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MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
TAYLOR TAKES TEXAS SHOOTOUT; NEW CAR COMING
With a car borrowed from Richard Patterson, Frankie “Mad
Man” Taylor brought his racing season to a close with a
victory and $10,000 at the Outlaw Pro Mod Shootout at
Texas Raceway in Kennedale.
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“We knew Big Bertha had it in her,” Taylor said of
Patterson’s ’51 Chevy after running the weekend’s best
3.906 against the Hector-Wiley team in the final on Friday,
Nov. 13.
Taylor tried to win the Texas Outlaw Pro Mod Association
race on Saturday, but had to settle for the runner-up spot to
Ken “Bad Bird” Thomas’s 4.08.
A new 2005 Corvette is on order from Jeffers Pro Cars and
Taylor’s old Vette, damaged at Houston in October, will be
in the shop for repair. Taylor plans to run ADRL and TOPMA
events in 2010.
(photo courtesy Taylor Racing)
[11/17/09]
HURST SPECIAL EDITION CAMARO RAISES MORE THAN $61,000
SEMA, Chevrolet, eBay and Hurst Performance
Vehicles teamed up to auction a pre-production 2010
Hurst Camaro at the SEMA Show. Serial #3, the first
Hurst/Camaro offered to the public, was won by
Ernest Feist for a winning bid of $61,900 and joins a
1979 Trans-Am in his automotive stable.
Featuring choice items, including Hurst/Magnaflow
exhaust, Hurst/Eibach suspension, T-2 20-inch forged
wheels, a Billet/Plus short throw shifter and a red
anodized HARD-DRIVE billet pistol-grip shift handle,
the Camaro puts down 445 hp from its V8 mill.
Signatures from luminaries such as Doc Watson,
Linda Vaughn and Hurst executives, and a
personalized “SEMA Special” interior identification
badge attest to the rarity of this special vehicle.
Ernest Feist (left) placed the winning bid for the third
production model 2010 Hurst Camaro. Feist is flanked by his
son, Ernie Jr., Linda Vaughn, SEMA Chair-Elect Scooter
Brothers, and SEMA Vice President of Councils and
Membership Nathan Ridnouer. (photo courtesy SEMA)
Proceeds from the sale benefit the SEMA Memorial
Scholarship Fund, a program that fosters industry
leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket. [11/17/09]
Columns - Bowtie Bytes - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
HARVICK WINS AT PHOENIX; HORNADAY CLINCHES
FOURTH TRUCK CHAMPIONSHIP
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Kevin Harvick took his No. 4 Longhorn Silverado to victory lane at Phoenix
International Raceway for the fourth time in the last five years. At the same
time, he celebrated with dual burnouts down the front straightaway alongside
his Kevin Harvick, Inc. driver Ron Hornaday, Jr. who made history by
becoming the first four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS)
champion.
Hornaday secured the unprecedented feat with a fourth place finish in the Nov.
13 race. Heading in to the season's final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway,
the battle for the 2009 NCWTS owners' title is still undecided. DeLana Harvick
holds a 60-point lead over second place.
“I couldn’t think of a better track and I love Phoenix," said the newly crowned
champion. "This is a compliment to the team. It takes a lot of people to do this,
all the guys back at the shop. Just had another great truck. Mark Smith with
the motor program and what he has done and with Chevrolet and everything
they do including the wind tunnel and all their support and Pratt and Miller. It
just takes a bunch of people and I am just fortunate enough that my wife and I
are old enough that we are just at the race track and having fun.”
Harvick’s victory marked the first time the award-winning Chevy R07 has visited Victory Lane in NCWTS
competition.
The victory for Harvick was a continuation of the tradition of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Earnhardt
Childress Racing (ECR) engines scoring the first-ever win for both the Chevy SB2 and R07 engines in NASCAR
competition.
“Congratulations to ECR engines for completing the sweep of first wins for both the SB2 and R07 engines in
NASCAR Series competition,” said Pat Suhy, GM Racing NASCAR Group Manager. “The streak began with Dale
Earnhardt, Sr.’s victory in 1998 at the Daytona 500 with the SB2 and continued with Kevin Harvick’s win in the
2007 Sprint Cup All-Star Race with the R07. RCR driver Clint Bowyer brought home the first Nationwide Series win
for the R07 at the 2008 Bristol Spring race. Harvick capped off the string with his win last night at Phoenix in the
NCWTS.
“Richard (Childress) and Teresa (Earnhardt) have put together a great organization that knows how to maximize
the performance and durability of the racing engines used by their teams and customers. Our GM Racing
Powertrain group designs parts that provide a strong foundation for them to build from. We are proud to be
associated with such a successful organization.”
Kevin Harvick also drives the No.
29 Chevrolet in Sprint Cup racing
and the No. 21 in the Nationwide
series. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty
Images)
Johnny Sauter, No. 13 Fun Sand/Rodney Atkins/Curb Records Silverado, finished fifth in the race scheduled for
150-laps but a caution on lap 149 forced the race in to overtime for a green-white-checkered finish.
Matt Crafton, No. 88 Australian Gold/Menards Silverado, finished eighth to give Team Chevy four of the top-10 finishers in the Phoenix race. Crafton is
second in the standings, 150 points ahead of third place as the season winds down to one race to go.
Kyle Busch (Toyota) and Aric Almirola (Toyota) finished second and third respectively. [11/17/09]
BLUEBAUGH BACK ON TRACK FOR PSCA FINAL IN VEGAS
After blowing their engine in early September, Kelly Bluebaugh Racing’s team Magna
Fuel is headed to this weekend’s Street Car Super Nationals (SCSN) at the Las Vegas
Strip after repairs and upgrades.
Crew Chief Deborah Woodard said, ”The team has been sitting in the 6.40’s range,
however has not really utilized the potential of the new 784 cubic inch nitrous engine
obtained for the Magna Fuel Monte Carlo late last summer.”
Bluebaugh, also an engine builder, has changed some of the configuration in the
engine for a power advantage with the help of Fulton Competition. In addition, LSM Systems Engineering created a special camshaft design and JE
Pistons supplied new custom pistons for the project. [11/17/09]
Columns - Bowtie Bytes - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
DOES STEWART KNOW WHEN TO HOLD’EM?
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Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and current
Chase contender Tony Stewart is set to enjoy a
great game of poker against his fans. On Saturday,
Nov. 28, with the 2009 Chase and a hugely
successful race season as an owner/driver behind
him, Tony will head for the Hollywood Casino
Lawrenceburg, Ind., to host the main event of his
inaugural ‘Smoke’s Texas Hold’em Poker
Tournament.’
