on engine components, the EPA has no procedure in place to ensure misfueling does not occur or any plan for ensuring regular gasoline continues to be available for older vehicles. The SAN’s concerns are shared by a number of other industry organizations.

Following is the text they suggest all enthusiasts send to President Obama and other involved politicos.

“I strongly urge you to stop the EPA from raising the amount of ethanol in gasoline from today’s 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15) – a 50 percent increase.

The EPA is under pressure from corporate ethanol supporters to raise the rates in order to boost sales.

However, scientific studies have not yet been completed on concerns that the added content could harm auto parts.

Editor’s Note

Editorial

When ethanol levels are raised, engines react differently and in a potentially dangerous way. Ethanol causes engines to burn hotter, which could lead to premature engine and equipment failure. For newer cars, the “check engine” light may appear unnecessarily or too late to avoid costly repairs. If the EPA approves E15, it will state that the increased ethanol is only for recent model cars. However, once a new fuel mix enters the gasoline supply system, it will inevitably end up in the wrong engines.

The EPA should wait until all of the scientific research is complete. There is no need for a rush to judgment.”

As Canadian enthusiasts we should be talking with our politicians now in the hope of end running this problem before it rears its ugly head.

In another vein, congratulations to the Canadian Street Rod Hall of Fame Committee for choosing Windsor’s Frank Wall as this year’s inductee to the CSRAHoF. An excellent choice.

FALL 2010 • PiM • 5

Kings & Klassics

The registration tent saw lots of action on both days of the show.

Kings & KlassicS Photos by Frank Malfara

The Rockton World’s Fair Grounds, site of one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, was also the scene of the third Kings & Klassics car show (and Elvis contest) this July. Cars came from all over southern Ontario to enjoy the music and the good weather. Here are some shots from the show. For info on next year’s show, visit: www.kingsandclassics.com.

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This 1950 Chevrolet was straight as an arrow with loads of genuine GM accessories from back in the day.

Great looking 1936 Ford pickup painted in “Race me Red” really sits right.

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Who says shoeboxes don’t look great?

Anne and John Jarvis’ Guelph-based, louvered and candycoloured 1950 Ford certainly does.

Rare 1951 slant back Dodge Kingsway belongs to Rick Dear.

Wally Kent had this 1975 Fiat Spyder out to enjoy the sunshine.

FALL 2010 • PiM • 7

Autofest 2010

AUTO FEST

2010 Story and Photos by

Leonard Lee

On

August 28, it seemed as if all roads led to Oshawa. More specifically, all roads led to Lakeview Park for the 17th annual Autofest. The park was fi lled to overflowing with all types, sizes and styles of enthusiast vehicles.

In fact, over 1,500 cars

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were registered during the twoday event. Three days if you include the Friday welcoming festivities in downtown Oshawa.

Autofest is a long-term project of the 26-member Motor City Car Club. For the first 15 years, the original Autofest events were held

at the GM offices just south of the 401. Like all good events, it expanded steadily until it outgrew the GM facility. Three years ago, the club moved the Autofest to Lakeview Park, located on the shores of Lake Ontario.

The park offers a huge amount of space with lots

of (surprise!) lake views and shaded spots particularly appreciated during the weekend’s hot weather.

Is Autofest well-known?

Well, the longest distance an American came was from Boise, Idaho, and a Canadian rodder came all the way from Victoria, B.C.

Why has this event been so successful? Consider that the Motor City Car Club members are extremely organized, nothing appears to be left to chance. Other than looking at all the cars and talking with the car owners, there are loads of other things to do. They

have a large vendor presence, great food, a two-day silent auction, the Women’s World Craft show, a soap box derby and a poker run. There isn’t enough time to do and see it all. Plus there are prizes distributed to the registered participants, including two crate engines.

FALL 2010 • PiM • 9

This year’s event benefited the Grandview Children’s Centre. The centre is the only outpatient rehabilitation facility for children and youth with special needs in Durham, and offers a variety of

10 • PiM • FALL 2010

programs and services aiding the children and youth plus their families, to achieve their personal best.

Our hats are off to the Motor City Car Club for a job well done; you all deserve a pat on the back for your

efforts. Most important of all, at 3 pm on the Sunday, the club presented the Grandview Children’s Center, their charity of choice with a cheque for $19,547. Congratulations for a job well done!

