Performance in Motion Magazine Vol. 10 No. 1

Vol.10 #1 •

SPRING 2010 • 25c

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40609642

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

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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 Dale Boeru Bruce Biegler Mike Goodwin Bill Mehlenbacher Robert Michaelson Tim Miller Rob Potter Jeff Simek Brad Turk Leonard F. Slye Paul Sontrop ShelbyAutos.com with Bonnie Staring as the Reluctant Passenger PROOFREADER Spike “The Machine” LaVigne

Table of Contents Editorial.............................................................5 Power Wagon....................................................6 Pro Modified Racing Association.................10 Quick 32 Sportsman Series...........................13 2010 Canadian International Autoshow.....16 Shelby Gala & Display...................................20 The Daytona 500 Experience.......................24 Targa Newfoundland.....................................26 Times have Changed....................................34 E-Z Install.........................................................38 Product Showcase.........................................40 Product Showcase.........................................42 Directory Ads..................................................44 Reluctant Passenger......................................46

10

Are you Moving? Let us know, email us at: moving@ 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 fine 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! This 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. •

16 26

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 3

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I

get loads of interesting stuff in my email, sometimes it’s a joke, and other times some type of hoax.

In fact, the one I am going to tell you about today, I was sure was a hoax. If not a hoax at least it was a huge exaggeration.

Recently I received an email that started out: “Importing causes the most pollution – not race cars, not performance cars, not pickup trucks.”

Well that first sentence tweaked my curiosity, as a dyed in the wool car nut, tired of all the ills of the world being blamed on my beloved car, I read on.

The premise is that a single container ship sailing across the world’s oceans produces the same amount of cancer and asthma-causing air pollution as 50 million cars! In fact they claimed the 15 largest container ships would emit as much pollution as all the world’s cars! Yes “all the world’s cars!”

If that fact wasn’t stunning enough, in the same report they noted there were 90,000 cargo ships plying the world’s oceans. Do that math!

Once I digested this, I decided to do a little further research, it still sounded too far fetched for me. After a while I discovered the source of most of the material in the email I had received.

There was an article written in the The Guardian, one of Great Britain’s most influential newspapers in April of 2009 describing the pollution levels of container ships and pointing out that emission regulations were virtually non existent. To make matters worse these ships burn “bunker fuel”, kind of the lowest common denominator of fuel. Said to be simply a step above asphalt. It was described as the stuff left over when diesel fuel was made and is

Editor’s Note

Editorial

so dirty it cannot be used on land anywhere. Read really dirty!

If you find this information fascinating, perhaps asking yourself why the world’s politicians who are all screaming about clean air are not mandating emission standards for over the ocean shipping? You may want to comment to your MP about the situation.

Here are some sources to check w w w. g u a r d i a n . c o . u k /e n v i r o n ment/2009/apr/09/shipping-pollution this is the story that details the problems.

Google “Emma Maersk” and “MSC Danit” these are the largest container ships on the sea, at the moment, carrying between 11,000 and 14,000 20 ft. shipping containers! Powered by engines developing over 100,000 hp that will drink 6,275 liters of fuel per hour, these are huge polluting machines. Instead of trying to get the last possible drop of air pollution from the automobile, at enormous cost to the driving public, let’s suggest to our politicians they have other fish to fry.

Maybe not, since those fish are probably polluted.

So those ultra green cars coming from China, Japan and Korea may not help the environment once they arrive on our shores. Huge cost increases in shipping could make the offshore manufacturer open plants in North America putting our labour forces back to work. That would be a good thing.

•

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 5

Power Wagon

1957 DODGE FARGO

POWER

WAGON

T

here are numerous ways to describe Geoff Ellis. Words like, mad scientist, accomplished artist, perfectionist, all come to mind. You see, Geoff makes his living bringing other peoples wild ideas to fruition. His sculptures are enormous when necessary. His installations are all over the world.

His company, Motorware Inc. has created a Sabre Jet fuselage for the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, built a 15-foot-tall sneaker for Nike World Cup in Paris France, constructed an old sailing

6 • PiM • SPRING 2010

ship complete with authentic hardware for the Pirate Soul Museum in Key West Florida. Motorware Inc. creates custom-themed environments, dioramas and exhibit components for museums and display companies. There are examples of Geoff’s work in all corners of the world.

Instead of the other names, let us just say that Geoff is a “creative genius,.”

Since he restored his first car, a 1968 Beetle, at an early age, his list of projects is long, with a large number of commercial vehicles, heavily leaning towards military hard-

ware leading the pack.

Geoff’s latest project is his 1957 Dodge Fargo Civilian Power Wagon. While it is neither, a hot rod, a collector car or a muscle car it is too unique not to be seen on our pages. Geoff brings his remarkable attention to detail to this truck. When he first acquired his Fargo it was in need of lots of work. In fact, Geoff describes the body restoration as extensive. Replacement parts were either NOS, or if none were available, fabricated from scratch.

The suspension was completely gone through with

Story and Photos by Thomas Andrews

all worn parts replaced and every piece brought back to better than new condition.

Similarly, the engine saw a complete rebuild. The original 1957 Chrysler 6-cylinder engine displaces 251-cu.in. producing 155 HP at 3,400 rpm. Geoff describes it as extremely slow, but notes it would be a good contestant for a hill climb.

Inside the cab, the instruments, steering wheel and upholstery were all restored

by Geoff and Motorware. In fact, with the exception of the final paint, all work was completed by Geoff.

As you look over the Power Wagon, you cannot miss the remarkable attention to detail that Geoff has put into it. No Power Wagon ever came off the production line in this condition – it is simply astonishing. Geoff enjoys driving it and considers it an excellent advertisement for his company.

If that is not enough, Geoff has three other projects on the go, a 59 El Camino, a 59 Chev 2- door hardtop and a 47 Chevrolet business coupe. We can’t wait to get a look at these.

•

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 7

1957 FARGO POWER WAGON The Motorware Power Wagon is all business, nothing frivolous, no useless accessories just plain functional.

Geoff restored the instruments and steering wheel, even redid the upholstery himself. With five, count them, five control levers, you don’t just hop in a Power Wagon and drive it away. No one said it would be easy.

Everything is authentic, period correct, right down to the HD 1957 hose clamps.

When was the last time you saw these?

Just like looking back in time… oil bath air cleaner, externally mounted oil filter, all the right parts and pieces.

The floor in the pickup bed has been carefully stained and varnished. Bet it didn’t look like this when it came from the factory.

