We have plans for more suspension testing on our Project Nova...

Our track test-day at Fontana Speedway was such a success that we have even more suspension tech stories planned for the Nova. Recently, we dropped off our Nova to Classic Performance Products (CPP). They have evaluated the car and we have plans to run their quick-ratio power steering box, higher rate front coil springs and possibly some better front braking.

Stay tuned for the full install story and track test-day!

It was if I had won the lottery... 

It's finally in and for good now. Thanks to the help and knowledge of the boys at Fabtech, we were able to get the engine, transmission and crossmember in the car before lunch! No joke, we had the car filled with the engine and transmission. We even had time to fab up a completely new crossmember and had that welded and installed before 11:59am. When we got back from lunch, the guys made head-way and got our 2-inch Doug's headers to fit!

Seriously we couldn't find a better group of hardcore fabricators--hands down! 

FABTECH

9773 Variel Avenue

Chatsworth, CA 91311

818.998.1262

fax: 818.998.1762

www.fabtechwelding.com

fabtechwelder@yahoo.com

Project Brutus readies for the drivetrain under the hands of Fabtech...

It's been a while but we are finally ready to install the big-block, 2-inch headers, TH400 transmission and Denny's driveshaft into the El Camino for good. I spent Friday hauling the car over to Fabtech in Chatsworth, Ca and left it under the expertise of Fabtech. Yesterday I had a chance to finally reinstall the oil pan for final and I also mated the engine to the transmission. We will be back at Fabtech bright and early tomorrow (Monday) morning for the full install. Fabtech is going to create a new transmission crossmember to hold the new transmission--we can't wait!

FABTECH

9773 Variel ave.

Chatsworth, Ca 91311

818.998.1262

818.998.1762 (fax)

www.fabtechwelding.com

fabtechwelder@yahoo.com

It's not all fun and games...

It would be nice to think that a Saturday night could be spent watching some movies or even just plain hanging out. My Saturday night wasn't as fun as I would have liked it though. No, I spent the majority of my weekend working. Yeah, I had all of my paperwork sprawled across the kitchen table. It's going to make for an interesting week to come. Doesn't look like I'll be attending the winter nationals at Pomona this weekend either. Damn. 

There is a lot to discover when you are up for a driveshaft...

With our ongoing '66 El Camino build in the process of getting a completely new drivetrain we knew a solid driveshaft was necessary. We have plans to install our budget stomper big-block, TH400 and a Denny's driveshaft.

While on the with Denny, it was clear he was very knowledgeable about the process of ordering a driveshaft. To make it easy though, Denny's website has all you'll need to know to figure out the correct driveshaft for your project vehicle. He's simplified the process with printable diagrams to fill out with your specific measurements. Denny has even gone as far as adding a potential speed calculator to keep your new driveshaft in its place and spinning like it should free of vibration. The calculator will help to determine engine rpm, road speed, tire diameter and transmission ratio.

If you are in the process of getting a driveshaft into your project vehicle or might have a simple technical question give Denny's a call.

DENNYs DRIVESHAFT

1189 Military Road

Kenmore, NY 14217

716.875.6640

www.dennysdriveshaft.com

Glories of yesteryear were conceived when General Motors licensed a Californian specialist sports car partnership in early 2009 to resume production of the iconic Corvette Grand Sport, arguably GM's most prestigious track racer ever.

Duntov/Superformance LLC lost no time in turning opportunity into reality, and Duntov immediately began production of the race version of the 1963 Grand Sport, which has already raced and won a number of events this year.

Now the street version of this popular 1960's muscle car will follow with the series production of a Turn Key Minus chassis by Superformance.  The original Grand Sport - intended to be a "Cobra Killer" - was built by General Motors under the watchful eyes of Zora Arkus Duntov, GM's chief engineer at the time.

The value of a continuation model and that of a historic original is encapsulated in its authenticity. Superformance went to great lengths to ensure that the new street version would be as like the original Grand Sport as two peas are in a pod, having acquired the original blue prints and molds off the original #2 Grand Sport.

