Performance in Motion Magazine Vol. 8 No. 2

February / March 2008 • Vol. 8 #2 • $3.95 Canadian

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL PRODUCT SALES AGREEMENT #40609642

February/March Contents

s ere in it g , seen h ting car in d il u eB os tomotiv ge r b e h The Au ill no lon details. w , y a d y e re 1930s h 6 for mo e e pa ge shows. S ational nadian N a C f o ourtesy Picture c Archives. n io Exhibit

SEMA ACTION NETWORK: WORKING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER

Joining SAN is easy. Log on to www.semasan.com to add your voice to this growing movement to protect the rights of automotive enthusiasts.

February/March 2008 • P|M

SEMA_DC_HondaTuning_FebMar.indd 1

The border between the United States and Canada is fairly transparent when it comes to tuner cars. A hot ride is a hot ride no matter where you are. We all want the same thing, whether you’re in the Great White North or the Lower 48.

publications, with an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts. The SAN sends out action alerts so you can respond to pending legislative proposals, and issues timely updates of legislative and regulatory developments.

On the other hand, we also tend to share the same challenges when it comes to government unfairly meddling with our cars. Legislation over issues like aftermarket exhaust systems, vehicle lighting, and registration fees can hit tuner cars particularly hard.

Membership in the SAN is absolutely free (hey, no exchange rate worries!), so it costs you or your car club nothing to take an active role in keeping our hobby alive and well. For more information about joining the SAN, log on to www.semasan.com and add your voice to the growing number of enthusiasts on both sides of the border who support our hobby.

Luckily we have an organization here in the States that tracks these issues, and that organization has expanded to include the Parliament of Canada and the provincial governments. The SEMA Action Network, or SAN, is a partnership of clubs, individual members, and companies in the specialty auto parts business who want to protect our industry by stamping out unfair legislation and passing favorable laws. In the U.S., the SAN regularly rallies the support of 3,500-plus car clubs, thousands of individuals, and 100-plus automotive

www.semasan.com 11/6/07 10:42:22 AM

See more of Ralph, Sam & John Porco’s 1972 Dodge Challenger R/T on page 8.

.... 5 .................... 6 .. .. .. .. .. .. l. ........ ..........

Editoriad of an Era......................... 8 The En A ffair . ............on............ 10 Family ce Transmissi ................ 19 Lawren a’s Cruise. ...... ............... 22 A mand al l of Fame. .................. 23 CSR A Heview . ............

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22 4 ........... 2 6 .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. 2 ditorial se ..........

Guest Eoduct Showca ............... 28 New Pr s Director y. .................... 30 Busines nt Passenger..

Relucta

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

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Automotive Building: end of An erA the finAl Show

FebruAry 8-10, 2008 Automotive Building, Exhibition Place presented by

www.speedoramainfo.com

PERFORMANCE in

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 PRODUCTION DESIGN Rob McJannett rmcj@performanceinmotion.ca CONTRIBUTORS Thomas Anderson Tim Banic Tim Chisolm George Jessel Bob McJannett Robert Michaelson Greg Miller Leonard F. Slye Chris Spick Ken Weisbrod 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 ©2008 All rights reserved by Performance In Motion Publishing. The fine print: We respect your privacy, and do NOT sell our mailing list. This magazine may not be reprinted 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 many leaded gasoline fumes. The information presented is via said leaded gas huffers from which there can be no responsibility by the Publishers 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! If leaded gas is such a problem, why is the 98.5% burned by the Aviation industry given a permanent exemption? Thank-you Kayvene for your artwork created overtime and under pressure!

needed n o i t n e t t a Immediate

t r e l a n o i t ac

E

nvironment Canada (EC) is planning to implement a total and permanent ban on leaded fuels for competition purposes, effective January 1st, 2009. If this happens, Professional Drag Racing in Canada is over.

What makes this bill unfair is that EC only indicates there may be more health risks associated with leaded fuels than previously thought. They are advocating change without any current testing or proof that previous findings: “estimated weekly lead exposures for spectators at race tracks remain within the tolerable intake developed by the World Health Organization and accepted by Health Canada” are incorrect.

By our government’s own numbers, motorsports account for only 1.5% of the total leaded fuel being burned in Canada. The remaining 98.5% is burned by the aviation industry, which has been given a permanent exemption!

You may not think this is important, after all, you can race your cars on unleaded fuel. Unfortunately that is not entirely true, a number of classes only run on leaded fuel. If these cars are modified to use unleaded, they would no longer pass NHRA or IHRA tech. If there is a ban, it is expected that sanctioning bodies would cancel all Canadian events, since their racers could not all compete. Without those big shows generating cash, track facilities can not survive as we know them.

The track manager of Grand Bend Motorplex allowed that their national event represented more than 50% of their annual revenue. Without this event, the facility will no longer be viable. He is convinced it will close, losing all those jobs, turning the track into a housing project and dramatically hurting the town of Grand Bend which enjoys the revenue the track brings to their area.

Similar fates await any track in the country that depends on leaded fuel for their racers. Both sports car and drag race facilities will be affected.

Police forces throughout the country are trying to get street racers off the streets and onto the tracks. It seems backward to be putting these tracks in jeopardy with a leaded fuel ban.

The proposed regs were tabled Dec. 22, 2007. There is a 60 day window for comment. It is important that we make our concerns known to our MP’s and the EC contacts.

If you feel as we do, that the exemption for motorsports should be continued, write the Prime Minister, the Minister of the Environment, John Baird, and your MP. Also send your comments to the two Environment Canada contacts detailed in the proposed regulations. Do it now, there is no time to waste.

To read the pending regulations go to: www.canadagazette.gc.ca Scroll to “Part 1 Dec. 22, 2007” Scroll to “Regulations amending the Gasoline Regulations” To find MPs go to: www.canada.gc.ca “Contact your MP” is on the left side Environment Canada contacts: Lorri Thompson: lorri.thompson@ec.gc.ca And Markes Cormier: markes.cormier@ec.gc.ca Also, be sure to visit: performanceimprovements.com for more information and suggested letter formats.

Which industry has a permanent exemption?

