Cop Bait - Lane Automotive

RACING AND RODDING
The
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Parts You Need
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Service
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Deserve!!
Project: Cop Bait
When you first walk onto the main floor of the Detroit
Autorama, the number of incredibly cool custom cars and
hot rods is overwhelming. Up front and center are the eight
vehicles competing for the prestigious Ridler Award, but just
a little further into Cobo Hall you would have found a 1965
Corvette that really caught the attention of the crowd during the three day show. The Corvette, known as Project: Cop
Bait, saw U.S. 12 Speed and Custom of New Buffalo, Michigan
bring the vehicle from concept to reality. The vehicle’s owner,
John Pardy, had the team at U.S. 12 build a 1965 Ford Mustang
a few years ago and was extremely pleased with the results.
The problem was so
many other enthusiasts also liked the car,
and as the story goes
an offer was made
on the Mustang that
Pardy couldn’t refuse
and off it went. Soon
there was need to fill
the empty spot in the
garage and Project
Cop Bait began.
After a few meetings, the vision of the
Vette began to take
shape. Project Cop
Bait would be a daily
driver that would not
only be fast, but also
catch the attention of other performance enthusiasts. To begin
with Pardy, owner of John’s Auto Body in Buchanan, Michigan,
acquired a very tired looking 1965 Corvette. Pardy would tackle
the bodywork and paint, while Rocky Troxell and the team at
U.S. 12 Speed and Custom would handle the rest of the project.
The work took just a little more than eighteen months to
put the Corvette back on the road. The updates and changes
were quite extensive. The first step was to separate the original
fiberglass body from the frame. Then a complete chassis with a
full chromoly roll cage based upon the 25.1 SFI chassis specification was built. The design would not only accommodate the
narrowed Ford 9” rear axle, 20” Weld RTS wheels and Mickey
Thompson Sportsman Radial tire combination, but the lowered
aggressive stance that was planned for the hot rod. The power
plant, a pump gas 582CID 720HP Big Block Chevy built by Ultra
Tech Racing Engines, was mated to a Turbo 400 transmission
FEATURES:
The Spotlight ........................................... 1
Lane News ............................................... 2
New Allstar Products ................................ 3
SPRING 2015
By Mike Reusche
controlled by a B&M shifter. A key element in the design was
that the car had to be a daily driver, so a 3.70 gear was chosen
to allow for enjoyable cruises down two-lane roads as well as
on the highway. In order to keep all that power on the ground
in a straight line as well as through the corners, a four-link rear
suspension was fabricated at U.S. 12 equipped with brake package that includes dual Wilwood calipers on 14” rotors. The front
end uses a Strange Engineering GT Strut package that incorporates their heavy-duty brake kit. The interior is full on race,
utilizing Kirkey Aluminum Pro-Street Seats, safety harnesses
and full selection of Auto Meter gauges. The look is very clean
thanks to the extensive
tinwork of U.S. 12’s Billy
Dinges and the leatherwork from Pardy's shop.
When it came to the
body, the rear quarter
panels are an inch and
a half wider and two
inches taller than original.
Other body modifications
included the removal of
all the moldings, the fabrication of a flush mount
aluminum filler cap, custom made stainless steel
hood hinges, and clear
headlight enclosures. The
paint chosen was Structural Gray from Nissan’s
paint palette. The final touch to the exterior utilized the talents
of Adam Podell from AMP Custom Painting to add a unique
graphic to the Corvette’s hood.
When the Project Cop Bait made its debut at the Detroit
Autorama, Pardy was overwhelmed from the response from
the crowd. “When we started this project, I had this vision and
sometimes what you think what works or looks good in your
head doesn’t always translate, but thanks to a little luck this
project worked out really well,” commented Pardy. “The positive response at Autorama for the project really caught me by
surprise. The crowds that gathered and all the great comments
were something I just didn’t expect. I have to thank Rocky
Troxell, Billy Dinges and Max Gorton at U.S. 12 as well as Adam
Podell from AMP Custom Painting and my wife Cindy, who is
always supportive of my passion. I’m already thinking about
the next project.” R&R
New Products .......................................... 4
Tech Forum .............................................. 5
Rodding Journal ...................................... 6
Lane Technical/Social Media ..................... 7
Lane News ............................................... 8
Lane News
New Truck Catalog
Longtime manufacturers continue to design and engineer new truck products and new manufacturers
are entering the marketplace at a steady rate. Proof of that, is in the very existence of this new catalog.