With only five originals ever built, the Superformance Grand Sport will give buyers the opportunity to own a piece of GM's rich history. What makes this street version an even more valuable product is that it is licensed by its originators and that is not only meant to be raced, but is equally at home as a daily driver.

The SPF Grand Sport will be available in a roadster or coupe version and the technical originality is ensured by the legendary discipline and precision that has made Superformance products the leading fully assembled rolling chassis in the world.

Each SPF Grand Sport will be professionally engineered, custom crafted and professionally assembled in the largest and most modern privately owned specialist automotive manufacturing facility in the world.

The design of the Grand Sport chassis enables owners to select their drive trains from virtually any General Motors crate option available. The first completed street version rollers will be available in the US in mid 2010. Current orders can be placed by calling (949) 900-1950 or sending an email to info@superformance.com.

Through some troubleshooting...

While on my way to drop off our project Nova to the office in Placentia, Ca. which is an hour drive from my home in Northridge I noticed an oiling issue with the Nova. On the streets and around town the 350 small-block has no problems turning 60 psi of oil. however, a jump on the freeway would send the oil pressure to a gut-wrenching 25-30 psi at 70 mph. I quickly exited the freeway and immediately added a quart of oil to the engine--it must have been low. As soon as i got onto the freeway we were stable again at 60 psi. Another problem arose though as we began to climb the various mountain passes through into the office. Whenever the car would begin to climb the hills oil pressure would drop again.

I posed this question:

Is the oil pickup loose and pulling air instead of oil? We will soon find out. I will remove the oil drain plug and try to poke the pickup with a long screw-driver in an attempt to see if the pickup is loose. If it is,we will be pulling the oil pan off and replacing the pump with a high-volume one with new pickup.

Trick Flow Specialties can make your 2010 Camaro faster than ever.

Trick Flow Specialties now offers a complete turnkey package to generate monster horsepower and torque at will. Check out the details below:

Trick Flow by Magnuson Supercharger for 2010 Camaro SS

*  Up to 500 horsepower from LS3/L99 engines

*  Uses same Magnuson 2300 TVS technology used on Corvette ZR1

*  Four-lobe rotor design increases efficiency and lowers discharge temperatures

*  Interfaces with GM Active Fuel Management System to maintain light-throttle fuel efficiency

*  Includes high-velocity aluminum intake manifold, water-to-air intercooler, brackets, and hardware

*  Hand-held computer that reprograms the factory ECU

*  Comes with a 3 year warranty

Calibrated Success GM EFI Tuning Beginners Guide DVD - Now Available Exclusively at Summit Racing Equipment

TALLMADGE, OH—Novice GM EFI tuners can now get step-by-step instruction, advice, and tips from world famous engine calibration expert Greg Banish of Calibrated Success, Inc. with the Summit GM EFI Tuning Beginners Guide DVD—available only at Summit Racing.
     
A keynote speaker at the 2008 Advanced Engine Technology Conference, Greg Banish is recognized as one of the foremost experts on EFI tuning. The Calibrated Success GM EFI Tuning Beginners Guide DVD incorporates Greg’s knowledge and vast experience and covers such topics as:
    
      * Proper data logger and hardware setup
      * Click by click instruction using the latest software
      * Proper instruction for both MAF and VE based tuning
      * F.I. characterization data for most applications
      * Tips to make the most of your dyno tuning
     
The material included on the DVD will help tuners avoid more than 90% of the typical tuning problems by building on a solid foundation of knowledge and good practices. Buyers of the DVD are also eligible for a significant discount toward the live Advanced GM Calibration class from Calibrated Success.  For additional product and pricing information, customers can go to SummitRacing.com or call 1.800.230.3030.
          

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering wins General Motor's Design Award at SEMA for their 2010 Camaro project car!