1.5% 98.5%

P|M • February/March 2008

Th e L ast C ar Sh ow

Picture courtesy of Canadian National Exhibition Archives

^ the End of an era ^ Automotive building closing to the public

Picture courtesy of Canadian National Exhibition Archives

February/March 2008 • P|M

C

anadian-born Douglas Kertland had a long and illustrious architectural career in the early part of the nineteenth century. Many of his remarkable designs still stand in the Forest Hill, Rosedale sections of Toronto.

In 1929, he was chosen from a field of thirty competitors to design the Automotive building, as part of the Canadian National Exhibition. His design blended classical and modern architectural elements, making the Automotive building the talk of its day.

Originally built to showcase new cars and trucks, over the years, it has been used for various trade and consumer shows.

Since 1960, it has been home to some of the most popular car shows in the city. The finest Canadianand American-built Hot Rod and Custom cars have driven over the concrete floors. It was the place to be, to show your car amongst the legendary cars of the day.

The era of the Automotive Building is coming to a close. Exhibition Place management has decided to convert this wonderful old building into a conference center, with renovation scheduled to begin at the close of this year’s Speedorama. No more car shows will be held in this hall.

If you are feeling nostalgic about this great building’s passing, take advantage of the final car show in this legendary facility. The 2008 Speedorama will be the last car show ever in the Automotive Building. As you walk the show floor, remember those who came before. Hopefully, some of those cars will have been found and returned. Promoter Gary Wallace promises lots of surprises to make this last show memorable.

You won’t want to miss it.

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Here is a product that will make it more palatable:

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By Thomas Anderson

I

f you are living in the parts of Canada that get cold and snow during the winter (and that’s most of the country), you should take a look at a new product from the chemical geniuses at Design Engineering Inc. The chemists at DEI have created a product that will rapidly absorb engine heat, causing the vehicle to warm up much faster than normal.

In fact, they claim a 50% faster warm-up period with their product. Aptly named “Heater Hotter,” packaged in a distinctive 16 oz. container, all you have to do is add it to your radiator.

Installation could not be simpler, remove the radiator cap when cold, pour in the “Heater Hotter.” No mixing is required and it is compatible with all types of anti-freeze. Most important for today’s high performance engines, it is safe for all types of alloys including aluminum.

In addition to making your heater produce heat faster, installing “Heater Hotter” has an added benefit. By bringing your engine to proper operating temperature more quickly, engine wear and tear is reduced. It also features a corrosion inhibitor that will reduce rust and prevent mineral deposits from forming in your radiator.

While we can’t rush summer, at least with “Heater Hotter,” you can make your car interior seem like it.

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P|M • February/March 2008

! &AMILY !FFAIR

Story by: Thomas Anderson - Photography by: Robert Michaels

S peedorama 2007

was the debut of Ralph Porco and his sons Sam and John’s 1972 Dodge Challenger project. After almost three years of blood, sweat and tears, many skinned knuckles, long hours and the odd cross word, father and sons had created the car of their dreams.

How did this come about? Back in the early days of marriage, BK (before kids), Ralph and his wife Dorothy cruised all the car nut hangouts in his 1973 Barracuda. He loved his car, eventually showing it at one of the late 70s car shows. Responsibility eventually reared its ugly head, and Ralph sold his pride and joy to devote more time to his growing family.

As the boys grew up, Dad talked to them about his former car, telling tales of car adventures and showing photos of his ride.

They still occasionally travelled to cruise nights and car shows, giving the boys a strong

interest in older cars. The three of them soon began talking of one day finding and building another car.

Time passed. Seemingly, the car idea was forgotten. But one day on his drive home from work, Ralph spotted a Challenger in a farmer’s field. Once home, he told the boys about what he had spotted. They immediately became enthusiastic and off they went to see if they could buy their prize.

A deal was struck and in March, 2004, a tow truck showed up at the house with their new project tagging along behind. At first, Dorothy just shook her head, “What in the heck did you guys buy?” But, as time passed, watching the three working together, she soon became an enthusiastic supporter.

You see, this project was a group effort.

Each person had the same amount of input.

All build ideas were discussed until a plan of attack was decided. The close association

required on the Challenger, the hours spent in the garage working together, all served to bring father and sons closer. Each person shared their skills to bring the car to completion.

Over the next two and a half years, the body was disassembled, stripped, repaired and rebuilt as necessary. Many hours were spent tracking down necessary parts. Trips were made to Mopar events to hunt for the elusive missing pieces, the parts that would make a nice car, outstanding. Interior upholstery pieces were replaced with new old stock items, except the seats. The seats went to New Image in Scarborough who reupholstered them in two colours of vinyl and embroidered “Challenger R/T” on each headrest. Body work was done by one auto body shop, while a second applied the Curious Yellow paint.

The rest of the project was the work of the boys with help from Giovanni Porco and

Rear spoiler and R/T stripes clearly identify this Challenger.

Redone interior with two-tone vinyl seats and embroidered headrests.

February/March 2008 • P|M

Here are the builders: sons and father, (l-r) Sam, John and Ralph Porco.

1972 Challenger Ralph, Sam and John Porco 1972 Dodge Challenger R/T

BODY

• New hood & floor pans • New rear quarters & lower door skins • All rust removed & parts repaired • “Curious Yellow” base clear paint

ENGINE & DRIVELINE • Dodge 360 Block • Edelbrock Performer 750 Carb.

• Edelbrock Air Gap Intake • Mopar 340X Heads • MSD Distributor • Flowtech Ceramic Headers • March Aluminum Pulleys • 100 amp Chrome Alternator • Carter Electric Fuel Pump • Mallory Race Fuel Filter • K&N Air Filter & Breathers • Chrome Valve Covers, Oil Pan etc.

Where it all started. This is the 1973 Barracuda Ralph sold in the early 80s.

Willy Majeski. Both boys were quick to thank their girlfriends, Cherie and Kate, for their patience and understanding, while all this was going on.

If you talk to the three men today, they will tell you that all the effort was worth it. Everywhere they take their car they create a crowd. People truly appreciate the quality of their Challenger. Oh, and at their first Speedorama with the new car, they won both their class and best Dodge. You couldn’t wipe off their smiles for weeks.

Now that they have brought their Challenger to this level, each man has a new respect for the others’ work ethic and an understanding of the compromises it takes to work together. Best of all, they are closer today than on the day they started.

We should all have a relationship like that.

