Indholdsfortegnelse for October 1986 i Hot Rod

CALLING ALL MODELS This is it, model builders, your last call for the HOT ROD Model Car Contest. Last month we showed you how to photograph your completed—and imaginatively customized—Revell HOT ROD Series kits; now you must get your 5x7 glossy prints (five per model entered) in the mail to us by October 31. Send them to Model Contest, HOT ROD Magazine, 8490 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069. Be sure to include your name, age, address, phone number, and a few details about the model. Given our publishing schedule and ample time to carefully judge entries, it will be at least four months before we can announce winners. However, at that time we will not only give away trips for two to the ISCA Grande Finale car show in…

Bill Fisher—better known to the old-time readers of HOT ROD Magazine as “California Bill"—let it be known in a recent letter that the engine used by Keith Young in our ‘85 Bonneville coverage was a “Wayne Chevy,” and not a Wayne-equipped GMC. According to California Willie, the guy who once made a living selling hop-up manuals for inline Chevys and Jimmys, “Angle injector tubes are ‘identifiers’ for Chevys with Wayne heads, and straight or horizontal injector tubes are ‘identifiers’ for GMC inlines equipped with the Horning [Wayne Horning manufactured both cross-flow conversions] head.” My opinion isn’t quite so nit-picky. Be it a Chevy or GMC, nothing looks neater than one of these ancient inlines equipped with one of Wayne’s 12-port heads, finned rocker cover and side panels, Hilborn injector, and…

Bill Reed realized that his ‘64 Fairlane Sports Coupe had the qualifications to become an outstanding hot rod—so he went to work. Sure, the classic, clean-cut lines amplify the street racer image created by the Fairlane’s wheel tubs, velocity stacks, and roll bar. But the most important aspect of the racer image is what’s planted under the sleek sheetmetal—a stoked stroker. Raise the Fairlane’s tilt front end and you’ll find a Ford 460, stroked to 514 big inches. The mountain motor is fed fuel by two Holley 750 carbs on a Weiand tunnel ram, the ‘70 heads have stainless steel Manley valves, and the bigblock is stoked with a hydraulic Competition cam. Bill Miller aluminum rods connect the crank to the pistons to force an 11.5:1 compression ratio. Bill installed…

In a classic case of “When the cat’s away, the mouse will play,” Lombardo, Illinois’ Ric Hildreth built this ‘37 Tudor sedan “To give me something to do while my wife Nancy worked night and day on her masters degree.” What actually took the longest during the rod’s ground-up reconstruction was finding old speed parts for the ‘46 flat-motor, such as the 3/4-race Weber cam, H&C mag, and Tommy Thickstun intake manifold, finned aluminum head covers, and air cleaner—which nearly hides the Stromberg 97 fuel leakers. Yes, those are real Moon disc wheel covers, and yes, there are 96 louvers in the hood. Note the “bang shifter,” gennie gauges, and Banjo-type steering wheel. Ric’s son Nicholas thinks the old boiler is fun to cruise around in, too.…

Since we’ve had lots of response concerning the lowering of two-wheel-drive “S” Utility Vehicles (GMOs S-15 Jimmy, Chevrolet’s S-10 Blazer and pickups), we decided to do some research on the subject. So we assigned freelance writer Robert K. Smith, who had just purchased a new, red Jimmy Blazer, to tell us—and you—about his various adventures in a search for the optimum stance and ride quality for his street cruiser. Before dropping any vehicle, a few things should be considered, like: how low can you go, what custom wheels and tires will work, and how much will the ride be affected? Well, it all depends on which method of modification you follow to accomplish the lower profile, assuming you want to keep a fairly smooth ride, with no tire-to-body interference. Although…