In this edition you will find a considerable number of new products, many from new vendors. It has
always been our goal to keep our customers informed about the products they are seeking. This catalog
is ready to help you customize and outfit your truck with the latest parts and accessories in the industry!
2015 Lane Automotive Car Show
Lane Car Show Dyno Challenge
The Dyno Challenge dates are Friday May 22 Noon to 8:00 and Saturday
May 23, 9:00-2:30 (during the Lane Cruise-In and Car Show). For more
information go to www.laneautomotive for on-line registration.
Lane Car Show Noisefest
Bring your earplugs and enjoy the 2015 Lane Car Show Noisefest, featuring dragcars
from the present and the past... starting up massive engines and shaking the ground
with their thunder. The fun all starts at 12:00 noon Saturday May 23!
Lane Car Show Hot Rodders of Tomorrow
Engine Builder Challenge
Cheer on local students as area high schools compete in a race to
tear down and re-assemble Hot Rod engines.
Enjoy Showroom Specials and a Manufacturers Marketplace featuring 200 Manufacturers
2015 Car Show & Open Header Cruise Registration Form
To sign up your vehicle for the 27th Annual Lane Automotive Car Show, fill in the form below. After doing so you should receive
a confirmation email at the address specified below. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 48 hours, please contact us
at (269) 463-4113. The Open Header Cruise is Friday May 22 and the Car Show date is Saturday, May 23, 2015, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
All Fields Except Work Phone Are Required.
NAME
E-mail:
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
HOME PHONE:
WORK PHONE:
ZIP CODE
CAR YEAR:
Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun,
Sign Up Now
CAR MAKE:
CAR MODEL:
OPEN HEADER CRUISE: YES
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Mail To Lane Automotive,
ATTN: Scott Wahlstrom 8300 Lane Drive, Watervliet, MI 49098
or Register On-Line @ www.laneautomotive.com
New Allstar Products
Flexible Body Brace Kits
Flexible brace attaches to body or nose panels
allowing them to bend then return to original
shape, minimizing panel damage. Kit includes all
components to build or assemble a flexible body brace up to 33" long with 1/4" ends that crimp to flexible rod with a standard
impact crimper (ALL76135) or by using a hammer and punch.
Socket Head 3/8" Allen Caliper Bolts
ALL42079
Replacement caliper bolts fit most GM calipers and allow for easy installation and
removal. Bolts feature a built-in sleeve to allow for extra caliper travel. Package of 2.
Black Access Panel Kits
Aluminum panels can be mounted to provide easy access to dry sump pump tanks,
fuel cells or other under panel items. Kits include frame, access door, hinge, quick
turn fastener and quick turn fastener spring. Sizes refer to door opening dimensions,
add 2" for installed dimensions.
Kinsler Sprint Wash Plug Sets
Aluminum plugs have O-rings for a water tight seal and will keep
dirt out of injectors while cleaning sprint car. 4-piece set includes a
nylon storage pouch.
Sprint Car Dry Sump Tank Mounting Brackets
Mounting brackets are designed to mount 6" diameter tanks to the left front corner
of standard small block Chevy style engines. Commonly mounted with front motor
mount brackets the upper bracket utilizes the water pump mounting holes and the lower
bracket fastens to the early front engine mount mounting holes.
Weld Bung For Sprint Car Seat Belts
ALL98125
Bung welds to sprint car chassis to convert wrap around seat belts to bolt in ratchet style belts.
Spoiler Kits Without Side Panels
Due to sanctioning body variances in side panels, these universal kits offer a good
starting point without buying all pieces separately. 2-piece kit has unequal length sections.
Kit includes rear spoiler section and hinges. Available in several sizes.
413*/(3
New Products
Lane Automotive now carries a large selection of Crow Enterprizes Safety Equipment. Crow has a long history in the industry, with 37 years of experience manufacturing high-quality automotive racing safety equipment. Offerings include a full line
of restraints, driving suits, neck collars, shoes and gloves. Call or stop by for more
details.
Camaro 1982-92 Front Drag Brake Kit
WIL140-1035-BD
Forged billet Dynalite four piston calipers mount directly to spindle. Forged
billet, five lug hubs with direct mount drilled steel rotors offer a 30 Lb. savings
compared to 1982-92 Camaro stock brake components. Kit includes all parts
including wheel bearings, seals, and longer wheel studs.
