Indholdsfortegnelse for April 1992 i Hot Rod

COOL COOLER IMPROVED HEAT DISSIPATION Earl’s latest cool idea in. transmission and engine cooling is a modular line of Temp-A-Cure coolers. It’s designed to allow a multitude of cooler sizes and configurations to fit just about every need. For more information, contact Earl’s Performance Products, Dept. HR04. 189 W. Victoria. Long Beach, CA 90805, (310) 609-1602. SEAL OF APPROVAL LOCTITE GIVEAWAY As well as benefitting from the quality of Loctite’s sealing products, you can also earn points toward prizes by using these products. A giveaway program has been introduced by Loctite and will run through November 1992. For more information, contact Loctite Corporation, Attn. User/installer Express Giveaway, Dept. HR04, 4450 Cranwood Pky., Cleveland, OH 44128, (800) 321-9188 and ask for form #9102-077. BIG MONSTER MOTORS FROM LUNATI Up to 638…

Two-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Winston World Champion Pro Stock driver Darrell Alderman of Morehead, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine on December 27, 1991, in an appearance before Judge Henry Wilboit in federal court in Lexington, Kentucky. Alderman had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges. Alderman faces stiff penalties, including the potential of between 51 and 63 months in prison, a fine of $10,000 to $100,000, and three to five years of supervised release. The sentencing in a case like this is determined by both probationary reports and strictly defined federal sentencing guidelines. Sentencing is scheduled for March 6 in the same federal court in Kentucky. The NHRA also announced that Alderman’s Pro Stock license has been permanently revoked, although he’ll…

The World Karting Association (WKA) has moved its headquarters to Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) in Charlotte, North Carolina. The move is part of a combined marketing effort on the part of H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, president of the CMS. Wheeler wants to expand karting’s popularity and has added a sprint track, an endurance road course, and a ⅛-mile clay oval for karts at the speedway. “The desire is for the CMS karting facilities to be the best in the world,” said Tom Ireland, spokesperson for the WKA. In addition, the Skip Barber Racing School has recognized the importance of karting to the motorsports community and has signed on as a sponsor of the WKA. The sponsorship will consist of awarding five WKA champions a scholarship to attend a three-day competition road…

One of the more interesting special interest groups that has sprung up in the last year or so is the Front Engine Dragster Association or FEDA. According to Slingshot, the FEDA’s official publication, what’s up front counts, and they count on members from all over the world to keep the interest in building, restoring, and racing the old, front-motor cars alive. Contact: FEDA, 346 Hawthorne, Bensenville, IL 60106. ♦ Buick’s continued infatuation with the brickyard remains hot and heavy. After three years of trying to match motor developments with chassis I design, we understand that Kenny Bernstein (King Racing) and John Menard will field a team of turbo V6 Buick stock blocks, with a good chance of giving the Chevys and Fords a run for Indy’s money. ♦ Last year,…

This is the Camaro that could have been. A stone-cold killer that can turn a pair of Z-rated Goodyears into ground-round faster than you can say, “Light’em up!” Just the same, as nice as this Camaro prototype might be, production models were dropped before they could ever make their way onto the street. The original plan to build this 25th Anniversary Camaro was first presented to Chevrolet management by its public relations staff. They wanted to build 602 production versions to commemorate an equal number of Z/28s sold in 1967. Each of these ’92 renditions would have been fitted with a reworked version of the aluminum head Corvette L98 350 that produces 275 hp, a ’Vette ZF six-speed gearbox, and the Camaro B4C Special Service Package that was originally intended…

Emissions testing has become a hot topic in the ’90s and will continue to generate more interest as testing is enforced nationwide. You can count on it. For those rodders who have never experienced a smog check, the thought of one can be a little unnerving. In reality, it’s not a pass or off-to-jail-you-go ordeal. And passing a smog test is not that difficult, as long as the car is in reasonable condition. What we’re not going to tell you in this article is how to cheat. Furthermore, most smog check stations will not entertain the thought of accepting bribes. The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) in California is charging fines of up to $1500 and recommending jail sentences for mechanics who pass a car that is not emissions legal.…