Debuted in 1962 as economy class competition for Ford’s Falcon, the original Chevy II was offered with a limited choice of either 4-banger or straight-six horsepower. The following year Chevrolet introduced their already-popular Super Sport option as a Nova trim and instrumentation package. In SS form, the ‘63 Chevy “Deuce” shared wheel covers, interior decor, and badges with its super-hot Super Sport Impala sister-ships. But despite this extensive enthusiast emphasis, a factory V8 was not to be had. In ‘64 the SS option wasn’t made available until mid-year, and it hurt the Nova models’ popularity on the streets. Underhood, however, the factory-fitted 283 V8 made everything okay with fast fans. With dual exhausts as standard, the 220-horse, 4-barrel Turbo-Fire small-block could be ordered with either a wide-ratio (2.52:1 low) or…

Kawasaki ZL1000 Eliminator When Kawasaki stepped into the drag-style motorcycle market back in ‘85, the competition was fierce. The Honda V65 Magna was quick, styled right to the taste of the American buying public, and already established in the marketplace. And Yamaha had just unveiled the mighty V-Max, the most brutal, powerful, unabashedly macho motorcycle ever offered for street use. Kawasaki’s entry was the 900 Eliminator, with a 900 Ninja motor, recalibrated for better bottom end and mid-range power, and stuffed into a long, low, dragstyle dual shock chassis. The machine worked well enough, with a strong, flexible motor and basically good handling, but there were comfort problems. The wide engine forced the rider’s knees apart under the tank; the rudimentary seat was pretty, but none too easy on the…

There’s little question this will go down in the history books as the most famous (if not phallic) wheelstand of all time. There’s also no question that the Englishtown Summernats track was biting. After Darrell Gwynn (supposedly using a “Bernstein” engine combination) laid down an incredible, unstreamlined, 272.39-mph pass, Garlits came back in late evening qualifying to crank a 5.343 at 271.08—the quickest quartermile e.t. ever. Obviously elated with the car’s performance, Garlits was quoted Saturday morning: “I’m at a higher pinnacle … now than I’ve ever been before…. There’s still a long ways to go with this car.” Little did he realize the ironic portent of his words. In the first round of Saturday qualifying, Garlits lined up against Gwynn, and rocketed off the line ahead of him. Everybody…

Is calling your racing budget a “racing budget” becoming a joke? Got a Pinto, Vega, or Japanese econobox you’ve been dying to dent? SoCal’s Ascot Raceway has what they call “International Factory Stock Enduro for Domestic and Foreign Compacts.” It’s a 150-lap race held on their infield road course. And “Enduro” is putting it mildly. All cars must be factory stock, 1960 or newer, two-door, four-door, or wagon, with a 4-cylinder engine and a maximum wheelbase of 101 inches. With very basic safety requirements, this is budget racing at its cheapest. You draw for starting position, go three abreast, 99 cars strong from a standing start. Pit stops and driver changes are allowed, but always under the green. There are no yellow flags. Just run like hell for 150 laps.…

CLASSICAL GAS I understand that Jr. Thompson has put a AA/Gasser together to run and to match race. I (and a lot of other people, I’m sure) would like to see some of the old Gassers race again. I was at Milan hoping to maybe see his new car there, but it was not. I know that a lot of other old-time racers would like to see the good old cars. Let the Gassers hail again. Could you please tell us what’s new with Jr.’s new Gasser? Doug Smith Mays, Indiana Junior recently restored a ‘66-vintage ‘48 Prefect four-door (similar to an Anglia), fitted with a 417 blown Donovan and teched to current NHRA safety specs. In recent shakedown runs, he turned an 8.60/163, and hopes to have some match…

If the ‘87 Renault GTA is any indication of AMC’s performance future, the imports just may get a run for their money. Built in America, the new GTA is a hi-po offspring of the Renault Alliance. Through a plethora of engine, suspension, and visual improvements, AMC engineers were able to transform the Alliance into a car that actually exceeded the performance characteristics of their target vehicle, VW’s ‘86 Golf GTI. For example, a unique (to the American market) Renault 2.0L four was selected for the car over their turbocharged 1.4L motor, due to the 2-liter’s greater initial acceleration. Coupled with an aluminum head, overhead cam, electronic fuel-injection, and a tubular exhaust manifold, the 2.0L produces a maximum of 95-hp and 114 ft.-lbs. of torque. This is backed up with a…