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Tony Stewart Foundation . Since its founding in 2003,
the Indianapolis-based foundation has awarded over $4 million in grants to not-for-profit groups
throughout the US serving critically ill or injured children; injured, abused or at risk animals, and
injured racing drivers and their families. Proceeds from this tourney have been earmarked to benefit
organizations dedicated to responsible thoroughbred racehorse retirement and greyhound
adoption .
A series of satellite tournaments will precede the November 28 Main event. Entry fee for the Main
event is $500 - or a spot at the table can be won in the satellite tournaments. Complete information
about the tournament, dates of the satellite events, how to enter, details about a pre-tourney VIP
reception hosted by Tony at Hollywood Casino, and more can be found at www.SmokesPoker.com .
[11/17/09]
FUTURE HOT RODDERS WIN $250,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
The five members of Team Fel-Pro from Jolliet
Central High School in Joliet, Ill., each earned
$10,000 scholarships for their victory in the inaugural
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge National
Championship at the 2009 SEMA Show.
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Dubbed the “Showdown at SEMA,” Team Fel-Pro
needed just 44:22 minutes to take apart and
reassemble a high-performance Chevy 350 engine in
the championship round, besting Team MSD’s 56:54.
Hailing from the Elkhart Area Career Center (Elkhart,
Ind.), each member of Team MSD was awarded individual $7,500 scholarships.
To qualify for the championship round, Team Fel-Pro and Team MSD eliminated teams Hedman
Hedders, from Loara High School (Anaheim, Calif.), and Team Edelbrock, from Van Buren Tech
Center (Lawrence, Mich.), respectively.
The Ohio Technical College and the University of Northwestern Ohio each donated $125,000 toward
scholarships to the high school students who participated in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine
Challenge National Championship.
A total $250,000 in scholarships were awarded to the finalists. For more information on the Hot
Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com . (photo courtesy
SEMA)
[11/17/09]
Columns - Bowtie Bytes - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
THAT’S HOW THE DROPTOP FLOPS!
John Lingenfelter
on Modifying SB
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John Lingenfelter
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Some of you may remember the Truppi-Kling SS/EA ’70 Chevelle that sold for $1,242,000 in 2006. The car was
coveted for a variety of reasons: It was powered by an RPO LS6 454/450 hp rat motor; it was a convert with
nothing but drag racing miles on it; it went undefeated in 1970 with Ray Allen driving and won the 1970 World
Finals at Dallas.
Well, the guy who bought the car back in ’06 decided to put it through the auction line at the Petersen Museum
and the hammer came down on a final bid of $264,500! It’s still a lot of money for a SS/EA car but a deep drop in
value -- like almost a million. Yikes! (George Cureton photo) [11/17/09]
JOHNSON WINS AT PHOENIX, HOLD POINTS LEAD WITH ONE EVENT
REMAINING
Jimmie Johnson took his No. 48 Lowe's Impala SS to victory lane in the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at
Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) to score his seventh win of the 2009 season. The victory inched Johnson
ever closer to his unprecedented fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) championship with one
race remaining in the season. He holds a 108-point lead after 35 races.
“Great performance,” Johnson said after the race. “I just can't thank the team enough for staying focused. Pretty
bummed out after last week. Chad (crew chief Knaus) did a great job of kind of steering the team, keeping
everybody's spirits up, focused on the right things. We showed up, good in qualifying trim, qualified well. Then
once we had that second set of tires on the car today, the car took off. We just made some small adjustments
from there, just kept making the car better and better. Very proud of the team, how we can bounce back, stay
focused on the right things, and get the job done. I'm very excited. A great position to be in. But Texas was last
week, as we all know, and anything can happen. That was proof of it. So looking forward to Homestead. Yes, I am
excited. We need to go down there, qualify up front, run up front all night long, stay out of trouble.”
A 25th-place or better finish next Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway will notch a spot in NASCAR history for
Johnson as the first driver to win four consecutive NSCS championships. The win is the 47th of his NSCS career
and fourth at PIR.
Jeff Burton brought the No. 31 CAT Financial Impala SS to the checkered flag in the second finishing position.
Mark Martin, No. 5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Impala SS, and pole sitter Martin Truex, Jr., No. 1 Rain-X Impala SS,
finished fourth and fifth respectively to give Team Chevy four of the top-five finishers in the 312-lap/500-mile race.
Giving Team Chevy seven of the top-10 finishers were Clint Bowyer, No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Impala
SS, in seventh position, Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Target Impala SS, in eighth place at the finish line and Jeff
Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Impala SS, in the ninth finishing spot.
Other Team Chevy drivers in the Chase finished as follows: Ryan Newman, No. 39 US Army Impala SS - 20th;
Tony Stewart, No. 14 Old Spice/Office Depot Impala SS - 25th.
Denny Hamlin (Toyota) completed the top-five finishers. [11/17/09]
Chevys and Rio
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Columns - Bowtie Bytes - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
LABONTE SIGNS WITH TRG
Former NASCAR champion Bobby Labonte has signed on to drive for TRG Motorsports next season.
Labonte has already raced five times for TRG this season, and will finish the year in the No. 71 Chevrolet for a
total of seven races. The car will be sponsored by TaxSlayer.com for roughly half the season. Team owner Kevin
Buckler said that he will try to use multiple companies to fill the rest of the schedule.
Labonte drove for Hall of Fame Racing for most of this season in a car that was run out of Yates Racing. Team
officials replaced him for seven events this year to give developmental driver Erik Darnell some seat time, which
freed Labonte to drive for TRG. [11/17/09]
JONES TAKES USAC SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Tony Stewart Racing
(TSR) driver Levi Jones
clinched his third career
U.S. Auto Club (USAC)
National Sprint Car Series
championship by finishing
12th in Sunday night’s 30lap season finale at
Thunderbowl Raceway in
Tulare, Calif. Jones won
the championship driving
the No. 20 Chevy/Bass
Pro Shops/Maxim in 34
events during the 2009 season, earning team partners Chevy and Bass Pro Shops their second championship in
non-winged Sprint car racing’s premier division.
The championship marked the fifth USAC Sprint car title for car owner Tony Stewart. The championship is
Stewart’s eighth in USAC and his 11th overall as a car owner, for he also has three car owner titles in the World of
Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
“It feels great to win a third USAC Sprint car championship,” said the 27-year-old Jones, who resides in
Brownsburg, Ind. “All the hard work from everyone at Tony Stewart Racing has paid off. This season has had its
ups and downs and I’m very proud of our team for the effort that they’ve put into this title. Winning races is what
we shoot for, and even though we didn’t win the final race of the season, our overall season effort put us on top in
the end.