8 • PiM • SPRING 2010

How many trucks come with their very own pickaxe, shovel, tow rope and axe as standard equipment? With a Fargo Power wagon, you were ready for any emergency.

It is guaranteed that Geoff’s Power Wagon is far better finished than when it rolled off the production line in 1957.

Taylor-PerfInMo 1/2-Aug 05

6/20/05 1:47 PM

Page 1

Note the really neat cowl mounted running light. Add a red lens and these would make great hot rod taillights.

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SPRING 2010 • PiM • 9

Pro Modified Racing Association

PMRA 2009 PMRA Champion Bruce Boland

Pro Modified Racing Association Written by: Tim Miller • Photos By Mike Goodwin, Rob Potter, Brad Turk, Dale Boeru, Bruce Biegler & Bill Mehlenbacher

T

here was no stopping Bruce Boland in Pro Modified Racing Association competition this year. The veteran took another new car at the start of the season, winning four of the six PMRA events in 2009 to claim his third consecutive PMRA championship.

“Nothing went wrong,” Boland explained about his

10 • PiM • SPRING 2010

success this year. “The car went better and better each weekend.”

After winning the 2008 PMRA title with his B&B Racing 1963 Corvette, Boland purchased the former Larry Sinke 1967 Chevy Nova Pro Modified, and went right back to his winning ways. “We were lucky,” he added. “This car went down every track.

Everything went great.”

Boland’s Nova was powered by an ERD (Engine Research & Development) 526-cubic inch Brad Anderson (BAE) Supercharged Hemi, coupled to a Lenco threespeed transmission.

In a year filled with highlights, his biggest highlight came during the July 18 running of the IHRA MOPAR Canadian Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex. Boland set the pace with a 4.030-second, 183.39-mph qualifying pass and never looked

back, winning the event on the eighth-mile. He also won PMRA events at TMP’s Cayuga Dragway June 14 and September 20 and at Grand Bend August 16.

Since he started in PMRA competition in 2005, Boland has won the title in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Attendance and consistency has been a big part of his success, along with some great work on the car and behind the wheel.

Placing second in the fifth year of PMRA competition was Mark Nielsen of Brantford, Ontario, with his G-Force Race Cars 1968 Camaro.

Third was the 1941

Willys of J. Roth Racing with Jeff Roth of Kitchener, Ontario behind the wheel.

Roth, driving a new car, won the final PMRA event at the Grand Bend Motorplex over the Labor Day weekend.

Fourth was Scarborough, Ontario’s Eric Latino with his popular 1938 Chevy coupe, and fifth was the Clarkston Michigan team of Kalso Motorsports with Jason Kalso at the wheel of the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda.

The Pro Modified Racing Association, was organized late in 2004, with racing operations starting in 2005, Now in its

sixth year of operation, the PMRA is a self-governing organization with input from its teams adhering to the technical and safety rules of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

Event venues such as Toronto Motorsports Park and Grand Bend Motorplex have been the scene of intense PMRA racing during 2009.

Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, Combining classic body styles and modern equipment, constructors are permitted, within established rules and SPRING 2010 • PiM • 11

2010 SCHEDULE

PMRA & QUICK 32 SPORTSMAN SERIES DRAG RACING parameters, to modify and enhance the cars in both appearance and performance. and the class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and colourful classes, offering a diverse group of race cars with different types of 2,500-horsepower supercharged, nitrouspowered and turbocharged engines.

The cars are fuelled by gasoline or methanol, propelling them down the quartermile in low six-second times at over 200 miles per hour. The PMRA provides drag race fans in Eastern Ontario and America’s North-East the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the popular Pro Modifieds, known as “the world’s fastest door slammers.”

If you want to see exciting racing, go to www.PMRA.ca to view their complete upto-the-minute 2010 schedule.

•

May 21-23: Victoria Day Weekend - PMRA & Quick 32 Sportsman Series - Toronto Motorsports Park Cayuga, Ontario

June

25-27: RPM Magazine Media/Family Weekend - Quick 32 Sportsman Series - Grand Bend Motorplex - Grand Bend, Ontario

July 2-3: AHRA Reunion Tour

- PMRA & Quick 32 Sportsman Series - Toronto Motorsports Park, Cayuga, Ontario

July 16-18: IHRA MOPAR Nitro Jam

Nationals - PMRA - Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, Ontario

August 6-8: Stratford Spectacular

Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts PMRA & Quick 32 Sportsman Series - Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, Ontario

September

3-5: Teamsters “Thunder by the Beach” - PMRA & Quick 32 Sportsman Series - Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, Ontario

Saturday, November 13: Sixth

Annual Champions Banquet Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel - Niagara Falls, ON Canada

Schedule - Subject to Change

12 • PiM • SPRING 2010

Quick 32 Sportsman Series

Quick 32 Sportsman series Written by: Tim Miller • Photos By Mike Goodwin, Rob Potter, Brad Turk, Dale Boeru, Bruce Biegler & Bill Mehlenbacher

A

fter watching the growing success of the PMRA, some of the high horsepower sportsman racers wanted to try to emulate a similar series with their styles of cars.

This desire soon became the new companion series to the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented

by NAPA Auto Parts, The Quick 32 also raced six times during 2009. The series consists of two separate divisions, one featuring Top Dragster classes “open wheel cars,” with Top Sportsman, or “door cars,” filling the other division.

Each class qualifies 16 cars and goes through eliminations separately, once completed the winners of each division race for the event title. This new venture provides $3,000 to win for each event and $5,000 for the annual Series champion at seasons end. These payouts are very popular with competitors guaranteeing large fields of race cars at every event.

With six races during the inaugural 2009 season, the Quick 32 got off to a strong start.

The Stratford, Ontariobased Top Sportsman team of K&K Racing won the

2009 Quick32 Champion Kevin Wicke

Quick 32 Sportsman Series inaugural championship.

There was a fair bit of thrashing with a new car, and some mechanical gremlins, but driver and team owner Kevin Wicke and his Dodge Stratus came out on top.

“We won rounds when we needed to,” explained Wicke, driver of the 604-cubic inch with B1 Heads - 2-stage NOS system-powered Stratus. “This was a new car for us, and we spent a lot of late nights with it. We got the car to come around by the last few races,” he said.

“We had some mechanical woes, and we broke some little stuff which gave us lots of grief. But we figured out the tune-up.” The RJ Race Cars Stratus, a former Pro Stock car, employs a Hutchinson Two-speed Powerglide/ Coan Converter transmission and a Magna Fuel System setup.

