Indholdsfortegnelse for December 1998 i Hot Rod

Detroit teased us with fuel injection more than 30 years ago, and looking back on that now, it was an oddity and more a display of cutting-edge '50s technology than a portent. At the time, the high-zoot Mercedes-Benz 300SL coupe and roadster were the only production vehicles equipped with such an exclusive induction system. It has been speculated that Chevrolet relished this affinity with the world's most technologically advanced car builder, but the PR side really couldn't spin off this juicy plum because the Mercedes legacy was relatively unknown by the general public. It was 1957, the Cold War era, and the Russians had beaten us to the incomparable void when they sent their funky little glitter-ball Sputnik into orbit. But the Space Age was upon us, and the publicity…

Cadillac is determined to have a two-seat luxosportster as its flagship ride: It tried with the front-drive, bi-continental Allante from 1986-1993, and now the automaker returns with the rear-drive Evoq (pronounced “evoke"). This time out, an enhanced version of the Northstar V-8 powers the rear wheels in what was once thought to be a Corvette chassis structure but now will be based on the GM Sigma world RWD platform, due in 2002. An edgy design and a three-part folding hardtop are part of the package as well. This computer illustration was released this past August at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. If the Evoq is produced, it will be the first time the North star has been used in a factory RWD platform. Expect to see more at the…

One of the most popular classes at the annual Pike's Peak International Hill Climb is Super Stock Truck. Full-race, alcohol-burning machines that put out 600 bellowing horsepower blast their way up America's most famous mountain in clouds of dust and gravel. The class is often a showdown between factory-supported teams from Chevy and Ford, and this year was no exception. Herzog Motorsports fielded a wild 4WD S-10 for Baja 1000 winner Larry Ragland; Ford's main man was 10-time winner and class record holder Larry Vahsholtz, who drives a very special Ford Explorer Sport. Both trucks featured composite replica bodies, tubular chassis, and radical suspensions. After practice and qualifying, it appeared that Ragland's Chevy had an advantage over Vahsholtz's 2WD Explorer through the slick portions of the track, but the two…

Pilsner Get Hip Recordings like the rodded-out tractor Lon the CD cover, the Pittsburgh quartet Pilsner is more about torque than speed. Slow, punishing power chords and heavy chugging rhythms couple up with singer Rob Tabachka's two-packs-a-day rasp for one heady brew that falls, sonically speaking, some where between the sub-punk roar of vintage Motorhead and a slew of steam locomotives. Pilsner doesn't just wear its influences on its shirtsleeves, it hoists 'em up like a Jolly Roger, Teenage 505M shamelessly plunders the late, great Mono Men's "Hexed," for instance, while "Fight Back” is pure Subterranean Jungle Ramones. But for all its stylistic pillaging, Autosuggestion displays enough feral intensity to rank it as one of the meanest slabs of muscle-rock this season. Highway 95,” “Monster Inside My Head," and “Shut…

Need three good reasons to go on Power Tour? From our surveys of the Power Tour West Long Haul Gang, three things stood out as the most memorable: 1 The people. Friendly people everywhere, on the tour and in the towns we raided. Long Haulers feed off the enthusiasm of the locals as much as the locals dig seeing the parade of hot machinery burble through town. The enthusiasm and kind words on both sides were endless and much appreciated, especially as the miles wore on. 2 The cars. With so many J of them in an everchanging highway tapestry, we were able to cruise with a different mix of folks every hundred miles or so. Whether ifs the flamed Chevy lead van, Sniper, or some cool ride you've always…

In the December 1988 issue, HRM investigated Holley's new Projection electronic throttle-body fuel-injection system. Projection simply replaces the carburetor, and most everything else stays put. Then, it was available only with a 670cfm two-barrel TBI, although author Marian Davis hinted that a four-barrel version was in the works. Less costly and easier to install than the more elaborate multi-point EFI, Projection has won the hearts of thousands of hot rodders looking for better performance and fuel economy without breaking the bank or requiring a complicated revamp of their induction systems. Pontiac enthusiast Dave Droulard, of West Bloomfield, Michigan (and proprietor of Safety Auto Center), is one of those clear thinkers, and we caught up with him on the '98 Power Tour. When we saw his immaculate (and extremely rare) 72…

