Strength On All Sides
Ross Racing Pistons says its new LS-series Forged Side Relief pistons are lighter and stronger than traditional piston designs because they utilize an in-board pin boss that allows for a shorter, lighter pin. The advantage is that Ross can then support the skirt area and piston head with a series of webs and struts that result in a rigid yet lightweight design. Ross offers the new pistons for bore sizes ranging from 4.060 inches to 4.200 inches. Forged from 2618 T-61 aluminum, they will accommodate a variety of O.E. and aftermarket cylinder heads. The company states the new pistons are strong enough for high-performance Pontiac buildups and can also be used with nitrous, turbos, and superchargers. The price is $936 for eight or $117 each. Ross Racing Pistons; (310) 536-0100; www.rosspistons.com.
Cooler Engine And Cooler Appearance
While there's plenty to be said for a cooler-running engine, how about a great-looking radiator to make it happen? Mark 7 Custom Radiators introduces its custom-made, custom-fit aluminum radiators. Engraving of almost any design, slogan, club name, or club logo on the top tank is offered, and the personalization doesn't stop there. You can select from 16 eye-catching candy colors, including polished gold, or go for a more OEM appearance with an anodized black-satin finish.Mark 7 will make a radiator to fit any year, make, or model, or to any size. Regarding the shroud, Mark 7 states, "A lip is formed on the radiator frame into which the fan housing fits tightly, creating its own shroud."The company claims its big-block aluminum unit, with dual fan setup, will support a 700hp engine in 100-degree weather with the A/C on, and has done so with even more heat-inducing high-horsepower applications. That kind of performance, combined with "polished-jewelry" looks, is a prime example of form meets function. Pricing begins at $649. Mark 7 Custom Radiators; (877) 777-7505; www.mark7radiators.com.
Fuelish Endeavor
Ames Performance has released yet more helpful repro parts, including gas-gauge sending units for '64-'66 A-body Pontiacs. These items were previously unavailable with the correct 5/16-inch outlet, forcing restorers to reuse the old one or modify. The package comes with the unit, sock, retaining ring, and seal. Ames lists two part numbers, the '64 sender is M130C and the '65-'66 unit is M130D. Priced at $59, they're designed for non-A/C applications, and the later sending unit will also work on '67 non-A/C, two-barrel Pontiacs. Ames Performance Engineering; (800) 421-2637; www.amesperf.com.
Classic-Styled Covers
Pacific Performance Racing announces a new addition to its line of Tomahawk Performance Products-the Tomahawk Cast-Aluminum Valve Covers. Lightweight and reminiscent of the finned ones of the '60s, these valve covers are fully polished and come complete with chrome mounting hardware and breather grommets. Pacific Performance also offers a serviceable billet-aluminum breather cap that matches the ribbed design. Not just about looks, these valve covers will clear roller rocker arms and poly-locks, and the cast-aluminum design provides leak-free seal-ing while weighing only 4 pounds. A pair costs $149.95. Pacific Performance Racing; (310) 832-4596; www.pacificperformanceracing.com.