Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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READERS RIDES
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READERS RIDES
Modifications:
Performance:
- AGP S1 wastegate
- AEM Tru-Boost boost controller
Control:
- 17 inch Enkei wheels
- 235/45/17 Kumho Ecsta tires
- Hotchkis front and rear sway bars
- Hotchkies front and rear springs
- Vibrant front and rear strut bars
Sponsors:
- Maddog STS & CG-Lock
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READERS RIDES
Modifications:
Performance:
- SLP Loudmouth Axle-Back Exhaust
Control:
- 20” Carroll Shelby CS67’s (Anthracite)
- Yokohama S.drive (F:255/35-ZR20 - R:275/35-ZR20)
- Eibach Pro Kit Springs
Show:
- CDC Classic Chin Spoiler
- 3DCarbon Headlight Splitters
- 2008 Bullitt Edition Grille
- Xenon Mirror Covers
- 8” Shorty Antenna
- Katzkin “Stang” Emblems
- Shelby GT500 Rear Spoiler
- WebElectric Rear Sequentials
- GTS Rear Blackout Panel
- V-Tech Rear Black Taillight Bezel
- Silvania Silverstar Headlights
- MGW Billet GT Plug
- Billet Round AC Controls
- Silver Lined Trim / Door Panels
Audio, Visual and Security:
- Kenwood Head Unit w/ iPod Controls & Sirius Tuner
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Every Day. Track Day.
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I
n our last article we discussed the options avail- much for most, but not all. The type of music you the sides of trunks, etc., with the main feature be-
able in purchasing a new head unit for your ve- listen to as well as the overall sound you are looking ing that they allow you to add one or more subwoof-
hicle. Now that you have upgraded the head unit, for can change your needs. ers to your vehicle but still retain cargo or storage
the most common next step in upgrading the stereo space. JL and MTX offers these enclosures for many
system in your vehicle is to add more bass to the sys- Power Handling late model vehicles with options for different carpet
tem by way of a subwoofer. There are a few things to When shopping for subwoofers, you will see that they colors, and in some vehicles, you can choose differ-
take into account when attempting to add more bass; can handle anywhere from 100 up to 10,000 watts. If ent style boxes. These enclosures however, are not
cost, space restraints, sound desired and installation you want just a little more bass in your car, chances available for all vehicles. In the case one is not avail-
difficulty. The biggest complaint about factory sys- are the Kicker Solo X 18”, which will handle 10,000 able for your vehicle, the best alternative would be to
tems, even the amplified ones, is that they don’t have watts, is going to be a little overkill. Power handling have your local custom car audio shop fabricate an
enough bass. This is not just heard from people who is something to take into consideration when shop- enclosure out of fiberglass to get the same shape and
listen to rap music, but people who listen all genres ping for subwoofers. The most important number stealth appearance.
of music. Bass is a major component in all rock mu- to look for in the power handling of a subwoofer is As far as enclosures go, you have a few op-
sic and if your system is lacking there, it takes away the RMS or continuous power. This is the amount tions other than a hidden enclosure. You can still
from the sound quality you could fully achieve. of power that subwoofer can handle continuously. purchase the carpeted box to hold the subwoofers.
Many consumers make the mistake of looking at the
Size peak power handling. RMS power is what the sub-
Subwoofers come in all shapes and sizes. The most woofer will play at most of the time. Peak is what it
common subwoofer sizes are 8”, 10”, 12” and 15”, will play at for a short period of time during a musi-
although you will occasionally see them as large are cal high of a song. The subwoofer is not designed to
22” or in different sizes such as a 13.5”. Most sub- be able to handle the peak power all the time. That’s
woofers are round, but Kicker does offer the Solo why it is the “peak” of the power it can handle.