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FALL 2010 • PiM • 11

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P.I. TORONTO 1100 The Queensway Toronto, Ontario 416-259-9656

P.I. BRAMPTON 12 Rutherford Rd. S. Brampton, Ontario 905-453-9901

P.I. HAMILTON 891 Upper James Hamilton, Ontario 905-574-6940

P.I. PIERREFONDS 4909 Boul. St. Charles Pierrefonds, Quebec (514) 626-1866

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P.I. OSHAWA 1487 Simcoe St. North Oshawa, Ontario 905-725-3533

Call Toll-Free: 1-877-471-6700

SEMA Show & Shine

Story & Photos Pasadena, California was the by: Len Sly destination of the second annual

SEMA Show ‘N Shine car show.

All proceeds from the event went to benefit ChildHelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities. Nearly 120 cars of all makes and models arrived to fill the show floor.

Show ‘N Shine organizer Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment was impressed, and The photo on the admittedly a little surprised by windshield showed the growth and interest in the what Bob Younkin’s 1951 Ford Vicky was like when he started.

Here is what Bob’s Vicky looks today.

What a difference!

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event. “It was completely sold out,” Spagnola said. “Car show spaces, vendor slots—totally full.”

SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) held the event on Saturday after their Installation banquet. They welcomed new board members and three people chosen for the SEMA hall of Fame in 2010: Chuck Schwartz, Richard McMullen and Van Woodell.

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If you had brought a bag of cash, you could have driven this great looking 36 Ford Roadster home to Canada.

So Cal has its share of ground pounders too. This 388-inch Camaro certainly filled the bill.

Here is a neat idea: the middle board in the pickup bed hinged up to reveal the gas filler neck.

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Deeply channeled 1930 Model A coach was built in Japan and was loaded with unusual features.

Straight as an arrow, this big-block powered Chevelle sat right.

Inspired by WWII aircraft design and powered by a flathead Lincoln V-12, Chip Foose brought his P32 roadster out for the event.

He also signed autographs for all his many fans.

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Under the hood of “Moonshined,” a heavily-modified ‘66 Pontiac GTO packed with a 428 c.i. big block.

Look carefully, those are not carburetors!

The composite-bodied AREX featured 600 horsepower and an extremely stiff chassis, making for a stunning ride.

Not what you think it is! Mike Harn’s 1941 Plymouth Coupe was the “Sema Cares” selection.

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Rare SB-powered 32 Roadster Pickup looked like it would be fun to drive.

This custom-bodied V8-powered sports car is guaranteed to turn heads as it goes by, 600 hp from a blown V8.

With the exception of the headlights and tires, everything in this picture is made of 30 different exotic woods.

Kelsey Clark’s pedal car replica features 24-volt electric drive, working headlights and a radio.

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Bill Holland’s fantastic track-nosed T roadster “23GT” has just been featured in Hot Rod Magazine. This one goes just as well as it looks.

Motorcycles

On

a recent trip to L.A. we had an opportunity to tour the Ronald Regan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. While you don’t think of Ronald Regan as

any kind of a car guy, we visited because they were having a motorcycle show within the walls of the Air Force One pavilion.

It was a very interesting show with a large number

of historical motorcycles on display. In some of the photos, you can see Air Force One in the background.

Here are a few of the bikes we checked out.

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This was Harley Davidson’s 1919 Model J V-Twin. Powered with a 60-cubic-inch engine they produced from 1912 until 1929. With the addition of a side car, these models were a less expensive alternative to a roadster.

In 1922, Harley began to offer a larger 74-cubic inch engine. This 1928 version featured the new tear drop-shaped gas tank.

The 1970 “ iron” XR750 Harley was designed and built for flat track racing. Only 120 were built because the iron cylinders created high heat affecting reliability. They were soon dropped from the line.

This full custom cycle was the work of legendary “Little John Buttera.” Look carefully at the attention to detail and blending of components, typical of “Little John’s” creativity.

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This 1913 motorcycle was built in Indianapolis by the Deluxe Motorcycle Company. You could order this from the Sears Roebuck & Company catalog, and it would be delivered to your door.

Just to prove the current scooter craze is not new, here is a 1959 Cushman Eagle powered by a 500cc engine with a two-speed transmission.