CHASSIS

• Stock Frame with Frame Connectors • HD Leaf Springs • Larger sway bars with poly bushings • Hemi Torsion Bars • Baer Sport Brakes on all Four Corners • Stainless Steel Brake Lines • 3:91 Rear End with Sure Grip • Foose Wheels: 17x8 Front & 18x8.5 Rear • Goodyear Eagles: 245-45/17 Front & 275-40/18 Rear

INTERIOR

• Stock redone in two-tone Vinyl Seats embroidered with Challenger R/T logo • Grant Steering Wheel • Pistol-Grip Shift Handle

MISC.

Under hood features performance parts from K&N, Edelbrock, MSD and Flowtech plus lots of chrome accessories.

• Hurst Roll Control • Lokar Throttle & Kickdown Cables, Engine & Transmission dipsticks.

• 2 ½” Stainless Exhaust • Flowmaster 40 Mufflers • TCI Deep Transmission Pan • Transmission Cooler • Custom-made Stainless Front Valance • Shaved & Smoothed Bumpers

P|M • February/March 2008

Lawrence Transmission’s founder Bob Spick (l) and Ron Starr (r) pose beside their award-winning ‘32 Ford Coupe.

Lawrence Transmission

An Ontario Automotive Institution k by: Chris Spic d e id v o r p s oto annett - Ph J c M b o B : y b Story

I

f you were into cars in the 60s in southern Ontario, you probably knew about Lawrence Transmission.

For more than four decades, Bob Spick has been repairing automatic transmissions for car enthusiasts. At a time when all the racers felt they had to have a standard transmission to win races, Bob was proving them wrong.

His company Lawrence Transmission was instrumental in providing racers in the 60s with winning racing automatic transmissions.

It all started at the drags. Bob and his partner Ron Starr raced a 32 Ford at all the drag strips of the day. Their car ran consistently in the 12s in the late 50s, early 60s.

The duo were consistent winners at Kohler, Deseronto, Niagara Falls and St. Thomas.

Running an automatic, when hardly anyone else did, earned them some notoriety. As others decided to try them, they came to Bob for help and advice. Before he knew it, Bob was building automatics for others, working out of his home garage. Eventually, his parents got tired of the mess, and Bob moved to the back of other people’s shops; all the while

10

February/March 2008 • P|M

expanding his influence with the racing community.

Finally, he had expanded his customer base enough to allow him to rent his own shop.

& Ken Weisbr

od

In 1965, Lawrence Transmission was born, located at 1145 Lawrence Ave. W. Now, it was for real, Bob had to earn enough money to keep the doors open.

NEW

8mm Spiro-Pro

• 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

• 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

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Bob and Ron’s ‘32 Coupe was a winner at tracks across Ontario, and various car shows too!

As well as his racing customers, Bob built a loyal clientele repairing and rebuilding transmissions for everyday vehicles, maintaining his “treat everyone fairly” philosophy.

“If it’s repairable, we repair it; we are not a replacement shop.”

I can vouch for that fact. I had a friend having trouble with his automatic. The dealer, without even opening the hood, had quoted $400 to repair it. I convinced him to take it to Bob. Bob had him drive it into the shop, opened the hood, looked over everything, threw a fender cover on and reached down beside the engine. “There,” he said, “that should solve your problem. Take it around the block and try it.” When he got back, my friend said everything was great. Bob would take no money, just the assurance that if anything serious turned up, my friend would come back to Bob. The vacuum line had come off the fitting; any good shop should have found that in an instant. Needless to say, my friend still uses Lawrence Transmission whenever he needs transmission or rear end work.

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!

SM

P|M • February/March 2008

11

HP251_SuspProd_PrimediaSTD.qxp

4/30/07

2:02 PM

Page 1

PUT THE POWER TO THE PAVEMENT GIVE YOUR MUSTANG SOME MUSCLE WITH THESE NEW PRODUCTS, SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR 2005-2007 MUSTANGS! SAFETY LOOP #18005

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REAR LOWER ADJUSTABLE CONTROL ARMS #20105 • Prevents wheel-hop, keeps tires planted firmly to the ground, fully adjustable • Replaces stock factory control arms

UPPER CONTROL ARM #20705

• Adjusts easily for quick and simple suspension set up • Polyurethane bushings absorb shock, reducing noise and vibration; yet remain firm enough for racing

ADJUSTABLE PANHARD ROD #20405 • Keeps rear-end centered and aligned under severe cornering conditions • Manufactured from high strength steel tubing to prevent flex and bending

LOWER K-MEMBER SUPPORT BRACE #20205

• Prevents the Lower Control Arms from spreading and flexing, keeping front suspension planted firmly to the ground • A must for anyone already using an Upper Strut Tower Brace!

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12

February/March 2008 • P|M

By 1970, the business had expanded beyond the size of the first shop. Something had to be done. To solve the space problems, they relocated to 38 Brydon Dr. in Rexdale. The new building offered more space to work and loads of storage for all the transmissions and parts they keep.

Over the years, Bob has sponsored a number of well-known local racers to keep his company name in front of the enthusiast. Gord Dolphin, Phil Zampino and Ken Weisbrod all carried the Lawrence name at stock car tracks throughout southern Ontario. At the drags, Dave Turner’s Shelby Cobra burned up the asphalt carrying the Lawrence name.

Even though they are experts on the older transmissions, they continue to keep current. In fact, they are doing warranty work for GM. They hope to continue to grow the business long into the future.

One of the racers sponsored by Lawrence Transmission was Phil Zampino.

To that end, Bob’s son Chris is now taking over. Bob is still working, but Chris hopes he can take away some of the day-to-day pressures to allow his dad time to do some of the things he has been putting off over the years.

Bob has never lost his interest in cars. In his garage waiting for restoration are both a 1948 Ford pickup and a 1967 Camaro RS/SS. Who knows, maybe he will find a 32 Ford and go drag racing again. Nostalgia racing is all the rage these days.

So, if you have a problem in the drive train of your car run it over to Lawrence Transmission.

You can be sure of good work and a fair shake at the till. Maybe you can even get Bob to tell you some of the stories from the old days; he has a lot to tell.

P|M • February/March 2008

13

For more information contact: Chris Spick Lawrence Transmission 38 Brydon Drive Rexdale, ON M9W 4N2 Phone: (416) 743-3201

14

February/March 2008 • P|M

CORTEX

NEW for 2008

NEW PRICES! NEW PRODUCTS! A stronger U.S. Dollar has allowed us to lower prices on 1,000’s of items throughout our stores,

Stop in to see what’s new! triple Gauge sets!