DECATUR, Ind. - Lingenfelter Performance Engineering's (LPE) 750 hp supercharged 2010 LS7 Camaro SS was awarded the General Motors Design Award for Best Sports Car during the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, NV.

"General Motors is pleased to recognize the fine accomplishments of the top vehicle builders in the 2009 SEMA Show," said Bob Kern, GM's SEMA Relations Director.  "We are proud to support their efforts and applaud the large number of new accessories produced for GM products through the SEMA activity.  This has a major positive impression with our vehicle buyers."

 
The coveted GM Design Award recognizes Lingenfelter Performance Engineering for their innovative power and styling enhancements to one of the industry's most coveted sports cars.
     
"We are very honored to be recognized for our efforts on the Camaro, and we appreciate General Motors giving us the opportunity to win this award by introducing the new 2010 Camaro and renewing enthusiasts' hobby and passion for muscle cars," said Ken Lingenfelter, owner, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. 
     
Featuring the company's 427 CID/7.0L LS7 power plant, the Lingenfelter Camaro's engine has an 8.8:1 compression ratio with forged JE pistons, production GM LS7 crankshaft and titanium connecting rods, and LS7 cylinder heads with titanium intake valves and Inconel exhaust valves. Other engine upgrades include:
* Magnuson/Eaton TVS2300 supercharger
* Custom-fabricated LS7 cylinder head supercharger base manifold
* Lingenfelter 14-rib rear drive system with tensioner pulley
* Lingenfelter/ATI Racing 10-rib front accessory drive
* Lingenfelter heavy duty power steering pump
* Lingenfelter low temperature thermostat
* Custom Lingenfelter coil covers
     
In addition to ensuring the LS7 Camaro SS delivers more raw power, the 2010 Lingenfelter package ups the ante on overall performance and also features: Lingenfelter 6-bolt LS9 twin disk flywheel and clutch assembly; Lingenfelter Camaro SS twin pump fuel system with Lingenfelter fuel pump controller; Lingenfelter double adjustable Sachs shocks; heavy duty Driveshaft Shop halfshafts; Brembo brake calipers and rotors;  Corsa stainless exhaust system; and Hotchkis suspension springs, anti-sway bars and subframe brace.
     
Body enhancements include a front fascia splitter, rocker extensions, carbon fiber grille, new hood with air extractors, rear deck lip and spoiler; rear fascia extension; and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering exhaust tips.  Custom Lingenfelter 10-spoke design wheels with Pirelli 275/40ZR20 tires on the front and Pirelli 305/35ZR20 on the back are also part of the performance upgrades.
     
A number of driver comfort, performance and style improvements finish off the Lingenfelter package, including: Mouth turn signal mirrors; Mito rear view mirror with video display; Lingenfelter/Grant custom steering wheel; and Lingenfelter-brand CNC machined pedal covers, floor mats and embroidered interior.
     
For more information, visit www.lingenfelter.com, contact Lingenfelter Performance Engineering at 1557 Winchester Road, Decatur, IN 46733, or call 260.724.2552.

Vortech Engineering, LLC has teamed with Opcon, AB, a Swedish company, to form a new company,  VORTECH THREE, Inc., with an expanded technology portfolio and an international market capability.

Vortech Engineering, LLC, a privately held manufacturer of centrifugal compressors for the automotive OEM and aftermarket as well as the industrial and aero segments, has formed an alliance with Stockholm based Opcon. All shares of subsidiary Lysholm AB, will be transferred to the new company. Lysholm is a manufacturer of positive displacement “twin-screw” compressors for automotive OEM and aftermarket segments as well as marine markets. Vortech Engineering’s ownership retains majority interest of the new company.

The new firm will be called Vortech Three, Inc. and will provide leadership for the two operating companies: Lysholm/Vortech, which will sell both the centrifugal and screw type PD technology to the transportation sector, and Vortron, a former division of Vortech, which will manufacture industrial and electric powered compressors for the hybrid powered vehicle, aero, and industrial segments.