“Every season, our goal is to win the championship, and this year we were able to win our third championship. It
takes a lot of commitment from the team and our partners. The people at Chevy, Bass Pro Shops and Armor All
give us an opportunity to compete for a championship each year and we sincerely appreciate their support. It’s
really a team effort, and I can’t thank the TSR/Chevy team (Jimmy Carr, Mikey Kuemper, John Sayne, Adam
Barth, Bobby Barth, Colton Brown, Michael Lewis, Brad Mariscotti and Kenny VanDam) enough. It was also great
to have my family with me this weekend, and I especially want to thank our team owner, Tony Stewart, for giving
me the opportunity to drive for his team.”
Jones capped the title chase Nov. 7 at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway in the final night of the Budweiser Oval
Nationals event. He carried a 124-point advantage over his nearest challenger, Dave Darland, to claim the
championship.
In the final race of the season on Nov. 15, Jones qualified in the 12th position and finished second in the fourth
heat to transfer into the feature event, and after starting 11th in the 30-lap feature event, Jones drove and illhandling racecar to a 12th-place finish in the season finale.
En route to earning four USAC Sprint car victories, Jones also picked up his third career USAC Indiana Sprint
Week title. Jones notched 16 top-five and 29 top-10s in 34 events this season. (Photo by Tim Aylin, courtesy of Tony
Stewart Racing.)
[11/17/09]
Columns - Bowtie Bytes - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
A Story Untold – Part Two
My first exposure to the California environmental agency that morphed into the California Air Resources Board of
today was in 1966. I attended a meeting between a handful of major specialty parts manufacturers based in the
Southern California area and the later-to-become CARB agency staff. As I recall, the meeting’s purpose was to
alert core high performance parts manufacturers of the agency’s intention to include such on-road components in
their emerging emissions regulations. Vic Edelbrock attended the meeting and got his first sniff of what lay ahead
in how his parts would eventually be impacted by emissions controls.
At the time, the CARB noted that high performance parts coming out of the OEMs would set the bar for what
would be allowed in the performance aftermarket. No emissions tests required, only specifications limits for such
parts as camshafts, ignition distributors and other items of potential impact on emissions. And while it was clear
CARB was still becoming focused on how it would treat high performance parts on the streets of California,
regulatory controls on emissions-related parts were clearly crystallizing.
Four years after that meeting, Edelbrock decided to become proactive with the CARB. Amid some criticism from
industry members who preferred to let a “sleeping dog lie,” Vic chose to meet the situation head-on. The fact of
the matter was the “dog” wasn’t asleep at all, only deciding on where to dig first. Vic had just been tapped by the
industry to serve his first of two terms as SEMA’s president, so taking a direct approach to environmental issues
potentially problematic to emissions-related parts was a logical step to take. So he took it.
While other issues for which the industry was receiving some
criticism were evolving (safety and noise), Vic formed three new
working committees, one of which was labeled Emissions
Committee. The membership of this group allowed voluntary
participation for the purpose of staying abreast of emerging
regulations and an opportunity to make or keep their products
compliant. Vic had me Chair the committee and I’ll share that
doing so was akin to the proverbial statement about herding
cats. Only a few members were conscientious about their
attendance and participation. The remainder simply wanted a
few members to carry the weight for all.
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In the midst of this environment, Edelbrock took two additional
steps. At the time, it had a working relationship with Holley (then
owned by Colt Industries), to the extent Vic was using Holley
sales reps to market Edelbrock products. Since Holley was
already engaged in performance emissions testing for
carburetors they were supplying the OEM, it was fortuitous that
emissions testing Edelbrock intake manifolds could be
performed in the Holley labs. So that’s what we did by
massaging street manifold designs already in existence to
become cleaner and fashioning new manifolds to incorporate
what we were learning. By itself, the decision to actively begin
testing and design products to include emissions-related
features was clearly an industry first, for the day.
Technically Speaking - A Story Untold - Part Two - Page 1 of 2 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
Once we’d had a year or so gathering emissions data and becoming more familiar with the
certification process, Edelbrock took an even bolder step. Vic agreed we’d hold a “press day” and
invite staff from a range of performance automotive publications to visit the company for a tour and
explanation of what Edelbrock had been doing to address oncoming emissions regulations. And then
we chose to do the unthinkable by inviting members from the CARB to be in attendance. Talk about
inviting the fox into the hen house…and they all came. The presentation we made included much of
the emissions-related work Edelbrock had been doing to improve the emissions performance of its
manifolds, much to the surprise of the media in attendance because (at the time) they equated
emissions reductions with decreased power. In fact, we showed them increased performance was
possible.
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That singular “press day” launched Edelbrock’s efforts to become an “environmental leader” in the
specialty and performance parts industry that eventually led to the building of a full-blown emissions
lab which became home to numerous media projects that included emissions components. It was a
position of leadership the company enjoyed for many of the following years and drew a number of
emissions-related projects for the testing of both existing and prototype parts outside the confines of
intake manifolds. The educational value alone was worthwhile because it fostered a related and
significant series of events that followed. But first, you need to understand the environment in which
Edelbrock’s manifolds were evolving.
As you might expect, much of an engine’s ability to perform well is dependent upon its induction
system. This also means there are various functions that must be integrated, if maximum engine
efficiency is to be accomplished. Specifically, this calls out that during the course of developing new
manifold concepts, we were positioned to determine the requirements for other parts, like camshafts
and exhaust headers, just to name two of them.
Sometimes, opportunities can stare you right in the face and not be recognized. Edelbrock had been
including all sorts of non-manifold equipment in its engine dyno testing for years and never
considered optimizing parts that related directly to the manifold. Initially, Vic didn’t have any interest in
exploring the possibilities of integrated parts “packages” so I took the initiative to build an example
engine on my own. Once completed and dyno-tested, we dropped it into an available Camaro and
invited Vic for a drive. Impressed though he was, the light didn’t come on.
Finally, after more discussion than this column has space to relate, he agreed to offer one camshaft
for a small-block Chevy, hydraulic version only. Camshaft Machine Company (then located in
Michigan and an OEM camshaft supplier) got the nod to provide the cams and the “Performer”
camshafts sprang to life. In less than a year, Edelbrock was in the top five accounts for Camshaft
Machine and moving up the ladder. Bottom-line, an entire line of camshafts was established and
began to thrive…as matched to the Edelbrock intake manifolds of the day.
