Bells and Whistles - Drag Racer

Bells and Whistles May '07

Written by Randy Fish

8.1L GM Big-Block Belt Drive System When GM introduced the 8.1L (496-cid) big-block engine in its trucks and SUVs, it was only a matter of time before it started showing up in bracket cars and other high performance applications. JESEL has designed a belt drive system for the GM 8.1L that provides precise cam timing that can be externally adjusted ±10 degrees in minutes, without removing the water pump. Another advantage of the JESEL belt drive is that cams can be quickly swapped through the billet front cover without removing it (or the oil pan), which is very convenient for testing. This new 8.1L belt drive system incorporates all of its race-proven features, such as the patented Gates High Torque Drive(tm) reinforced belt that is custom-made to an exact length, so no troublesome idler pulley is required. The 7075 billet aluminum upper pulley and heat-treated steel crank pulley form a drive system that is more durable than chain (or gear) drives and absorbs harmful harmonics from the crankshaft. An aluminum billet front cover accepts the OE water pump, but requires an electric fuel pump. For more information, contact JESEL, 1985 Cedar Bridge Ave., Dept. DR, Lakewood, NJ 08701, call (732) 901-1800, or visit www.jesel.com.
The Totally Refined Mopar Hemi/Wedge Block The resurgence in popularity enjoyed by 426 Hemi-powered race cars and street machines has taken another step forward with the release of a refined 426/440 Hemi(r)/Wedge race block by World Products. The blocks are available in aluminum or compacted graphite and carry Mopar casting numbers. They accommodate all OEM Chrysler components. Using 3D CAD/CAM technology World's engineering team has greatly improved upon the 426 Hemi. The refined Hemi/wedge block incorporates a number of features that are a result of collaboration with leading Hemi racers and engine builders, including Ray Barton. Available in 4.250 and 4.500-inch bore sizes, the block can accommodate a 4.750-inch stroke crank if an external oil pickup line is employed. The block comes with standard or .250-inch raised cam tunnels, which can be bored to 60mm. Lifter bores can be spread up to .100-inch, and machined at any angle from 45-51 degrees. Another unique World Products feature is a dual-pattern bellhousing, which can accept both Chrysler and GM transmissions. The block features cross-bolted main caps, including the front main. Manufactured from premium grade 355-T6 aluminum alloy, World's Motown 23-degree 235cc heads are offered bare or in complete assemblies, which include genuine Manley stainless steel valves and ARP hardware. They are offered with several spring packages to accommodate camshafts with lifts to .700-inch. For additional information, contact World Products, 51 Trade Zone Court, Dept. DR, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, call (631) 981-1918, or visit www.worldcastings.com
Chevy/GMC Duramax Electric Fan Flex-a-lite has developed a new electric fan for 2001-05 Chevy/GMC Duramax diesels (P/N 284). Eliminate the stock belt-driven unit with the Duramax electric fan to improve gas mileage, horsepower, torque, and air conditioning temperature. Independent dyno tests proved fuel savings of 1.1 mpg, 27 horsepower and 34 ft.-lb. of torque at the wheels, by eliminating the stock fan on a Duramax diesel (in applications not towing over 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight). The Duramax electric fan measures 17 x 3 7/8 x 4 1/2 inches, pulls up to 6,000 cubic feet per minute, and draws up to 28-36 amps. A glass reinforced nylon shroud surrounds dual 15-inch curved fan blades, and includes a full contact rubber seal to ensure maximum cooling through the radiator. The variable speed control module independently operates the fans from 60-100 percent, depending on engine temperature and A/C activation. Custom mounting brackets make this a bolt-on installation. For more information, contact Flex-a-lite, P.O. Box 580, Dept. DR, Milton, WA 98354, or visit www.flex-a-lite.com.