Chrysler’s Direct Connection and Arrow Racing’s dyno floggers are at it again. This time it’s the 440 “RB” big-block, and the folks at Arrow were “microwaving on high” as they re-tested all the factory and aftermarket hardware to come up with dyno-proven, race-winnin’ packages. The final product is a revised cookbook of greasy thumb recipes for Mopar chefs that’s guaranteed to give them a wedge up on the competition—without driving a wedge through their wallets. For the tests, Arrow Racing assembled a. 030-over mule motor that would survive 88 runs in a horsepower escalation that started at a sedate 300 and kept going all the way to 600-plus. A production block with a late-model cast-iron crank was used—just to prove everyday Mopar pieces could take the strain. Lightweight 11:1 Venolia…

Chevrolet CORVETTE NEW FEATURES Anti-friction roller tappet camshaft Optional Low Tire Pressure Indicator system Six-way power-adjustable passenger seat Key components carry special identification for theft deterrence RPO Z52 Sport Handling package available for Coupe Optional dealer-installed Callaway twin turbo system The 1987 Corvette continues as America’s premier sports car. It is available as a coupe or convertible with either a 4-speed manual overdrive transmission or a 4-speed automatic with overdrive. New low-friction roller valve lifters contribute to improved fuel economy, and performance enthusiasts will enjoy the new RPO Z52 Sport Handling package which incorporates improved ride quality with no handling penalty. Rim-mounted wheel modules contain hermetically sealed pressure sensors and radio transmitters powered by long-life Piezo power generators that convert the mechanical energy in a moving wheel to electrical energy.…

Out here in California, a good car cover will last you four, five years max. After that much time in the searing sun and smog, it’ll be worn, faded, torn—if not in ribbons. If the elements can do that to a car cover, just imagine how your paint, not to mention your dash, interior, wheels, tires, and chrome would look after sitting out the same amount of time. Replacing a worn car cover is a heck of a lot easier and cheaper than repainting and re-upholstering your car. Do I sound like a car cover salesman? No, as a matter of fact, I’m just the opposite—a car cover buyer and user. I spent nearly a year telling you how to put a great paint job on your car. Now I’m…

Ford’s Model T was the first world car. It was intended to get as many people driving as quickly and cheaply as possible. Today, after six generations of modifying, the Model T is the classic definition of a hot rod-a lightweight frame and body into which may be dropped any powerplant you desire. The Fiesta was Ford’s second attempt at a totally new world automobile. Like the Model T, the Fiesta is a lightweight economy car for the people, but with contemporary styling. Santa Cruz machine shop owner Wayne Overbeck saw the similarities between his 78 Fiesta and the Model T, except for one aspect: whereas almost any engine can, and has been, “shoehorned” into a T, it is extremely difficult to fit anything larger than a 4-cylinder in the…

Do you think the sliding back window on pickups is trick? There’s something on the market newer, better, and far more attractive. And the best part is, it’s not detectable. It’s a power back window that raises and lowers exactly like the door glass on regular power windows. You can roll along with the window part-way down to bring in fresh air, or if you have a shell, it can be lowered all the way to pass something through to the bed area. This PowrLite rear window for pickups is a new development from C.R. Laurence & Company of Los Angeles, California. The glass is tinted, tempered safety glass that works by the touch of a switch mounted to the dash. It’s a complete kit, ready to install, with a…