The advanced twin-screw compressor technology accessed from Opcon by Vortech Three as part of the deal will push Lysholm/Vortech into a world leadership position with both state of the art centrifugal and twin-screw positive displacement compressors for the auto aftermarket and OEM market segments.

“This was a great opportunity for us. Opcon wanted to focus on their green energy business, which opened the way for the deal to occur. We not only get a great existing product and technology, but also access to new technological developments in the future and increased market share” said Jim Middlebrook, President and CEO of Vortech Engineering.

Vortech Three, through its operating companies is poised for world-wide manufacturing and distribution of many of its products.  2010 will find Vortech products in multiple continents from its headquarters in Channel Islands, California, USA.

For more information regarding Voretch products, be sure to log onto www.vortechsuperchargers.com.

SuperFlow (SF) has announced a major upgrade of their corporate website

SuperFlow.com provides detailed information on SF’s complete line of industry-leading automotive testing technology and equipment – including engine and chassis dynamometers, flowbenches, electronic accessories/software, as well as transmission testing and remanufacturing equipment. The site is also home for all transmission testing products marketed under the Zoom Technologies brand. (SuperFlow purchased Zoom earlier this year.)

A new improved navigation bar makes it much easier to search and access product information and specifications by model.  A “New Product” section keeps customers constantly up-to-date on new technologies and upgrades.  Special product promotions are also a regular feature throughout the year.

In addition, the site is designed to help engine and transmission dyno customers locate SuperFlow facilities around the world. (SuperFlow facilities are asked to contact SF if they want to include their locations on the website.)

 

With the right plan and the right shop, this little Nova is the one that "can"...

As my previous blog had mentioned, Fabtech in Chatsworth, CA has got some great builds going on. If you aren't familiar, Fabtech is currently upgrading Al Jimenez's second-gen Camaro. Also on the racks though is this street-hustling Nova dubbed, "Toaster." Once a burden to deal with under the lights of big-money street-races, this Nova is going legit. 

The Chevy box has seen a lot of races and turns great bottom 10-sec passes on ET drag radials with a massaged over small-block and a backyard-built cage. Now though its in for a new life. Fabtech has plans for a new stronger rearend, mini-tubs for bigger rubber, correctly fit fender flares, redesign of the cage, a Chris Alston front clip and yes, even twin 76mm turbos.

We'll catch up with the build on a later and more complete date. Until then, if you've got any questions make sure to contact Fabtech!

FABTECH

9773 Variel ave.

Chatsworth, Ca 91311

818.998.1262

818.998.1762 (fax)

www.fabtechwelding.com

fabtechwelder@yahoo.com

We get to see some interesting things on the road...

While in Memphis, I stumbled upon Collin Williams' '01 SS Camaro which he was running in the LSX Shootout Rumble class. I had decided to photograph is car for a possible feature in an upcoming issue.

Sometimes though even the rough spots in a vehicle deserve a shot. It's these things that can bring character to a vehicle and bring it to life. This shot here is a call-out to "Bad Luck" when racing. In Collins case, he didn't need any luck since its all about skill. A little paint-scrape and brush with the wall wasn't going to keep Collin from racing or send him running to the paint shop for a fix.

"Damn the Luck"

Mark your calenders...

Don't let the Super Street Car Nationals pass you by! Make sure to check your calenders so you won't forget. If you live on the west coast, this should be the event for you. Plus it will be held at The Strip in Las Vegas on November 19-22.

www.streetcarsupernationals.com

I had a chance to visit Fabtech in Chatsworth California...

 Today while scrounging around for story ideas I had a chance to visit Fabtech in Chatsworth, CA. There you'll find race cars in the midst of upgrades and even full builds. While there I stumbled upon Al Jimenez's ProCharged Camaro. You may remember his car as one of our past features and on its way to breaking more records.