Crane Cams Ultra-Pro Roller Lifters Treated With Mikronite Process Crane Cams has raised the bar in valvetrain technology through employing the Mikronite(r) process to enhance its industry-leading Ultra-Pro Series 8620 alloy roller lifters. By treating the lifter body, critical lifter-bore friction is reduced, while the process also serves to strengthen the lifter body by increasing the "residual compressive stresses" in the surface and near-surface substrate. This equates to the added strength of shot-peening, but with an ultra-slick surface. The Mikronite process also creates a pattern of minute "channels," which promotes the capillary distribution and adhesion of lubricants - reducing friction, wear and noise. The improved Ultra-Pro lifters are available for virtually all popular racing applications from small-block and big-block Chevy, Ford and Chrysler engines, to exotic competition-only powerplants. With its reduced weight and friction-fighting features, Crane's Ultra-Pro Series 8620 alloy roller lifters will provide improved rpm and horsepower potential without sacrificing reliability. For more information, contact Crane Cams, Inc., 530 Fentress Boulevard, Dept. DR, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, call (386) 258-6174 or visit www.cranecams.com.
Centerforce Replacement Clutch Disc for 1999-2004 Ford Mustangs Centerforce is proud to introduce this new performance replacement clutch disc for 1999 to 2004 Ford Mustangs. The 11-inch diameter clutch with an aftermarket 26-spline transmission input shaft replaces the stock disc with a more reliable assembly with a higher holding capacity, and is designed for use with only Centerforce clutch pressure plate. Centerforce strives to provide the best products on the market at any performance level by constantly testing different materials and designs to find the best combination. This new Centerforce disc for mild horsepower and torque increases is available as P/N 388144. For clutch pressure plate part numbers or any other questions, please contact any Centerforce dealer or Centerforce directly at (928) 771-8422, or visit them online at www.centerforce.com.
Moroso Vacuum Pump Regulator Moroso's new vacuum pump regulator (P/N 22633) simply installs into the -12AN inlet port of the pump, which eliminates the need for drilling or fabrication. The regulator rotates 360 degrees for easy installation. For more information on this, or Moroso's extensive line of racing vacuum pumps, contact Moroso Performance, 80 Carter Dr., Dept. DR, Guilford, CT 06437, visit moroso.com, or call the Tech Department at (203) 458-0546.
Speed-Pro Competition Series Coated Engine Bearing An advanced anti-friction coating is now available from Speed-Pro, the performance engine parts brand of Federal-Mogul Corporation. Speed-Pro Competition Series engine bearings are now offered with Federal-Mogul's exclusive DUROSHIELD(tm) friction-reducing polymer coating, for a variety of small- and big-block Chevrolet and small-block Ford engines. This micro-thin layer, featuring an advanced molybdenum disulfide in a polymer base, provides exceptional protection against dry starts and other situations when oil supply to the bearing face may be interrupted. The DUROSHIELD coating's hydrophilic matrix chemically bonds to the bearing surface and is engineered to absorb oil for enhanced lubricity under a full range of performance conditions. Acclaimed professional drag racer and engine builder Mike Moran has eliminated high-rpm bearing fatigue issues by relying on the new DUROSHIELD-coated bearings in his 3,000-horsepower Pro Mod/Pro Outlaw engines and other applications. "I'm using them in everything I build now," Moran said. "I've gotten 100 passes, at roughly 240 miles per hour each, without having to pull the bearings; that pretty much says it all." In addition to the proprietary DUROSHIELD anti-friction coating, the new Speed-Pro Competition Series bearings feature Federal-Mogul's exclusive H-14 overlay material, bonded to a high-strength 100 AK steel backing for unsurpassed durability. Main sets include the company's patented contoured flange design, which significantly boosts oiling efficiency and thrust-load capacity, and three-quarter-length oil grooves. For more information, contact your Speed-Pro supplier or write to Speed-Pro Bearings, Federal-Mogul Corp., 26555 Northwestern Highway, Dept. DR, Southfield, MI 48034.
