SEMA 2008 Wednesday Coverage

[mark@lsxtv]

It is the second official day of SEMA 2008, Wednesday. We were on the floor in full force again today to bring you more new product reviews.

You can fast forward to coverage of the show each day here:

• Tuesday New Products & SEMA Cars - Click here
• Wednesday New Products & SEMA Cars - Click Here
• Thursday New Products & SEMA Cars - Click Here
• Friday New Products & SEMA Cars - Click Here

We also shot over 30 videos during the SEMA show below is the list of videos shot on Tuesday:

Wednesday Videos:

• TCI Transmissions - Newly Released 6 Speed Transmission
• Eneos Motor Oil
• Turbonetics Billet Forged Turbocharger
• Vortech Superchargers releases a new twin screw supercharger

Turbonetics Releases New 122mm Billet Turbo - we call it the "Baby Killer"

When you think the world of turbos for automotive use is at their biggest, we all get surprised again. Turbonetics has released their new TNX-122, 122 MM turbo. The kit is designed for top tier racing, such as, Pro Mods and really for diesel sled pulling competitions. “Diesels go for the most amount of boost you can possibly fit in an engine”, says Turbonetics Marketing Manager, Tyler Tanaka.

***** Video: Turbonetics 122mm Turbocharger


Compared against a Turbonetics T3 turbo

The turbo is capable of producing over 2500 horsepower, while supporting 50-60 PSI. The center section is an all-new billet piece. It allows Turbonetics to build a stronger internal bearing with a new, patented oiling system. Also, the compressor wheel is made from a billet 713C super-alloy. “When you run this much boost on a cast wheel, it can expand from the center and explode.” Tyler remarked. Regardless, make sure small animals are not present while in operation.



Visit www.turboneticsinc.com for more info

[mark@lsxtv]

At first look, the SCT Touch Screen Xtreme (we will call it TSX for typing sake) looks like a navigation system. What really lies behind the touch screen and wireless connectivity is a cutting edge tuner. It all started with the Live Wire, but it was thick and used a jog wheel.

The TSX is completely wireless and uses a rechargeable battery similar to a cell phone. Plug in the wireless connector to the data port and the information is sent to the touch screen tuner that automatically detects your car. There is also the ability to store three custom tunes. SCT is going to have a home run on their hands with the first wireless tuner!

***** Video: SCT TSX Touch Screen Xtreme Video at SEMA



Additional features include a performance calculator that can measure estimated 0-60, horsepower, torque, and quarter mile times. There is also user selectable gauges that will pull up against anything your car monitors. The tune-ability and data logging is the same as the hand held, but can be done on the fly without having a cord connected into your OBD II port. There is also a vertical function similar to an IPhone that adjusts the screen depending on orientation.

SCT Releases GM SF3



SCT has already perfected their SF3 for Ford applications and is now releasing the new GM tuner. Plug the SF3 into your OBD II port and it will auto detect which GM vehicle you have. The SF3 comes with pre-loaded tunes and give you the ability to adjust it depending on your modifications. Also the SF3 will data log and monitor your ECU and display it on the tuner or your computer. This SF3 will support all major GM applications

Visit www.sctflash.com for more information

[Chris DeMorro]

Swapping modern engines into classic cars has become big business, and no engine series is more popular than GM’s LS series of engines. These engines have found their way into nearly every car conceivable, and it should come as no surprise that somebody has developed a drop-in engine swap kit for most GM cars. Thanks to Hedman headers and Muscle Rods, these kits are now available for just about any 55-96 GM platform.

Each kit is custom made for each car to ensure proper fitment and ease of installation. Each kit comes complete with all the hardware necessary for a proper swap including engine brackets, frame mounts, crossmember and a poly trans mount. You can swap any LS based engine from cheap truck engines to a beastly LS6 monster swap.

Additionally, Hedman Headers worked alongside Muscle Rods to develop easy-to-install headers that require no modification or specialty spark plugs, a common problem in classic car swaps. Together these two companies are making it much easier for the backyard mechanic to turn their classic car into a fuel injected resto-mod.

For more information, visit www.hedmanhedders.com

[mark@lsxtv]

SCT has already perfected their SF3 for Ford applications and is now releasing the new GM tuner. Plug the SF3 into your OBD II port and it will auto detect which GM vehicle you have. The SF3 comes with pre-loaded tunes and give you the ability to adjust it depending on your modifications. Also the SF3 will data log and monitor your ECU and display it on the tuner or your computer. This SF3 will support all major GM applications

Visit www.sctflash.com for more information

[Chris DeMorro]

Locking differentials have long presented a unique challenge to auto enthusiasts. While lockers are ideal for drag racing or off-roading, their street manners have always been lacking. No one wants to wheel hop every time they turn a corner. But thanks to Auburn Gear’s newly revised ECTED, or Electronically Controlled Traction Enhancing Differential, you can switch between a locker or limited slip differential on the fly.



