SEMA 2008 Friday Coverage

[Tom@LSXTV]

Corsa Performance uses a unique straight-through design on their mufflers that reduces back pressure and engine drone at highway speeds. Instead of baffling or packing, the Corsa mufflers uses a principle they call special Reflective Sound Cancellation to eliminate low frequency pulses which produce bone rattling drone at high speeds.

Corsa says this allows for higher horsepower gains because of the straight-thru design. The complete exhaust systems come in two models: Sport -- which offers a bolder sound, or Touring, which isn’t as throaty and is made for extended cruising. They also recently released systems for the Corvette ZR-1.

For more information check out www.corsaperformance.com

[Tom@LSXTV]

Pontiac G8 GT

AFE now offers a high flow intake system for the Pontiac G8 that is designed to increase the air flow and horsepower over the stock numbers -- a gain of up to 11 hp and 13 ft lbs of torque. The bolt-in system is a one piece housing so there is nothing to build, and the large 5.5-inch filter can be used over and over to last the life of the car. And, if your not looking to change out the entire intake system, AFE also makes a replacement filter that fits in the stock air intake.



Check out http://www.afefilters.com/ for more info.

[Tom@LSXTV]

Granatelli Motorsports continues to develop new handling and power parts for late model muscle cars. Below are some of their newest products.

2009 Emission Legal Air Flow Meters for GM Cars

A 2008 mass air flow meter body change in 2008 led to Granatelli’s redesign of their meters featuring a billet constructed meter body. These new air flow meters are compliant with emissions standards and are offered in various colors. Granatelli also offers a MAF sensor cleaner that evaporates so you don’t have to remove the sensor to clean. This keeps your meter clean and running at optimal performance.

More on Granatelli at: http://www.granatellimotorsports.com/

[Tom@LSXTV]

Outlaw 10.5W and Super Street Outlaw cars, not to mention Drag Radial rides in the low 7s, are pushing Powerglide's beyond all limits these days. To combat the rising power and traction of the fastest Street cars in the world, ATI has developed an all-new Glide called the Super Glide 3. The ATI SG3 comes with a SuperCase & Tailhousing, Billet Super Pump, Vasco 12 DP 1.80 Gear set, and a patented ATI Ringless Super shaft, among other stuff.



Now, here's the kicker. You can't buy it.

Yes, you heard it right. If you want - what ATI claims - is the strongest Powerglide on the market, you'll need to lease it from ATI. Here is exactly what they say about it:

The Superglide 3 is only available for lease. It contains internal parts that are produced exclusively by ATI under U.S. Patent #6,892,533 and parts Patent Pending. These parts are unavailable for purchase by others.

Here's some of the specs:

• ATI SuperCase & Tailhousing
• ATI Billet Aluminum Super Pump
• Vasco 12 DP 1.80 Gear Set with custom Turbo Sun Gear
• Compu-Flow Safety Reverse Transbrake
• patented ATI Ringless Super Shaft
• Billet Dual Ring Servo & Cover
• Deep Aluminum Pan
• Kevlar Band
• High Performance Gaskets and Seals
• Available in 28" and 18" lengths

Check out their website, www.atiperformanceproducts.com for more info, or to check out the SG3, click here.

[Tom@LSXTV]

Many enthusiasts who want to change their steering wheel on their street vehicle have held off because they do not want to lose the factory SRS airbag. Now, Grant Revolution steering wheels gives enthusiasts the freedom to customize their vehicle’s interior without the concern or the legality of eliminating the airbag safety system.

Grant’s Revolution steering wheels come in many packages to fit right in with most GM vehicles. That means you can enjoy an aftermarket steering wheel and still retain the factory switches for cruise control, audio and communications.

Check out www.grantproducts.com for more info.

[Tom@LSXTV]

The ignition system is very important part of an engine’s performance. Pertronix’s Ignitor III has everything that your system needs, and then some. By using multi-spark throughout the entire rpm range the Ignitor improves combustion and has five times more spark energy than a points type ignition, claims Pertronix. It also features an available REV limiter that can be set by the user. And best of all, this product is fifty state legal.

With the ability to sense crank orientation from either the distributor cam lobe or a Pertronix magnet sleeve the Pertronix Ignitor III is ready to be put in any engine system. It also has a LED user feedback light for rev limit confirmation as well as a built in polarity and over current protections that will shut down the system if needed, preventing damage.

Visit www.pertronix.com for more info.

[Tom@LSXTV]

Air Ride Technologies has introduced a revolutionary all-new bolt-in roll cage design called the Tiger Cage. The first produced versions will be available for the 1st gen Camaro and 2nd gen Nova. The cages are made from 304 stainless steel that uses a custom designed heavy-duty clamps which Air Ride claims will resist over 450 ft./lb. of rotational torque.