Baric series of subwoofers which are all square. The
idea behind the square subwoofer is that you gain Enclosure
cone area or surface When adding subwoofers, one of the major decisions
Submission thanks to Jason Helferich owner of www.streetstylecustoms.com and www.spadeperformance.com DOMES TIC DRIVER ||| 8
These are still very common and what many will use
in their first foray into car audio. Also, you can have
a custom fiberglass enclosure built by many custom
car audio shops that can be for function or strictly
for style. Many of these enclosures are painted or
wrapped in vinyl and add a custom look to the car. If
you consult with a local custom car audio shop, your
choices on a custom box can be endless. By having a
custom subwoofer enclosure built, you open yourself
to a wide variety of options. Most custom enclosures
are built out of MDF (medium density fiberboard) or
fiberglass. Once the box is built, you have the option
of covering it in carpet, vinyl, carbon fiber or even
painting it. Prices will range for these enclosures
depending on the level of complexity as well as the
materials used and the time needed to complete the
project. Prices can range from as low as $200-300 up
to tens of thousands for custom enclosures.
Voice Coils 2 ohm load on each side. Then you wire these subs glance you might see that the Pyramid subwoofer is
It is a common misconception that there is a benefit together in parallel dropping the input to 1 ohm. In 1000 watts, but that is most likely the peak power
to having two voice coils instead of one. In reality, this configuration you would be utilizing the full 500 - and that sub will barely ever see that amount of
dual voice coil subwoofers allow for more wiring watt output of this amplifier. power. Again, the most important number to look for
configurations which allow you to get optimum pow- The amount of consumers that have mis- on subwoofer and amplifiers is the RMS power, as
er out of your amplifier. So choosing a subwoofer matched subwoofers and amplifiers is incredible. In that is what they will be operating at 90% of the time.
with two voice coils has no benefit unless it allows turn, these people are not able to fully utilize the out- You may be able to get a 1000 watt subwoofer made
you to wire up your amplifier to get the most power put of the amp or subs. If you already have an amp, by Pyramid for $100 or a 150 watt subwoofer made
out of it. Let’s use an example: it is imperative to know the specs of that amp when by Kicker for $100. In most cases I would go with
Say you have a mono block amplifier with a shopping for subwoofers. If you already have sub- the Kicker.
maximum power output of 500 watts at 1 ohms, 250 woofers, it is also imperative to know the specs of Once you have decided on a set of subwoof-
watts at 2 ohms, or 125 watts at 4 ohms. You have de- the subwoofers to allow you to purchase an amplifier ers, an amplifier is your next purchase. Many times
cided to use two 10” subwoofers with this amplifier. that will allow you to get the most out of your subs. these items are purchased together. In our next ar-
If you have two single voice coil subwoof- ticle, we will discuss subwoofer amplifiers and what
ers (4 ohm) you can wire them in parallel creating Brand Names to look for in those.
a 2 ohm load. In this configuration, the subwoof- The best thing to do when purchasing car audio is to A nice car and a killer sound system go hand
ers would be receiving 250 watts, only half the amps purchase name brand products. In most cases, com- in hand. There is nothing better than rocketing down
output. panies like Pyramid, Lanzar, Sony or Power Acoustik a country road with the radio blaring just cruising and
If you have two dual voice coils subwoofers will put the max ratings on their products, whereas enjoying your car and yourself. An upgraded sound
(4 ohm) you can wire each coil in parallel creating a name brand companies like JL Audio, Kicker, JBL, system is something I think everyone should at least
MTX, etc. will put the RMS power on theirs. At first investigate, you will be sure to enjoy it.
Submission thanks to Jason Helferich owner of www.streetstylecustoms.com and www.spadeperformance.com DOMES TIC DRIVER ||| 9
2009 ROUSH® P-51B™ NOW TAKING FLIGHT
This car, based on the 2009 Ford Mustang chassis, will be limited to just 51 numbered production vehicles in 2009.
tires, which, combined with the ROUSH Stage 3™
suspension will give a road-hugging ride and nearly
unmatched cornering ability. The Ford factory Vapor
paint code will be accented with Olive Drab green
badging to match the World War II motif, and a rear
decklid black-out panel is included. The P-51B logo
adorns the shifter ball, floor mats and is embroi-
dered into the leather seating. Further matching the
history of the fighter plane, which often saw differ-
ent metal panels used to patch the planes back into
flying and fighting condition, the six-piece ROUSH
aerobody kit will have both Vapor and Silver colors
utilized for a subtle, but highly unique, look on the
road.