Quick 32 Sportsman series Placing second in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series was Jamie Bridge of Napanee, Ontario, with the Lynja Motorsports Top Dragster. Carl Spiering of Jordan Station, Ontario was third, driving his 2007 Chevy Cobalt Top Sportsman.

Fourth was Michael Kalin of Youngstown, New York, with his Top Dragster. And fifth was the Top Dragster entry of TJ Schippling of Shakespeare, Ontario, who won the first Quick 32 Sportsman Series event in the Series’ history, held May 17 at the Cayuga Dragway of TMP.

14 • PiM • SPRING 2010

The Quick 32 Sportsman Series is committed to providing a professional atmosphere for its teams. It will also provide solid media and logistic support to ensure it becomes one of the most popular drag race series running Top Sportsman and Top Dragster race cars.The Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts competed several times in 2009 with the Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca, as well as selected special events, offering fans a great show of drag racing.

•

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 SPRING 2010 • PiM • 15

2010 Canadian International Autoshow

Canadian International Autoshow 2010

Story & Photos by: Len Sly

Really liked the Ford Fiesta flat-screen display. It was the first thing you saw as you came up the escalator.

F

ebruary 12 – 21, 2010 was the 36th running of the Canadian International Autoshow; this prestigious automotive event is primarily a venue to present the public with the very latest in new cars and new car technology. Manufacturers use the show to premiere their latest, most exciting offerings.

All the turmoil in the manufacturing side of the business showed in a reduction of floor area.

This year there were no exhibits in the Skydome, effectively reducing the display area by between 15 - 20%. In

This new Ford Flex offered “SYNC powered by Microsoft” voice-actuated phone, MP3, text and 911 assist. This technology offers a safe, handsfree solution to operating these devices.

16 • PiM • SPRING 2010

addition a number of manufacturers had more spacious displays than in years past. Personally I did not think any of this was bad, we had less distance to walk and more room to walk around.

We were easily able to see everything that mattered. This year’s show had a high volume of hybrid and other green technologies on display including the next gen Ford Focus with their new My Ford system that uses voice commands. While we didn’t have a chance to try it out they told me I couldn’t just hop in and yell “take me home” yet, but they were working on it.

There were a number of interesting concept cars on the floor.

Some that looked great, that we hope will come to completion, a couple of others that would cause you to ask “What were they thinking?” However even if you are not in need of a new car at this moment there are still a number of features designed to appeal to the car enthusiast. Here are some that will make you pray for spring and dry roads.

On the 800 level you could find the Cruise Nationals display.

The Cruise Nationals competition comprises the 10 finalists from the 60 cars that were originally chosen from selected cruise night locations throughout 2009.

This year’s finalists were a mix of carefully restored and modified vehicles. The oldest on display was Doug O’Brien’s 32 Ford three-window coupe, with the newest John Whitelaw’s 1971 Chevrolet Nova SS. All ten cars were stunning and a difficult choice for those who had to pick the winners. Unfortunately, for some reason this area was curtained off during the media day, and since the next day was our deadline, we were unable to get photos to show you.

Interested in NASCAR? You could try the race simulator at

We found this great looking LF CH Hybrid concept in the Lexus booth.

Designed at Toyota’s California R & D centre you can see they are appealing to the sport compact car enthusiast.

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid with the plug-in tower. It can be recharged with 110 power in three hours; wire it with 220 and you will reduce recharge time to one and a half hours. The first Toyota propelled with a Lithium Ion battery.

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 17

If you wanted a close look at what goes into one of today’s vehicles, this Subaru cutaway let you see mechanical details that are usually hidden.

Also in the Subaru display was one of their Rally Team cars. In 2009, Subaru won the Canadian Rally Championship.

This Steve Millen, Mike Monticellodriven Nissan Rally car competed in the 2009 Targa Newfoundland event.

They came first in their class and sixth overall.

Ford had their Reflex concept on display.

While not new, originally introduced in 2006, you have to admit this is a greatlooking car that Ford should build.

When you think of Lincoln, I doubt your mind wanders to a vehicle like the 18 • PiM • SPRING 2010

Lincoln C Concept.

Power is from a fuel-efficient “Eco Boost” 4-cylinder engine hooked to a dual clutch “Powershift” six-speed transmission.

This Infinity G37S coupe sported a radical paint treatment. Who says the OE’s don’t keep an eye on what the enthusiasts are doing.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe is a far cry from Civics of old, predicted to be available in late 2010. Powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC engine with a three-mode drive system, the CR-Z is loaded with features to make the car fun to drive.

Just in case potential customers had a soft spot for motorcycles, Honda had one of their water-cooled, shaft drive “Fury” cycles in the display.

Pretty cool.

the NASCAR Race Day display.

Here you were pitted against other show attendees trying to set the best time with your race car. Additionally, you could learn all about the upcoming NASCAR season, get a schedule and perhaps plan a trip to one of the races this year. Meanwhile, past

races were being broadcast on the big screens in the booth.

Lots to do and see during the Autoshow, pretty well something to suit every taste. Plan now to attend the 2011 version to see all the latest “stuff.”

Me, I still think a big block 68 Chevelle SS with no power steering, converted to front disk brakes is that last great car. No computers, no drive by wire, the steering column was still attached to the steering box etc, but that’s just me.

•

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 19

Shelby Gala & Display

AUTOSHOW • Shelby Showcase

The Shelby Cobra has been one of the most replicated cars in history. This replica is a Johnex Cobra Kit assembled in 1992.

This 2000 Shelby Mark 1 was in extremely limited production. The Mark 1 is powered by a GM Northstar V8. This car has only seen 190 miles on the roads.

In the early 50s, Carroll Shelby participated with a team from England driving a specially prepared, streamlined and supercharged Austin Healey 100S. Together, they broke 70 international endurance records at the Bonneville salt flats.

At the infancy of his racing career, Carroll drove a texas-based Cad-Allard J2 to victory in Caddo Mills, Texas.

From 1952 to 1954, he continued his winning ways behind the wheel of similar Cad-Allards.

20 • PiM • SPRING 2010

B

y far the biggest deal this year, for those of us with an interest in the history of the performance automobile, was the Gala Reception celebrating Carroll Shelby’s induction to the International Division of the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame. Those present had an opportunity to rub shoulders with many of Canada’s bestknown car nuts, plus other international car enthusiasts in attendance.

Gala attendees got to watch the induction ceremony, view the Shelby display and participate in the evenings live auction for a brand new 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, signed and authenticated by Carroll himself.