Wealthy purchasers would often choose these high-quality Cleveland bikes. Known as the 4-6, it’ long low frame contained a powerful 4-cylinder 600cc engine propelling it in excess of 90 mph. Unfortunately its high cost, plus the stock market crash of ‘29, did them in.

From Sweden came the Husqvarna Motocross 250. Through the 60s, Husqvarna won 14 motocross world championships and 24 enduro world championships, dominating this style of racing throughout the 60s and 70s.

The Indian is the oldest brand of American motorcycle, built from 1901 until 1953. This model, a 1927 Scout, was owned and ridden by the late Steve McQueen.

FALL 2010 • PiM • 21

Book Review

Book Review: Woodward Avenue: Cruising the Legendary Strip

If you live anywhere near Detroit and are a car enthusiast, you already know about the annual Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise.

The world’s largest one-day celebration of classic car culture attracts over one million visitors, and more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles. The Dream Cruise takes place along a 16-mile stretch of the legendary Woodward Avenue through eight host communities including Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak, in Southeast Michigan.

Well, Robert Genat’s book takes you back to where it all began. Back to the day when Woodward was the street racing capital of the continent. When this straight length of asphalt was home, every night (weather permitting) to the muscle cars of the era.

Prowled by Detroit’s car manufacturers engineers driving thinly disguised race cars ,looking for a chance to show off their brands abilities.

Detroit’s Woodward Avenue was America’s center of gravity for cruising and street racing in the 1950s and 1960s. Its widely paved surfaces with long sections of arrowstraight road between traffic signals provided the ideal location for stoplight street racing and cruising action. Woodward even became the unofficial test track for the profusion of hot factory iron churned out by Detroit’s engineers. If you lived in the Detroit area in the 1960s and wanted to drag race – Woodward Avenue was the place to go.

Woodward Avenue: Cruising the Legendary Strip is fi lled with stories from the people who cruised and raced Woodward 22 • PiM • FALL 2010

in that wonderful era. Also featured are the clandestine and not-so-clandestine efforts by the factories to build cars that the Woodward crowd would buy and race.

Woodward Avenue includes everything that surrounded Woodward’s action, including Detroit’s legendary DJs who provided the cruisers’ musical soundtrack, the hang-outs and drive-ins, the high-performance new car dealerships that provided the cars, and the legendary speed shops that provided the hot rod parts. The book also includes a foreword by former Hot Rod Magazine editor, Eric Dahlquist.

If you are into muscle cars, great streetracing stories, or just want to remember or learn how it was “back in the day,” Woodward Avenue: Cruising the Legendary Strip is a great trip down memory lane.

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Author: Robert Genat Hardcover • 8.5 x 11” 160 pages 168 color and 75 b/w photos CT491 Suggested Retail $39.99

P.I. TORONTO 416-259-9656

P.I. BRAMPTON 905-453-9901

P.I. HAMILTON 905-574-6940

P.I. PIERREFONDS (514) 626-1866

P.I. BARRIE 705-735-1274

P.I. GUELPH 519-821-6740

P.I. OSHAWA 905-725-3533

Call Toll-Free: 1-877-471-6700 FALL 2010 • PiM • 23

The World’s Fastest Cadillac

THE WORLD'S FASTEST

CADILLAC

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The inside story on how Spectre Performance went 361mph and broke a world record with an old jet fighter fuel tank, a Cadillac engine and a ragtag crew of engineers, fabricators and a grizzled land speed hero.

Written by: Joshua Baron-Cohen • Photos: Courtesy of Spectre Performance

T

he ground is so flat you can see the curvature of the earth.

A smattering of vehicles litter the immediate landscape, and then there’s nothing for miles. White salt glistens in the sunlight, and a sound builds in the distance. In a flash, a black missile roars across the landscape, emitting a deep guttural bellow more akin to a pissed off Kodiak bear than any kind of mechanized conveyance. Like a land-locked stealth bomber, it sprays a rooster tail of salt and leaves contrails of heat

and fuel vapour in its wake.

In this moment, in the middle of nowhere on the border of Nevada and Utah, the bar is raised.

The Spectre Performance SpeedLiner, a purpose-built racing machine designed for maximum velocity, set a new world record. The date was October 10, 2009, and a car nobody had ever seen before and a team of grassroots car geeks did what nobody had done before– eclipsed 330mph with a blown gas streamliner.