The 2009 P-51B continues the yellow and
red checkerboard accents which pay tribute to the
brave pilots of the 357th Fighters Group, Eighth
Air Force ETO (European Theater Operations) who
were unofficially known as “The Yoxford Boys” af-
ter a village near their base. Its victory totals in air-
to-air combat are the most of any P-51 group in the
Eighth Air Force and third among all groups fight-
ing in Europe. The 357th flew 313 combat missions
between February 11, 1944 and April 25, 1945 and
LIVONIA, Mich. (November 11, 2008) - ROUSH® of the internal components with stronger parts in-
Performance continues their homage to the legend- cluding forged aluminum pistons (with an increased
ary World War II fighter plane with the 2009 P- dish to lower the compression ratio from 9.8 to 8.6),
51B™ Mustang, the second aviation-themed pony forged steel H-Beam connecting rods and a forged
car from the Michigan-based manufacturer. This steel crankshaft and there is an upgraded high-ca-
car, based on the 2009 Ford Mustang chassis, will pacity fuel delivery system installed. ROUSH also
be limited to just 51 numbered production vehicles upgrades the clutch and includes a custom-calibra-
in the 2009 model year. tion for the ECM to manage the performance of the
As with the previous 2008 ROUSH P-51A™ next-generation TVS2300 ROUSHcharger®.
Mustang, introduced at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Among the changes for the 2009 P-51B
Vegas, the 2009 P-51B will also have 510 horse- are a secondary sheave FEAD, the addition of the
power and 510 lb.-ft. of torque matching it as the ROUSH 6-piston brakes which can be seen through
most powerful ROUSH Mustang ever produced. In the new black chrome wheels, and a ROUSH vent
order to get this type of power from the Ford 4.6L, pod gauge with a boost gauge. The car will be fitted
3-valve engine, ROUSH technicians replace many with the new Cooper RS3 ultra-high performance
T
he National Corvette Museum will kick off who have given $1,000 and above throughout 2008, raffle drawing. The C5/C6 Bash Banquet on Saturday,
the 2009 event season with one of the most and of the “Duntov Society”, who have shared their April 25 will offer dinner and live music with a
recognized events in the Corvette arena, the plans to include the Museum in their estates, will “Margaritaville” theme to help us celebrate the 12th
C5/C6 Bash, April 23-25, 2009. This year’s event receive a special invitation to attend a memorable Anniversary of the C5/C6 Registry. Also new for 2009
will feature everything the award winning event is event in the Museum’s new Conference Center. is a Digital Scavenger Hunt in the Bowling Green area;
recognized for in addition to newly added activities This year’s Bash participants have a chance to remember to bring your camera! “This year’s bash is
that include exceptional road tour excursions to some experience two completely new road tour excursions the best representation of what a Museum event is all
of Kentucky’s best attractions and dining experiences, including a drive to the heart of bluegrass music in about,” states NCM Events Manager, Roc Linkov.
the 2010 model roll out and special displays, drag Western Kentucky for a tour of the International “It has everything that makes the Bash event unique
racing and more. Bluegrass Museum and lunch at the famous Moonlight to the Museum and is the perfect chance for folks to
Guests attending this year’s Bash will have a BBQ Cafe. Antique aficionados will want to spend get close to the celebrities in the Corvette arena. We
chance to meet and greet the finest in Corvette design some time to explore antiques and discover the area’s invite everyone to join us for a great time.”