Additionally, they auctioned a custompainted Harley Davidson Fat Boy. So depending on how much money you were carrying, you could have gone home on two wheels or four.

Combined with the Gala was a 3,5000-square-foot display of the cars that made Carroll Shelby famous. There were Shelby Mustangs, Cobras, Cobra Coupes and a Shelby Daytona Coupe. Also on display were the cars that Carroll influenced over his career. Cars like the Cad-Allard and the Austin Healey 100S. There was also a version of the GT40 coupe that Shelby raced out of his California shop from 64-67.

•

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 21

Five of these Cobra Roadsters were built to meet FIA rules in 1964.

Designed to challenge the best Europe had to offer, these cars brought the FIA World Championship to Shelby and the U.S. In 1966, Carroll directed Fords Mark 11 GT40 racing program to a 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans. In ‘67, Ford built 10 ultra light Mark IV versions with 500 hp 427 “side oiler” power. Only raced twice, they won both Sebring and Le Mans.

That accomplished, Ford withdrew from future competition. This is one of the remaining GT40 MK IV “J” cars.

The legendary 1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang was nothing more than a race car in street clothing.

Hard-core “go fast” guys loved them, but many buyers found them too unforgiving, too harsh handling. There were only 562 of these produced.

In 1967, the GT500 Mustang became a more civilized version of the early GT350s. Creature comforts and driveability improved, the GT350’s brutal habits were smoothed over.

22 • PiM • SPRING 2010

AUTOSHOW • Shelby Showcase

In an effort to up the top speed of the Cobra, a coupe was designed in 1964.

Dubbed the Daytona Coupe CSX 2299.

This is the view the competitors saw during the 1964 running of the 24 hours of Le Mans with Bob Bondurant and Dan Gurney at the wheel.

In 65, they drove their Daytona coupe to victory in the FIA world championship.

This car is currently valued in excess of U.S. $7 million.

•

Only six of these race cars were built .

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 23

The Daytona 500 Experience

OK,

it didn’t take a DNA test to realize we don’t have the NASCAR gene. But after three years of living 15 minutes from the speedway, we needed to go to the race at least once. So, thanks to some freebie tickets, we were ready to watch “The Great American Race.” Here are some random thoughts from non-race fans: The day got off to a slow start. The two mile drive from the Interstate exit to the satellite parking lot took nearly two hours.

No matter where you sit at a 2.5-mile racetrack, your seat will be roughly 1.2 miles from your gate of entry.

The one fan-friendly thing NASCAR does that should be emulated by every other sport: you can bring in your own food and beverages!

Based on what I saw, beer is one of the four official food groups.

Racing is best viewed when temperatures are warm. Thanks to global warming, we were in sweaters and winter coats.

When the sun slipped down in the sky and the breeze

kicked up, they were very helpful. Could be the first year NASCAR needed to drain the radiators and top off with Prestone.

Tim McGraw’s three-song “mini concert” (three songs is apparently the attention span of a TV audience) was entertaining.

The non-stop advertising and marketing is almost comical. Everything is corporately choreographed.

Even for a PR guy, the promotion was shameless.

Jimmy Johnson’s hair must be a fiberglass shell. It doesn’t move in a gale-force wind.

Harry Connick Jr. did a great job on the national anthem. NASCAR fans really “get” the “take your hat off” tradition during the invocation and anthem, I guess that makes them just a little bit smarter than NFL fans.

Sarah Palin’s shrill voice makes fingernails dragged across a blackboard sound like a concerto. They pierced through my ear plugs like a 50-calibre shell through a piece of Styrofoam. Painful!

The people who sat in front of us were the perfect stereotypes. He was about 350 pounds and wore what looked like flannel pajama bottoms. She was about 275 with a Dale Jr. T-Shirt.

THE

DAYTONA 500

EXPERIENCE 24 • PiM • SPRING 2010

They were pouring vodka in their cranapple juice.

He was ripping through a can of Pringles and she was smoking like a fiend. And between the two of them they had half a set of teeth, which I’m sure are brushed regularly – once a month, whether they need it or not.

The highlight of the day was the F-15 flyover. Two jets with full afterburners flying at what seemed was tree-top level streaking right over our shoulders and across the track.

AWESOME! It was eye-opening to think that 200,000 fans attended the event. That’s one big crowd! The logistics are pretty incredible.

Those cars really go fast! (just validating the obvious).

Note to the fans in front of us: do you think the drivers, really care if you are giving them a “thumbs down?” Remember, you paid $200 to sit in that metal folding chair. They’re getting paid $2 million to go 200 mph! And they didn’t have a two-hour, two-mile drive to get there!

It took Jack about 10 laps to have enough of racing.

It took me at least twice that long, but essentially you’re mostly looking at “Sprintvision” – a large TV. Once the cars begin making pit stops, and are no longer in the lead pack, it’s virtually impossible to tell who’s leading or where they are on the track.

The guy next to us was well into his second six-pack early in the race. I think there’s a direct correlation between beers consumed and attendee satisfaction levels.

Accidents are more spectacular when you are watching them at home with multiple angles/replays/ in-car cams, etc.

And then there was the pothole patch thing! It came about two-thirds into the race, long after Jack’s patience had gone into triple-overtime. The fact that the breeze kicked up, we were losing sunlight and a growing mound of empty beer cans surrounded us served as the clincher.

The prospect of 200,000 tired, drunken spectators all heading for the shuttle buses at the same time when the race finally concluded made us head for the exits.

We watched the rest of the race eating Chinese take-out at a friend’s home in the comfort of a living room sofa and with benefit of a heating system.

Bottom line: It is an amazing “event.” And for free tickets, we certainly got our money’s worth. But we’ve checked the box. Been there, done that, and don’t really need to do it much more in the future. (Probably the same thing non-riders say about bike week.)

•

Jeff Simek is originally from the Northeast U.S. He is a big motorcycle fan, writing for the Daytona chapter of the Harley Owners Group newsletter, but has never developed an interest in NASCAR.

Written by: Jeff Simek • Illustration By Rob McJannett SPRING 2010 • PiM • 25

Targa Newfoundland

26 • PiM • SPRING 2010

If

Prepared from material provided

by Melissa Crummey and Doug Mepham.

you are feeling uncomfortable planning for international flights due to body scanning and orifice inspections, or are trying to keep your vacation costs down by staying in Canada, start today to plan a trip to Newfoundland.

“The Rock” is a great place to visit, friendly people, fantastic vistas, unusual food scrunchions, cod cheeks and brewis just to name a few. Plus infamous Newfoundland Screech, a drink guaranteed to alter your normal behaviour.