At this point, the cash register was ringing and there was much less resistance when I suggested we
begin including integrated-design exhaust headers. Vic’s response was to buy a small exhaust
header shop in San Fernando Valley, CA, and move it into Edelbrock. Now the “package” concept
was rolling and the bundles of manifold, camshaft and headers combinations were not only selling
well but providing solid power gains across the board. Part of this success was linked to the fact most
OEMs had been designing their engine packages by optimizing single parts. Once assembled, voids
existed in how these same parts could be functionally integrated. Today, that’s not how the OEM
community creates engine packages. But in the ’70s and ’80s, they didn’t, leaving clear opportunities
for a company like Edelbrock to fill in the blanks.
It’s been said that winning is knowing when to say
sic ‘em when the bag is open, so to speak. In part
three of this little series, we’ll button things up with
a few remaining tidbits.
Technically Speaking - A Story Untold - Part Two - Page 2 of 2 - MaxChevy.com
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Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
Words and photos by Ro McGonegal
We sat in the shade of a mid-90s summer day in St. Cloud, Florida, sweat rolling down our ribcages and yes, we were drinking something cold. Though
middle-aged, the face of the trim and fit Piispanen just for a second or two became one of an
excited, testosterone-laced high-school kid back in ’66. Don’s an auto body tech by profession
and the simplicity, crispness and the detail are wholly evident in his minimalist, not-for-show
Camaro. Then the story he’d been holding inside for decades spilled out of him like a soda
fountain cherry Coke.
“The Camaro was supposed to be a Bolero Red Rally Sport with a 275-horse 327 and a 4speed, black standard interior, power steering and brakes, Rally wheels, duals, and a deep tone
black rally stripe,” he said as if he was in rehearsal for a shadow play later that afternoon.
It didn’t happen. He didn’t get the car. To be exact, his dad made a judgment call like so many
other fathers of the era—kid doesn’t need no damn hot rod, hell, he might have fun with it. Don
needed pop’s initials on the co-sign form. “He said ‘all Camaros were hot rods,’ so that was
that.” But that wasn’t that at all.
Don grew up around the infernal machine. Dad was a body tech for years, so the jigger
bobbed in his blood early on. “In ’66 I worked part time as a line mechanic at a Chevy
store. In the summers, it became my full-time routine.” Throughout his car life, he made
up for that dear disappointment of youth, salving himself with a string of able fourwheeled companions: ‘60 Corvette, ‘63 Corvette, ’62 Nova SS, ’64 Falcon hardtop, ’66
Mustang coupe, ’68 Bel Air no-post, ’68 Cutlass raggy, ’65 El Camino, ’72 Nova, ’65
Mustang, and finally this ’67 SS clone.
Don’s been in the pipeline a long time, paid his tangible and psychic dues, and now it
doesn’t matter if his car’s fast, quick, or down with the latest tricks or some coveted hotcar sub-stratum like the so-called Pro Touring genre. He’s seen it, heard it, breathed it
all before and needs no more than the Detroit Iron he’s peddling right now.
Got by Geezer - Page 1 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
He found his teenage heartthrob in ’98. He was just a little bit ecstatic. In
the glove box were the Protect-O-Plate and other original documentation
as registered through Argyle Graves Chevrolet out on Highway 70 in Milan,
Tennessee. The delivery date was 6-7-67. “How’s this for irony?” Don
cackled. “My high school graduation day was 6-7-67. I guess sometimes
patience does prevail.”
So what
has Don
done
here? Almost unimaginably, the theme stretches
right back to the original form without stopping
anywhere in between. Although he did some
engine upgrades, they were mainly for good
behavior on the cruise. Don built the 327 with
used 2.02-valve Z28 heads, an aluminum intake
manifold, 600cfm carb, and an RV camshaft.
Drum brakes all around, kids. No 20s, just 15x8inch Rally wheels with semi-modern BFG T/A
rubber attached to them. Period look, you know.
In a similar discipline, he rebuilt the suspension
with the same stuff the car had when it was new
and the aftermarket be damned. The 3.07:1 gears are close friends with the interstate.
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He forsook a manual transmission for a 2-speed this time, mainly because that’s what the car had when he bought
it. When’s the last time you saw a 1st-Gen Camaro with the shift lever on the steering column? And how about that
Strato-back bench (RPO LA4, a $26.35 option) where bucket pods usually stand?
Got by Geezer - Page 2 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
Before he shot the Butternut
Yellow (original Code YY,
but now from the DuPont
color chart), he stripped the
body to metal, finding
minute patches of oxidation
on the lower fenders. The
SS hood is a reproduction
piece and Don added a new
pan that extends from the
backlight to the rear of the
car, but the floor pans and
the rest of the original
superstructure are intact.
Whoever owned this car wasn’t
much of a hot-foot, either. On the
inside, Don retained the factory
air conditioning. Of the 220,906
Camaros built that year, a little
more than 10 percent of them
were equipped as such. Don
wrapped all the seats in NOS
attire, screwed on new door
panels, and got himself a re-pop
of the original steering wheel.
Though not quite in the Ripley’s
Believe It or Don’t category, the
dash pad, headliner, door glass,
gauges, backlight, and radio are
genuine factory issue. Being
inside it is really a time capsule
trip. Absolutely everything is
original, just like you stepped into
something off the dealer’s floor 42 years past. For geezers like us, that’s a real favor.
As is his fashion, Don likes to cruise alone. Doesn’t belong to a single car club and prefers driving much more
than being a melanoma magnet, so runs and lawn-chair events of that sort are not part of his program. Years of
experience and exposure have mellowed him. He did all of the work himself and puts the dollar amount of his
expenditure at a mere $15,000. You bet you wish you had this Camaro, too.
Got by Geezer - Page 3 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
Donny Schatz Clinches Fourth World of Outlaws Title
Words by Bill
Klingbeil
Photos by Image.net
Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) driver Donny Schatz clinched his fourth consecutive World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Car Series championship by finishing
sixth in the Nov. 7 30-lap World Finals feature at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway near Charlotte, N.C. Schatz won the championship driving
the TSR No. 15 Armor All/Chevy/ParkerStore J&J in 65 events during the 2009 season, earning team sponsors Armor All and Chevy their second
straight championship in Winged Sprint car’s premier racing division.
The championship marked the third WoO title for Tony Stewart the car owner. Stewart earned his first
WoO championship in 2001 with Danny Lasoski and his second last year with Schatz. It is also
Stewart’s 10th championship as a car owner, for he has seven titles in the United States Auto Club
(USAC).
“It feels great to win another championship,” said the 32-year-old Schatz, who resides in Fargo, N.D.
“All the hard work from everyone at Tony Stewart Racing paid off and we’re still on top. Winning races
is what we shoot for, and even though we didn’t win as many battles as we wanted, ultimately, we won
the war.