and engineering and take part in informative seminars. finest journeys for rare collectibles and historic finds All pre-registered guests will receive a
The Corvette Customer Assistance Center will be and unique local crafts on our Antiques and Crafts commemorative lapel pin and dash plaque in addition
set up to help with factory warranty or customer road tour through the region. For enthusiasts who to a personalized event badge. Register online via our
service concerns and participants can take part in the are history fans, there is a tour to Shaker Village website at: www.corvettemuseum.com/registration/
celebrity choice car show, drag racing, autocross and and Tavern for a learning experience found only in c5_bash/info.shtml or by calling (800) 53-VETTE.
other activities to shine and show their Corvette’s Kentucky. Other event fun will include a Poker Run, The event is co-hosted by the Official C5/C6
personality. Members of the elite “Winners Circle” silent auction, autograph session, and a Corvette Registry.
C
orsa Performance Exhausts introduces its new 2008 warranty and is compliant with the static sound
Dodge Challenger 6.1L SRT8 exhaust system. level requirements of SAE J1169.
Featuring CORSA’s exclusive Reflective Focusing on the development of propri-
Sound Cancellation(tm) (RSC(tm)) technolo- etary technology, CORSA Per-
gy, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 exhaust formance Exhausts employs
system delivers a robust sound during patented Reflective Sound
acceleration that complements the Cancellation(tm) (RSC) tech-
car’s powerful V8 Hemi, while main- nology in its performance
taining a drone-free interior sound automotive exhaust sys-
while cruising. tems. CORSA’s 100 per-
The full cat-back exhaust cent stainless steel exhausts
system features Corsa’s new rectan- are specifically tuned to each
gular exhaust tips - GTX Style Tips vehicle to eliminate passenger
- in a dual rear exit configuration to cabin resonance and to produce
enhance the Challenger’s nostalgic, just the right sound. CORSA of-
muscle car appearance. All tips are fers performance exhaust systems and
manufactured from high-quality, 304L pol- accessories for cars, trucks and SUVs.
ished stainless steel and laser etched with the
Corsa logo.
“The full-bodied tone our Challenger exhaust
delivers when you put the pedal to the floor is an unmistakable
sound from the muscle car era and will turn heads on every
street corner,” said Jim Browning, Sr., founder and president,
CORSA Performance Exhausts.
Featuring a straight-through, 2.75-inch nonrestrictive
design, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 exhaust system delivers a
14 percent gain in exhaust flow versus stock in CORSA’s flow
bench tests. CORSA’s free-flowing exhaust system allows the
6.1L Hemi to operate more efficiently, and Challenger owners
can expect an increase in power of 9 hp to 11 hp and 6-10 lb.-
ft of torque.
Complete installation hardware and an illustrated in-
stallation guide are also included with the bolt-on exhaust sys-
tem. It can be purchased direct from CORSA Performance,
your local dealer and through select retailers/distributors na-
tionwide.
Crafted in the United States from premium, 304 grade
stainless steel, CORSA’s Dodge Challenger SRT8 exhaust
system is 50-state emissions legal, carries a limited lifetime
S
eventeen Years of the Dodge Viper. Until
I put it down in print, it’s a fact that es-
capes me. Anyone reading this publication
knows the place in history this iconic Dodge has
carved out for itself. With a base horsepower of
600 thanks to last year’s newest V-10 variant, this
ain’t your Daddy’s Corvette. All that power, two
seats and a killer road silhouette adds up to a pur-
pose built machine without equal.That is, unless
you’re willing to spend much more and forgoe the
Detroit pedigree exclusive to Viper.
With an image like that, any enthusiast
must be curious as to what and who goes into
each of these beasts. In an age of manufacturing
where team concept is the standard, you come up
a little short calling the people at Conner Avenue
Assembly a team. Family is far closer to the truth.
In this case a family with as rich an automotive
history as one would imagine.
Article thanks to Thomas H. Ballard | Pictures thanks to Joe Christopherson DOMES TIC DRIVER ||| 17
passes where I fail to realize how blessed I am to
be a part of something bigger than me. For a car
guy, things don’t get much better.