Better yet, plan to be on “The Rock “during the 2010 Targa Newfoundland, the first and only event of its kind to be held in North America. One of only three such events being held in the world. Continents away there are Targa Tasmania and Targa New Zealand. After 9 years, every aspect of this high-end automotive adventure just keeps getting better, with 2010 looking like the best yet. As motorsport enthusiasts, we know that limits were made to be pushed and cars were designed to be driven. During the Targa event, both of these desires come to fruition. For many Targa’ is a seen as simply, ‘a car event,’ but seasoned Targa fans know it is much more than a car event!

Begun in 2002, Targa Newfoundland has grown to become an internationally known, eagerly anticipated event in the Motorsports world. After all, who wouldn’t want to participate in an event where the police close the roads and then encourage you to go faster!

Targa Newfoundland has attracted international interest, with competitors participating from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Holland, Germany, and the Bahamas, even the Turks & Caicos have been the home of competitors making Targa a truly international event. The event hosts a unique array of competitors. Men and women of all ages, come from a diverse blend of professional backgrounds, to compete. They all find common ground at Targa Newfoundland with their SPRING 2010 • PiM • 27

passion for Motorsports, their enjoyment of fine hospitality and the thrill of the unknown that comes with world-class rally competition. Entering (and finishing) Targa is often a personal goal long in the making!

The event offers a diverse roster of cars, many of the competitors’ cars are highend purpose-built vehicles, equipped with the latest in-car technology suitable for lucrative competition, however, there is a place for other vehicles with a family history where an entire family may have built the car for this specific event. There is even a class, Grand Touring, where you can compete in your classic car just to enjoy 28 • PiM • SPRING 2010

the drive. Manufacturers use Targa Newfoundland as the ultimate testing ground for cars or components that are new (or yet to be released!) to the market. The difficulty of the course and the event organizers’ attention to detail provides key factors for testing the capabilities of their chosen machine or component. If it survives the Targa unscathed, they are pretty well assured that they have a suitable vehicle or part to release to the general public.

The island portion of the province of Newfoundland provides a spectacular backdrop for Targa Newfoundland. This world-class event takes competitors through sweeping vistas, along rug-

ged coastlines, through remote communities, while stops allow participants to meet and mingle with Newfoundlanders to experience first-hand, the warm Newfoundland hospitality.

Competitors travel over 2,200 kilometres each year with 20% of this being ‘Targa’ competitive event stages.

Along the route, host communities have Car Shows.

These have become a critical component of the event allowing the locals who are hosting the event in their community the chance to meet the competitors and learn about their interesting and often rare cars.

The competitors have a chance to meet their hosts,

while the down-time offers the opportunity to fine-tune and adjust their vehicle in time for the next day’s fun.

Targa Newfoundland consists of a technical day, a prologue (practice day) and five days of full on competition. Each day competitors are challenged with a combination of closed road competition stages and transits to allow easy movement from stage to stage.

The event begins and ends in one of North America’s most vibrant and oldest cities, St. John’s, home to Signal Hill, Cape Spear and the infamous St John’s Pub Crawl on George St! There is more to do than simply watch the Targa.

Often the event will double the population of the communities in which they stop – competitors are cheered on by families, friends and supporters from the roadside. In Newfoundland & Labrador, you’ll find thousands of hard core Targa fans willing to take a moment to tell you all about their beloved province.

T

arga Newfoundland 2009 ended the way it began — with a splash. The rally covered its 2,200 kilometres with minimal incident. Mechanical failure removed more competitors from the course than driving incidents, and although some switched categories from Targa to Grand Touring, almost all who started the event drove across the finish line at the Keg Friday evening.

When the skies cleared, provisional results showed Roy Hopkins and Adrienne Hughes had come from behind Thursday’s leaders to grab their third overall win in a row.

They managed to clear all stages penalty-free for the final two days in their 1969 BMW 2002 Michael Stoschek of Coburg, Germany, and co-driver Philipp Spaeth of Lake Orion, Michigan, held on to second place in their 1965 Porsche 911.

Steve Millen and Mike Monticello were the cream of the Modern crop, running sixth overall with 1:20 in penalties.

In Grand Touring, the BMW 325i-driving team of Ferdinand and Chrisoph Trauttmansdorff stayed penalty-free for the whole event, posting the only zero score of the event.

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 29

There’s no question Targa Newfoundland provides serious competition for those who want it and for those who don’t, the Grand Touring option allows teams to compete, while not pushing their limits or endangering their cherished vehicle.

30 • PiM • SPRING 2010

The headlines and highprofile media attention goes to the Targa competitors, in which competition prepared cars, compete on more than 40 closed-road Targa stages, where speed is what counts.

As you’d expect, these are fully-caged cars with all of

the usual safety gear. Drivers and co-drivers (navigators) must have competition licences, although the event can license competitors who have a demonstrated competition history.

The cars run against the clock, but also individual

classes have ‘factors’ which give them times to meet or beat on each of the Targa stages. Make your time and you don’t accumulate any penalties. Miss your time, and you get penalized by the number of seconds you are over, with penalties ac-

cumulating through the fivedays of competition. A newer car with more mods has a faster time to beat than an older, stock car, for obvious reasons. That means Jud Buchanan’s Acadian Canso small block competes against the vintage NSU Prinz on a

handicap basis. Over the past eight years, the factors have been very refined to the point where they are very, very close to performance of the cars and make for close racing.

The other competition Grand Touring, is designed for both beginners and

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 31

Top 10 reasons to participate in Targa Newfoundland

1. Joining the ‘Targa Family’ is the ultimate exclusive club for the experienced crews and allows them to compete on a level that does not require a fully-prepared competition vehicle. Not even a roll cage is required in Grand Touring. Any street legal car can take part. The GT event is only scored on the closed Targa stages, so there is lots of chance to exercise your car.

The 9th annual Targa Newfoundland will start in St. John’s on Saturday, September 11, 2010, and end back in the capital Saturday, September 18. The competition will cover more than 2,000 kilometres of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of Newfoundland, including up to 450 kilometres of closedroad, flat-out Targa stages.

•

32 • PiM • SPRING 2010

die-hard motorsport enthusiast – a global ‘brotherhood’ like no other!

2. Show off your car during the annual schedule of car shows, with a yearly visitor rate of 25,000 fans! Trust us, you’ll play hero to the young and old hundreds of times over…

3. You’ll be raising valuable funds for children with disabilities through our strategic alliance with the official charity of Targa Newfoundland, Easter Seals.