It all started across the state of Nevada, where Amir

Rosenbaum, the founder and President of Spectre Performance, competed in an open road race called the Virginia City Hillclimb.

Over a period of several years, Rosenbaum first got a taste for racing, then decided he needed to set a record at the exclusive mountain race (essentially a cross between the Silver State Classic and Pike’s Peak).

Eventually he built a Ferrari F40 race car and set the record. He climbed the mountain, and needed a new goal.

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The Spectre SpeedLiner team, including volunteers from The Cad Company, Performance Fabrication, Spectre Performance, and more.

With speed on the brain, Rosenbaum took his F40 to Bonneville for the speed trials. There the Russo Red Ferrari went 220mph and set a class record – but also hit the proverbial wall due to its giant wing and short wheelbase, neither of which are ideal for land speed racing.

Based in Ontario, California, Spectre Performance engineers and manufactures

26 • PiM • FALL 2010

ProFab Cold Air Intakes and hpR air filters for muscle cars, light trucks, sports cars and SUVs. Since airflow management is their business, it only made sense for Rosenbaum to step up his game – and the SpeedLiner land speed racing project was born.

What started out as a fuel tank for a Canadian VooDoo bomber evolved into the SpeedLiner at Per-

formance Fabrication in San Carlos, California. Built to compete in the Unlimited Blown Gas Streamliner (AA/ BGS) class, the SpeedLiner secured the record in large part thanks to aerodynamics: it is 38-feet long and only 29-inches wide.

The frame was built on a jig crew chief Steve Schmalz built on the floor of his shop using plate steel to ensure it was arrow-straight. The

Performance Fabrication hand built the trailer prior to leaving for the salt – no standard trailer would work – and the ‘Liner is so long it had to be transported without the nose cone. birdcage-style chassis is not only the backbone of the SpeedLiner, it also sets the physical parameters for the car. Anything that doesn’t fit inside the skeletal structure had to go, because aerodynamics dictated that the skin be as smooth as possible. Construction of the car became an exercise in efficient packaging.

Body panels were handcrafted out of aluminum

with hammers and English wheels at the Northern California shop. Aerodynamicist Ken Rappaport, an avid drag car builder and former Boeing engineer responsible for the control surfaces on several major airliners, consulted on the project and designed a tapered tail section that helps it slip through the air at high speed.

The two-year build

became a race to the salt in the last few weeks, as the SCTA World Finals loomed. The car was assembled by Schmalz and a crew of engineers, fabricators and volunteers – all of whom worked 20 hour days seven days a week until the car was loaded onto a trailer 24 hours before the race. In the final days, Rosenbaum, Schmaltz, the Performance Fabrication crew and all the

FALL 2010 • PiM • 27

The team began prepping for the first run right away, filling the fuel tank with SCTA-approved gasoline, checking the fire bottles, cycling the electronics, and more.

volunteers were doing everything from bucking rivets and packing wheel bearings to building a trailer from scratch since no standard car hauler could accommodate the ‘Liner’s ground hugging ride height.

The engine, built by Cad Company of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a 529ci (8.8L) Cadillac with twin intercooled 88mm turbos

28 • PiM • FALL 2010

drawing air through Spectre hpR® Air Filters rated at 1885 CFM each. The engine is not that far off from a standard big-inch Cadillac you’d find in any mid ‘70s Coupe DeVille. It uses a stock block and crankshaft, and the cylinder heads are hand-ported, but cast iron from the Cadillac foundry.

The Cad Company specializes in building torque

monsters, and that’s exactly what this engine does: it makes tremendous stumppulling power from idle to its 5,500rpm red line – perfect for turning the tall gears necessary to reach extreme top speeds.

Unlike most land speed cars that draw air directly from a scoop mounted atop the car, the SpeedLiner pulls air from high-pressure areas

Land speed driving legend Kenny Hoover, strapped into the SpeedLiner cockpit before his first run in an untested 300mph racing machine. Waiting for the first run, the team kept Kenny cool with umbrellas and lots of banter. on the lower sides of the body. This helps with aerodynamics, but collects up to 100 lbs of salt inside the body per run – which is why the hpR filters play a critical role in engine longevity. The exact same filters are available for street cars through the Spectre catalogue.