From the outside, it looks like any other house in the neighborhood: well-landscaped grounds, two-car garage, yes, a nice little suburban sanctuary. You imagine matching carpets and drapes inside, maybe a couple of Little League trophies, portraits of the kids, arid ceramic kittens. You are wrong. Inside this particular San Fernando Valley home, you'll find a different vibe indeed. An old barber’s chair sits inexplicably in the living room, which is peppered with vintage car parts and painting supplies. No Little I ague trophies-the dominant motif here is skulls. I'ts of them. In every room. Except the back bedroom/office, which houses a truly daunting collection of authentic Imperial German war helmets. This home does not belong to the Joneses. Welcome to the lair of Robert Williams. “He's not the way…

I like to think we planted the modern, cross-country, chingo seed 13 years ago when HRM's Charlie Hayward, our former art director, and John Dianna, president of the Automotive Performance Group, suggested to our readership that we trash our trailers and actually “victory tour” our project cars from Los Angeles to Indy and back. Over the years, as we've evolved from Victory Tour to Power Tour, there has been a change in the species tourasaurus—an ongoing move from prewar bruisers to postwar cruisers. A couple of years ago, I spent 500 fun-filled miles watching Jim Savas, HRM's group publisher, survive his first topless trip-a hair-blowing, nose-boiling, forehead-burning experience that is part and parcel of roadstering. Savas was hooked but not by a hardcore rod ride. Instead, he wimped out and…

Q Packaged Confusion? I've installed an air-foil, 3-inch after-cat system, high-energy ignition, two-step headers, underdrive pulleys, and a modified mass airflow sensor on my '95 Z28 Camaro. According to the manufacturers, I should have gained a little more than 100 horsepower. My performance goal is about 375 horsepower, and Pm wondering how close I am. Moe Bailey Waco, TX A Frequently, designers/manufacturers of performance parts have not evaluated the effects of other non-stock pieces installed in conjunction with their products. So-called "performance packages" are a departure from this norm. While individual manufacturers may be able to substantiate gains from their specific parts, bundled parts packages aren't always compatible or helpful to the power-gain process. One good approach to parts selection is to set goals of improving overall volumetric or combustion…

Wagon Master This one hits all the hot trends: wagons, beaters, fuelie power in an early body, you name it. Mark Johnson of Long Beach, California, ran Power Tour and pushed our buttons in his z67 wagon. It went the distance with a TPI 550/700-R4 motorvatin, combo, a Be Cool radiator, power disc brakes, Vintage Air coolness. Weld rims with Pirelli and BFGoodrich tires, and more. "Not much to look at/says the Long Haul Gang banger, "but it goes like hell!” DIY Deuce Richard Stec took this '65 Nova and made it his own with a number of wild-yet-subtle custom touches. The Wallingford, Connecticut, toolmaker did his own door-handle shaving and latch redesign, massaged the rear quarters 6 inches to accept the 55x191/2x15 M/T meats, made the fiberglass hood a…

Power Touring Just wanted to write and say I had a great time being part of the Power Tour. My brother Nick, buddy Paul, and I made the long haul in my Chevy IL It was maddening driving all that distance with a TH350, 3.73 gear, and no radio, but that just gave us more time to take it all in. Four-hundred gallons of fuel, 18 rolls of film, and many memories later, all I can do is look back and smile. Thanks for giving a car guy like me something great to do on vacation, and thanks to all the sponsors who took care of us so far from home. Michael BauermeisterColumbus, OH I just returned home from the last stop on Power Tour. In years past, I drove…

First, Sonny and Cher had his-and-her Mustangs. Then hey, hey, there were the Monkees and their freaked-out GTO thingy. ZZ Top had their Eliminator. And now, The Spice Girls have their own ride as well, the cleverly entitled Spicemobile, thanks to Mr. Kustom-with-a-K himself, George Barris. For the five saucy, sexy, nationalistic British pop sensations, Barris ripped the roof off an all-American Cadillac Seville (not even a righthand-drive one to coincide with the Seville's new push in the UK), stretched it, and transformed the innocent STS into a dual-cowl phaeton. The Union Jack is painted across the hood, trunk, and sides, and the seats are colored to match the girls' hair. No, really. Our only question: Now that Ginger's gone, who's driving?…

Southern California was a hotbed of drag-racing activity throughout the '50s and Ws. There was no shortage of venues: Lions, Orange County Raceway, San Fernando, Irwindale, and Santa Ana, at what is now John Wayne International Airport… a lot of tracks; a lot of activity. All are long dead, although sweet memories remain. These nostalgic plates, offered by former Santa Ana Drag Strip announcer Don Tuttle, are a great way to remember the classic battles of Southern California. For $6 apiece (plus $3 priority-mail shipping), you can hardly go wrong. Contact: Don Tuttle, Dept. HR12, 809 S. Priscilla St., Anaheim, CA 92806, 714/956-9096.…