QFT's Fuel Pressure Regulators Precise fuel pressure is a critical part of engine tuning, whether you run on the street or strip. Variations in pressure can cause carburetor malfunctions, irregular throttle response, and poor engine performance. Now you can eliminate pressure variations forever with the new billet pressure regulators from Quick Fuel Technology. These new regulators use the same race-tested design as QFT's die-cast regulators, with the added precision and consistency of CNC-machined billet-aluminum construction. The Black Top billet regulator features ball and stem activation and QFT's alcohol-compatible GFLT diaphragm assembly for high-flow capacity that can support up to 900 horsepower. The Blue Top bypass regulator is designed for alcohol systems with mechanical (two stage) fuel pumps, and features a changeable idle jet to regulate low-side operating pressure during periods of low fuel demand. High-side pressure is regulated with a stem and seat bypass system. QFT Red Top bypass regulators are designed to work with electric fuel pumps. The Red Top enables excess fuel to return to the tank, eliminating "creep" at low rpm with a restriction-free bypass. All three billet pressure regulators have an adjustment range of 4-13 psi and are designed to meet the most stringent requirements in racing. For more information, contact Quick Fuel Technology, 129 Dishman Lane, Dept. DR, Bowling Green, KY 42101, call (270) 793-0900, or visit www.quickfueltechnology.com.
Dart's New Billet Aluminum LS1-Style Block Racers and engine builders can get virtually anything they want in an LS1-style bullet with Dart's new billet aluminum block. Machined on precision CNC equipment from a solid billet of 6061 aluminum, the Dart LS1 block offers virtually unlimited choices in deck height, cylinder bore centerline, bore diameter, and lifter/cam configurations. The Dart LS1-style billet block is available with or without water jackets. After machining, the block is heat treated to 130 Brinnell hardness for strength and reliability. "The deep-skirt design of the LS1 block lends itself very well to a billet version," explained Dart founder and president Richard Maskin. "We were able to have more water volume in the billet block than with a production block, while having thicker bores and better materials. "Compared to an aluminum casting, the billet block has much greater capacity to withstand high stress levels without failure," Maskin noted. "This material gives the customer the strength of 7075 aluminum with elongation that's five times greater than cast aluminum." The Dart billet block can be ordered with additional head bolts, custom motor mount bosses, and optional camshaft diameters. For more information, contact Dart Machinery, 353 Oliver Dr., Dept. DR, Troy, MI 48084, call (248) 362-1188, or visit www.dartheads.com.
The Nitro From Impact Racing Bill Simpson offered a solution when Funny Car and Dragster drivers were looking for a better method to stop the air contamination problem they were experiencing in their cockpits (and with their helmets). The solution was new Nitro(tm) helmet from Impact Racing - the first to utilize a self-contained air filtration system that functions solo to purify inhaled air, or in conjunction with onboard bottle air systems. An internal respirator-type mask encloses the mouth and nose and purifies inhaled air with external organic filters. Additional features include: •External ribbing functionally reinforces the helmet •Pre-plumbed for immediate hook-up to onboard bottle air system •Built-in headsock/helmet skirt with fire resistant Kevlar eyeport gasket, and chin bar D-ring attachment •Adult sizes: XS/S/M/L/XL, available in silver, white, gloss, or flat black •SNELL & SFI/FIA approved. For more information, call (317) 852-3067, visit www.impactraceproducts.com, or contact Impact Racing, 1650 Northfield Drive Bldg. A-100, Dept. DR, Brownsburg, IN 46112.
Racepak Street Dash The Racepak Street Dash is a complete dash replacement. This advanced display provides all the functions of a stock dash and more. It is compact, easy to install and takes the place of 21 gauges. It is provided with everything required to display engine rpm, water temperature, oil temperature, oil pressure, and battery voltage. By using the electronic speed sensor sending unit on your transmission it will also provide speedometer, odometer and trip odometer functionality. The display on the street dash is programmed at the factory. The screen display is customizable with optional programming software available from Racepak. Speedometer and odometer calibration does not require the programming software. Fuel level is measured with the stock tank sending unit. Indicator lights for turn signals, parking brake, high beam, low oil pressure, high oil temperature, high water temperature, and low battery voltage are included, and outputs for a shift light and an electronic fan controller relay are also part of the package. Additional functions, such as pressures and temperatures, can be displayed on the street dash by adding Racepak's optional pre-programmed V-Net modules and sensors. For more information, contact Racepak, 30402 Esperanza, Dept. DR, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, or call 949-709-5555.