Wall of Frame Does your ‘35 or ‘36 Ford have a firewall filled full of holes, rust ravages, K-Mart rash, or welds galore? Well, fret no more … because the boys at Bitchin’ have come to the rescue. They’re currently offering a kit which includes a new primered wall plus new primered floorboards that are designed to fit today’s crop of transmissions—with all the parts necessary to complete the installation. In fact, Bitchin’ carries a bunch of full-boogie products for your rod, so contact Bitchin’ Products, Dept. HR-10, 10701 Airport Dr., El Cajon, CA 92020, (619) 449-2837, and let them replace your rod’s roached firewall. Postering Even if you don’t own a super rod, who says you can’t live vicariously by tacking one of Design Enterprises’ bitchin’ rod posters on…

CARS & TRUCKS ’47 ANGLIA. Four-door (Instigator), 350 Hi-Performance, 6-71 Dyer with twin 600 Holleys. Turbo 400 trans. Chrome front and rear. Street car for show or go. $11,000. Bill Grattan, RR 1, Valley Center, KS 67147, (316) 755-0317. ’64 BUICK RIVIERA. Classic, black with tan interior, all original in superb condition. Original owner’s manuals, driven only for special occasions. Under 20,000 miles. $9000 firm or will swap for MG-TD or-TC ‘50s vintage of comparable quality, no replicas. W.M. Thackara, 35 Hilltop Ter., Red Bank, NJ 07701, (201) 747-0798 or (802) 863-4886. ’55 CHEVY BEL AIR. Completely restored, all original, trophy winner, 265 V8. Asking $13,500 o.b.o. (716) 385-8868. ’75 CAMARO. Black and gray, 4-bolt 327, balanced and blued with 6-71 GMC, dual Holley 600’s, TH-400 and 12-bolt 3.51 posi.…

A Mazda big-block? Well, maybe you could call it that. Mazda Speed, Mazda’s Motorsports Service Company, has developed two new cars for IMSA GTP class racing. Called 757’s, they are powered by Mazda’s new three-rotor rotary engines. Producing 444 horsepower from 3824CC (233-cid) with electronic fuel-injected gasoline engines (non-turbocharged), Mazda may finally have the car to make their GTP efforts as successful as they have been in GTO and GTU. The engine is based upon the 13B rotary found in the RX7, since it is basically a modular design, increasing engine size is simply a matter of adding another rotor and case to the “sandwich.” The 757 will use a 5-speed transmission that is a Mazda/Porsche design. The chassis is of twin-tube aluminum honeycomb monocoque construction. The cars were built…

Indianapolis, Indiana. It’s the home of three of this nation’s most prestigious motorsports events: The Indy 500, the U.S. Nationals drags and the Hot Rod Super Nationals. While the first two require a sizable chunk of change from its participants, the third event simply necessitates the entry of any clean street car and a nominal fee. This year’s 8th Annual Super Nationals was a smashing success, taking place on June 13 to 15 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Since its inception in 1979 as a street rod-only meet, through our pioneering change to “all hot rods welcome” format three years ago, the Super Nationals has been sponsored by HOT ROD Magazine. This year it was produced solely by Special Events, Inc., which is owned by The Promotion Company. The difference…

Judging from his list $ previous cars—a ‘34 phaeton, ‘34 roadster, ‘34 “woodie” wagon, and ‘34 Victoria—plus the slick silver and blue highboy shown here, we’d have to surmise that George “Whitey” Gould has a certain affinity for the Model C Ford. The surprising part is that each of his former ‘34s was a restored original. But Whitey has • long been, a member of one of the oldest car clubs in America,’ the Ty. Rods of Concord, Massachusetts, ‘ and the street rod bug was bound to bite sooner or later. To ease his conscience, George went the repro route on his rod, using a Gibbon ‘glass body and Rootlieb solid hood. The stock frame had been butchered, but as you can see, George smoothed it back into shape…