Exclusive versions of commercially available toys are always guaranteed to arouse the curiosity of collectors. Such is the case with the 1/8-scale Last C4, manufactured by Maisto and offered exclusively via Mid-America Designs. Mike Yeager, of MidAmerica, owns the real Last C4 and got Maisto to bring back its '93-era coupe tooling with the '96 ragtop's five-spoke wheels and LT4 engine. Hood, doors, and hatch open, and the wheels steer. The targa roof panel is removable. The smooth white paint sports all of the appropriate badging, from the Grand Sport-style dual red-fender hashes to the silver commemorative badges to the Illinois “Last C4W license plate. Contact: MidAmerica Designs, Dept. HR12, P.O. Box 1368, Effingham, IL 62401, 800/500-VETT…

The eighth race of the season found competitors and spectators alike flooding the grounds at Gateway International Raceway in beautiful downtown Madison, Illinois, just across the river from St. Louis. Probably the most notable aspect of St. Louie, after beer and blues, is the pulverizing heat of summer, but luckily the Power Festival was spared from the typical temps of the season. Pro Street Things got interesting real fast in P/S. Well bet Harold Wilson was surprised to get past a red-lighting Pat Musi. He then slipped through the second round on a bye before getting bumped in the third by Mike Moran and Casper the not-so-friendly Camaro. Another crowd pleaser that went to the trailer after the first round was Bob Rieger. His big, black 'Bird ran into mechanical…

If your early Ford, Mercury, full-size Chevrolet, Nova, or Corvette has a leaky or dysfunctional power-steering system, or if you want to eliminate the parasitic P/S pump from your engine permanently or just for weekend races, you can do it without trashing the OEM parts. The solution is to introduce a manual-steering “mode” by simply replacing the hydraulic control valve. Our project was to eliminate a leaky power-steering system from a '69 Mustang, so we called Rare Parts, the hard-to-find and obsolete suspension-parts experts. Rare Parts directed us to the closest dealers that carry this item (PN RP27483, list price: $183.68). Originally, the company developed its power-steering Control Valve Eliminator (CVE) for Corvette owners who wanted to race on weekends without having to replace the entire power-steering system. These fanatics…

Increased performance and reduced complexity don't often go hand in hand. But in the case of the new Digital 6 Plus ignition control module from MSD (PN 6520), the benefits of an adjustable two-step engine-speed limiter, top-end timing retard, and increased voltage output are all contained in one compact unit at a price that is about 25 percent below the cost of assembling a similar system with stand-alone components. And because all of these functions are self contained, the usual tangle of wires and corrosion-prone connectors are eliminated entirely. We were able to obtain an early production unit so that we could get a feel for the benefits of this new digital (rather than analog) approach to one-stop ignition-system shopping. To put the Digital 6 Plus through its paces, we…

I knew that if I waited long enough, my type of rodding would come full circle. My only I question is, why did it take so long Well it did't A parallel “participatory” hands-on style of rodding has been with us since the late '80s, but I was blinded by the glitterati of flawless, pro-built smoothsters and didn't see the flip side of true hot rodding roaring down upon me. But Mike Parti did. The Generation X-ers, who lived in his North Hollywood, California, neighborhood, had discovered the '50s and had focused on its jukeboxes, jitterbugs, and Parti's "homey" hot rods. Master machinist Parti, who makes his living restoring antique motorcycles l00-point status and is shown here with artist Roberi Williams and Williams' wife Suzanne, became [he Williams' information source…

Product Of The Month Bilstein Bilstein now produces the only single-tube gas-pressure shock absorber for rods and customs. As such, these new shocks feature one-piece extruded aluminum tubes, hardened cylinder walls, and Teflon-coated piston bands and rod guides. Available in standard configuration or coil-over design. Information: Krupp Bilstein, Dept. HR12, 901 Wilshire Dr„ Ste. 520, Troy, Ml 48084-5609, 248/2442220. Steer Here Grant Products Grant's LeMans steering wheel has stainless steel button-head hardware, a matte-black rubber sleeve, and is available with Mahogany wood grip or hand-stitched leather-grained vinyl grip. Ifs 141/2 inches in diameter with a 33/4-inch dish. Information: Grant Products, Dept. HR12, 700 Allen Ave., Glendale, CA 91201, 213/849-3171. Look Ma, No Holes Power Performance Group Inc. Power Slot rotors are CNC-machined and were developed to run cooler, improve wet…