As the SpeedLiner evolved from concept to completion, a guiding force

in the entire process was land speed veteran Kenny Hoover. The So Cal native has set over a dozen land speed records in his four decades of active racing, driving everything from open-wheel “lakesters” to streamliners and muscle cars. Hoover was charged with driving the untested, unproven car on its maiden voyage, as well as for its

initial record runs, since he holds a Southern California Timing Association (SCTA - the Bonneville sanctioning body) unlimited licence and Rosenbaum was currently only licensed to drive up to 250mph.

After two years of research and development and two weeks of grueling 20-hour days, the Spectre Performance SpeedLiner

FALL 2010 • PiM • 29

When your race car is a 340mph Cadillac-powered missile, no ordinary push truck will do. In Spectre’s case, the truck is called Double Dually, and it’s a Chevy Silverado with a big rig rear axle and eight-drive wheels!

made its first shakedown run on Friday, October 10, surprising both witnesses and the crew with an incredible 287mph first pass that ended at the three-mile mark (on a five-mile course), when Hoover shut the car down after the fire system malfunctioned, spraying Hoover in the face with fire retardant and blocking

30 • PiM • FALL 2010

his field of vision at over 200mph. This is where experience comes into play – Hoover pulled the shoots, cut the throttle and guided the racecar off the course to a stop without incident.

Less than 24 hours later, the car was cleaned up and ready to run again, and its second pass on the legendary salt flat wowed

onlookers with a recordsetting 328mph average speed. In accordance with SCTA rules, the car was then immediately taken to impound and inspected, where it remained until the final “backup run” Sunday morning.

At approximately 10:30am on Sunday, Hoover squeezed into the tight cock-

Why a push truck? Because the SpeedLiner’s gearing is so high, it would be difficult to accelerate from a standstill. Instead, the Double Dually pushes the car up to about 80mph, then veers off the course when the racer drops into gear and begins to accelerate on its own.

pit once more, and drove the black rocket-shaped racecar to its final run of the weekend, averaging 332mph with a 340mph course exit speed. The two run average is 330.569mph –a new world record.

“To say that I’m thrilled is a gross understatement,” said Rosenbaum. “The fact that we showed up in essen-

tially an all-new car with an iron-block Cadillac engine, went over 280mph during the shakedown run, posted a record speed during the second run and backed up the record on the third run is simply incredible. Our driver Kenny Hoover did a fantastic job under enormous pressure and showed incredible skill behind the

wheel. I also want to thank Steve Schmalz and the rest of the crew at Performance Fabrication for building such a refined car. This was a team effort, and I can’t wait to come back next year – I want to break our own record and the 400mph barrier.”

Indeed the Spectre crew came to Bonneville in 2010

FALL 2010 • PiM • 31

After the five mile run, Hoover deployed the parachutes to bring the car to a halt. The team had to race out to meet him, since they are tasked with packing the ‘chutes and getting the car off the course as quickly as possible. with the goal of breaking the 400mph barrier and becoming the fastest gasolinepowered car in history.

They showed up at the Salt Flats this August Speed Week with two drivers.

Rosenbaum went through the process of getting his unlimited licence, then both he and Hoover co-drove the car and set two records!

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Crews go to Speed Week for years without ever setting a record. The Spectre team set a record over 300mph, licensed a brand new driver, swapped engines to run a different class, and then set another record over 300mph, all in Amir’s first Speedweek driving the Speedliner. They built the World’s Fastest Cadillac.

With 2,100 horsepower, Spectre and Cad Company may also have the highest horsepower Caddy ever.

With any luck, next year more records will fall. To learn more about the Spectre SpeedLiner, go to www.

SpectrePerformance.com.

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Hoover guzzles a bottle of water and unwinds after a record-setting run. Note the surface of the salt at the back of the flats isn’t nearly as smooth as the main five-mile course.

The SpeedLiner’s spiritual predecessor, a 1940’s era P-38 Fighter Belly Tank fitted with Model A Ford running gear and a high-performance Ford Flathead engine.

This particular Tank is a recreation, but it illustrates our point.

It may be long, but the SpeedLiner’s incredible narrow profile and clean lines help it punch through the air at speeds where every 10mph gain in maximum velocity requires an additional 100 horsepower.