4. Get your adrenaline totally pumping non-stop for a week while you challenge yourself and your car (historic, classic and modern welcome!) on an open- and closed-road competition on one of the most beautiful islands on Earth.

5. While you’re playing adventure tourist in Newfoundland during Targa week, you’ll enjoy the old world hospitality of the island and know you’ve been transported somewhere very special.

6. Have the most fun of your life while you live ‘the dream’ and drive YOUR car the way it was meant to be driven. Or, just the way you’ve always dreamed of driving it!

7. Develop remarkable personal and professional networks with people you’ve always wanted to meet, but just didn’t know where to find!

8. Experience a true allegory of life where the key to success lies in the unexpected and how you cope with it.

9. A chance to fundraise and promote your charity of choice – many use Targa Newfoundland as a chance to get involved in their community!

10. Be rewarded – by yourself, your fellow team members and the thousands of Targa fans that will line the streets to cheer you on!

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

Times have Changed

TIMES have Changed

Story and Photos by Thomas Andrews

I

f you grew up a car nut before cell phones, MP3 players, computers, and dozens of other electronic devices, you know that the tried and true way to get more horsepower and improved performance was to add the best performance parts available in the day.

Everyone had to have dual exhausts with glass pack mufflers, then there were the multi carb intakes, three twos and two fours were most popular. Spark was enhanced with Mallory ignition components. Virtually all enthusiasts had some combination of these. The more adventurous moved into a ¾ or full race camshaft, plus a set of tubular headers. If you had all these things, you would also have

34 • PiM • SPRING 2010

the skills to install them or the money to have someone else do it for you.

Times are changing; today’s vehicles require a far different approach. Emission laws preclude the removal of the clean air pieces that come on today’s engines. Catalytic converters, sensors etc. must remain functioning or you risk the ire of the law.

All is well, however, we are still able to achieve the level of performance we desire, what is changing is the way improved horsepower is created. Today’s vehicles come equipped with engine management systems (computers); these computers are set to deliver performance at the lowest acceptable levels. Horsepower and torque are not part of the equation

when the OE’s are setting up their systems.

That is where today’s performance products come into play. Instead of a camshaft, intake and headers we now go to technology to accomplish your performance goals. Companies such as Superchips, Edge and others are making hand-held tuners for today’s power trains.

Instead of crawling into the engine compartment or under the car, instead of getting greasy and barking your knuckles, now you simply purchase the correct “Tuner” for your application. In Superchips case, they offer three distinct types of tuners: the industry leading Cortex, the Flashpaq and Mileage XS.

Cortex from Superchips is the meanest street-legal programmer you can buy with the industry’s first twoyear powertrain warranty.

Depending on your application, Cortex pumps up the performance by as much as 318 lbs.-ft of torque and 154 horsepower at the rear wheels! That’s more torque than your neighbor’s wimpy Kia makes in total. Plus the engineers at Superchips give you more power throughout the complete driving range, not just at wide-open throttle. In addition to brainnumbing power increases, Cortex lets you adjust transmission shifts, move the engine rev limiter and change the speedometer calibration.

You can also view a ton of stats like how fast your vehicle is smokin’ down the 1/4-mile after you’ve loaded the top-dog calibration.

Now available for Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM and Nissan.

Flashpaq offers multiple power levels and a variety of user-tunable options. If you’re burning gasoline, Flashpaq gives you dynoproven power for either 89 or 91 octane fuel, you choose according to your gas-card balance and need for speed.

Diesel owners can choose from max-performance, towing or economy programs. Tire smoking comes standard for all makes and models. There’s no hard part

in the business that will give you more power per dollar spent. But if you like hard parts, Flashpaq is friendly with almost every cold-air intake package, low-restriction exhaust system and even some aftermarket throttle bodies. Now available for Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Jeep and Nissan.

Cost of fuel got you down? By tuning your vehicle’s fuel injection, ignition and transmission shift characteristics, the Superchips Mileage XS will deliver up to a 20% improvement in fuel economy for diesel pickups, and 10% for gasolinepowered vehicles. They also optimize the cylinder-deactivation system on GM and

CORTEX • Alpha Dog Power.

Cortex is the programmer your mother warned you about. It’s wicked and mean, and if you’re not ready for seat-cover-sucking power, then turn tail and run.

Cortex pumps up the performance by as much as 318 lbs.-ft of torque and 154 horsepower at the rear wheels! And the engineers at Superchips give you more power throughout the driving range, not just at wide-open throttle like some of the wannabees.

In addition to brain-numbing power increases, Cortex lets you adjust transmission shifts, move the engine rev limiter and change the speedometer calibration. You can also view a ton of stats like how fast your vehicle is smokin’ down the 1/4-mile after you’ve loaded the top-dog calibration.

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 35

FLASHPAQ • The Most Bang for Your Buck.

Choose from multiple power levels and a variety of user-tunable options. If you’re burning gasoline, Flashpaq gives you dyno-proven power for either 89- or 91-octane, so you can choose according to your gas-card balance and need for speed.

Diesel burners can choose from max-performance, towing or economy programs. Tire smoking comes standard for all makes and models.

There’s no hard part in the business that will give you more power per dollar. But if you like hard parts, Flashpaq is friendly with almost every cold-air intake package, low-restriction exhaust system and even some aftermarket throttle bodies.

Chrysler products for more fuel-sipping 4-cylinder operation from your V8. That’s money you can put in the bank! The Superchips Mileage XS also lets you read and clear trouble codes, and you can recalibrate the speedometer if you change tire size or gear ratio. Now available for Chrysler, Dodge, Ford and GM. No matter which programmer you choose, installation could not be simpler.

Read the instructions. Plug

the programmer into the OBD-ll port, your programmer will automatically power up. Follow the prompts on the programmer’s screen.

Choose the performance levels and options that you want and you are done. The first time you program your vehicle the stock tune is downloaded to your programmer. If you have to take your vehicle for service simple download the stock tune up before taking it in. Once service is completed, return

to your previous tune.

One of the big advantages these tuners offer is the ability to update your device whenever Superchips changes the parameters. Plug your programmer into the USB port on your computer, go to their web site, follow the instructions and update to the latest technology. All for free.

So what can you expect when you reprogram your car or truck? Here are some results on various vehicles:

SUPERCHIPS Performance Improvements 2010 Camaro 6.2L automatic 2010 Ford F150 Raptor SVT 2008 Cobalt SS 2009 Ford F250SD 6.4L 2009 Dodge Ram 6.7L Cummins 36 • PiM • SPRING 2010

+21 HP +33 HP +40 HP +114 HP +115 HP

+21 Ft Lbs Torque. +36 Ft Lbs Torque. +53 Ft Lbs Torque +206 Ft Lbs Torque +240 Ft Lbs Torque

MILEAGE XS • Be a better miser.