Despite the name of this special NASCAR supplement, it, and the sport itself, are more about people than they are hardware. People are what drive this sport, and people make it relevant to the cars and trucks you and I drive every day. The first people that come to mind in NASCAR racing, of course, are the drivers, and NASCAR has been fortunate to have had generations of heroes through its first half century, from the Tim Flocks to the Richard Pettys to the Darrell Waltrips to the Dale Earnhardts to the Jeff Gordons. But perhaps the real heroes are the people who work 60-hour weeks behind the scenes to make the whole thing possible, the people whose every waking moment is dedicated to making racing cars faster, more reliable,…

Consider the consequences of a driveshaft or U-joint failure at 200 mph. The potential crash would most likely be catastrophic. A NASCAR Winston Cup car engine runs at nearly 9,000 rpm. In top gear, that means the driveshaft is also turning nearly 9,000 rpm. That's three times more than the original highway application. A failure, even without a crash, would cause serious damage to the car and potential injury to the driver. Not a pleasant picture. And just an imbalance in the driveline can make it nearly impossible for the driver to see due to extreme vibration. While not given much attention by the public, the driveline is extremely critical to the overall performance of the car, safety of the driver, and even the safety of the spectators. But when…

Performance is not dead. With all the (still unconfirmed) talk about the F-bodies going away for a while, things are not as bleak as they might seem on the surface. There will be performance in the years to come, and from some unexpected sources like Cadillacs… and Cavaliers? Mopar Ponycar Dreams Dashed Chrysler Cooks up a Z3 Fighter Instead We are now being told that what was once touted as Chrysler's Camaro-fighter will instead bridge the chasm between the Mustang convertible and the BMW Z3 convertible in a quest to conquer the hearts of empty-nest Baby Boomers. It will, in fact, be closer to the new Ford Thunderbird-a car that was said to have shaken up the Pentastar folks—in size and target market than anything we know of as a…

In the import-rich California market, Hondas are all the rage, and Chevy is losing out. Cavalier is not the sort of name you associate with small-car power. The basics seem right-150hp 2.4-liter 16-valve four, taut chassis, 16-inch wheels—but the execution lacks panache. Until now. The bespoilered Cavalier Technic concept car certainly has the look: a red-and-silver motif with a high-mounted rear wing, honkin, hood-scoop, four-inch exhaust tip, a fascia with integrated PIAA foglights, and 18-inch wheels and tires with cross-drilled Baer four-wheel discs. Under the hood is a 2.4L twin-cam engine with an Eaton positive-displacement supercharger. Thanks to the intercooled blower huffing a healthy 11.5 psi, dished pistons, a ported head, high-lift cams, a Ceramic-coated RKSport tubular stainless exhaust manifold, a 60mm throttle body, and a balance job, the folks…

Dick Wallen's Racing Classics As hot rodders, we often forget that there is more to life than straight-line acceleration. In fact, long before there was anything resembling organized drag racing (or paved roads for that matter) there were open-wheeled championship racing cars. As early as 1910, these fenderless monsters and their fearless drivers and ride-along mechanics were tearing circles around purpose-built high-banked board ovals at nearly 100 mph. Imagine drag racing on a wooden track! For those wishing to investigate the colorful and fascinating history of American championship racing, we can recommend no better source than this three-books series by Dick Wallen. A noted championship-racing historian who began his quest in 1947, Wallen has gathered a vast portfolio of vintage photographs, as well as commentary and interviews by those…

Our traditional Power Tour will still kick off the season in May and will start in Los Angeles. The route for our Fifth Anniversary Power Tour, however, is shaping up to be significantly different than last year's cross-country trek, with new and exciting vistas for us to discover across the heartland of America. Our growing number of repeat Power Tour Long Haulers suggested a change of scenery, and we've listened. This will also give folks in other parts of the country, who might not ordinarily be able to make it, a chance to experience the mechanized glory and traveling circus that is Power Tour. Stay tuned for next month's MPower Tour News” for more information! Power Tour East '99 is scheduled for October 9-17. Route changes are not anticipated at…