Performance Improvements has partnered with GE Money Canada to offer our customers more flexibility in their purchases.

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Mounting Cups AU2204 ......Black Mounting Cup ................ $19 AU2203 .......Chrome Mounting Cup ............. $29 Black anodized aluminum gauge panels AU2236 .......Single Gauge Panel .................. $15 AU2237........Dual Gauge Panel .................... $18 AU2238 .......Triple Gauge Panel................... $20

NEW

• 3 best-in-class tuning levels • Log performance times & speeds • Elegant, sleek, innovative design • Diagnostic Library retrieves, displays & clears DTC’s • Supports wheel, tire and gear swaps • Industry-Exclusive 2-year powertrain warranty • Easy to install, Internet updateable For most full size trucks and RWD cars from GM, Ford and Chrysler SX0000

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Financing available! MSD’s Street Fire brand delivers performance ignition products Now you c:an c h oo s e

A convenient trio of the most popular 2 1/16” gauges for one low price!

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Smart consumers read the fine print! • †NO INTEREST / NO PAYMENTS No interest accrues on your promotional purchase if: (a) you pay any optional credit insurance charges; and (b) pay off this promotional purchase in full by the payment due date shown on your monthly statement. If not or if you otherwise default under the terms of your GE Money Credit Agreement, normal payment terms will apply and finance charges will be assessed (at a 28.8% APR) from the beginning of the next monthly statement. This offer is valid for purchases made using a GE Money credit account. OAC. Credit extended by GE Money in Canada.

NOT AVAILABLE IN QUEBEC. ‡EQUAL PAYMENT PLAN / NO INTEREST -No interest accrues on your promotional purchase during the “promotional period” of either 12, 24 or 36 months as indicated provided you pay: (a) your fixed equal monthly payments of principal and (b) any optional credit insurance charges, each month of the promotional period until the last month of the promotional period when the balance of the promotional purchase (which may be less than the previous fixed equal payments) and any optional credit insurance charges for that month must be paid. If not or if you otherwise default under the terms of your GE Money Credit Agreement, normal payment terms will apply and finance charges will be assessed (at a 28.8% APR) from the beginning of the next monthly statement. Your fixed equal monthly payments (rounded to the next highest dollar) are determined by equally dividing the promotional purchase over the entire promotional period by the number of months in the promotional period. This offer is valid for purchases made using a GE Money credit account.

OAC. Credit extended by GE Money in Canada. *A processing fee applies, see store for details.

All fees and applicable taxes are due at time of signing. All monthly payments include sales taxes, monthly payments slightly higher in Quebec.

at a value price. Street Fire products are backed by a one year warranty.

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Black boots protect the conductor from engine heat to ensure spark delivery.

Custom Fit sets only ly Universal Fit Sets on

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DUAL QUAD package Edelbrock DUAL QUAD Intake and Carb Includes: RPM Air-Gap Dual-Quad intake manifold, Two Thunder Series AVS carburetors, EnduraShine fuel line, Progressive throttle linkage, and Intake gasket set.

Dual Quad Kit ED20254

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Pro Action SBC complete heads feature large 200cc intake runners and 64cc combustion chambers for maximum street power right out of the box!

Heads include these Comp-Cams components: • SS 2.02” / 1.60” valves • 7° valve locks • 1.460” Valve Springs • 1.400” Steel Retainers • Metal body viton valve stem seals • 3/8” Magnum rocker arm studs • 5/16” Guide Plates

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GM Serpentine system is extra-wide with unnecessary idlers, and it’s also ugly as sin.

Does this look like a high-performance engine?

All drive systems fit most Small Block Chevys with a long water pump.

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Don’t like chrome?

A complete accessory drive including:

Upgrade to Aluminum Pulleys and Brackets using the same configuration as The Chrome kit except for:

• Water Pump, Crank, Alternator and Power Steering Pulleys • Alternator and P/S Pump Brackets and Hardware • Chrome Power Steering Pump • Chrome 100 amp 1-wire Alternator • Dayco Top Cog V-Belts

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Street Rod Engine Assemble yourself and save!

Engine comes as a LONG BLOCK assembly, simply bolt on the accessories and go!

NEW GM Short Block featuring: • 2pc rear main seal, 4 bolt main block • Powdered Metal Connecting rods • Cast Aluminum Pistons & Rings • RHS Pro Action 200 Cylinder Heads • Comp Cams Xtreme Energy Cam & lifter kit

Basic Package includes Transmission, Torque Converter and new bolts! Simply choose the converter that matches your engine best.

three option Levels available:

Brand new GM short block, RHS heads & Comp Cam with:

w/ Tork Master 2000

Brand new GM long block with:

$1,399

for mild street engines making less than 350ft lbs of power

or

$132

a month* - tax in

w/ HoleShot 2000

$1,499

for street/strip engines making LESS than 350ft lbs of power

or

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w/ HoleShot 2400

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for street/strip engines making MORE than 350ft lbs of power

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installation packages Include:

• Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake •Intake gaskets, bolts and carb studs • Edelbrock 600CFM carb

Level one YY100673531

or

$245 a month* - tax in

Includes everything above AND:

• New HEI distributor, 50,000 coil & hi-rev module • MSD’s StreetFire Wire set • Chrome dress-up kit: Valve Covers, Air Cleaner, etc.

• Powerforce 8” harmonic balancer & bolt • NGK V-Power spark Plugs!

Level two YY100673532

or

$38

$400

or a month* - tax in 700R4 Packages also available see store for details!

$2,899

$273 a month* - tax in

Includes Level One, Two AND:

• MR Gasket Chrome Fuel Pump • Chrome & Braided S/S fuel line Pump to Carb • Proform aluminum high flow water pump • Compact H/D mini-starter • Scat Flexplate & bolts

• Aluminum hard lines, clamps and fittings el three • Polyurethane Trans mount • Transmission dipstick Lev ictured) p • Adj. Kick Down Cable • Torque converter dust cover (as YY100673533 • 12qts of Royal Purple Max ATF • B&M H/D Tranny Cooler or ADD an installation package for only

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• ARP S/S engine bolt kit • “Chevrolet” dress up kit in Black, Chrome or Silver!