AT AN ARM’S LENGTH There’s nothing quite as deflating as trying to install a rebuilt Muncie and a brand-new Hurst shifter in your car only to realize that the shifter arms won’t bolt up to the transmission! GM changed the shifter arm attaching style on its Muncie transmissions in 1968. According to four-speed guru Gordon Arbitter at Stick Only (9900 Glenoaks Blvd., Sun Valley, CA 91352, 818/768-4747), GM switched from the stud-type attachment in 1968 because the studs had a tendency to break under severe use. The different attaching point requires different shifter arms, which are available from Hurst.…

GRIMM’S FAIRY TALE My brother and father have owned a 71 Camaro SS 396 for about 10 years now. My father picked it up in 1983 for around $400. It sat around for many years until my brother was old enough to help my father restore what was left of the car. It’s equipped with many factory options such as air conditioning, power brakes, and power steering. We never thought it would turn out well enough to be a show car. Now we cruise the local car show scene every Saturday night. It would give us great pride to see our car in HOT ROD and give me more inspiration to work hard to restore my ’68 Camaro. Shane GrimmJarrettsville, Maryland TOP 10 We just want to thank all of…

FLUTED BILLET WHEELS Center Line’s latest series of contemporary wheels includes styled billet wheels with fluted accents. The fluting is available on the new Billet Hammer (shown), Billet Star, and Billet Turn-4 at no extra cost. The Fluted Billet series also features a removable cap to hide the lug nuts (factory lug nuts can be used). The wheels are available in 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameter sizes for all popular applications. For more information, contact Center Line Performance Wheels, Dept. HR04, 13521 Freeway Dr., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, (310) 921-9637.…

This just in from World Hot Rod Control: HOT ROD’S August ’92 Readers’ Rides issue was spotted on laser-enhanced radar at the edge of the galaxy. It is traveling faster than the speed of time and should reach the frontier by the time you receive this transmission. However, we’ve intercepted reports from our covert operations that a gang of evil metric magazines is poised for an ambush in the waste-gate region. Their strength is not known, however, preliminary reports indicate they have been supplied by the wretched Red Dot syndicate with fiery shrimp cocktail sauce and the latest in Giorgio Armani silk “repulsar” suits. These front-driven scoundrels must be banished from the mega-sector. The staff at HOT ROD World Control is organizing a counter attack. We need your help to…

Following the success of the Eastwood Company’s first Performance Pioneer vehicle—the HOT ROD Magazine Delivery—comes the Ed (Isky) Iskenderian and Dean Moon model truck banks. These limited-edition deliveries are made out of die-cast metal and are decked out in vivid paint schemes, original logos, and all the trimmings. And only 9800 of each version are being built! Order your Isky and Moon truck/banks now by contacting Eastwood Automobilia, Dept. HR. Box 296, 580 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, PA 19355, (800) 345-1178.…

A commonly misunderstood tool for evaluating an engine’s performance is volumetric efficiency (VE). The definition of VE is quite simple, but requires two additional definitions in order to be meaningful. Volumetric Efficiency is found by dividing an engine’s actual airflow by its theoretical airflow. Knowing your engine’s VE can help you evaluate how much air is injested versus 100 perecent efficiency. Keep in mind that due to ram tuning effects, it’s possible to create normally aspirated VE’s of well over 100 percent. Theoretical Airflow is a measure of the engine’s volume and is a function of rpm and displacement. The airflow volume displaced on the intake stroke during each rotation of the crankshaft will be half of the overall cubic capacity. To determine your engine’s theoretical airflow, multiply the rpm…

Just when you thought nostalgia drag racing had reached a period of repose, up pops another association. In addition to the Nostalgia Drag Racing Association (NDRA), the West Coast Timing Association (WCTA), and Gary “GoodGuy” Meadors’ nostalgia drag and hot rod shootouts, a consortium of Southern California enthusiasts, led by veteran racer Frank Fedak, has recently announced the formation of the American Nostalgia Racing Association (ANRA). According to Fedak, “The intention of the ANRA is to conduct a series of events that combines nostalgia drag racing with a variety of support activities, including car shows, manufacturers’ displays, swap meets, and rod runs.” Joining Fedak will be engine builder Jon Barrett, Ocean Pacific swimsuit manufacturer Jim Jenks, famed drag racer Art Chrisman, auto dealer Joe MacPherson, attorney Thomas Capalbo, and CPA…