FALL 2010 • PiM • 33

Most streamliners run a single air intake scoop on top of the fuselage, where they can get nice clean air and they don’t have to run a filter at all. The Spectre guys run dual scoops on the bottom of the body close to the ground in a high-pressure zone, to get a ram-air effect (which is good), but also vacuum up salt the entire length of the five mile course (which is bad). They typically pick up over 20 pounds of salt PER RUN, and most of it goes into the airbox. How do they prevent the turbos from ingesting big hunks of salt and grenading? With hpR filters…

As you can see, the outside of the filter is loaded with salt, but the inside is clean.

We thought everyone would get a kick out of knowing that the Spectre crew believes in their own product enough to punish it with pounds and pounds of salt blown into the airbox at 350 mph!

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Why Land Speed Racing?

THE

BONNEVILLE EXPERIENCE WHY LAND SPEED RACING Written By Amir Rosenbaum

It

is the earliest and most primitive of all of motor racing; even simpler than point A to point B; all that is recorded is the speed averaged over a kilometre or a mile. And yet, it is also the most difficult to master and arguably the most complex and uncharted of all of the different types of motor racing there is. It is also the fastest.

It seems so simple. Just hold the steering wheel straight, foot to the floor, and see what she’ll do, right?

No, not by a long shot.

The first problem is space.

Unlike drag racing, which evolved from land speed racing and only needs about 1/2

a mile of pavement to run and stop in, land speed racing requires miles, at least 9 or 10 miles of flat surface in order to be able to build up speed, and then hold it for a mile, and then have enough room to slow down and not run into anything. Not too many places like that.

The first land speed races were held out at the dry lake surfaces in Southern California. Places like Muroc and El Mirage, the absolute beginnings of hot rodding, and where land speed racing continues to this very day. These were fine venues in the beginning, but they were small, and as speeds increased, a bigger place was

sought out and found in Utah; The Bonneville Salt Flats – the fastest place on earth. It’s a lake bed made of salt. When the lake fills up, the water creates a perfectly flat surface and after draining through and evaporating, it leaves 240 square miles of billiard table flatness. Well, almost. On a clear day, if you squint just so, you can see the curvature of the earth. And it’s not quite like a billiard table, hey, it’s salt!

The surface quality is more like a partially hardened slurpee that never melts. Sometimes it’s harder, sometimes it’s slushier, most of the time it’s both. There are other venues, like Black FALL 2010 • PiM • 35

Rock Desert in Nevada, that are bigger, but they just aren’t the same. They are dusty and not so flat with cracks in the ground, but most of all they are missing an intangible indescribable element that is purely The Bonneville Salt Flats.

What can I say? The place gets into your blood, it kicks your ass time and time again, and you come back because the challenge is one that throws all the weirdness of Mother Nature and metaphysics that exist in the universe, and you can’t resist it because you’re hooked and

36 • PiM • FALL 2010

you know it and there’s nothing you can do about it. I have yet to meet anyone who went to the salt once and never went back. It gets under your skin and lives with you until the day you die.

Did I mention all the highly toxic chemicals in the salt? I highly recommend it.

Land Speed Racing is the last form of racing where a guy with a dream can take on the big boys, and win, if he’s creative and thoughtful enough and comes up with better ideas. No two cars look the same. That’s just one of the many cool aspects of

the LSR experience.

If the first difficulty in land speed racing is the lack of knowledge, the rest should all be familiar to anyone involved in any other form of motor sports; aerodynamics, traction, weight, more power, safety, braking, weather, and yet, they each have their own twist and lack of knowledge as no one really truly knows what will work on some other guys car, just what works on their own car, and more often than not it’s very different than what the other guy swears works for him.

So with all that, here’s what you need to do to set a record. You need to make a run with an average speed over a mile that is faster than the current record. If it is a FIA event, you need to turn your car around, prep it to run, pack the chutes and do it again, in the opposite direction, in less than 60 minutes, or you start all over again. If it is a SCTA event,

you make your run, then you have 60 minutes to bring your car to impound (not that easy since it is way the hell out there…) and then you get to go the next morning and run again. World records are the average of the two runs. What if it rains the next day or it’s too windy?