• MSD StreetFire Distributor/coil/module, Wires • Powerforce 8” harmonic balancer & ARP bolt

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or

$4,349

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Includes Level One, Two AND:

• Scat Flexplate & ARP bolts • H/D mini-starter • Proform aluminum high flow water pump • Russell braided S/S fuel line & filter kit • Holley 110GPH Fuel Pump • ARP Fuel Pump push rod

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or

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GRADE gh power? UPER STILL not enouEL OW PACKAGE P CK O R B ED P to a 400H MORE at any level. for only $600

00 00 hp + $600 4 $ + p h 0 4 29

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E C N A R A E CL 17” n Pre-seasoce clearang prici n ock on all in-dsttire wheel anges packa

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lower Price • WHEELS • TIRES • CAPS • LUGS • VALVE STEMS • ALL NEEDED HARDWARE 4 - VOXX 792 20” rims mounted & balanced on 285/50R20 tires

CHROME

1,799 $170

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a month* - tax in

* All monthly payments include sales taxes. A processing fee applies, see store for details.

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PIERREFONDS 514-626-1866 4909 Boul. St. Charles M - W 10am - 6pm T - F 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm TORONTO 416-259-9656 1100 the Queensway M - F 9am - 9pm Sat 10am - 5pm OPEN SUNDAY 12-5!

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

We reserve the right to limit quantities.

Story and Photography by: Tim Banic

Helping my Hero by Cruising the Open Road

I

f you are from southern Ontario, you may have already heard of Amanda’s Cruise for Juvenile Arthritis. It is an event that I and a number of my friends organize to benefit Juvenile Arthritis. Our idea was to have a day using our enthusiast vehicles for the real purpose we own them, driving. Yet, at the same time, we wanted to raise funds that would be donated to further research on this disease. Here is why I, along with my family and friends who make up our committee, are involved.

can affect joints and includes fevers and rashes. Only one in 1,000 children in Canada have arthritis.

After our first visit to Sick Kids Hospital, we realized our Amanda was very fortunate compared to the other children we met. She was lucky, she didn’t have cancer, muscular dystrophy nor any other potentially lifethreatening disease.

Amanda has gone through years of joint injections in both ankles, knees, elbows and her jaw to reduce the inflammation. One of

(fortunately, no trip to Sick Kids for this), and weekly injections of the cancer drug methotrexate.

Many people say that ball players, hockey players, singers and actors are their heroes, but my hero lives in my house with me. She doesn’t score goals except when we play street hockey, she doesn’t hit home runs, and she doesn’t star in movies except our home movies, but she has the ability to give “Amandarific” hugs that squeeze the stuffing out of you. When she had to go into quaran-

Amanda’s Cruise raises funds for Juvenile Arthritis. Just a bunch of guys and gals going for a drive, doing something for a good cause.

In 1997, at the tender age of 18 months old, my daughter Amanda was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Hearing the doctor announce “She has Arthritis” was devastating. What would her quality of life be; could she do the things we take for granted; and what would we need to do as a family to make her life livable? She had no visible signs of something wrong, just a bump on her knee.

After further discussion with Amanda’s Rheumatologist we learned that she had Pauciarticular Onset Juvenile Arthritis which affects fewer than five major joints (hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and jaw). The more severe forms of juvenile arthritis include Polyarticular Onset Juvenile Arthritis which affect large and small joints, and Systemic-Onset Juvenile Arthritis, which

the side affects of her arthritis is “eye arthritis” or uveitis. At her worst, she was getting 25 drops a day in her eye to control the pressure and inflammation. Hourly, her watch chimed for her the next required drop. She would tilt her head back, pinch the bridge of her nose so the drop would stay in her eye and still keep playing. The pressure continued to stay high.

By the year 2000, Amanda was scheduled for two eye surgeries (glaucoma and cataract) in three months. She now has a contact lens and wears glasses. By 12 years old, Amanda has the strength of any adult I know. She has grown up very quickly, and now has monthly six-hour Remicade treatments at the local hospital

tine at the hospital because of chicken pox and her medication, she smiled and said, “You gotta do what you gotta do.” When she hears about a child on the ‘Children with Arthritis’ bulletin board having to go in for an injection, she tells them she will pray for them and writes a note of support. She doesn’t let this disease hold her back. Amanda is my hero.

P|M • February/March 2008

19

Amanda’s Cruise 2007 In 2004, I started to talk to a few people about doing something to give back to the arthritis society because they have been so nice to us, helping us by sending our physiotherapist Sue, who has been so informative and supportive that she has become an extended part of our family.

The question was simple, “Is there anything in Canada that is like the Power Tour in the US?” The answer was a big no, only car shows in parking lots. We started to brain storm ideas about what we could do. We started talking about a cruise from Windsor to Ottawa, but figured for our first year that would be a little bold, and decided to scale back to a local cruise/poker run. We also wanted to be different and said there would be no judging of cars, no trophies for the best paint, farthest travelled, or the most bling, just a bunch of guys and gals going for a drive doing something for a good cause.

In 2005, seventeen cars met in St. Mary’s, Ontario, for a five-hour cruise/poker run to Goderich, a lunch stop and a return trip to St. Mary’s. In 2006, we met in Cambridge, but mother nature didn’t co-operate with us; even though it rained, we had 30 cars come out for the cruise and car show, and 20 cars participate in the three-hour cruise/poker run.

In 2007, our goals, like every year, were to have fun, go for a nice drive, raise money for charity, and inform people that arthritis isn’t an old person’s disease and that we did.

Again, there were no trophies for best car, nicest paint or longest distance travelled.

Just car guys and either hanging out listening to music or enjoying a drive in the country.

This time out, sixty cars joined us for the 3rd Amanda’s Cruise and Car Show for Juvenile Arthritis that was held at the Bloomingdale Community Centre on a beautiful sunny Saturday, Sept. 29. Once we finished the registration and everyone got a good look at the cars in attendance, it was cruise time.

Forty-four cars lined up for the hour-and-ahalf poker run and cruise through the beautiful southern Ontario countryside.

With forty-four cars in the cruise, we managed to fill the parking lots at the poker stops pretty quickly, but it was a lot of fun; people stopped to see a slew of hot rods making their way through the countryside.

I’m sure it brought back memories for more than a few people.

20

February/March 2008 • P|M

The Amanda’s Cruise Pit Crew did a great job of setting up the community centre for all of the participants to enjoy.