While the cage is not yet officially certified in any sanctioning bodies, it is pending SFI, NHRA, and SCCA certification. The roll cages do not require any cutting and is a direct bolt-in that can be welded for additional support. They are offered in basic, road race, and drag race versions with the ability to add optional bars!

VIDEO: We talked with Bret Voekel of Air Ride who showed us the Tiger Cage!



Here's a sweet close up of the 360-degree heavy duty clamp which Air Ride designed to fasten tubing to each other. Notice, this clamp can be used in planes other than 90-degrees!



Internal Leveling Sensor

What originally started as a military project, quickly became incorporated into domestic vehicles. Instead of having to mount sensors externally to monitor the vehicles ride height, the new strut design uses an internal infrared sensor. This is currently offered on the new Shockwave Air Ride struts, and is going to be one of the coolest new features of running an Air Ride-spec suspension!

Check Out Air Ride's Site at: http://www.ridetech.com/

[Tom@LSXTV]

The boys from COMP Performance Group revealed more new parts and products than we could ever hope to editorially cover without a small army of writers.This is our feeble attempt and conquering their new parts announcements!

FAST New Budget Air/Fuel Ratio Meter

Not everyone can afford an expensive wide band 02 meter, but who doesn't want that bit of monitoring to make sure your not running too rich or lean? FAST has released a new lower-priced air/fuel ratio meter that allows you to monitor your mixture, while being easy on your wallet. This is a no frills meter that simply displays real time monitoring, it is not capable of logging or any real time playback unlike FAST's other systems.



FAST Rectangle Port LS3/L92 Intake Manifold

FAST has just released an all-new design LS3/L92 rectangle port style intake manifold. This manifold is similar in design to their cathedral port, but now offers more intake volume and removable runners that you can modify. The intake manifold is made out of a stronger plastic, though there will not be a nitrous burst panel option on these intakes. The manifold fits from the 90 MM and up to their new 102 MM throttle body.



Thumpr Camshaft Releases for LSX and 3-Valve

COMP has a winner on their hands with the Thumpr Camshafts, and they are now being fully released for both the LS platforms as well as the Modular engines. As SEMA, new Thumpr, Mutha Thumpr, and Big Mutha Thumpr bumpsticks were rolled out. Of course, instead of just being about only power, these cams are engineered for the maximum amount of hard-core cam sound from your engine. Duration below is at .050.

LS Cams – Recommend Aftermarket Springs
• Thumpr – 219 Intake 233 Exhaust, .553 lift
• Mutha Thumpr – 227 Intake 241 Exhaust, .563 lift
• Big Mutha Thumpr – 235 Intake 249 Exhaust, .573 lift

3-Valve Cams – all cams are at .450 lift
Requires Cam Phaser – Work With Stock Springs.
• Thumpr - 226 Intake 246 Exhaust
• Mutha Thumpr - 234 Intake 254 Exhaust
• Big Mutha Thumpr - 242 Intake 262 Exhaust



More Cams.. the COMP LSR Camshafts for Hardcore LS Applications

COMP has taken their most popular LS custom grind cams and released a new line of LSR shelf camshafts. These are hard-core, barely streetable cams that are designed for the seriously built LS engine. Due to their race-bred nature, Comp also suggests custom springs and retainers. There will be 27 grinds over 9 families of cams, and we hope to try one in our own LS3 Corvette we are building.



Check out all the related Comp Performance Group sites for more information:
http://www.compperformancegroup.com/
http://www.zex.com/
http://www.tciauto.com/
http://www.racingheadservice.com/
http://www.fuelairspark.com/
www.compcams.com/

[Tom@LSXTV]

While the economy is going south and GM has been in the press for having challenges selling new cars, it has not affected GM Performance's new product launches. We have to give big props to the boys at GMPP for making a huge SEMA splash not only with the new Camaro but with a great line up of new components.

The LSX 376

GMPP has two new crate engines which they've debuted at SEMA 2008, but the tamer of the two, the 376ci, is GM's "economical" LSX crate engine, and is based on the powerplant that comes in the LS3 Corvette. This engine would be best suited for street cars and light drag street/strip cars competition. The 6.2-liter features new LSX forged pistons, LS3 Heads, and a tame street hydraulic roller cam. The overall compression weighs in at 10.7:1.

This package comes without induction, but GMPP claims 450 horsepower with a production style intake -- that’s twenty more horsepower that comes purely from the LSX block technology over an LS3 block. In the end, you’re left with a step up from a production motor that will accept a nice dose of nitrous and good gas mileage while cruising. This would be a great replacement engine for 4th gen cars.