Perfectmatch™ Ford Blue
Restore or Customize your Ford engine with
powder-coated Ford Blue engine accessories.
2015 Mustang Front & Rear
Sway Bar Kit STD555-1017
Improve the handling of your 2015 Mustang with a complete
sway bar kit. Manufactured with press-fit welded billet ends and
designed using advanced proprietary CAD data. Applications for
3.7L and 5.0L.
Bowtie Electric Water Pump Chevy Small Block PFM141-655
Eliminates unnecessary weight and impeller-drag experienced at
high RPM, pumps up to 35+ gallons of water per minute. Durable
lightweight die-cast aluminum. Epoxy powder coated Chevy orange.
REV Head and Neck Restraint
The restraint is designed with a patent pending tension
neutralizing tether design that provides superior lateral and
frontal support and allow for little or no interference with seat
and helmet. REV comes in three sizes and works in any race
vehicle. Made in USA.
OutdoorMats™
Made in USA from a 100% recyclable resin. Specially designed
scraper edge and scraper cones to remove debris. Robust
design lays-flat and stays-put. Perimeter vents to allow drainage.
Measures 39" x 24".
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Tech Forum
#Z+JN,BFLFM
Of Peaks And Valleys
Cylinder honing is just one element in high performance engine preparation that is often taken for granted, yet it can be an
effective means of not only helping maintain proper oil control,
but helping increase horsepower as well. Most high performance enthusiasts understand that when an engine is rebuilt
and new rings are installed, the block will need to be properly
honed in a cross hatch pattern, but few realize that block hardness, stroke, ring material and tension, and application all need to considered prior to
any work being performed.
In a high end racing engine,
the difference between proper
and improper honing operations can equate to as much
as 30 horsepower, according to
experts. When proper honing
has been performed, the cylinder
bore finish results in an engine that
offers both superior ring seal and
extended ring life. It is often a delicate
balance of having sufficient surface
area that allow the piston rings to seal, but not so great that oil
retention and ring lubrication are compromised. When visually inspecting cylinders, a freshly honed cylinder looks fairly
rough, due to the honing process that leaves a cross-hatch pattern, while a used cylinder features a “glazed” surface with little
or no crosshatch depending upon wear.
When a freshly honed cylinder is viewed microscopically, the
surface appears as many “peaks” and “valleys”. The “peaks” are
the highest point of the surface which makes contact with the
rings, while the “valleys” are areas that have been cut by abrasives during the honing process. Once a fresh engine is fired,
the tops of the “peaks” are literally sheared off as the rings seat
into the cylinders, creating a “plateau” for the rings to ride over
and a light film of oil that is retained in the “valleys”.
In order to achieve proper cylinder wall prep, three areas are
typically scrutinized by the engine builder and/or machinist;
finish, cross-hatch and distortion, all with the goal of achieving
superior ring seal and maximum performance. High performance engine shops use a profilometer to scrutinize cylinder
wall finish, formerly referred to as “RA” (Roughness Average).
The sophisticated electronic tool features a diamond-tipped
stylus, similar to the needle found on a vinyl record turntable,
that drags across the surface measuring the distribution of
peaks and valleys. A profilometer provides modern, defined
descriptions of cylinder bore finish that include “RPK” (Reduced
Peak Height), “RVK” (Reduced Valley Depth) and “RK” (Core
Roughness Depth), which is based on both the “RPK” and “RVK”
measurements.
Since “RVK” refers to the depth of the valleys that retain oil, it
is directly related to oil consumption. Excessive “RVK” promotes
high oil consumption, while insufficient amounts can result in
excessive ring and cylinder wear, according to the experts at
Hastings Manufacturing. As was discussed prior, final cylinder
wall finish is highly dependent upon a wide variety of factors.
High end racing engines, in some instances, are machined with
very deep “valleys” to retain a larger volume of oil and “peaks”
with little surface area for the rings to ride on.
Cross-hatch angle, controlled by how fast the honing head
rotates and how quickly it cycles up and down, is scrutinized as
well. The angle can be checked using a protractor or Total Seal’s latest business card, a
flexible, plastic protractor. To check crosshatch angle with the special business
card, begin by removing the translucent
backing off of the card. Follow by
pressing it into the curvature of the
cylinder and aligning the top edge
of the card with the deck surface.
Proceed by then reading the card by
doubling the amount that matches the
cross-hatch. For example, if it reads 20°, the
true angle is 40°.