The raffle table and participant prize table was filled with great prizes from all of our sponsors including our first gear sponsors Garage Power (Cambridge), Hitman Hot Rods (Cambridge), JC’s Restoration and Supply (Kingsville), Full Throttle Welding (Cambridge), Chubby’s Speed Shop (Cambridge), MOPAR & Lucas Oil Products.

All of our sponsors and donators are listed on our website: ca.geocities.com/acja@rogers.com.

A great time was had at the community centre. With all the cars to see, music to hear, party beads, raffle, 50/50 draw, and a barbeque, there was no reason not to have fun. Lucas Oil Products brought out their race car so everyone could get up-closeand-personal and have a seat inside if they wanted. Lucas also supplied gifts for all of the registered participants and extra draw prizes for them as well.

The best hand for the poker run was four kings (the second best hand was four threes), and the winner took home $110. The 50/50 draw was a respectable $220.

After the last prize was given away and the last burger eaten, at the end of the day, we raised $2,600 for Juvenile Arthritis research and local programs. Thank you to all the participants, sponsors and volunteers.

Without you, we would never be able to have this much fun.

We hope you will plan to attend Amanda’s Cruise #4 in 2008 on Sept. 27, the last Saturday of September, at the Bloomingdale Community Centre. Email us for information at acja@rogers.com.

Info: More Juvenile Arthritis information can be found at: www.arthritis.ca.

Additional Pictures of the 2007 Amanda’s Cruise can be seen at: ca.geocities.com/acja@rogers.com.

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P|M â&#x20AC;˘ February/March 2008

21

Brampton’s Bill Aitken is the newest member of the Canadian Street Rodding Hall of Fame.

T

he Canadian Street Rodding Hall of Fame was formed in 1994 to recognize the contributions of individuals, groups and corporations to the growth and improvements of street rodding in Canada. Today’s CSRHoF alumni represent all facets of the hobby across Canada.

Our 2007 inductee is Bill Aitken of Brampton, Ontario. Bill was chosen for his long history of support to the sport.

In his teens, coupled with his twin brother Bruce, they owned a large number of hot rods.

Everything from a 34 Ford Coupe, a Model A and a Caddy-powered 40 Chev. They even built and raced Hydro Planes! Eventually Bills interest turned to the muscle cars of the era.

In the late 80s Bill and his friend Bob McClairn, formed the Brampton Street Rods.

Bill became president, and along with the other members grew their club into one of

22

February/March 2008 • P|M

the car club powerhouses in their area. At the same time, Bill a licensed mechanic, volunteered as a Safety Rep for the Canadian Street Rodding association In 1992, the Brampton Street Rods became the host club for the Canadian Street Rod Nationals being held in Brampton that year.

Bill was the event chairman, working with his brother club members they managed to run a successful event. So successful in fact that CSRA approached the Brampton Street Rods to do it all again in 1996. The club said yes and once again Bill rolled up his sleeves and took the responsibility for operating a first class event. An event destined to be the most successful Canadian Street Rod Nationals ever!

During this time he also maintained his car interests, building and owning a T Coupe, moving to a 32 Ford Roadster then on to his current favorite, a 1941 Pontiac Sedanette.

Today, now retired, Bill continues his street rod activities, participating in events, cruise nights and helping his son build a race car.

He remains the first person to offer help to anyone with a problem. We welcome Bill Aitken as the 2007 Canadian Street Rodding Hall of Fame inductee.

The CSRHoF steering committee is soliciting nominations for this year’s inductee. If you know of a deserving individual who has made significant contributions to better street rodding in Canada go to the CSRHoF web site and fill in the nomination form.

Visit: www.csra.ca/fame.htm or www.csrhof.com.

Book Review:

In the Shadow of Detroit Steering Solutions

R

ecently, I came across David Roberts, biography/ history of Gordon M. McGregor. Upon leaving a failing wagon-building business, Mr. McGregor became the founding father of Ford of Canada. McGregor headed the company for the first two decades of its existence. Under McGregor’s guidance, the company grew exponentially during those interesting times.

Ford of Canada was the first manufacturing plant that Henry Ford owned outside of Detroit. Through his lead, the Windsor-Walkerville area became a destination for other manufacturers, leading the way to a prosperous industrial center during those early years.

These were exciting times, the automobile was just coming into its own. There were small manufacturers springing up all throughout the country. In 1907, there were 2,093 cars registered in all of Canada; only a year later, that number had risen to 3,054. The rush was on to own a car.

McGregor determined to lead Ford Canada to the front of the pack. By 1913, Ford Canada had exported 5,107 passenger cars all over the world and had shipped more cars into western Canada than all other makes combined.

If you are interested in learning about the birth of Ford Canada, plus the life and times of one of our early industrialists, In the Shadow of Detroit, is a great read.

In the Shadow of Detroit By David Roberts • • 325 pages Hardcover • • Published by Wayne State University Press •

®

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Mustang II Style Power Rack & Pinion FLAMING RIVER INDUSTRIES. Inc. 1-866-897-5493 • FAX 440/826-0780 www.flamingriver.com P|M • February/March 2008

23

Guest Editorial

Tim Chisolm is a local car enthusiast who wrote the following column for the Toronto Star Wheels section published on November 17, 2007. We felt that his words deserved repeating. Here are his thoughts:

A hard look at the ‘street racing’ law Recent passage of Bill 203 will only be a lucrative source of revenue for the government.

Ontario’s Bill 203 was supposed to be a proposal to combat street racing, but it’s just politics at its worst.

A private member’s bill was proposed in the spring of 2006 and was shot down. The bill always included the controversial issue of “officer discretion” on whether the driver was “racing” or not.

About the only well-thought issue that 203 contained was making it illegal to run nitrous on the street. As hard as it is to imagine, before 203, it was not illegal to have a fully operational nitrous system on your street car.

With 203, the system can be in place, without the bottle connected, but if the bottle is connected, you are in trouble. Good on 203 for this: nitrous is for the drag strip and that’s where it should stay. There was no 50 km/h-

24

February/March 2008 • P|M

over issue on the Bill 203 proposal.

The elected official who conceived many parts of 203 is Newmarket MP Frank Klees.

Mr. Klees was the minister of transportation in the early part of this century.