Last year Randy Moore stunned the Pro Modified contingency with his supercharged Lamborghini Countach that is credited with recording the quickest e.t. (6.59 seconds at 209 mph) in Pro Mod history. This year, Moore has augmented his act with the addition of a new Corvette ZR-1. The ZR-1, assembled by Rick Jones of RJ Race Cars, is powered by an identical Bill Barrett-prepared 526-inch alky-ingesting Olds motor. The car will be racing on the Super Chevy circuit, while the Lamborghini will compete at International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) races plus scheduled match races.…

That’s right fellow gear heads, the powers that be have decided and this year you can attend your favorite events for absolutely no more than what you paid last year. And if that’s not enough, the crew at Special Events has even added a few new venues for ’92. The Summer of 1992 is going to be a brilliant season of hot cars and high-performance people, so don’t miss it. Here is what you should do. Read over the following schedule of events and decide which ones you want to attend. Personally we’d like to attend them all but if you have to make a choice, the Hot Rod Super Nationals is a must-do event. Especially since the dates have been changed to avoid conflict with the York rod run!…

If you’re impressed by lightweight, big-inch Novas that grind the rear bumper on the way to nine-second quarter-mile passes, then how about the equivalent e.t. from a 1½-ton six-holer? While there are a handful of 10-second Grand National Buicks in the country, our interest in max-tilt “street” cars warranted a look at Applied Technologies’ incredible nine-second stealth cruiser. The Darth Vader signature-series Buick twists 767 hp at 6300 rpm with twin hair dryers pushing 18 psi through a 274-cid V6. That’s a rompin’ 2.8 horsepower per computer-controlled cube. This is all with parts designed and sold by Applied Technologies, so you can duplicate its performance with a very large check as opposed to grueling hours of dyno blasting. Or consider a 454 Chevy with the same twice-turbo’d technology—it could be…

The quest for street-wise 429/460 Ford cylinder heads is somewhat of a challenge. A 460 can be amplified to a gargantuan 10 liters (over 610 inches), so most heavy-breathing Ford cylinder heads reflect the cost and proportions associated with monster motors. High-port heads require special valves, valvetrain, intake manifolds, headers, and pistons—a hassle and big expense for bolt-on enthusiasts; likewise for Boss 429 hemi heads. For street/strip duty, 429/460 disciples have to either get friendly with a die grinder or locate a set of rare 70-’71 429 Super CobraJet (SCJ) heads. Until now. AR Incorporated told HOT ROD about its newer-than-new AR 429 CobraJet aluminum heads that will be available by the time you read this. They’re a simple bolt-on that can add 104 horsepower and 43 lbs.-ft. of torque,…

While installing a crossover pipe con be as simple as welding a piece of tubing between your exhaust pipes, you might regret it when it comes time to work on your hot rod. If the two sides were welded together, the entire exhaust system might eventually have to be removed to obtain access to the transmission, U-joints, or driveline. Removing a dual exhaust system that was welded together is difficult. So why not design a system that bolts together instead? If you’re a reasonably good welder, installing a bolt-in crossover pipe is really easy, otherwise, a good muffler shop can install one in a few hours. That’s all it took Bill Love of Mad Hatter Muffler to install this trick crossover pipe in Michelle Streett’s ’69 Dodge Charger.…

DRAG RACING April 3-4—4th Annual NHRA Winston Invitational, Rockingham, North Carolina. Information: (818) 914-4761 April 4-5—IHRA Winston Cup Series, Tri-State Dragway, Hamilton, Ohio. Information: (615) 764-1164 April 23-26—12th Annual From Southern Nationals, Atlanta, Georgia. Information: (818) 914-4761 April 24-25—IHRA Winston Cup Series, Mooresville Dragway, Mooresville, North Carolina. Information: (615) 764-1 164 CIRCLE TRACK April 5—NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Food City 500, Bristol, Tennessee. Information: (904) 253-061 1 April 12—NASCAR Winston Cup Series, first Union 400, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Information: (904) 253-0611 April 26—NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Hanes 500, Martinsville, Virginia. Information: (904) 253-0611 ROAD RACING April 11—SCCA Trans-Am Tour, Long Beach, California. Information: (303) 694-7223 ROD RUNS & OTHER FUN STUFF April 12—Sun Street Center Car Show III, Expo Park, Salinas, California. Information: (408) 424-0602 April 12—Hopping Into Easter…