“Every year, we shoot to end up as champions, and fortunately, we’ve been able to do it the last four
seasons. It takes a commitment from sponsors like Armor All, Chevrolet and ParkerStore to give us a
chance to compete for championships. It’s a total team effort and I can’t thank the Armor All crew (Rick
Warner, Shane Bowers and Eric Prutzman) enough for everything they did to get us here.”
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Heading into Saturday night’s event, Schatz carried a 25-point advantage over his nearest challenger,
Jason Meyers. After posting the fastest qualifying lap behind the wheel of the No. 15 Armor
All/Chevy/ParkerStore J&J, Schatz finished third in the first heat race to transfer into the dash event.
After posting a fifth-place finish in the dash, he started the 30-lap main event on the inside of row three.
Schatz was able to maintain a top-10 standing to earn his four consecutive WoO championship.
The 2009 season has been another highlight reel for Schatz and the Armor All team. The
championship title culminated a season that included 12 WoO “A” Feature wins and the 2009 Knoxville
(Iowa) Nationals title – Schatz’s fourth consecutive Knoxville crown and TSR’s fifth Nationals triumph.
Schatz earned 39 top-five finishes and 54 top-10s after racing in 65 events this season.
Profile: Donny Schatz - Page 1 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
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Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
The Tony Stewart Racing team, including driver Donny Schatz and owner Tony Stewart, celebrate Schatz's fourth straight Knoxville
(Iowa) Nationals victory. (Meg Bestell-Eide/DigitalBlueStar)
Stewart was thrilled to have Schatz and the Armor All team capture the crown for a second straight year.
“Donny is a true champion, and this championship says a lot about the entire TSR operation,” Stewart said. “We’ve
had success before both in the Outlaws and in USAC, but as a competitor, I know it’s always about winning the
next race and continuing to improve. Everyone did an outstanding job in bringing TSR this championship. Donny is
a true talent, and I’m very happy that he was able to win his fourth Outlaw title as a part of TSR.
“It’s also exciting to win our second straight championship with Armor All. They came on board with TSR last year
and have been a true asset to our organization. I’m also extremely proud to win another championship with Chevy
as part of my open-wheel program. It’s a privilege to present them with their second WoO championship. Their
effort and dedication has directly resulted in us having success on the track. It’s an honor to have them, as well as
our other sponsors, as part of this championship, and we look forward to many more.”
Schatz’s fans enjoyed the ride beginning with his WoO Rookie of the Year season in 1997 to his first series
championship in 2006. They paid attention as he worked hard along the way, learning as much as he could during
those early years on the tour with Sprint car icon Steve Kinser and series champions Sammy Swindell, Dave
Blaney, Mark Kinser and Danny Lasoski. Schatz, who is concluding his second season driving Tony Stewart
Racing’s (TSR) No. 15 Armor All/Chevy/ParkerStore J&J, is doing everything he can to stay on top and make a
legacy of his own. His journey to capture a fourth straight WoO title concludes with this weekend’s WoO seasonending World Finals event at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.
The state-of-the-art dirt track is where Schatz clinched his previous two WoO titles. In each of those trips to North
Carolina, Schatz arrived with a comfortable advantage in the championship standings of more than 100 points.
His four consecutive victories in the sport’s premier event, the Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals, are proof alone. And his
ability to consistently win WoO races has allowed him to build a dynasty.
Schatz started the season with a victory in February and has his sights on closing the World of Outlaws season
with a victory for the fifth time in his career (1999, 2004, 2006 and 2008 were the others). Last season, he capped
his first season racing for TSR by leading all 30 laps of the season finale and was followed by his TSR teammate,
Kraig Kinser. It was a bittersweet end to the year that included a third WoO title for Schatz and second for Tony
Stewart as an owner.
Profile: Donny Schatz - Page 2 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
For the first time in a WoO race and only the second event this season, Schatz drove a specially schemed car commemorating
Mario Andretti’s 1969 Indianapolis 500-winning, STP-sponsored Brawner Hawk. In the Knoxville Nationals, he piloted the car that
honored the 40th anniversary of Andretti’s and STP’s first victory at in the Indy 500. The distinctive Hunter Red-colored Sprinter,
which includes the old-school STP logos, proved to be just as lethal for Schatz as he roared to his fourth straight victory in the
event. By doing so, Schatz joined Steve Kinser as the only driver to win the race four consecutive times.
After his win at Charlotte, Schatz joins Kinser as the only WoO driver to be a four-time champion.
Here is a short Q & A before heading into the Charlotte race.
In 2007, the World of Outlaws started a new tradition of closing their season with an event in Charlotte.
The World Finals has grown into a pretty big race in just two years. What are your thoughts on the event?
“It’s an awesome event. We were all pretty skeptical at first, but it has brought in a lot of people from across the
country. It’s pretty cool to see a standing-room-only crowd watch us race. It’s great for us to have another event at
an awesome facility like Charlotte. For the Tony Stewart Racing team, it’s another chance to be in the spotlight.
Also, the fact that the event has been able to combine both the Late Models and Sprint cars is really cool.
Realistically, they could have two separate events with the number of cars, but I really like having us both part of
the same show. It’s the only time of the year we get to run with them, so it’s fun for us to get to watch them, and
it’s definitely a bonus for the fans."
In years past, you pretty much had the championship locked up heading into Charlotte. How is your
approach going to be different this time?
“I really don’t think it changes much. We went to Charlotte the past couple of years trying to win the final races of
the year. I’d have to say that one of the best feelings a driver can have is winning the last race of the year.
Everybody remembers that during the off-season while they’re getting ready for next year. We were able to do that
last year in the World Finals, and if we can do it again, I think our championship chances would be pretty good.
“I know I’m going there with the best team in the business. Rick Warner, Shane Bowers and Eric Prutzman have
put in a great effort all season, and now we just want to end the year in style.”
For the second time this season, you will be sporting a different look. You’ll be driving the Mario
Andretti/STP tribute car that you won the Knoxville Nationals with. Is there any added pressure to win with
the car again?
“Absolutely. No doubt about it. Being able to be associated with Mario Andretti is an honor. Meeting him this
summer and talking with him every day of the Nationals was pretty incredible. We talked a few weeks ago and he
was pumping me up about going out and finishing the season and winning the championship.
“Everything worked out how we hoped it would at the Nationals. The fun part now is going to Charlotte with the car
and hopefully getting a few more wins with it. Mario told me he only associates with winners, so we’re going to do
our best to get the STP car back to victory lane and carry on his winning tradition.”