I had an argument over the phone with Klees in the spring of 2006 when a “safer roads” bill was initially proposed. My argument was simple: the new law could sink a car enthusiast who is doing nothing wrong, other than simply driving his or her modified car.

It’s because the bill negatively profiles the modified car enthusiast and gives the officer full discretion, with no due process for the accused. Pretty simple, a copper having a bad day can screw a car enthusiast simply because he chooses to. When I suggested that this will happen often if 203 becomes law, Klees told

me he “could live with that.”

I was relieved that the proposed bill got shot down.

But then in May 2006, the accident that killed Rob and Lisa Manchester, and which left their 8-year-old daughter an orphan, hit the headlines. This accident took place in Klees’ riding. The accident was blamed on “street racers,” reportedly travelling 150 km/h in an 80 km/h zone when Manchester made a left-hand turn into the path of the two “racers.”

With the Manchester deaths, there was no way the government could continue to brush off 203 and Klees, and understandably so.

Street racing killed two members of Klees’ own riding, and he was the man already pushing the proposal.

By the spring of this year, you’d have to be on another planet to not realize that 203 was going through. The media wheel was turning at full speed – every accident headline involving “speed” was replaced with “street racing.”

We had Prime Minister Stephen Harper spewing the term, Premier Dalton McGuinty following suit, and (now former) attorneygeneral Michael Bryant was threatening to crush cars. Then OPP chief Julian Fantino chimed in with “50 km/h over is street racing,” in his opinion, and he wants a plane.

By June 2007, those of us in the enthusiast community were pointing out that only 0.12 per cent of traffic deaths are related to “street racing,” and “What the hell is the inspiration for these draconian proposals?” And then whammo, Bill 203 gets royal assent. And funny, just before it received assent, the 50 km/h-over penalties were added.

In an interesting feat of timing, the boys charged in the influential accident that killed the Manchesters were due for sentencing right around the time that Bill 203’s provisions were to become official.

Then a few facts started coming out. The boys were not doing 150 km/h, but actually 112 km/h. Manchester was drunk, twice over the limit. The judge ruled that the boys were not street racing, and that Manchester’s alcohol level was a factor.

You have to wonder how Manchester’s condition was overlooked, considering his death was exploited as a result of “street racers” for 14 months. When the fact is, had Manchester lived, he would have been facing serious DUI charges. I’m sure everyone involved will claim they didn’t know, but I will always be convinced that it was nothing more than politics at its worst.

I understand that, already more than 1,300 vehicles have been seized under the new legislation. I’m not sure how many were “street racing” versus driving 50 km/h-over, but at $2,000 a judgment, it seems that Fantino might have just paid for that plane he wanted.

And we will all be reminded how much safer our roads are now.

Those who express shock and outrage at people brushing off 130-140-150 km/h as not being that fast in today’s machinery will find that the new “street racing” legislation will morph as time goes by.

And they may express more shock and outrage when they nonchalantly coast down an 80 km/h back road on a Sunday drive, inadvertently speed up to 100 km/h as they coast down a hill and get dinged for 50 km/h over as they enter a 50 km/h zone where the OPP are hiding. They’ll then get a life-altering financial burden under legislation designed to combat street racers and make roads safer.

The car enthusiast community will continue to fight this new legislation.

The law leaving the officer to be judge and jury on the side of the road and levy these types of punishments violates our Charter of Rights.

Similar laws are in place in Florida, and recently a judge there ruled in a case that the “street racing” charges made at the discretion of the officer were “unconstitutional.”

So it’s only a matter of time before our new visionless law gets scrapped.

It’s a real shame when politicians lack vision and common sense and make knee-jerk decisions based on their heart strings. It’s even worse when they let law enforcement swoop in and capitalize on a potential cash cow.

It’s not about making our roads safer and ridding the roads of street racers.

The ERASE (Eliminate Racing Activities on Streets Everywhere) project was designed to do that.

When ERASE ran out of applicable fines for the 0.12 per cent of trouble

on the road, police started hanging out at the racetrack entrances to hassle and fine drivers who were taking it to the track. Yep, the program encouraging you to take it to the track was trying to bust you when you took it to the track.

For what it’s worth, along with being a car freak, I’m a 40-year-old business professional, husband and homeowner.

And I haven’t had a traffic violation charge in more than 20 years. And I am mad as hell that this legislation was passed.

My late father (also an enthusiast) taught me that the roads are a dangerous place. The highways are even more dangerous. The cars I was raised around were dangerous – they could kill you in a second.

No crumple zones, no ABS, no traction control, no airbags, some had no seatbelts, and none of them had eight cupholders or GPS. I was also informed early on that I would be learning to drive with a manual gearbox.

Maybe it’s time to take a step back in what we promote. I’ve heard some suggest that head injuries in professional hockey today could be improved if helmets were not mandatory.

Pretty simple theory: you give much more respect for others’ safety when you’re not wrapped up in a suit of armour.

Today’s roads are seriously dangerous and will not become safer. And, no matter what the manufacturers tell you, the car will not save you. Deal with it responsibly or stay off the road.

P|M • February/March 2008

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New Product Showcase KW Suspensions has new stainless steel coil-overs for the 2003-2008 Nissan 350z.

These coil-overs for the Nissan 350z lowers your vehicle 20-40mm on the front axle and 20-40mm on the rear axle. Variant 1 with its preset dampening rates permits customized lowering of the suspension and creates an optimized balance of performance, comfort and safety. Variant 2 is the ideal system for sporty drivers, who also wish to make modifications in ride height and rebound dampening. Variant 3 permits an even higher degree of customization to the suspension. Adjustable rebound and compression damping allows a truly individual performance driving setup for technically demanding drivers.

Important characteristics such as safety, quality and performance are all taken into consideration with each KW coil-over design. Each vehicle application is specifically designed and engineered for a proper range of motion, min/max weight loads and min/max lowering. Each KW coil-over suspension is produced with unique stainless steel “inox-line” technology. The stainless steel construction internally and externally provides long-term durability and corrosion resistance from the elements.

All KW coil-overs pass stringent German TUV safety and quality testing standards.

Each kit is TUV approved.

New Walrus Seal for BG Fuel Pumps The BG 400, 280, and other derivatives of Barry Grant’s original high-volume electric fuel pump, acquire a new seal. The Walrus seal, which separates the fuel chamber from the electric motor, is made from Viton® B for better resistance to petroleum fuels and is embedded in a stainless steel case and press fitted into the pump housing. Equipped with a spring element, the Walrus seal retains its flexibility and is especially resistant to dry-heat aging. The new seal has been installed in all of the company’s vane-style fuel pumps since late 2006.

