Everyone with a passion for cars knows about it, and most will do anything to attend it, but unfortunately for the general pubic, the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show is a private industry affair. Of course, there's always the exception to that rule and someone will still find a way to get in. However, for those of you who play legit or just flat-out missed the opportunity to walk within the huge halls of new products and multitudes of cool cars, we'll do you right by ignoring the little knickknack gadgets and get straight into what we consider to be the coolest products of the entire show. For what it's worth, we do have a bonus list featuring five additional products, but you'll have to drop by our Web site at www.chevyhiperformance.com to see what they are.
What it is
Shift by Wire electronic shift controller for traditional transmissions, including 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, 4L80E, 4L85E, and 700R4; with your choice of two mounting options, a rotary control dial, and a trick touch pad.
Why we like it
It's clean, and depending on what you do with your street machine, it can complement the cheeriest of cockpits, offering a look all its own, and it'll definitely separate you from the crowd.
What we'll do with it
Our FNG is putting his '66 Elco together, and given the street demeanor we have planned for it, this'll fit right in. The only foreseeable problem is deciding between the rotary dial and the touch pad. Do you have a preference? If so, which install would you rather see? Let us know at chevyhi@sourceinterlink.com.
TCItciauto.com · 888.776.9824
What it is
Integrated air compressor and wiring system for any AirRide system.
Why we like it
It's a self-contained, all-in-one unit, eliminating hours of wiring and plumbing. In other words, installing a complete system just got easier and can be had with your choice of 3- or 5-gallon air tanks.
What we'll do with it
We've been patiently awaiting a local Chevelle to become available for a complete install followed by a rugged day of track flogging. If anything, it'll make our install a breeze, and we'll bring you a full report.
Air Ride Technologiesridetech.com · 812.482.2932
What it is
Adjustable fuel log that can swivel 40 degrees for added clearance.
Why we like it
The adjustability alone makes this piece worthwhile. Add in the fact that moving the inlet will help eliminate any potential linkage issues.
What we'll do with it
We're constantly on the dyno, so rather than raiding our dyno facility at the last moment, we'll have to purchase a couple for ourselves. The good news is Aeromotive offers them for both Holley and Demon carburetors.
Aeromotive Inc. aeromotiveinc.com · 913.647.7300
What it is
Rod Shocks coilovers for early Novas, Chevelles, and Camaros.
Why we like it
Don't let the name fool you; these coilovers are offered in both Comfort and Sport models and even allow you to adjust the ride height.
What we'll do with it
Associate Publisher Jonathan Ozeretny keeps telling us he's going to get his hands on an early Nova. We doubt it'll happen, but if and when it does, we'll install a set and teach him a thing or two about corner carving.
Bilsteinbilstein.com · 800.537.1085
What it is
Clamshell quick-disconnect couplings.
Why we like it
Who doesn't like quick-release anything, especially when it comes to AN fittings? XRP's latest creation features a threadless, fixed-cavity design for full flow, with no restrictions whatsoever.
What we'll do with it
The next time we're playing with braided lines, you can bet we'll want to give the Clamshells a test-fitting, regardless of the application.
XRP, Inc.xrp.com · 562.861.4765
What it is
Digital degree system.
Why we like it
Installing a camshaft dot-to-dot is a generally accepted practice, but let's face it, unless you degree your 'stick to exacting specs, you're not taking full advantage of your camshaft. This piece appears to be user-friendly and claims to precisely calculate and display the intake centerline in crankshaft degrees to 0.1 degree.
What we'll do with it
Considering it's a rather unique tool that we've never had a chance to experiment with, we'll set up a friendly in-house competition using a conventional degree wheel and see how off we were from the required specs.
CamLogiccamlogicsystem.com · 248.669.7080
What it is
Billet aluminum four-piston calipers for first-, second-, and third-gen Camaros and '78-87 G-bodies, with late-model GM trucks in the future.
Why we like it
It has a lightweight construction, center bridge bolts that reduce caliper flex in heavy breaking, and stainless steel pistons, which help to keep brake fluid from boiling.
What we'll do with it
Staffer Nelson just about tripped over himself when he we first noticed MP's latest offering. Once he gets his third-gen back up and running, we expect nothing less than a detailed report with before and after brake numbers.
Master Power mpbrakes.com · 888.351.8785 CHP
What it is
230cc Super 23 Race CNC cylinder heads capable of flowing 318/262 cfm intake/exhaust at 0.700 inch lift.
Why we like it
These monster-flowing heads don't require a dedicated shaft-mount rocker system with their factory intake and exhaust port locations. We were told to use them on nothing smaller than 400 ci, and with the right combination of camshaft and compression, it wouldn't be hard to approach 650 hp naturally aspirated.
What we'll do with it
It's already in the works, and we'll be testing these babies on a big-inch small-block. Without a doubt, we'll include our flowbench results along with detailed dyno figures.
Trick Flow Specialtiestrickflow.com · 330.630.1555
What it is
Launcher, a progressive nitrous controller that allows you to individually control up to four stages on the sauce.
Why we like it
Ease of tunability through a laptop computer and its compatibility with all Windows applications, including the latest Vista. If you'd rather have the ability to tune on the fly, then you can upgrade to the optional handheld touch screen. Inside, an SD card can data-log your runs and easily store a number of tunes for specific tracks.
What we'll do with it
We love nitrous, so this one should be fairly easy to figure out. We'll do a complete install on a radial tire-equipped car and show you how to use it, step by step.
NOSholley.com · 270.782.2900
What it is
High-performance CNC-machined Ultra-Gold roller rockers for small- and big-blocks.
Why we like it
We've been using Comp rockers for years for their strength and reliability; however, with the latest aluminum forgings, we can now use them on even more aggressive applications with 1.625-inch-od valvesprings.
What we'll do with it
Expect to see a set or two on upcoming engine builds.
Comp Camscompcams.com · 800.999.0853