SMOG FACTS I recently read your two-part article on the 350-H.O. into a late LG-4 Camaro. The conversion would be legal except for two reasons: 1) No exhaust supply to EGR in H.O. aluminum cylinder heads would fail the visual check in Californiay 2) Dual cats are not legal unless they were not an option on that year cor. Dennis WeidenbachConcord, California Glad to see you’re on your toes, Dennis! You’d be right on both counts except for one point; Chevrolet is getting the complete package certified without EGR and with dual cats. Chevy’s testing proved that the long overlap cam provided enough built-in exhaust gas recirculation that no external EGR valve was needed. Chevrolet also claims its exemption with dual cats in place. The package is already self-certified under…

If you stretch the yardstick of automotive development about two feet beyond current thinking, that’s where you’ll find the pedals of the American Roadster Experimental (AREX) prototype sports car. This limited production prototype was developed by David Stollery of Industrial Design Research (Laguna Beach, California) and Gale Banks Engineering (Azusa, California). Its cab forward design places the flight crew just behind the front axle and beneath a full perimeter wind screen that also shields the headlamps of this two-seat cafe racer. Specially grooved 245/45ZR17 Goodyear Eagles are stuck beneath wide front flairs that converge on the nose like an F/A-18 on an Indy car. The epoxy/composite body lines continue rearward over huge 375/30ZR17s to create its sleek engine cover and tail section with slotted accents. The chassis is similar to…

From the tip of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, comes Terry “The Wizard” McConnell’s hot-looking ’49 Chevy fastback. Long known for his outrageous rides, this bad boy will be no exception with a Tuned Port 454 Chevy riding a custom chassis on a Fat Man Mustang II front suspension and a Ford 9-inch rearend. The firewall, floor, and rear tubs were fitted by R.E.I., and Matt Clarket at Hot Rod’s by Johnny Young readied the exterior for a silver lining. To retain the stock dash, its single multigauge cluster will be fitted with Cyberdine digital instruments, and Southeast Auto Trim will stitch up gray tweed, leather, and Fiero bucket seats. This rod should be completed and cruisin’ around by May.…

Arizona Public Service Company (APS) will sponsor the second annual Solar & Electric 500 auto race April 24-26 at the Phoenix International Raceway. The APS Solar & Electric 500 has four car classes: Solar for sun-powered racers; Electric Stock for street registrable electric motored cars; Electric Hybrid for electric cars with auxiliary internal combustion engines; and Open for exotic three-wheelers and other highly creative designs. For more info, call Solar & Electric Racing Association (SERA) at (602) 953-6672. ⋆ Swiss Auto, an engine design firm in Switzerland, is working on a four-valve-per-cylinder DOHC package for the Chevy small-block. The Swiss Auto engine package features a digital fuel injection system and reportedly passed Swiss emissions standards, which are the strictest in the world. To demonstrate this technology, the firm has installed…

Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) has brought state-of-the-art electronic fuel-injection technology to drag racing, factoring in demands specific to the sport such as large displacement engines, tremendous g-forces, tire shake, and high-interference ignitions. This sequential fuel-injection system is controlled by an electronic engine-management system, allowing most tuning to be done with an ordinary personal computer (PC). Instead of changing nozzles, bypass jets, and pump overdrives, you can specify exact fuel and nitrous curves with a computer. A 9:1 compression, 540-cid Chevy Rat equipped with Pontiac heads, Callies crank, ARP bolts, Wiseco pistons, and a Fluidampr balancer was able to produce a peak 590 lbs.-ft. of torque and 695 hp at 6200 rpm. Gradually adding the nitrous by pulsing the N20 solenoid (much like an electronic fuel injector) allows a gentler and…