Squeezing every last bit of energy out of a gallon of fuel for improved mileage is just as much of a science as making big horsepower gains.

Superchips Mileage XS can deliver up to a 20-percent improvement in fuel economy for diesel pickups, and 10-percent for gasoline-powered cars and trucks.

Mileage XS also lets you read and clear trouble codes, and you can recalibrate the speedometer.

But what about the costs?

Interestingly this late model technology is not as expensive as the stuff we used to buy. If you have one of the popular V8 engines from the 80’s and want to add an intake, carb, cam and lifters

and set of headers you can expect to pay just north of $1,000 for the most popular brands. Performance programmers like the ones listed here will run slightly more than $500. Hard to think of anything else that will do

all the things a programmer does at anywhere close to that kind of money. Check to see if your vehicle can be “tuned.” You will be amazed at the performance.

•

some things can’t be replaced. don’t let unfair laws take you off the road.

stay informed. join today.

09_SAN_Ads_Final_5375x4.indd 1

www.semasan.com SPRING 2010 • PiM • 37 2/2/10 2:51:20 PM

E-Z Install

E-Z INSTALL Story & Photo

By Phil Adams

Y

ou know how you get psyched up to do a little project on your car and it just doesn’t work out; either the parts don’t fit, you don’t have a special tool or something like that. That didn’t happen this time. This project was so easy it was almost anti-climactic.

The original exhaust on our 2009 Chevy HHR is so quiet you can’t even hear the car running and so ugly it looks as though a bladder exploded behind the rear bumper. Clearly the solution was to replace it with an aftermarket exhaust system.

We settled on the Magnaflow cat back system; it’s all stainless, polished to a nice shine, with a beautiful tailpipe extension.

I had hoped that because

it’s a new car I would be able to disassemble the exhaust system and just hang it up in the ceiling of the garage in case I needed it in the future.

The exhaust is welded into a single unit (and it’s impossible to remove it in one piece). I removed the two nuts that hold the exhaust

supplied two nuts and bolts, I loosely connected the front pipe to the catalytic converter and then slipped the muffler and extension pipe over the rear axle from the rear.

The special flat clamp has to be slid onto the rear pipe before the two pipes are connected and should be orient-

The original exhaust is so quiet you can't hear the

car running & so

ugly it looks like a bladder exploded behind the REAR bumper.

38 • PiM • SPRING 2010

system to the catalytic converter and slipped the brackets out of the rubber hangers.

I used my abrasive cutter to cut the old exhaust system off.

I removed the catalytic converter gasket from the old exhaust system and slipped it on the new system. Using the

ed so that you can access the fasteners after the two pipes are slipped together.

With that done it is simply a matter of connecting the rubber exhaust system hangers; a little silicone lubricant will help them to slide on easily, then position and tighten the flat clamp.

Done - total elapsed time about 30 minutes. This system sounds great! At idle, it sounds as though there’s a small motor boat behind you; at higher RPMs it sounds like a Formula One car.

Now all that’s left to do is to wander into my local auto parts store, buy an exhaust system sleeve adapter and weld it onto the old system. Then if I ever need to put the original exhaust system back on I’ll have it all ready to go and could probably install it in another 20 minutes.

•

Before

After

We chrome all

types of Aluminum & plastics starting from $99.00

luminum a ly t h ig s n u r Turn you ted Jewelry! la -P e m o r h C o wheels int Dr. Detail finishes include: Ultra Bright Chrome, Ultra Black Chrome, Satin Nickel, Tri-Nickel, Smoke & Brushed Aluminum.

Ask about refurbishing and repairing all types of wheels, including motor cycles.

Ultra Bright

Call the DR. —

Andrew Sanders

Ultra Black

416-620-4145

W W W. D R D E TA I L I N C .C O M2010 • PiM • 39 SPRING

Product Showcase

Product Showcase Taylor Cable has announced availability of General Motors V6 spark plug wire sets for the 3.5L, 3.8L, 3.9L engines. Now you can replace defective OE wires with high-quality, high performance Taylor wire sets for 2005 thru 2009 Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac or Saturn vehicles. These sets are available in either Street Thunder or Spiro Pro materials.

Taylor Cable where performance comes down to the wire.

Flowmaster is offering three American Thunder Cat Back exhaust systems to fit the 2010 Camaro.

These kits are: 2010 Camaro SS with no ground effects (817481), 2010 Camaro SS with ground effects (817487) and the 2010 Camaro LS 3.6L (817483).

Taylor Cable Billet aluminum battery trays fit Optima Blue, Red, and Yellow Top Batteries. Ball-Milled billet aluminum polished finish for a smooth custom look.

3-PC Modular design, light weight & durable.

Two models #48220 that fits 34/78 series Optima batteries. #48230 that fits 25/75 series Optima.

40 • PiM • SPRING 2010

The SS kits feature 3” scavenger exhaust pipes and X-pipe and classic two chamber Flowmaster mufflers, all built from 409 stainless material.

Tailpipe ends are finished off with 4” polished tips.

The V6 kit is built from 2.5” 409 stainless tubing and 40 series Classic Flowmaster mufflers. These also come with 4” polished tips. All kits are designed to use factory hanger locations.

On the Centerforce-built 2010 Project Camaro, their dyno results showed a 20 horsepower increase with an additional 30 foot pounds of torque once the Flowmaster kit was installed.

Mr. Gasket Shadow Series combines AN-style push-on hose ends and high-quality rubber hose. The fittings are built from aircraft aluminum, anodized in satin black. The high-quality hose is safe for E85 and diesel. Shadow Series hose ends fit all the available AN-style adapters, making plumbing your engine extremely easy. Hose ends come in straight, 45°, 90°, 120°,150°, and 180° configurations. Push-on connections support 250psi with no additional clamps required. If you want quality plumbing under your hood, but do not require the huge pressure limits available with braided stainless hose, Shadow Series offers an economical means of ensuring your hoses do not fail.

Superchips adds tuners for 4.7L V8 Mopar engine applications. Now you can add the 2008 Dodge Ram, Dakota, Durango and Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8 engines to the list.

The Dodge Gas Flashpaq (part no. 3865), Cortex (part no. 3950) and Jeep Flashpaq (part no. 3875) deliver Superchips tuning for impressive horsepower and torque to the wheels, but it’s the improved drivability and performance that have owners excited.