Profile: Donny Schatz - Page 3 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
Conceptually Speaking
Words and photos courtesy General Motors
Chevrolet unveiled five dramatic Camaro concepts at the annual automotive aftermarket extravaganza known as the Nov. 3-5 SEMA Show in Las
Vegas, each representing a different vision of style, personalization and performance.
“During the annual SEMA Convention, the popularity of a new car can be easily judged by the number of ‘tuner’ versions used by various companies to
showcase their latest products; and the Camaro is our runaway hit this year, with countless examples displaying everything from mild styling accessories
to wild performance modifications,” said Brent Dewar, vice president, Global Chevrolet Brand. “We’re thrilled by all the creative ideas, but especially
proud of the cars we developed in-house. They represent modern interpretations of the Camaro that could easily be created by owners using the
accessories offered by Chevrolet.”
Many of the Camaro accessories can be ordered through Chevy dealers for installation at the time of the vehicle’s purchase. This allows customers to
personalize their cars to their exact wishes, with installation handled by the dealer and the cost rolled into the monthly payments.
In addition to the Camaro contingent, Chevrolet is also showing the Silverado ZR2 concept and an accessorized Corvette Grand Sport at SEMA. Here’s
a closer look at each of the concepts:
THE JAY LENO CAMARO
Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the
3.6L direct injected V-6 that is standard in
Camaro LS and LT models, Leno’s Camaro
blends high performance with surprising
efficiency in a racing-ready package. A pair of
Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers blows through a
custom air-to-air intercooler, force-feeding the
engine about seven pounds of boost and lifting
its horsepower level to about 425. That’s
about 40 percent greater than stock and in
normal driving (when the turbochargers aren’t
making boost), there’s virtually no penalty in
fuel economy over the non-turbocharged 3.6L
engine.
“Jay’s Camaro offers style, performance and
efficiency in a big way,” said Dewar. “It
delivers the power of a Camaro SS on
demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6.”
Supporting upgrades for the turbo system include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied
clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. The tubing for the turbo system is powder-coated blue. The powertrain was designed
to deliver consistent, controllable power for both the street and race track. In fact, road racing was a primary mission for the car during its development.
Additional vehicle options also support its racing intent:
Brembo six-piston brake package
Pedders coil-over lowering kit
New front fascia with custom fog lamps and integral brake cooling vents
Air extractor-style hood
The exterior styling of Leno’s car is the most radical of all the Camaro concepts at SEMA. The front fascia and hood are one-off creations, as are the
unique upper and lower grilles and the ground effects package (including a rear diffuser). The heritage-inspired vent styling in front of the rear wheels
has been replaced with functional brake cooling ducts.
New Chevrolet concepts debut at SEMA Show - Page 1 of 6 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
CAMARO SYNERGY
The Camaro Synergy concept previews a new Synergy Green production exterior color that will be offered on a
special-edition Camaro in the first half of 2010. It also features a host of the latest Camaro accessories offered
through Chevy dealers. They dramatically enhance the performance appearance of the car, demonstrating the
personalization possibilities open to Camaro owners. Designers took liberties with the accessories, creating a
totally unique package. Details include:
21-inch wheels, with a black center finish and polished rim
Ground effects kit
Cyber Grey Rally hood stripes
High wing rear spoiler (future accessory)
Performance air intake
The ground effects include pronounced rocker moldings, a rear diffuser-type styling piece and a front spoiler. They,
along with the rear wing spoiler and rally stripes, are finished in the production Cyber Grey color, although the
ground effects and spoiler can be painted to match the exterior of the car. The Rally stripes are adhesive-backed
and are offered in grey, black or white. They’re part of a broader range of heritage-inspired graphics that also
include “hockey stick” stripes for the front fenders.
Chevy designers further enhanced the concept with a Pedders coil-over lowering kit and a set of large, Brembo
brakes, as well as color-coordinating the Jet Black interior with Synergy Green accent stitching, piping and other
accents. The lowering kit, brakes and interior accents are not among the accessories offered for the Camaro, but
represent common and popular aftermarket upgrades. Chevrolet will gauge public interest in the features for
possible inclusion in future accessory offerings.
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New Chevrolet concepts debut at SEMA Show - Page 2 of 6 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
CAMARO CHROMA
It looks like the custom creation of a tuner shop, but the Camaro Chroma
simply demonstrates how carefully selected accessories available through
Chevy dealers can create a look like nothing else. The Camaro Chroma is
based on an SS/RS model in Summit White and uses a combination of current
and not-yet-released components, including:
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A new silver stripe package
21-inch wheels (future product, with silver-painted spoke centers and
a Victory Red stripe)
“Blade” rear spoiler (future product)
Summit White ground effects package
Rear fender vent graphics
Accessory front grille with body-color outer frame (future accessory)
“With its silver graphics on the Summit White paint, this car has a tailored,
tone-on-tone appearance that is simultaneously racy and subdued,” said Todd
Parker, design manager, GM Accessory Studio. “It is a sophisticated-looking
car that is easily duplicated by any customer, because all of the parts are
available to build it.”
From a performance standpoint, the Camaro Chroma’s standard LS3 V-8
engine is equipped with current accessories, including a performance intake,
shorty headers and performance exhaust system. There’s also a Victory Red
engine cover and a Hurst short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual
transmission, as well as red-painted Brembo brake calipers.
Inside, the black-and-grey leather seats feature red accent stitching, as do the
shifter boot, floor mats and door trim. Accessory inserts for the dashboard and
door panels (in silver) are also included as available accessories.
“What’s great about the Camaro Chroma is it speaks to the almost unlimited possibilities that the accessories offer,” said Parker. “You can build your
Camaro mild or wild, but build it your way.”
New Chevrolet concepts debut at SEMA Show - Page 3 of 6 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
CAMARO DUSK
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Inspired by the style of young, urban
professionals, the Camaro Dusk
concept rolls with a contemporary
tuner aesthetic. It is understatedly
aggressive looking, with a lowered
ride height, new 21-inch wheels, the
rear spoiler from an SS model and a
custom ground effects package.
“This is a car with an international
flair, bringing the Camaro to a place
it hasn’t traditionally been,” said
Parker. “It is a very tailored look that is stylish and sophisticated, but with a distinct American accent.”
The ground effects package includes a racing-inspired front splitter, rocker extensions and a rear
diffuser. They are prototype parts that may enter production as dealer-available accessories at a later
date; the same goes for the 21-inch wheels from BBS. Many of the details, such as the taillamp and
fog lamp bezels, match the finish of the wheels, lending a more premium look to the car.
The Camaro Dusk’s body is painted Berlin Blue, while the ground effects are painted a contrasting
color. Additional performance items include the exhaust system and Brembo brakes from a Camaro
SS (with painted calipers). The interior is trimmed in stylish Jet Black and Sedona, with
complementing features including footwell lighting, premium door sill plates and other details.