Wanna get serious displacement from a smallblock? Try Oldsmobile Motorsports’ new iron Rocket Block that has all the mods you’d normally add to a competition block, but at a price competitive with a dialed-in Bowtie block. The Rocket Block is designed for Chevy heads, bellhousing, and bolt-ons. It has bosses for side and front engine mounts and a mechanical fuel pump. Starter flanges on both sides eliminate the block-mounted oil filter. Larger’ cam journals, four-bolt mains with 400-type bearings, and a “priority main” lubrication system are all added for engine longevity. Big-inch goodies include a relocated cam and nan rails to clear a 4.125-inch stroke without grinding. The Rocket Block has two optional deck heights: 9.025 inches (standard smallblock, part No. 22551657) and 9.300 inches (part No. 22551659); both are…

The Dana Corporation is now accepting nominations for its Perfect Circle’s Machinist of the Year competition that recognizes the nation’s top machinists. This is the second year of the competition and the candidates will be judged on special training, association memberships, good business practices, merchandising efforts, and civic or community involvement. The deadline for this year’s competition is May 15. To nominate your favorite machinist, obtain an entry form from one of these three addresses: ASE Headquarters 13505 Dulles Technology Dr. Herndon, VA 22071 AREA Headquarters 330 Lexington Dr. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Perfect Circle Machinist of the Year P.O. Box 455 Toledo, OH 43692…

The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), which was founded in 1937, recently announced its ’92 racing schedule. The SCTA’s eight-event series starts at El Mirage on May 3, followed by meets on June 7, July 12, September 13, October 4, and November 8. The Bonneville speed trials are scheduled for August 16-22, and the World Finals will be held October 16-18.…

The Boy Scouts of America has introduced a new Venture Mechanics manual designed to initiate older scouts to cars. Dick Wells of Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) co-authored the manuscript and stressed that it’s written in the clearest, simplest terms to describe everything from basic operating principles to tool use, light maintenance, and safety. We were most impressed by the glossary, which defines a multitude of automotive terminology from common to obscure. Scouts who complete the Activity Plans are awarded a competency pin. It’s this sort of expert tutelage that’ll breed a new generation of rodders! The Venture Mechanics book is available at Boy Scout stores worldwide.…

By now you’re probably familiar with our “Built By Design” series. The two previous installments targeted ’70 ’81 Camaros and ’79-and-newer Mustangs. In this issue well address ’68 ’72 Chevelles. The intent is two-fold: First we want to get you acquainted with the car you’re interested in; second, we want to give you some good specific information regarding your car. And certainly there are more than a few of you with a special interest in ’68-’72 Chevelles. In 1968 the Chevelle arrived with freshly designed sheetmetal; a shortened wheelbase (112-inches) on all two-door body styles, except the El Camino, which had a 116-inch wheelbase; and a one-inch-wider track. The new muscular sheetmetal foreshadowed the upcoming horsepower storm that would see the Chevelle equipped with one of the most powerful engines…

You can use a crossover pipe to expand the torque curve where you need it most. We talked to Mark Howard at Summit Racing about the details. A crossover pipe should be positioned near the exhaust’s hot spot. However, Howard said the hot spot will move fore and aft within the exhaust pipe, depending on load and rpm. The trick is to find the hot spot in the rpm range you wish to improve. For most street cars, this would be in the lower rpm range. To locate the hot spot, Howard suggested that you buy some temperature-sensitive tape and stripe your exhaust in a pattern as detailed in the diagram below. The paint comes in various temperature ratings and Summit Racing curries this product. You should get four or…

Head gaskets are probably the most feared and least understood gaskets in an engine. Sure, any of us can change a head gasket and bolt on a head, but we all cross our fingers that it won’t leak and are rarely surprised when a head gasket fails. The primary difference between the head gasket and any other engine gasket is that it is subjected to extremely high cylinder pressures. The cylinders produce heat and compression, which strain a gasket. Also, there is water, oil, and air/fuel in and around the cylinder that all must remain separated by the head gasket. Quite a challenge, but by no means impossible. As with anything, preparation and using the correct products are the keys to success. The head and block surfaces must be prepared…