Too bad. Start over. It isn’t all that easy to run fast to begin with, but the way I explained it to my

kids is that in order to set a world record, it’s like hitting a Grand Slam at the bottom of the ninth, then doing it again the next day.

Is it worth it? Hell yes – it’s the greatest ride on earth.

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FALL 2010 • PiM • 37

Spectre Speedliner, aka The Infidel Home Base: Ontario, California Owner: Amir Rosenbaum Drivers: Kenny Hoover and Amir Rosenbaum Length: 38.0-feet Width: 29.0-inches Engine: 8.8L Twin-Turbocharged Cadillac V8 Speed: Current Top Speed - 340mph Estimated Top Speed - 400+

After

Before

We chrome all

types of Aluminum & plastics starting from $99.

aluminum ly t h ig s n u r u Turn yo ted Jewelry! la -P e m o r h C to wheels in Dr. Detail finishes include: Ultra Bright Chrome, Ultra Black Chrome, Satin Nickel, Tri-Nickel, Smoke & Brushed Aluminum or re-paint the colour of your choice!

Ask about refurbishing and repairing all types of wheels (including motor cycles) and our Head Light Restoration service.

Ultra Bright

Call the DR. —

Andrew Sanders

Ultra Black

416-620-4145

W 38 • PiM • FALLW 2010

W. D R D E TA I L I N C .C O M

P.I. TORONTO 416-259-9656

P.I. BRAMPTON 905-453-9901

P.I. HAMILTON 905-574-6940

P.I. BARRIE 705-735-1274

P.I. GUELPH 519-821-6740

P.I. OSHAWA 905-725-3533

P.I. PIERREFONDS (514) 626-1866 Call Toll-Free: 1-877-471-6700 FALL 2010 • PiM • 39

Product Showcase

Product Showcase Filter Solutions Technologies TurboFyner is a true onboard diesel fuel refiner system, offering high-performance diesel fi ltration, water separation and fuel heating to ensure maximum performance from your diesel engine. Living here in Canada makes fuel heating particularly important . Cold weather can have a detrimental effect on the proper operation of your diesel engine.This unique system is designed for use in all light-duty diesel pickup and medium-duty diesel engines with fuel flows up to 200 GPH operating on petroleum or biodiesel fuels.

Easy to install and features bi-directional fuel inlet/ outlet ports. Manufactured from solid billet aluminum to totally eliminate any casting porosity, cracking or air intrusion. Extends OEM fuel fi lter life. FSRPM900

TKO Performance has brought back the

Hawk Performance

popular finned aluminum Hilborn style scoops.

Two models are available. The AA1160 which fits both single or dual carb setups and includes all the fi lters and hardware to make installation a snap. The size is 20” x 9.5” x 4.75’.

has released a complete lineup of performance brake pads for your 2009-2011 Corvette with the Carbon Ceramic/Iron Rotor Package.

If that is too large to fit under your hood, check out the smaller AA1167. Same great look, however, it will only fit a single carb application.

Only 13.5” long. Great looks and great value.

40 • PiM • FALL 2010

The High Performance Street (HPS) product line utilizes a proprietary Ferro-Carbon formulation delivering up to 40% more stopping power, while extending pad and rotor life.

PIAA has taken performance windshield wipers to a new level. Their Si-Tech silicone flat wiper blades offer all-season performance, a low-profi le aerodynamic design with long lasting silicone coating. The frameless design eliminates snow and Ice buildup with more pressure points to ensure streak-free windshield cleaning. Wipers are available in 16” to 26” lengths to suit 98% of all vehicles. PI97040

FALL 2010 • PiM • 41

Product Showcase

Product Showcase

TKO Performance has added a complete selection of stainless steel lines suitable for brake, oil cooler and fuel line applications. Available in 3/16, ¼, 5/16 and 3/8 diameters in lengths from 8” to 72” flared with two fittings. They are also available in 20’ coils for those who want to create their own custom lines.

Also available are coils of aluminum tubing up to 5/8” in diameter. Perfect for fuel and cooler lines.

Lakewood 30201 Subframe connectors for 2005 - 2011 Ford Mustang (except convertible) Lakewood subframe connectors for late model muscle cars provide a firm foundation to maximize the performance potential of suspension tuning.