The gains are substan-

tial with the Superchips 93-Octane performance tune serving up to 54 horsepower and 67 lb-ft of torque when properly equipped.

The trucks gain up to 38 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque when equipped with a Superchips 87-Octane performance tune.

JUST RELEASED: 2009 Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi – The gains are substantial for your Ram with the Superchips Cortex (PN 3950), or Flashpaq (PN 3865).

The 93-Octane performance tune serves up to 25 max horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque, the trucks gain up to 20 max horsepower and 28 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the 91-Octane performance tune.

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 41

Product Showcase

Product Showcase TKO Performance Electric Exhaust Cut Outs.

Simple to install, easy to operate. No more crawling under the car, no more rusty bolts to remove, now you can open your exhaust system with the simple flip of a switch. Simply slip these cutouts into your 2.5” exhaust pipe, press the button and you are out there making horsepower … and a lot of noise.

TKO Performance aluminum water pumps are designed with a ribbed aluminum housing.

Inside is a CNC machined iron impeller and heavy duty bearing assemblies, These pumps flow 35% more coolant than a standard pump, plus they look good. Lighter than cast iron pumps, available for most popular V8 applications, and best of all they are good value.

42 • PiM • SPRING 2010

Aeromotive No matter what your high performance application, the A1000 fuel pump should fill your needs. This pump is durable, reliable, good-looking and able to support high horsepower. Perfect for your daily driver that doesn’t run like a daily driver.

The A1000 will support Fuel Injected Engines up to 1,300 HP naturally aspirated, up to 1,000 HP forced air induction.

Carbureted Engines up to 1,500 HP Naturally aspirated, up to 1,200 HP Forced air induction.

The A1000 has-10 AN inlet and outlet ports and is fully submersible for custom in tank placement. This pump can be used with pump gas, race gas, E85, Diesel and alcohol/ethanol fuels.

Helix Dropped Spindles Precision digital engineering processes create a high strength, dependable forged spindle that will lower your vehicle properly while still accepting OE rotors, bearings and calipers. Two inch drop spindles are available for 28 – 48 Ford, Tri 5 Chevrolet, 67-69 Camaro, Mustang ll, Mopar B&E body and more. They also offer a stock replacement Mustang ll spindle. Lower your car the right way.

Joe Gibbs Driven Introduces new Hot Rod Oil created from NASCAR technology.

Hot Rod Oil is ideal for use in your hot rod, street rod, vintage or classic car made before 1973. (Also safe for use in cars made before 1997.) Hot Rod Oil provides all the necessary additives for older engines missing from todays oils.

• STORAGE - Protects against rust and corrosion so your engine is protected when not running.

• HIGH ZINC CONTENT - Delivers proper anti-wear protection for older style engines.

•CAMSHAFT WEAR PROTECTION - The same wear protection found in Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil • SYNTHETIC FORMULA - Provides the best characteristics of mineral oil and it provides improved cold-start protection.

Mothers new Powerball 4Lights headlight restoration kits will bring your hazy, stained or faded plastic or acrylic headlights back to crystal clarity. Each kit includes a Powerball polishing tool, an 8 oz. bottle of Power Plastic polish, two restoration pads and a 15” X 15” Microfiber towel. Everything you will need to bring your headlight back to as new condition. All you need is a drill and some elbow grease.

The Powerball 4Lights kit will also bring your taillights or any other plastic surface back to perfection.

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 43

Directory Ads

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PIM_AD_final.pdf

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8:23:26 PM

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.

• Manufactured from three stainless steel layers, resists corrosion, will not burn through or push out and maintains maximum fastener torque retention.

• Stress formed inner and outer layer embossments act like springs that rebound under exhaust flange clamp load, creating force to seal excessive exhaust pressure produced from cylinder heads.

• Withstands different combinations of cylinder head (aluminum) and exhaust header or manifold (steel) materials, will not deteriorate from scrubbing action caused by different expansion rates in aluminum and steel material.

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

Reluctant Passenger

Hopin’ Road

o

A

h, the lure of spring and all the warmth it brings, especially to the garage and driveway.

There’s also something else that comes with the onset of this fabulous season—heaping buckets of hope for drivers and passengers alike.

What it will do is focus your vehicular virtuoso on what’s important: keeping the ride on the road. Plus, hoping is a relatively quiet activity—one that doesn’t require lug nuts, hoists or lengthy bursts of words that would make a sailor blush.

One thing I’ve learned as I’ve watched the miles go by is that hope springs eternal with all things automotive.

Whether it’s hoping an automobile manufacturer finally got it right, hoping there will be some sale-priced items still in stock at your local PI or hoping that the bondo on the left fender will hang on for another season.

Not sure where to start?

Here are a few hopes you and your driver can try.

Now don’t go thinking that all this wishful thinking will turn your car nut into a positivity machine like Anthony Robbins or anyone from The Secret. Hopefully, it won’t.

46 • PiM • SPRING 2010

Before you get in the vehicle • I hope gas prices don’t go up by the time I get off the driveway.

• I hope they fixed the pothole that ate Lenny’s Chevy last month.

• I hope one of us knows where we’re going and how to get there.

• I hope Miss Sanders—the old lady who drives with her fourteen cats in the car—is staying home to watch Dr. Phil.

Once you’re on the road • I hope I can figure out what’s causing that rattle once I look under the hood.

• I hope they haven’t closed all the main roads for construction because of the nice weather.

• I hope the other drivers are focusing on the road and not on how fabulous our ride is, especially with the new logoadorned valve caps.

• I hope the chimichangas are still warm when we get there.

When the ride’s in pieces, at home or at the shop • I hope this won’t take him (them) as long as last time.

• I hope my next-door neighbour didn’t “borrow” my wrench set again.

• I hope this is as easy as it looked in the Haynes manual.

• I hope I (they) can remember how this all goes back together.

Notice that most hopes are geared toward things that are out of our control. That’s because all the mechanical and maintenance stuff should have been taken care of long before the driver gets behind the wheel.

Remember that off season we just had? You know— the one when your automotive aficionado swore he’d check that squeaky belt, arrange for an alignment and maybe, just maybe, get those ball joints inspected?

How quickly they forget.

Luckily they have passengers like us to gently remind them. Well, maybe not so gently, but there’s always hope. Enjoy the ride.

•

About the Author: Bonnie Staring is a comedian, ad-

vertising 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.

SPRING 2010 • PiM • 47