All of us here feel this way to some de-
gree. Alot of us restore vintage cars. Some of us
are avid drag racers. One of us spent the last few
years on serious budget. Now he is the owner of a
1998 Viper. Yes, we live what we build and now
we also drive what we build. It was a proud sum-
mer this year with a red roadster coming home,
ten years on, to the ones who birthed her.
I must insist this is not shameless promo-
tion for Dodge. Most of my tenure at Chrysler has
been right here. I was a kid with a dream job once.
I am a little older now. But my intense faith and
commitment to America’s only production super
car has diminished not one bit. I know I speak
for all of us, too. Our doors at Conner Avenue
are open to the world. We invite regular tours of
everyone from car clubs to school kids. Give us
a call then come on down to pay a visit. We are
more than happy to have you and I myself would
enjoy the pleasure of meeting each and every one
of you.
So there you have it. An insider’s view of
an American Legend. Viper will be 20 years old
very shortly. May she live a long and celebrat-
ed life. Much longer than even mine. What else
could any proud parent hope for?
Article thanks to Thomas H. Ballard | Pictures thanks to Joe Christopherson DOMES TIC DRIVER ||| 18
GRANATELLI BIG G8 DEBUTS AT 2008 SEMA SHOW
“We named this project the Big G8 to tie
into the Granatelli Big G product line we offer for
GM vehicles. Granatelli Big G flash tuners and
programmers offer industry leading features, cut-
ting edge technology and dyno proven increases in
performance. The Granatelli Big G flash tuners and
programmers have earned the reputation of “the”
flagship tuners and programmers in the aftermarket
and Big G Twin Turbo kits stand for quality and are
synonymous with the LS engine program. Since the
G8 is the flagship Pontiac vehicle, we feel the Big G8
name is appropriate for this project. We’re the only
G8 at SEMA with full custom suspension with chas-
sis braces & sway bars, fully integrated OEM quality
twin turbo system plus we’ve got the nicest looking
interior by a mile.”
Granatelli plans on producing a limited num-
ber of Big G8s and distributing them through select
Pontiac dealers. “The Big G8 will deliver satisfac-
tion to those demanding world class performance.
P
ontiac is spending an unprecedented $150 mil- The car will easily outperform a turbocharged or su-
lion in a print campaign to launch the all-new percharged SRT8 Charger or a modified BMW M.
G8 so the brass is taking this car very serious- We’re making the interior much nicer with carbon
ly. According to J.R. Granatelli of Granatelli Motor fiber/suede inserts and accents, suede headliner and
Sports, “they are going after the BMW M and Chrys- state of the art Scosche Realm audio. The end result
ler/Dodge SRT8 market with the G8. Granatelli is is that the Big G8 is the kind of car I would buy so
known for building twin turbo project vehicles that we’re going to make them available in very limited
demonstrate a realistic extension of what is possible quantities,” said Granatelli.
with a particular platform. The turbo system will be
engineered to fit under the stock hood and provide
full integration with the factory electronics. The
chassis, LS-based V-8 engine and transmission are
virtually identical to those that will be used on the
new 2009/2010 Camaro. Building the G8 gives us
the opportunity to take the G8 to the next level while
getting a head start with the Camaro program. Since
we innovated many 4th generation Camaro parts in
1993, look for many new innovative products from
Granatelli on the horizon.”
For more information, please contact Granatelli Motor Sports at 1-805-486-6644 or log on to www.GranatelliMotorSports.com DOMES TIC DRIVER ||| 19
EVENT COVERAGE:
EVENT: SEMA SHOW
DATE: NOVEMBER 4–7, 2008
PLACE: LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
T
he domestic and global economic crisis “Going into the Show, I figured I’d be
offered 2008 SEMA Show exhibitors and selling parts to the gang in the booth next to us,”
attendees at least one small benefit: it kept says L.J. Lobsinger Jr., national sales manager for
the “tire kickers” at home. Industry slang for those Specialty Auto Parts USA. “We were pleasantly
attendees not interested in buying, tire kickers surprised by the turnout, and it was truly a quality-
decided that their efforts in previous years (including versus-quantity show, as we met with nearly every
elaborate schemes to sneak into the Show) weren’t important buyer on the books.”