These sub-frame connectors are constructed from DOM mild steel tubing and powder coated for durability. They come with all necessary mount hardware for easy installation. Mustang sub-frame connectors feature a triangulated torque box brace to reinforce critical areas in the chassis where the control arms mount.

Mr. Gasket Classic Shift Knobs.

These black or white composite knobs are designed with the classic performance look in mind.

All knobs feature molded shift patterns for their respective 3, 4, 5 or 6 speed configurations, and are designed for use on any 3/8”-16 UNC threaded shifters.

Original classic performance shifter design, Solid high gloss, high strength composite construction, Deep molded, inlaid shift pattern for 3, 4, 5 or 6-speed applications.

The molded in brass thread insert will not loosen over time.

1-3/4” dia. fits just right in your hand. Jam nut is included for solid installation.

42 • PiM • FALL 2010

Available at all Performance Improvements P.I. TORONTO 1100 The Queensway Toronto, Ontario 416-259-9656

P.I. BRAMPTON 12 Rutherford Rd. S. Brampton, Ontario 905-453-9901

P.I. HAMILTON 891 Upper James Hamilton, Ontario 905-574-6940

P.I. PIERREFONDS 4909 Boul. St. Charles Pierrefonds, Quebec (514) 626-1866

P.I. BARRIE 422 Dunlop St. W. Barrie, Ontario 705-735-1274

P.I. GUELPH 672 Woolwich Street Guelph, Ontario 519-821-6740

P.I. OSHAWA 1487 Simcoe St. North Oshawa, Ontario 905-725-3533

Call Toll-Free: 1-877-471-6700 FALL 2010 • PiM • 43

Directory Ads

PIM_AD_final.pdf

14/12/2008

8:23:26 PM

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Reluctant Passenger

Have Apps, Will Travel

We

all know that using a cell phone while operating a vehicle is a definite no-no, but as a reluctant passenger, your smartphone can be a useful tool both on and off the road.

“Have apps, will travel,” should be the next slogan to appear on T-shirts and bumper stickers. Well, that depends on the rules in your household regarding adhesive messages. If you can’t apply a sticker to the ride, use it to keep the spine together on your car nut’s Haynes manual. Just sayin’.

Since there are way too many mobile phone applications on the market to mention them all, here are a few that you may find handy.

Goal: Impress your driver App: PocketDyno You don’t have to know what a dynamometer (dyno) is or what it does, but if your 46 • PiM • FALL 2010

automotive enthusiast ever mutters words such as velocity, torque and horsepower, PocketDyno is a must.

This app, built for the iPhone, accurately measures reaction times, 0 to 60’s, maximum G’s, wheel horsepower and other results that sound very... vehicular. Drivers can track their progress and manage multiple car or truck profi les–because we all know there’s more than one ride sitting in the garage.

Goal: Find the ride App: Carrr Matey Shiver me timbers! Has the captain forgotten where he dropped anchor again? Carrr Matey uses an Android device’s GPS to plot a vehicle’s location when you park (Drop Anchor) and helps you locate it when you’re ready to set sail (Find Vessel).

If only we had this app when we tried to find the white

rental in the Goofy lot at Disney World. Bonus: Carrr Matey also features a timer, so you can foil those bountyhunting parking ticket inspectors with your timely return. Arg! Goal: Dodge a car event App: AroundMe This app pinpoints your location via your iPhone’s GPS and presents you with a list of what’s nearby. Choose from categories such as bars, coffee, movie theatres, restaurants and more, so you can find somewhere else to be during that car show, auction, race or scrap yard search.

In an interview for URmagazine, John Goldsmith, who plays The Most Interesting Man in the World in those clever ads for Dos Equis, listed AroundMe as one of his favourite apps. So you’d be in good company while you “stay thirsty, my friends.”

Goal: Guidance without turn-by-turn directions App: Magic 8 Ball No matter what type of smartphone you have, there’s a fortune-telling app based on the Magic 8 Ball. Just like with the analog version, think of a yes-or-no question

and the app will reveal an answer. It’s perfect for those times when the ride makes a strange noise (Does something need to be fi xed?), or you want to know what the fates have in store for you (Will this car show ever end?). Will the answers be

completely accurate? Better not tell you now.

So there you have it–apps that’ll have you passing any app-titude test. Click with confidence and 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 Photo Illustration created by Robert Michaels.

FALL 2010 • PiM • 47