ZEX Gen III High Output Nitrous System Tunable from 100-250-hp, the new ZEX(tm) nitrous system is specifically made for the popular Gen III engine platform. Incorporating such engineering advances as Fuel Shear(tm) Technology and the ZEX-patented Active Fuel Control(tm), the new Gen III system powerfully and safely adds between 100 and 250 additional engine horsepower. just two to three hours, the ZEX Gen III uses Fuel Shear Technology, which injects enrichment fuel directly into the nitrous plume for better atomization. The system also features a patented TPS switch for precise activation of the nitrous at wide-open throttle. Additional technology includes ZEX Active Fuel Control, which keeps fuel enrichment perfect, regardless of nitrous bottle pressure. Best of all, this kit and its advanced technology have been specifically designed to work perfectly with GM Gen III engine systems for the best efficiency and ultimate performance. For more information, call (888) 817-1008, or visit www.zex.com.
Auto Meter Wide Band Air Fuel Ratio Gauges Auto Meter has released Wide Band Air Fuel Ratio Gauges in popular Cobalt, C2, NV, Ultra-Lite, Sport Comp, and Phantom gauge designs as an excellent tuning aid for performance enthusiasts looking to wring every last ounce of power from their rides. Auto Meter's wide band gauges are standard 2 1/16-inch (52mm) size for extreme mounting versatility and come as a complete self-contained unit with a Bosch sensor and no external interface modules required. Capable of displaying either air/fuel ratio or lambda, Auto Meter wide band gauges utilize a 30-LED array and digital LED display for extreme clarity and precise readings. Additional features include: •Automatic brightness control •0-4v analog output to feed a data acquisition unit or engine management system •Adjustable radial array sensitivity and stoichiometric point to accommodate alternate fuel types and provide optimal real time monitoring •Easy to use, two-button interface for programming •Peak recall to capture lean-out conditions during a run •Warning function to alert driver to critical conditions and help avoid costly engine damage For more information, contact Auto Meter at (815) 899-0800, or visit www.autometer.com.
High-performance Street Twin Clutch From McLeod Industries Are you concerned that your mega-powered street machine will burn up clutches under hard acceleration or while in competition? McLeod Industries can put your competitive mind at rest with their twin disc street twin clutch assembly for most high-performance domestic engine/transmission combinations. The street twin clutch assembly is rated for up to a whopping 1,700-hp, and utilizes specialized floater straps for quieter operation. When combined with McLeod's hydraulic master cylinder, throw-out bearing and high-pressure lines, the street twin can provide unmatched pedal sensation and superior performance. For more information, contact McLeod Industries, 1600 Sierra Madre Circle, Dept. DR, Placentia CA 92807, (714) 630-2764, or on the web at www.mcleodind.com.
Taylor Aluminum Battery Boxes to fit Optima and Odyssey Batteries Taylor has expanded its offering of aluminum battery boxes to include two new sizes to accommodate Optima and Odyssey performance batteries. The lightweight, three-piece .040-inch aluminum box features the Taylor logo embossed on the lid and allows full access to the battery without having to remove it from the box. The box hard mounts the battery to the frame of the vehicle and complies with NHRA Rule 8:1. Taylor aluminum battery boxes include a heavy-duty battery hold down and all necessary spacers and mounting hardware. Some models of the new battery boxes also include battery cable kits, depending on application.Taylor aluminum battery boxes are ideal for racing, street rod and custom applications. The new 200 Series box fits Optima Red and Yellow Top along with Odyssey 1500 Series batteries. Taylor's 300 Series box fits Odyssey PC925 and PC1200 Series batteries. For more information, contact Taylor Cable Products, Inc., 301 Highgrove Road, Dept. DR, Grandview, MO 64030, (816) 761-4023, or www.taylorvertex.com. DR