454 LSX Crate Engine - 620 HP!

If a 505 horsepower LS7 Z06 engine isn’t enough, then the LSX 454 Crate engine is here to answer your needs. The 454 packs -- obviously -- 454 cubic inches -- and features 620 horsepower and 600 foot pounds of pure carb'd insanity. The compression is upped to 11:1, which is supported by an all-forged rotating assembly. There will be a slight compromise on street driving with the installed 236/240 cam that pushes .635 inches of lift. GM plans to add a fuel injected 454 sometime in 2009.

Forced induction on LS-based engines is a growing trend. GMPP does not have immediate plans for a low compression crate engine, though they will have a much-needed short block version mid next year.



Wire Harness Kits for LS based Engines

Many people can install an engine without any problems, but then get lost when it comes to wiring. GMPP now has a solution with their crate engine wire harness kits. Specify what generation engine you have and they will program the E67 ECU accordingly. GMPP will then include all the sensors, down to the drive-by-wire gas pedal and fuse box to accommodate the wiring harness.



LSX Heads Set to Debut in Early 2009

GM Performance Parts is heading up the market on LS based head options. Even their budget heads put out some solid numbers, as the L92 heads are cast heads which cost approximately $500 and have shown a gain of 80 horsepower with a hot cam on a stock LS2 engine. The LS7 heads from the late-model Z06 are available, which are factory CNC-ported (as they come on the Z06). And if you have an LSX block, you can now take advantage of GM’s new six-bolt cylinder heads. When GM designed the heads, they actually ported an original set and then based their mold off a ported head for better flow. The six-bolts are thicker overall to allow for heavier porting and have claimed flow numbers of 420 CFM as cast. These six-bolts have already proven themselves by supporting over 2,000 horsepower on a TA built, 400 cubic inch, twin turbo LSX engine.

For more info on GMPP's new products, log on to gmperformanceparts.com/

[Tom@LSXTV]

Many people have Proform parts, they just might not know it. Proform has almost every GM Performance Parts licensed part for your GM machine. Not into the General? Not a problem, Proform has tons of parts for Ford and Chrysler as well as parts that will work with any application.

5,000 lb Vehicle Scale

Ideal for the weekend racer trying to get more out of his set-up, this scale has a limit of 5,000 lbs, or 1,250 lbs per wheel. Each pad is 14 ½ x 9 ½ x 2 ½ and can be carried in the durable carrying case that is included so it is easy to get to and from the track. For when you are at the track the scale is simple to use via the blacklit display that shows the breakdown of each tire. Just so that set-up of this tool is as easy as can be, Proform even included the 4 AA batteries needed to power the scale.




Slant-Edge Valve Covers

If you are looking to add some personality under your hood, then you need look no further. Proform has ten new looks for your Chevy’s valve cover. Die-casted using an innovative mold to clear and fit right in, you have the choice of multiple colors and finishes to make these valve covers fit without any concerns of internal clearance. They are sold as they should be, with a removable baffle and grommets included as well.



GM Performance Parts Licensed HEI Distributors

These distributors are genuine GM Performance Parts that feature melonized gears that are required on all GMPP crate engines to prevent serious damage. Available in red, black, and yellow check out some of the other features below:

• Sintered steel weights for lighter weight while withstanding 270 newtons min. for maximum durability.
• Validated harness and capacitor for reliable energy flow
• Adjustable vacuum advance for fine tuning the rate and amount of advance that will result in increased power and eliminate harmful detonation.
• Weight springs made with stress-relieved music wire to assure blueprinted advance curve.
• High-performance module: engineered with low saturation for maximum spark intensity.
• Low-friction cam with super-smooth, gradual, tight tolerance TIR (Total Indicated Runout) deviation from datum line.
• Bronze sintered bushings precisely installed and line-honed for perfect positioning.
• Durable, centerless ground coated shaft for reliable energy transfer and long-term, trouble-free performance.



Street Carburetors

Based off of the popular Race Series Carb, the new Street Carburetor is built from Proform’s lightweight aluminum high-flow center section design that has a CNC precision finish. It also features a high performance down-leg booster on most models with an option for an electric choke for vacuum secondary models. Check out more stats below:

• Lightweight Die Cast Aluminum
• Fuel Level Sight Windows
• Externally Adjustable Needle & Seat
• Duel Feed Fuel Inlet
• Notched Secondary Float
• Adjustable Secondary Housing (Vacuum Secondary Models)
• Easy Access Secondary Idle Air Flow Adjustment
• Strong, Lightweight Billet Aluminum
• Corrosion Resistant Bright Anodized Appearance
• Button Torx Head Throttle Plate Screws
• Power Valve Blow Out Protection
• Slip Link Linkage (Mechanical Secondary Models)



For more info visit www.proformparts.com