Small-Gauge Slugs
305ci Flat-Top Pistons
Mahle Motorsports now has a version of its complete piston assembly kits, the PowerPak, available for 305ci Chevy small-blocks. These new flat-top pistons are forged from 4032 high-strength, low-expansion aluminum alloy. They come as a ready-to-install kit, including 0.927-inch high-quality steel pins, round wire locks, and low-drag rings measuring 1.5, 1.5, and 3.0 mm. Mahle has also treated the piston skirts with its Grafal coating, which helps reduce friction and increases the scuffing resistance. According to Mahle, Grafal-coated pistons also enable a closer fitting clearance, which leads to significantly lower engine noise. They're available in 0.030- and 0.060-over sizes.
Price: $615
Mahle Motorsports
Fletcher, NC
888.255.1942
mahlemotorsports.com
Back It Up
'64-72 A- and G-body Rear Backing Plates
Your classic Chevelle, El Camino, or Monte Carlo has been motoring along like a trooper for decades now, and the car's original rear drums work just fine. Or do they? After as many as 40 years, it's quite possible that the brake shoes have worn a groove into the backing plate, which is why True Connections now offers new reproduction pieces. These redesigned backing plates fit on either side for easy installation and are the same gauge steel as factory originals. According to True Connections, they'll fit most Chevrolet passenger vehicles built from 1964 to 1982.
Price: $35
True Connections
Riverside, CA
951.688.6040
true-connections.com
PAC Man
Hyperpac Performance Automotive Computer
Hypertech touts its new HyperPAC as the easiest, fastest way to upgrade the performance of '99-04 Corvettes and Camaros. The HyperPAC simply plugs into your car's underdash diagnostic connector. Once installed, the unit uploads and stores the stock tuning, which can be restored at any time. More importantly, the HyperPAC performs myriad functions: It displays multiple engine function as well as diagnostic codes (including definitions), adjusts transmission shift points and firmness, compensates for nonstock rear ratios and tire sizes, and also does data acquisition. Hypertech's Power Tuning calibration produces gains of up to 19 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque over stock tuning. Better still, the HyperPAC is emissions-legal in all 50 states and won't void your warranty.
Price: $800
Hypertech
Bartlett, TN
901.382.8888
hypertech.com
Turn, No Twist
Serpentine Accessory Drive
ATI ProCharger recently created a new serpentine accessory-drive system for Chevrolet small-block engines, allowing older engines to upgrade to a new OEM-style six-rib drivebelt for all accessories. The Serpentine Accessory Drive is modular, allowing different combinations of alternator, power steering, air conditioning, and water pump (an '84-91 Corvette-style unit is required). ATI Pro-Charger has designed this new drive system for simplicity and trouble-free operation, allowing stable drive at much higher rpm than a V-belt. It's designed for use with ProCharger supercharger models from the P-1SC through the F-1, allowing for a wide range of horsepower capabilities.
Price: $349
ATI ProCharger
Lenexa, KS
913.338.2886
procharger.com