worth it this year. The result: a concentration of Lobsinger also noted the general optimism
more qualified and interested buyers. of buyers and attendees, particularly a day after the
SEMA has taken several steps in recent general election and regardless of poor earnings
years to protect the Show’s purpose of connecting reports announced by GM and Ford.
buyers and sellers. These include assigning “alumni “This industry will always show resiliency.
numbers” to qualified attendees, and heightened No matter what GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Tata and
screening of the application process. These and so on build, the aftermarket will create something
other safeguards paid dividends to the Show’s more to make those cars and trucks look better and go
than 1,900 exhibitors. faster.”
N
ow that it’s become winter, the supercars are
all hidden away in garages or buried under
blankets of snow. I’ve been remembering the
exceptional car events that I’ve participated in over
the years. Owning a Viper has expanded my horizons
beyond mere speed and acceleration tests to actual
cornering contests with the speed and acceleration
like this Rally last year, my favorite event so far...
Supercharged madness can be defined as
sliding up a skinny two-lane switch-backed mountain
road. Well, it only took thirteen VCA members roughly
fifteen minutes to reach the top at Revelstoke, BC.
I decided it was time to try out my new ‘01
supercharged Viper GTS in competition against
a dozen other Vipers. Not just a superfast streetcar
(10.5@139mph on stock tires), but the Viper also
corners like it’s on rails. A Mountain Rally against good time in the lounge, but it had been a long day of
other Vipers sounded like a “learning experience.” driving so about midnight I asked the waitress for our
Slightly north of Mt. Waddington is a plateau bill. “I’m sorry but it’s already been taken care of,”
surrounded by four mountain ranges known as the she told me. I found Doug French and asked him what
West Chilcotin. I have 800 pristine lakes, the 4th happened to my bill and he said, “Oh I took care of it.”
highest waterfall in the world and the steepest 16- Wow, thanks Doug and Debbie!
miles of highway in North America surrounding my I was the last member to start his Viper at
lakeside log house at Nimpo Lake, BC. Leaving this 7:15 the next morning. I didn’t realize that Viper
area to drive to the scenic Monashee mountains was owners could party all night and be in such great
like going to the neighbors - all of BC is beautiful. I shape so early in the morning -- must be the crisp
loaded Deana’s suitcases into the back of my GTS and mountain air. 7:30am found all the Vipers lined up
headed east along the “Highway of Death” (hwy 20), and leaving the hotel’s parking lot. Fred Kappler’s
the start of our trip across the province. 99 Black GTS, Don’s Sapphire ’01 R/T10 and
Spending the day in the driver’s seat is one of Ron’s Black 99 GTS all were equipped with Paxton
my favorite pastimes and we arrived at the log entryway superchargers and wives. Although sapphire Vipers
of the Hillcrest Hotel Coast Resort by 6:30pm. are quite rare (only 239 were built) there were three
We were welcomed by 18 VCA members sapphire cars in the parking lot, mine included. A
including our hosts, Douglas French and his wife Deb Mercedes SLR55 was also hiding amongst the Viper
from Calgary. Dinner was excellent and we had a lineup.
T
his isn’t what we would normally classify
as “image manipulation,” but this art form
is very impressive. Here is what Paul Hud-
spath says about his creations:
“When I receive a photo from a customer,
I send it to Andy Deane (www.80artdesigns.com),
a Canadian artist and good friend who creates a
pattern for me. I cut that pattern with a .029 wide
and .012 thick scroll saw blade for the final shape,
then sand. Each project typically takes 8 to 10
hours to complete, depending on complexity.”
Prices range from $65.00 to $135 plus
shipping, depending on the amount of detail
needed - such as flames or grills.