In 1986 Toyota unleashed their newly redesigned Supra with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-six powerplant. This new Camaro-size import had more than enough muscle to outrun the 1986 Trans Am we tested at the same time (“Different Strokes/’ HRM August ‘86). It was also the equal of the Trans Am in the handling department and exhibited true musclecar characteristics in every sense. Now Toyota has updated the 1987 model with an intercooled turbocharger system that raises horsepower from 200 in ‘86 to 230 in ‘87. The big jump was in torque, with a 61-ft.-lb. gain that puts the car close to the 14-second bracket. The ‘87 model also features a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission to handle the increased output. The car can be ordered with an optional anti-lock brake system, a removable…

Back in the days when AA/Gas Supercharged coupes were the rage, one of the most colorful of the class was called “Bad Trip,” originally built by Creative Car Craft’s Dave Kent, a most colorful character in his own right. Bad Trip was so eye-appealing it soon appeared in HOT ROD Magazine (October 1968), then disappeared. In 1980 the ‘51 Anglia’s current owner, machinist Doug Reusch, found the old gasser—he too had photographed the English Ford at Lions dragstrip in 1967—and brought it back to life. “I started converting the car for street use by replacing all the fiberglass parts—front end, deck lid, rear fenders—with steel, and installed safety glass in all the window openings.” However, the car’s 2x3-inch rectangular tube frame, ‘57 Olds rearend, and wheelie bars were left as-is,…

Parking my newly recreated T-bodied racer next to my old Deuce roadster the other day reminded me just how far we’ve gone since the second coming of the street rod movement. It wasn’t that long ago when both cars would have had to be based on the original sheetmetal because high-quality fiberglass reproduction simply weren’t available—and wouldn’t be for some years to come. Thankfully that’s all changed now. What started out in the late ‘50s—when Dee Wescott began offering reproduction ‘glass fenders, splash aprons, frame horn covers, and dash panels—has grown into a virtual avalanche of repop bods. Today there are nearly two-dozen companies laying up and churning out reproduction T, A, and early V8 bodies. These envelopes, in turn, run the gamut from open and closed cars to rare…

When Randy Renyer decided to stuff 426 inches of blown Mopar into a lightweight (2473 pounds), Japanese-built Plymouth Arrow, he had absolutely no intention of “suicide.” On the other hand, this 1980 Hemi Arrow is so radical, there’s a strong Kamikaze (literal translation: “divine wind”) element to it. Randy’s Arrow is intimidating because it seems like the car is all engine. The ‘70 Hemi was built, balanced, and blessed by Billy Graham’s Performance Machine Shop in Manhattan, Kansas. Randy chose a Racer Brown cam with. 590 lift and 308 degrees duration for the power range he wanted on the street. Two chromed Holley 780-cfm carbs sit on top of a 6-71 Dyer blower; a Weiand intake manifold gets the supercharged air/fuel mixture to a set of heads with a triple-angle…

LOW-BUCK OLDS ADJUSTABLE VALVETRAIN HOT ROD Magazine reader Steve Neff, a Boise, Idaho, resident and member of the Heap Herders Car Club, reports that modern Olds V8’s can be converted to adjustable rocker arms for under $200 by using the following procedure: ” … Adjustable rockers are obtained by using small-block Chevy rocker arm studs and 289 Ford Hi-Performance rockers. The machine shop charge to drill, tap, and install was only $16. The only caution when doing this is to make sure the rocker arm fulcrum (ball) has ‘’cuts” or grooves in it for better oiling. We then got a set of late Pontiac V8 guideplates and sawed them in half. After aligning them properly with the pushrods, we drilled and tapped new holes in the head in the proper…

Maybe the Soviets finally got to see a rerun of “Rollerball” on late-night TV. Motoball, as they call this unique Russian sport, is a loose combination of polo, soccer, motocross, and just a dash of roller derby. During the recent Goodwill Games in Moscow, the USSR, as the host country, had the opportunity of introducing a new sport to Olympic-style competition. This was their choice—archaic motorcycles and a bunch of guys kicking a big ball towards a goal. Those fun guys at Tass, the Soviet News Service, provided photos of this motorcycle madness. That’s the home boys in red, the European team in white. Any guess as to the make of those Russkie bikes?…