The cross-hatch angle should be the same the full length of
the cylinder, and while the most common angle is roughly 45°,
it may be varied depending upon ring tension or stroke length.
Some builders prefer as little as a 20°-30° cross-hatch when using low tension oil rings, for example, due to the fact that it reduces the amount of oil movement up and down the cylinder.
On the other hand, long stroke engines may perform better
with a larger, 60° cross-hatch as the angle provides increased oil
movement to the top of the bore and returns oil more rapidly
to the pan, although blow-by may increase somewhat, according to the experts at Total Seal.
When a high performance engine block is honed, it is important that a torque plate be installed. A torque plate, when used
with the proper head gasket and fasteners, simulates the loads
placed on the block when the cylinder head is installed, and
therefore, helps achieve rounder and truer cylinder bores during the honing process, keeping bore distortion to a minimum.
Most high performance engine shops carry torque plates for
most popular engines.
Naturally, the rounder and truer the cylinders are, the easier
the rings can conform and the better they will seal to the cylinder. It is not uncommon for qualified shops with the proper
equipment that have the ability to achieve as little as .0005” of
bore distortion. Cylinder bores may be inspected using a dial
bore gauge with a torque plate in place.
After machining operations are completed, it is crucial that
the engine be thoroughly scrubbed with soap and water. Nothing is more detrimental to an engine than dirt and debris. Wiping the cylinders using a white, WD-40 soaked cloth and then
inspecting the cloth will provide insurance that the cylinders
are truly clean.
A complete list of honing procedures, recommendations and
tech tips are available at www.hastingspistonrings.com/techtips-faqs, www.totalseal.com or www.sunnen.com/honing-tips.
R&R
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Rodding Journal
Lights....Camera....Action!
By Jim Kaekel
Unless you have
been literally living
under a rock, you’ve
probably either
seen or heard of the
Discovery Channel’s
“Street Outlaws”,
the television reality series that’s said
to be an “inside
look into the world
of street racing in
America”, according
to IMDb (Internet Movie Data Base). The show has stirred quite
a bit of controversy and there have been countless interviews,
editorials and even recent commentary from the National Hot
Rod Association. The show’s ratings have climbed to almost
epic proportions, ironically surpassing ESPN’s coverage of the
NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
“Street Outlaws” features a cast of characters including “Big
Chief”, “Murder Nova”, “Farm Truck” and “Kamikaze”, complete
with their personal race cars and a full complement of manufactured action, drama and trash talking, all staged to a “T” by a
television production crew for the sake of entertainment. Most
of the characters are outfitted with pulled down ball caps and
black T-shirts, many emblazoned with logos from the high performance automotive aftermarket. The characters often refer to
themselves as the “405”, named after the Oklahoma area code
where they reside.
Of course, the reality is that the scenes are staged and shot
on public streets that have been shut down by local authorities,
while the set is complete with a production crew, professional
outdoor lighting, EMS vehicles and personnel. Ironically, a
recent episode featuring Chicago area street racers was filmed
on Schweitzer Rd. in Joliet, Ill., the public access road for NHRAsanctioned Route 66 Raceway, easily recognized by the track
fence, noise berms and “Gate 13” sign.
The controversy ramped up recently when the NHRA sent
letters out to members that were participating in the show,
warning them that they could become subject to suspension
of drag racing privileges. The sanctioning body stated that
“the NHRA was founded in an effort to provide an alternative
for drag racing enthusiasts who were racing illegally on public
streets. Participation in the show, which promotes and glorifies
illegal street racing, is directly at odds with this mission”. The
racers in question made appearances on the show and were
easily identified by their NHRA competition numbers present
on their race car windows.
It surely appears that “Street Outlaws” is promoting and
glorifying street racing as the NHRA attests, yet if it’s a reality
show truly about street racing, it ignores many of the associated aspects. First and foremost, street racing is illegal, as street
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racers not only endanger themselves,
but pedestrians and
the motoring public
as well, and getting caught by law
enforcement can
result in a suspended driver’s license,
possible jail time
and an impounded
car.
Another reality is
that safety equipment has never been a priority with street racers. Although “Big Chief” is wearing his helmet and full safety
equipment on the show, it’s not very often that you see a pair
of street racers square off, wearing helmets, fire suits and the
latest Hans Devices. Add to the fact that there are typically no
guardrails or concrete walls present at the site of most street
races, so the slightest driver error can have catastrophic results.