Today’s young professionals expect advanced technology and premium audio options and this
concept delivers with a crisp, well-tuned Boston Acoustics sound system, WiFi connectivity and a
convenient cradle for an iPhone.
CAMARO GRAPHICS
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Camaro designers dreamed up half a dozen proposals for
accessory graphics packages, with the intent of soliciting feedback
from Camaro enthusiasts for possible production. Chevrolet then
launched the graphics campaign in mid-October, asking Camaro
fans on Facebook to pick their favorite design.
The top four
designs were
produced and brought to the SEMA Convention,
where a Silver Ice Metallic Camaro will wear
each contender on a different day. At the
conclusion of the convention, after thousands of
enthusiasts see the graphics on the car in
person and on Facebook, another round of
voting will occur. The top vote-getter will be
considered for future production.
“Camaro has
thousands of fans on the various social media sites and this is a great
way to demonstrate that Chevrolet is connected to our customers,” said
Dewar. “With so many great designs to choose from, we’re sure the
voting will be close, but whatever the outcome, the real winners will be
the customers who personalize their Camaro with the winning graphics
package.”
At the close of the convention each day, the graphics package were changed. All of the proposed
graphics packages can be viewed and voted on by logging onto Camaro’s Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/chevycamaro .
New Chevrolet concepts debut at SEMA Show - Page 4 of 6 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
SILVERADO ZR2 CONCEPT
At a glance, it’s clear the Silverado ZR2 concept wasn’t designed to haul flowers back from the nursery. With its
widened body, tall stance and powerful LS supercharged engine, it is ready to hit the berms, dry washes and
gullies of the Baja Peninsula.
The Silverado ZR2 is based on an extended cab/short box body. The custom bodywork includes carbon fiber
fender flares that stretch outward to cover the 35-inch-tall Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires and widened stance.
Much of the truck’s body is made of carbon fiber, including the front fenders, extractor-style hood, rocker
extensions and tailgate, which features large, debossed CHEVROLET lettering as a nod to Chevy trucks of the
past. The pickup box, which is protected with a spray-on liner, features a unique locking storage system mounted
to the extruded aluminum Cargo Management System rails from Chevy Accessories.
Many of the carbon fiber parts, including the hood, are
clear-coated, rather than painted, to show off the intricate
weave pattern of the high-tech, lightweight material. The
parts that aren’t clear carbon fiber are painted Dune
Metallic, a color that blends with the desert terrain. A large,
more prominent grille is also part of the package and is a
vision of what designers would like to see in a production or
accessory part. It is very functional, feeding cool air to the
550-horsepower LS supercharged crate engine from GM
Performance Parts.
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The combination of 20-inch BBS RD wheels – reminiscent
of historic Chevy truck wheel – and aggressive Goodyear
Wrangler MT/R tires connect to the chassis via BDS shocks
and a four-inch lift kit to help negotiate those desert trails.
The new front fascia dramatically improves approach angle
and skid plates protect the chassis.
The interior features more carbon fiber details on the dash, along with black leather and suede-trimmed seats with
contrasting stitching to those trail runs more comfortable.
“There’s more to this concept than meets the eye,” said Dewar. “Some of the components are being explored for
possible inclusion in upcoming models.”
New Chevrolet concepts debut at SEMA Show - Page 5 of 6 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
ACCESSORIZED CORVETTE GRAND SPORT WITH HERITAGE PACKAGE
Earlier this year, Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport
model. It’s a track-oriented Corvette with wider wheels and tires, special
suspension tuning and unique exterior details. The Corvette Grand Sport
achieves a 0-60 time of less than four seconds, pulls 1.0 g on the skid pad and
still boasts an EPA-rated highway fuel economy 26 mpg.
The version displayed at SEMA introduces a host of Grand Sport accessories
that will be offered in 2010. It is a standard Grand Sport convertible equipped
with the Heritage Package, but in a new Cyber Grey exterior color, with
forthcoming accessories that include:
Mesh inserts for the front fender vents
ZR1-style front splitter and rear spoiler (painted satin black)
ZR1-style rocker extensions and wheel spats (painted satin black)
Body-color door handles and license plate frame
Tinted dark chrome fender badges
“Tech” pattern engine cover with red lettering inserts
Grand Sport-logo hood blanket
Grand Sport-logo floor mats and leather console cover
Red stitched shifter knob/boot and red parking brake boot
“Tech” pattern interior trim kit
PAL iPod connector
Convertible wind screen
Racing-style pedal covers
Interior storage pouches
The Grand Sport accessories are expected to go on sale in early 2010. They’re
available through any Chevrolet or other authorized GM dealer.
New Chevrolet concepts debut at SEMA Show - Page 6 of 6 - MaxChevy.com
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Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
UNCOMPROMISING CLASSIC: GM’S E-ROD ’55 INTRODUCES NEW CRATE ENGINE PACKAGE
Words and photos courtesy General Motors
Vintage style complements modern performance, efficiency and emissions standards in GM Performance Parts’ ground breaking E-ROD – a
’55 Chevy powered by the innovative, new E-ROD crate engine package. It includes a complete LS3 engine, emissions equipment and
supporting components that enable classic cars to pass California’s stringent smog tests.
GM Performance Parts (GMPP) introduced the E-ROD concept vehicle at the 2009 SEMA Show, in Las Vegas. The E-ROD crate engine
package is available through GM dealers, authorized GMPP retailers and via the GMPP Web site, www.gmperformanceparts.com . List price
for the LS3 E-ROD package is $9,375.
“E-ROD represents a revolution in hot rodding
by offering an unprecedented, emissions-legal
engine and emissions system that carries
approval from the influential California Air
Resources Board (CARB),” said Dr. Jamie
Meyer, product marketing manager for GM
Performance Parts. “We developed this system
because it’s the right thing to do, but our
engineers did not sacrifice the performance that
stirs hot rodders in the first place. It is a
compromise-free package that delivers great
power and efficiency, with the emissions of a
modern vehicle.”
The core of the E-ROD package is the LS3 6.2L
V-8 engine that is rated at 430 horsepower.
Emissions equipment included with the
package includes catalytic converters, a fuel tank evaporative emissions canister and more. GMPP worked closely with CARB and SEMA
officials to develop the kit and secured approval that makes E-ROD-equipped vehicles legal in California and other areas that follow CARB’s
recommendations and emissions standards. No other O.E.M. or aftermarket manufacturer offers a comparable, CARB-approved system.