At Fabtech, head-man and owner Jamie was wrangling the welding-troops in to attack the Camaro. What's in the plans? Well to meet new certifications the cage was getting an update and custom headers were already fabbed up and dying to be installed. Jamie showed us 'round the car and even mocked up the custom headers and attached the collector which pokes its menacing head through the side of the fender...ultra-cool! "Yeah, it's going to be a bit louder" quipped Jamie. The new headers will also create much needed room in the engine bay as well as near the transmission.

For sure we can't wait to see Al rip down the track in the new battle gear. Make sure to see Al's car and Fabtech's cutsom work at Street Super Nationals at the Strip in Vegas, November 19-22!

Interested in custom race car fabrication? Jamie is the man and he'll set you straight to fly!

FABTECH

9773 Variel ave.

Chatsworth, Ca 91311

818.998.1262

818.998.1762 (fax)

www.fabtechwelding.com

fabtechwelder@yahoo.com

 The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the largest rod & custom association in the world with over 70,000 members, will stage twenty-three events in 2010.

 Pleasanton, Calif - The event lineup features nineteen national events for rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage as well as four “Get-Together's” in California which welcome all years, makes and models of specialty vehicles.

The season gets started March 12, 13 & 14 with the brand new Spring Nationals at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. The season also wraps up at Westworld in Scottsdale November 19, 20 & 21 for the season-ending 13th Southwest Nationals.

Notable date changes include the 4th Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together which will move from its traditional March date to May 15 & 16. The 5th Nashville Nationals at LP Field has been moved up to Memorial Day weekend May 21, 22 & 23. All other dates will remain on the same weekends as 2009.

The year eligibility has been changed for the 24th West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton. The event now welcomes rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage.

Vintage drag racing is featured at select 2010 events as is the popular Street Challenge Autocross. Vintage drag racing will be held at the 22nd Hot Rod Nationals in Indy, the 9th Blue Suede Cruise in Norwalk and the 3rd Nostalgia Nationals in Bowling Green with Friday Night Drags in Columbus, OH, Puyallup, WA, Spokane, WA, Joliet, IL and Charlotte, NC. The Street Challenge Autocross will be held at thirteen of the twenty two events including a new course at the Colorado Nationals in Loveland.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
2010 Event Schedule

1st Spring Nationals
March 12, 13 & 14 - Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross & more!

28th All American Get-Together
March 27 & 28 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Indoor & outdoor car shows, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, West Coast Custom of the Year award & much more!

10th Del Mar Nationals
April 9, 10 & 11 – Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, Street Rod ‘Elegance award, live entertainment & more!

4th Meguiar’s Orange County Get-Together
May 15 & 16 – O.C. Fair & Expo Center Costa Mesa, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, vendor exhibits, autocross, live entertainment & more!

5th Nashville Nationals
May 21, 22 & 23 – LP Field, Nashville, TN
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, live entertainment & more!

17th Summer Get-Together
June 5 & 6 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, autocross & much more!

13th Colorado Nationals
June 4, 5 & 6 – The Ranch @ Larimer Co Fairgrounds, Loveland, CO
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, live entertainment & more!

22nd Hot Rod Nationals
June 11, 12 & 13 – O’Reilly Raceway Park, Indianapolis, IN
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Hot Rod of the Year award & more!

19th East Coast Nationals
June 25, 26 & 27 – Dutchess Co. Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet & more!

19th Heartland Nationals
July 2, 3 & 4 – Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, autocross, fireworks & more!

13th PPG Nationals
July 9, 10 & 11 – Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH
The biggie! Over 6,000 1972 & earlier rods, customs, classics and muscle cars! Car show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, street rod of the year award, street machine of the year award, live entertainment, Friday Nights Drags and so much more!

23rd Pacific Northwest Nationals
July 23, 24 & 25 – Puyallup Fair & Expo Center, Puyallup, WA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Friday Night Drags & more!

9th Great Northwest Nationals
August 13, 14 & 15 – Spokane Fair & Expo Center, Spokane, WA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, Friday Night Drags & more!

9th Blue Suede Cruise
August 20, 21 & 22 – Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, OH
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, & more!