High stakes street races are literally a breeding ground for
high stakes disagreements. Whether a street racer just lost $100
or $10,000, they’re typically not a “happy camper” afterwards
and melee can ensue if there’s an argument regarding who
won or lost, or whether someone “jumped” at the start.
Like most popular reality TV shows, you have to take the
“good with the bad” and let common sense prevail, realizing
that “Street Outlaws” is simply intended for entertainment purposes. The popularity of the series is certainly given the high
performance automotive market a much needed “shot in the
arm”. According to the latest TV ratings, the show has garnered
viewership of over 2.2 million viewers on Monday nights, placing it among the most popular prime time cable shows in the
age 18-49 demographic.
The show’s popularity has also created the potential to help
generate increased youth involvement in high performance
automotive and motorsports, a generation that many thought
were entrenched in video games. “Street Outlaws” may have
given many of them the desire to look under the hood of their
dad’s Chevelle and realize that it would actually be “cool” to
own a fast car.
Perhaps the NHRA or IHRA could use the “Street Outlaws”
movement to further promote “grudge” or “test and tune”
nights at their local tracks. Typically held on Friday nights, the
events feature affordable, $10-$25 entry fees and are very popular with young people, a segment that the sanctioning bodies
are trying to reach out to as evidenced by the Junior Dragster
and Teen Drag racing programs. The racing is done in a safe,
closed environment, complete with concrete retaining walls
and on-track safety crew. The events are not only designed to
be fun and affordable, but safe and legal to boot! R&R
Lane Technical / Social Media
Consumer Rebates
CONSUMER REBATES
Thanks to the large number of product lines available at Lane Automotive, there are
always a number of rebates available to our customers. To see the latest consumer
rebates please visit the Lane Automotive website at www.laneautomotive.com and
look under the News and Events column on the right side of the Home page. Please
check the website often as the offers are updated on a regular basis.
$$$
Car Of The Day Pictures Needed!
Each day we share a photograph of a car, truck or race car from the Lane Automotive
community. If you want to see your car as "Photo of the Day", send us a Facebook message
with a photograph of your ride.
Drag Racing Pictures Needed!
Please send pictures of your Drag Racing vehicle. This is a chance to see your ride in our Drag
catalog! High resolution eps or jpeg images that are at least 4 inches in width only. PLEASE DO
NOT SEND WATERMARKED or COPYRIGHTED PHOTOS - we cannot use them. Send your photos to:
jberglund@laneautomotive.com
Hot Rod/Early Muscle Pictures Needed!
Please send pictures of your Hot Rod and/or Early Muscle Car. This is a chance to see your car
in one of our catalogs! High resolution eps or jpeg images that are at least 4 inches in width only.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND WATERMARKED or COPYRIGHTED PHOTOS - we cannot use them. Send
your photos to: jberglund@laneautomotive.com
Showroom Sales Staff Spotlight
Tom Rutherford
Teddy Panagakos
Tom is the newest sales associate to join the Lane Automotive showroom team. A 13 year veteran circle track
racer, Tom currently competes in the Outlaw Late Model
division at Kalamazoo Speedway. A dedicated racer, Tom
tries to attend as many dirt and asphalt circle track races as
possible.
Teddy's background as an automotive machinist with
specialization in cylinder head work, crank welding and
block work makes him a valuable member of our showroom sales team. Away from work, Teddy is an avid
sports participant who enjoys slow pitch softball, golf and
league bowling.
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Lane News
Gary and Donna Howe Win the ARPY Award
Gary, and Donna Howe, promoters of Kalamazoo Speedway, Kalamazoo,
Michigan, were revealed by guest presenter track owner and racing broadcaster Ken Squier as the Thirty-Ninth Auto Racing Promoters of the Year
in ceremonies at the Hilton Daytona Beach. Readers of Racing Promotion
Monthly, the idea newsletter for auto racing promoters, chose the Howes
from among six regional nominees. Honored as Regional Auto Racing
Promoters of the Year were Bruce & Teresa Rogers and the Rogers Family,
Grandview (PA) Speedway; Tim & Pat Bryant, Five Flags (FL) Speedway; the
Howes; Wayne Anderson, Don & Linus Mack, Darren & Monica Evavold, River
Cities (ND) Speedway; Dan Robinson, Lucas Oil (MO) Speedway; and Doug
and Traci Hobbs, Evergreen (WA) Speedway. The Bad Boy Buggies World
of Outlaws World Finals received the Racing Promotion Monthly Award for
Outstanding Annual Short Track Event. R&R
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