GM's E-rod crate engine package - Page 1 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 17, 2009
“With the E-ROD system, you’re getting 160 percent more horsepower than the original small-block V-8 offered in
1955, but with emissions performance and efficiency that wasn’t even dreamt of half a century ago,” said Meyer.
“This is how modern hot rods will be built. They’ll have the efficiency of a modern GM high-performance vehicle,
be environmentally conscious and emissions-compliant – all while providing the owner with a smaller carbon
footprint.”
THE E-ROD SYSTEM COMPONENTS
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The E-ROD kit carries part number 19244805 and includes the same, basic LS3 engine that’s found in the
Camaro SS and Corvette (additional engine choices, including the LS7 and LSA, are planned for future packages).
Standard elements of the kit include:
6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque
GMPP LS3 engine wiring harness
GMPP engine control module
Exhaust manifolds
Catalytic converters
Oxygen sensors and sensor bosses
Fuel tank evaporative emissions canister
Mass airflow sensor and sensor boss
Accelerator pedal (for use with the LS3’s electronic throttle)
Air filter
Instruction manual
In addition to the E-ROD system, the builder will need to source additional components to complete the assembly
and get the vehicle running. They include:
Fuel tank
Fuel lines (re-circulating or returnless)
Fuel pump
Fuel tank vent line from the tank to the evaporative emissions canister
Pure line from the canister to the engine purge solenoid
Air induction system that incorporates the mass airflow sensor
Exhaust system behind the catalytic converters
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GM's E-rod crate engine package - Page 2 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
Additionally, the LS3 engine requires a front-end accessory
drive system that is suitable to the vehicle. The instruction
manual includes recommendations for the accessory drive
kit, as well as the transmission, gear ratios and more.
November 17, 2009
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The E-ROD kit does not include a transmission. GMPP
recommends the GM Hydra-Matic electronically controlled
4L60-E four-speed automatic, part number 19156260, and
transmission controller, part number 12497316.
GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour,
full-throttle engine dynamometer validation that requires the
engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque.
GMPP also installs crate engines in its own engineering
vehicles for testing and continuous improvement. That
commitment to quality and durability enables General
Motors to back GM Performance Parts crate engines with a 24-month/50,000-mile warranty (whichever occurs
first). All GM Performance Parts components carry a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.
THE E-ROD ’55
GMPP’s proof of concept for the E-ROD package is the E-ROD ’55, which was built to illustrate a typical
installation project. Importantly, it represents an attainable level of construction, blending basic restoration and
modification details.
“It is a simple, clean and straightforward approach to building a ’55 Chevy,” said designer Dave Ross. “There are
not many custom features that required labor-intensive fabrication; our goal was to depict how the E-ROD system
could be incorporated in any classic vehicle, whether it’s a ’55 Chevy, street rod or ’69 Camaro.”
The exterior wears factory-style chrome Bel Air trim, which accents the custom PPG colors applied by GM. On the
inside, the E-ROD ’55 has an original-style appearance, with upholstery and other restoration items supplied by
CARS Inc. The only noticeable variances include an IDIDIT adjustable steering column and Grand steering wheel.
Also keeping with the elemental aesthetic of the car, the wheels selected weren’t expensive, billet-cut rims, but the
simple, 18-inch steel wheels from the base Camaro. They’re trimmed with bright trim rings, lug nuts and center
caps. They’re distinctive yet inexpensive.
“In many respects, this is a practical hot rod,” said Ross. “The attention to detail would make any rodder proud, but
there’s nothing about this car that would prevent you from jumping in for a cross-country drive. It’s comfortable,
powerful and efficient.”
GM's E-rod crate engine package - Page 3 of 3 - MaxChevy.com
Volume IV, Issue 11
November 19, 2009
What do you have to say?
KEEPING IN TOUCH
In November 2008, Jim
McFarland wrote an
article entitle, "If I Could
Just Turn Back the
Clock..." In it, he wrote
such kind things about my
father, Earl Parker, and
about his antics at the
race tracks - the last
paragraph he wrote stated
that after repeated
attempts to contact Earl
he was unable to do so.
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Your location:
Your email:
Do you want to subscribe to our FREE
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Yes
Jim, my father is 83, alive
and well (sharp as a
tack), and very healthy
and still stays very busy
with this and that.
No
Letters which do not include a full name
will not be considered for publication.
Send It!
Please rest assured, my father is still the same man, a bit older, but again the same man and
he is my hero for many things he has done and continues to do without the need to be
recognized for his acts of kindness he does for others every single day.
If you would like, I will be glad to provide information as to how you can reach him as he is still
working on things, building boats, repairing lawn mowers, etc., anything with an engine or
motor... so thank you again for the bringing back fond memories of my Daddy. He's the BEST
man I know.
Kindest regards,
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Mercedes confirms Nico Rosberg for
2010
Tammy Parker, Earl Parker’s Daughter
North Carolina
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ON ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERIES
I love it.
I am one those people that want to know how (and why) things work (especially racing
engines). Great article.
Bry Schmidt
Fresno, California
This letter is in response to this Jim McFarland column .
www.nitroplanes.com/
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MaxChevy Mailbag - Page 1 of 2 - MaxChevy.com
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Volume IV, Issue 11
November 19, 2009
DON’T WE WISH
Back in the '60s I bought a 1958 Impala; 348 engine, manual trans, black w/tan interior. Many cars and years later,
I bought a new '96 black Impala. (still have it.) Do you think GM will ever build a real Impala again?
Rolly Doucet
Ontario, Canada
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YOU’RE MAKING US BLUSH!
Hi, on page 3 you have a picture of my orange ‘39 Chevy. Thanks for having us in your mag. Pinks was a blast.
Making to the final 16 was awesome! But my name is Dave Langston. Love your mag. Keep up the good work!
Dave Langston
Bakersfield, California
HUH?
Great, can I put my car in your mag.
Go to Youtube and type in 1980 camarue.
Thomas Hall
Jacksonville, Florida
While your video looks like something from the Blair Witch Project, thanks for your submission. Also, Camaro is
spelled, well, Camaro. So there’s that.
We have a few options for printing our magazines.
1. You can print entire issues or individual articles and covers yourself at home, by following THESE
DIRECTIONS , but only for the most recent issues.
2. We can print them for you. We can print any issue, article, cover or photo for you on a high resolution, glossy
print, suitable for framing. Just email print@racingnetsource.com
3. We can have an article or cover you were featured in, or a photograph of your winning pass or winner’s circle
photo laminated and mounted on a plaque, suitable for display in your trophy room. Just fill out THIS FORM .
MaxChevy Mailbag - Page 2 of 2 - MaxChevy.com
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