24th West Coast Nationals
August 27, 28 & 29 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod award, live entertainment & more! 

9th Mid-Western Nationals
September 3, 4 & 5 – Kansas Speedway Kansas City, KS
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more!

4th Peak Chicagoland Nationals
September 17, 18, & 19 – Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise, Friday Night Drags & more!

6th Great American Nationals
September 24, 25 & 26 – Pocono Raceway, Pocono, PA
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more!

18th Lone Star Nationals
October 1, 2 & 3 – Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth, TX
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise & more!

3rd Nostalgia Nationals
October 15, 16 & 17 – Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, KY
Rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and race cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vintage drag racing, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, & more!

17th Southeastern Nationals
October 29, 30 & 31 – Lowe’s Motor Speedway Charlotte, NC
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, live entertainment, autocross, track cruise, Friday Night Drags & more!

21st Autumn Get-Together
November 13 & 14 – Pleasanton Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
American powered rods, customs, classics and muscle cars of all years, makes & models. Car show, giant swap meet, car corral, vendor exhibits, autocross & much more!

13th Southwest Nationals
November 19, 20 & 21 – Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ
Rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 vintage. Car Show, vendor exhibits, swap meet, & more!

For more info call (925) 838-9876 or log on the web at www.good-guys.com

Are you going to SEMA this year?

If so, Chevrolet and GM Performance Parts are sponsoring a "Tweetup" at SEMA and would like to have you join them. Part of the exciting event includes an opportunity to drive the new Camaro and Equinox, as well as a sneak peek of the GM display. Even better, they may have a surprise or two in the mix as well.

To RSVP, simply click the following link below with either a Twitter or Facebook account.

GM & GMPP's Tweetup Event!

Even a little brain-freeze couldn't hold back the  LSX Shootout...

Tough enough? Try braving some wind chill, some rain and certainly cold weather in Memphis this weekend at the LSX Shootout. I finally made it up top to the Media center in the timing tower to escape the frigid air. Four hours at the starting line trying to snap off some images almost left me literally snapping my fingers off from frostbite. It's no HIGH-RES image,  but in the return lane, you can see the line of LSX cars parked and ready to race. For what seemed like the stars aligning for the worst oil-downs in drag race history, the track was pretty much useless after each run.

I have to give it up to the guys in the LSX category though. They stood there braving the cold air. They wanted to race--badly. Luckily for them though most were dressed in their fire suits. A quick download of the weather on my iPhone was showing the areas temperature was dropping to below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The later the night got, the colder it became.

What would you rather have? Frosty conditions for racing or oven-like heat waves to race in? Let me know!

Ground Up Launches New El Camino Store for 2010.

Ground Up is proud to announce the launch of its new El Camino store for 2010. With thousands of restoration parts and detailing items for the 1964-72 El Camino in stock already and parts for 1973-87 El Caminos being added daily, Ground Up has everything needed to bring any El Camino back to showroom condition.

From small engine detailing items to sheet metal, Ground Up stocks a wide variety of parts to get any El Camino project rolling. Most orders ship the same day.

Be sure to check out www.ss396.com for current web specials and new items.

Ground Up was founded in 1990 to provide the best value through top quality parts and unmatched customer service. Visit www.ss396.com or call 866.358.2277 for your free Chevelle/El Camino, Camaro, or Nova catalog.

It's that time of the year again and be on the lookout for our January 2010 issue.

If you were one of our feature cars for 2009, there's a good chance you may have made it!

The WD-40®/SEMA Cares Camaro is making its debut inside the SEMA Show Grand Lobby Nov. 3-6, two months before it gets auctioned to help children in need.

The vehicle, a custom 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS with a 6.2-liter V8 engine and more than 600 horsepower, features a body kit, custom interior, entertainment system, and paint that emulates WD-40’s signature blue and yellow can. A virtual version of the vehicle will also appear in Nitto 1320 Legends, an online racing game and social network with more than 900,000 members.