The BG 400 pump is designed for gasoline racing engines producing 650-1650 horsepower. They generate 400 gallons-per-hour, have an externally adjustable bypass (16 to 25 PSI), and are usually accompanied by a four-port fuel-pressure regulator.

The BG280 pump is developed for gasoline racing engines of up to 650 horsepower. They generate 280 gallons per hour and are usually accompanied by a two-port fuel-pressure regulator.

All BG electric vane-style fuel pumps are rebuildable rather than disposable, and boast a lifetime labour warranty with free flow testing.

Visit your nearest retailer or www. barrygrant.com

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February/March 2008 • P|M

H3R Performance Protect your garage or trailer with the HalGuard Automatic Fire Suppression system this simple to install system provides aroundthe-clock protection for transport trailers, garages or repair shops. The system consists of a steel cylinder charged with a unique nontoxic, non-conductive and non-corrosive clean agent gas capped with one of four thermally actuated heads. When the head detects an ambient temperature higher than its rating, the system activates to rapidly discharge the clean agent to flood the space with an inert and invisible gas, which extinguishes the fire.

Protect your vehicle no matter where it is.

Visit your nearest retailer or www.h3rperformance.com.

PROFORM PERFORMANCE has introduced its high performance GM V8 HEI Distributor Tune-Up Kit #66945RC. This Proform GM HEI Tune-Up Kit contains a monster power 50,000-volt HEI coil, a high-tech “no arc” rotor, a protective coil dust cover, a high-performance, low-saturation control module, an adjustable vacuum-advance unit, an HEI bushing, a wire harness and capacitor, a high-performance spring-and-weight set and all mounting hardware. Red, blue or black caps are available.

Visit your nearest retailer or www.proformparts.com .

LIBERTY CLASSICS Now, you can own your very own Top Fuel Engine.

Todays 7,000 to 8,000 horsepower nitro burning top fuel engines are beyond the scope of most enthusiasts. However, if you want a highly detailed, top quality 1/6 scale replica, now you can have one. Display an authentic model of the engines powering today’s top fuelers to over 330 mph.

84028 HEMI 1/6 scale 426 C.I. Hemi Top Fuel Dragster Engine.

84029 FORD 1/6 scale 427 C.I. Top Fuel Dragster Engine.

Many other engine models available.

Flaming River announces the addition of the very popular 1970-81 Chevrolet Camaro to its family of patented rack and pinion cradle systems in both manual and power steering versions.

The cradle system for the small block powered 70-81 Camaro uses a travel bar design to properly position the steering pivot points to the original location and deliver the original turning radius. The 70-81 Camaro system uses factory tie rods to connect the travel bar to the spindles.

Permatex No Touch Perfect Plastic is a new plastic cleaner and polish formulated to safely remove stubborn yellow stains, fine scratches, insects, haze, water spots, and oxidation build up from clear and pigmented plastic surfaces. It revives plastics and produces a smooth lustrous finish to help restore original appearance. Unlike ordinary plastic cleaners, Perfect Plastic™ also forms a water repellent, anti-static shield that resists fogging.

Just shake, spray on, work in and buff out for a perfect polished shine. Visit your nearest retailer.

The system installs in the original mounting holes for the steering box and idler arm assembly and does not require any cutting, drilling or welding. Simply installed using basic hand tools.

For power steering racks, a Flaming River Stage II pump and pulley (vbelt or serpentine) and remote billet aluminum power steering fluid reservoir are included (plumbing kits not included, available separately). For further information, contact your local retailer or www.flamingriver.com.

P|M • February/March 2008

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Performance Directory

Auto Services Ltd. P• 905-471-3335 F• 905-471-7274 C• 647-228-3434

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Doug Lamb

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

February/March 2008 • P|M

Performance Directory

P|M â&#x20AC;˘ February/March 2008

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Thinking Inside the Ride

W

hen it’s cold outside, it’s time to start thinking “inside” the box. Or, if you’re living with an automotive enthusiast, it means thinking inside the ride.

It seems that an awful lot of attention is paid to what goes on under the hood, which is very important, especially when you want to get from point A to point B. But, if you want to get there comfortably, you might find that your driver is more interested in pork belly futures.

For every rod out there, whether stock or custom, there’s a tale of passenger distress that has nothing to do with bladder control. Yours truly enjoyed a three-hour tour in our new ride on a stifling July day with the heater on full blast. The problem was figured out once the manual was found on eBay—two months later. In the meantime, I got to experience my first hot flashes.

While common complaints arise from noisy exhaust systems and an overall lack of trunk space with anything that isn’t a land yacht, there are a few hair-curling stories we can all learn from. Before you read any further, grab yourself a coffee. Or some tissues.

The seat with a mind of its own Some passengers have experienced seats that have reached out and touched some buns.

Springs pop out at random. Torn leather or fabric chafes, even through clothing. But the most heinous seat scenario of all has to be AWOL padding. The quick-fix solution: a pillow or folded towel.

The door that wouldn’t close There are a number of reasons why this can happen, but it always results in a passenger having to resort to a grab-and-hold manoeuvre not unlike Gollum clutching his precious or someone spotting a Prada handbag on sale. The quick-fix solution: a bungee cord.

The painful chop This situation occurs when your driver has lowered the roof of his hardtop—the rod term is chopped or pancaked. Syrup is not involved. Both appear to have the same effect if, like in one unfortunate passenger’s case, a loved one “forgets” about lowering her seat before she enters the vehicle. Petite passengers are normally safe, but anyone over 5’5” may want to slouch when a speed bump is on the horizon. The quick-fix solution: a helmet.

the pinstriping he had spent hours applying.

This was clearly a case of someone so busy using a pin and credit card to get out those little air bubbles that the final edge check had not taken place. While this tale has nothing to do with the car interior, it has everything to do with attempting to get inside the vehicle comfortably. The quick-fix solution: check the trim…and flames too.

Sticker shock One car nut openly wept when his passenger went and “did something crazy.” Apparently she opened her car door—and ripped off

So there you have it: beware the car interior—especially if he’s been spending all his time futzing with the carburetor again.

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

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February/March 2008 • P|M