What’s the secret to this modern marvel? When the ECTED is turned on, an electric current is sent to an electromagnetic coil which rides on a ball bearing. The magnetic flux caused by the coil pulls the pilot cone into engagement with the differential case, and through clever use of ball bearings the center block compresses the cluth pack, giving the user a solid axle assembly even while driving. The applications for this technology are so varied that it’s a wonder it isn’t already on every performance or off-road type vehicle.

The gearing is made from aircraft quality 9310 billet steel and the ECTED is backed by the D-REX program, or Differential Replacement Exchange. The ECTED is available for nearly any Ford, Chrysler, or GM application.

Visit www.auburngear.com for more information

[Chris DeMorro]

When it comes to freeing up parasitic horsepower loses and dramatically improving the under-hood look of your car, few modifications are as helpful or attractive as underdrive pulleys. For twenty years, March Performance Pulleys and Brackets has been producing high quality pulleys for just about every American application that are both symmetrical and effective.

For 2008 March has introduced an underdrive pulley set for LS1, LS2, and LS7 engines. Designed with electronic throttle bodies in mind, these kits provide enough clearance and good looks. The lightweight pulleys reduce strain on the engine freeing up horsepower and lowering the rotating mass. March also makes underdrive pulley kits for Oldsmobile, HEMI, and Pontiac applications.



Also, if polished metal isn’t your look, March also now offers the Black Onyx finish on most pulley and bracket kits. March powdercoats a standard kit, regrinds sections of the brackets and finishes it off with a clear coat that provides a unique and symmetrical look for nearly any application. Most kits are available with or without power steering or air conditioning pumps. The Blank Onyx finish only costs an extra $150 over a standard kit making it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone wanting to stand out.

For more information, visit www.marchperf.com

[Chris DeMorro]

Using nanotechnology and over 25 years of experience in the coating industry, Jet Hot Coatings and HPC have become leaders in the field. Both companies got their start using coating parts for the military before moving to aftermarket applications. Their coatings can be applied to just about any engine parts, and they are most commonly employed on headers, exhaust manifolds, and mufflers to prevent corrosion and keep the engine running cooler and lasting longer.

The pinnacle of their nanotechnology coatings is their N Powered Extreme Sterling coating. These nanometer sized particles create a much stronger bond to substrate metals than standard ceramic coatings, giving the Extreme Sterling coating a much shinier appearance and better heat reduction than other coatings out there.



Jet Hot Coatings also offers a line of engine coatings called SilCoat, which attracts oil more effectively and reduces friction and heat where it is needed most. By applying SilCoat to pistons, valves, and springs you can increase the longevity of your engine and free up horsepower through proper lubrication of the engine parts. SilCoat can be applied to new or used pistons, so you can improve your engine rebuild without having to buy all new pistons.

For more info check out http://www.jet-hot.com/

[Chris DeMorro]

Painless Performance Products has introduced many new products at this year’s SEMA show for a variety of vehicles, helping to take some of the pain out of improving your ride. For starters, they have an integrated LS1 Chassis harness that comes with a 26 circuit/7 relay fuse block, taking a lot of the trouble out of swapping your 1997-04 LS1 into another chassis. These kits are designed to work with GM’s 4L60E automatic transmissions and 18 circuit chassis harnesses.



Check out www.painlessperformance.com for more info

[Tom@LSXTV]

Billy Boat, also known as B&B Exhaust, is a name know in the Corvette world. With their bolt in bi-modal exhaust kit for the C6 and Z06 Vette you can take the sound of your engine from quite cat to roaring lion. Hand assembled in the USA the 304 mandrel bent exhaust uses engine vacuum to change the tone of the exhaust.



If you are worried about the sound being too loud I can tell you that with the valves closed the sound is just a hair louder than stock. Only when you push the button of the wireless key fob does the sound rise to a level that makes me smile wider and wider the more it revs. Think of it this way, you can get two very different exhaust systems but for the price of one and the chance to switch them anytime you want.

Bullet Headers



These T304 stainless steel headers are mandrel bent to help increase the airflow of the exhaust gases. These will give a deep note to any C5 or C6 Vette and is also 50-State smog legal to help keep the cop off your back with still enjoying a nice sound from your engine.

Visit www.bbexhaust.com for more information

[Tom@LSXTV]

If the curves of the road is something was entertains you as much as the drag strip then Eibach has just what you are looking for. The all-new Pro-Plus Performance Handling Package not only lowers your cars center of gravity but also helps to reduce body roll and excessive nose-drive under braking. For those that know about Eibach you may notice that this kit is a combination of their PRO Kit and their Anti-Roll Kit.

This bolt in kit comes with a million mile warranty along with the improved handing it delivers. The kit comes in many different forms to be sure that it will fit in almost any application. With a set of performance springs and sway bars this kit will lend a hand in turning your car into a road course king.

Visit www.eibach.com for more information