After debuting at the SEMA Show, the WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro will appear at select West Coast auto-related events and then be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction Jan. 18–24 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds of the sale of the vehicle will go to Childhelp®, an organization that provides services to abused and neglected children, and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp, which provides life-changing camping experiences to special needs and chronically ill children.

"This vehicle honors a product that has helped mechanics, aftermarket professionals and auto enthusiasts get the job done for more than 50 years, and its sale will support great charities," said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40 Company. "We’re having a lot of fun with the project, and we know it would not be possible without the time, energy, dedication and resources of our build partners."

Partners involved in the build of the Camaro include: APE Wraps; Audio Innovations; Cie Studios; DynoMax; Eclipse; Forgeline Motorsports; Haddad Motorsports; Hedman Hedders; House of Tints; Katzkin Leather; L&G Enterprises; MGP Caliper Covers; Nitto Tires; Odyssey Batteries; Paxton Automotive; Pedders USA; PhotoTouch Inc.; PPG Industries; Sony Computer Entertainment America; Street Scene Equipment; and Top Quality Powder Coating.

For more information about the vehicle, visit wd40.com/camaro-build.

Hallmark is continuing their series of Keepsake Ornaments dedicated to Corvette enthusiasts.

This year’s Keepsake Ornament replicates the 2009 Corvette Stingray Concept. It’s constructed out of die-cast metal and features rotating wheels, measuring in at 4” wide and currently available in all Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide.

New brace for '67-69 Camaros, eliminates flex, while improving handling and control.

 Santa Fe Springs, CA – Take a long look at a modern NASCAR cup car, a '60s F1 car or a 3,000 year old Egyptian pyramid and you'll notice one similarity: lots of triangles. The triangle is the strongest shape in nature, so when a group of hardcore autocross racers asked Hotchkis to come up with a way to eliminate subframe flex in their First-Gen Camaros, they looked to the past to define the future. The result: Hotchkis Chassis Max Handle Bars, the first tubular front suspension brace that triangulates the upper control arm pickup points to each other and the firewall for incredible rigidity, consistent driver control and handling.

First generation Camaros and Firebirds use a bolt-on style subframe that can twist and flex during hard cornering, altering suspension alignment and altering the tire contact patch, creating unpredictable handling at the limit. This problem is amplified in pro-touring style cars with sticky modern tires and high-power engines. To eliminate flex, Hotchkis to developed the Handle Bar system to tie the upper control arms to each other and then triangulate them to the firewall for maximum subframe strength and rigidity. The result is more consistent response, increased handling, and improved driver control that makes the most of any high performance suspension.

Handle Bars are CAD designed and built out of high-strength steel tubing, CNC bent brackets and laser cut gussets for easy installation and a perfect fit. All necessary hardware is included, and Handle Bars are available with a durable gloss anthracite powdercoat finish or in raw steel for those that wish to color-match their engine bay.

To preview the entire line of Hotchkis Sport Suspension parts and components, please visit www.Hotchkis.net, email sales@hotchkis.net, or contact Hotchkis Performance directly at 877-4-NOROLL.

The Armed Forces Foundation Charity Casino Night invites you to join them for
“Wager for Warriors” Charity Invitational.

Complete details are listed below or you can also click on the image for a larger version:

Thursday, November 19, 2009
7pm
1200 Anastasia Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Poker
Black Jack
Craps
Roulette
Music, Dancing and Drinking
$1000  Poker Ticket
$500 Spectators (general tickets)

Proceeds from the AFF Casino Night will benefit The Armed Forces Foundation

Note: This event falls under House Rule 25, clause 5. (The Armed Forces Foundation does not retain or employ registered lobbyists or foreign agents.)
The Armed Forces Foundation is a nonprofit charity organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, and our federal identification
number is 75-3070368 

Please make checks payable to

“Armed Forces Foundation” and mail to:
16 North Carolina Ave, SE Washington, DC 20003