Briante and Billy (Glidden): Two Killer B5s Duke it Out in Super Street Of the seven classes that make up the NMCA Comp Cams World’s Fastest Street Car Drag Race Series, none was more unexpected, talked about, or run closer than the Super Street class in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, on the weekend of August 15-16. The first news item of the day was Billy Glidden’s new |car. The traditional peach-to-crimson-fade LX that used to be Billy’s ride went out with a bang, so to speak, when it hit the wall in St. Louis during the previous Sunday’s competition. Billy was fine, the car less so. Would he get the scorchin’ ’Stang fixed in time for Maple Grove, just one weekend later? No. Instead, Billy and Clan Glidden did something even more…

Human nature being what it is, we tend to disassociate ourselves from things that we do not understand. We enthusiastically forfeited the breaker-point ignition for the accuracy and dependability of the electronic ignition, as well as slow-burning, poor-flowing cylinder heads for the latest offerings. But when the concern turns to fuel systems, we cling tightly to our beloved carburetor. The carburetor certainly is a wonderful mixing device for air and fuel? the power levels produced by a NHRA Pro Stock engine certainly prove that—and it has brought us through the first 50 years of HRM and will be there during the decades to come. Now, however, it is forced to share the stage with OEM and aftermarket electronic fuel-injection systems. With early 5.0L Mustangs, TP1 F-bodies and Corvettes, and Buick…

In the February '98 issue, we detailed the construction of a long-rod, high-compression Ford 351W V-8. Since this was a street-only engine, we purposely set our engineering goals very high. We required full emissions compliance, a factory-quality idle, and the inclusion of the Ford EEC-IV factory fuel-injection system to produce at least 400 hp and 400 Ib-ft of torque. Further, we wanted to achieve peak power at 5,000 rpm and peak torque at 4,000 rpm. To all of you who anticipated the appearance of Part Two sooner, we extend sincere apologies. Considering the results, we think you'll find that the wait was worthwhile. Parts and Design The basic engine theory and its components are detailed in the first install-ment of this two-part article, but we'll briefly restate the concept here.…

Generation X has been accused of everything from being inarticulate to totally uninvolved. Yet car-loving members of the SoCal chapter of the Gen X-ers are on a mission from "Rod"?a return to who, what, and where we were 50 years ago. History tells us that an anti-rodstablishment movement was bound to happen, but I can't tell you when or where it began. Aaron Kahan, a member of the Choppers car club, says it started in the U.S. of A. a decade ago. But what led to the creation of “rat rods," their name for pieced-” together cars using '50s components, isn't entirely clear. Rat rods represent a revisit to anera when car building was fun, and car clubs—such as the Shifters, Sinners, Nasty Jax, Hell Bent Hoods, Black Top Bombers,…

Street Legal Brake Hoses Russell Performance Products has stainless braided brake hoses which are legal for street use in all 50 states and meet the strict guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation MVSS-106 specification. These hoses feature a patented hose end design which provides the extra margin of safety when you make the decision to equip your street machine, street rod, or even your race car, with stainless braided hoses. Street Legal Brake Systems Russell offers a wide range of custom made hose kits for specific models of U.S. and imported vehicles. These Brakeline Kits are a direct bolt-in replacement for your stock hoses and will substantially improve your brake pedal feel by eliminating hose expansion typically experienced under heavy braking. Street Legal Brake Hose Assemblies Russell also offers…

Readers in the Rust Belt know all about it. Rusty cars are no fun. Doubtless, many of you have purchased cars from arid climes thousands of miles away just to keep one step ahead of the oxidation monster. But even pristine “southern,” “western," or “desert” cars can suffer from trunk rust. We've seen it many times right here in sunny LA. A car appears to be totally rust free until you open the trunk and lift the mat. The illusion is shattered when you see paper-thin metal and a constellation of pin holes. While it may be easy to assume that this type of destruction starts from under the car and works its way through the metal into the trunk, it really happens the other way around. Rust begins when…

What is the most recognized name in racing worldwide? Without a doubt, it has to be Goodyear. No matter where you go or what type of race car or truck you see, you can bet the bright gold Goodyear name is on many, if not all, of the tires. Does Goodyear's involvement in racing benefit Joe Public driving down the road? It definitely does. What Goodyear learns on the track is applied to the Eagle passenger tire line. You probably don't think much about the tires on your car. As? long as they don't go flat, you most likely don't think about them at all. That peace of mind is directly linked to race-car tire development. Is racing the only way to develop new tires? No. But it might be…