Another year, another trip down the aisles of the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show, held in Vegas from November 5-8, 2002. Now, if this was an import mag, an army of copy chimps couldn't keep pace with the sheer tonnage of wings, pipes, and other assorted nonsense that was crammed into the Las Vegas Convention Center. But Pontiac people have always marched to the beat of a different drum, and that choice means that finding what is new and exciting for our classic and contemporary rides is always challenging. It was no different in Vegas.
But this year we were pleased to see several retro-tech products that will make the '60s- and '70s-era Ponchos perform much better. It was very encouraging to speak with product reps, themselves obviously excited to be supplying our tribe with specialized speed parts. And support for the L98-, LB9-, and LT1-powered Pontiacs seems to be getting stronger, as well--good news since '82-97 Firebirds are getting more affordable every day. Of course, there was no shortage of LS1-based performance goodies on hand, so you '98-up F-body owners should find something to suit your tastes. We've got a lot of explaining to do, so kick back and let us show you how these innovations might benefit your high-performance Pontiac.
Eagle Specialty Products
662-796-7373
www.eaglerod.com
What it is: LS1 connecting rods from Eagle Specialty Products
Why you need it: part No. CRS6100L3D is a set of 4340 chrome-moly H-beam 6.1-inch rods (stock length) and stock dimensions, save the .927-inch piston pin. Every surface is machined and shot peened, and each set is weight-matched. These rods include ARP's 8740 bolts and should be good to 850 horsepower, but a rod bolt upgrade is offered if more power is needed.
Which applications: '98-up V8 Firebirds
Suggested price: $599
MSD Ignition
915-857-5200
www.msdignition.com
What it is: Ready-to-Run Pro-Billet Distributors from MSD Ignition
Why you need it: No more points! MSD part No. 8528 fits in place of the stock points distributor (even on Tri-Power!) and comes with an MSD cap, but will still accept a GM points-style cap for a restored look. It has an ignition module built into the base that delivers 7.5 amps to the coil for a hot spark, a smooth idle and great throttle response. There is a sealed ball-bearing guide on the shaft, an easy-to-adjust mechanical advance comes with supplied springs and stop bushings and, finally, vacuum advance for street cars.
Which applications: V8 Pontiacs from 326-455 cubic inches
Suggested price: $350
JE Pistons
714-898-9763
www.jepistons.com
What it is: Forged pistons for LS1 engines from JE Pistons
Why you need it: this purpose-designed forging will accommodate a wide variety of bore sizes, compression ratios, and compression heights. JE's flat-top piston is compatible with nitrous, turbos and superchargers, and pins and double spiral locks are included. This piston will also clear the reluctor wheel on large-bore or stroker applications--hint, hint.
Which applications: '98-up V8 Firebirds
Suggested price: N/A
Holley
270-782-2900
www.holley.com
What it is: Stealth Ram intake manifold from Holley
Why you need it: the Stealth Ram has a tunnel ram design that will increase airflow in small-block GMs. It features cast 356T aluminum alloy construction and CNC machining, and it is compatible with the factory 305 and 350 TPI throttle body, linkage, injectors, and HEI small-cap distributors. This product will work with both early and late heads and is said to increase power on a 350 TPI by as much as 54 ponies.
Which applications: '79-92 Chevy engines, including 305 and 350 TPIs
Suggested price: The 7540 part number retails for $480; adding a P to that number means you get a polished version for $953
Comp Cams800-999-0853www.compcams.com What it is: LS1 rocker arm from Competition Cams Why you need it: this Pro-Magnum LS1 rocker, which features 8650 chromoly construction and adjusting nuts and set screws, possesses less weight than the factory piece and will provide more durability to boot. There are two kits available. A 5/16-inch guide plate/pushrod kit is part No. 13705-KIT, and a 3/8-inch guide plate/pushrod kit is part No. 13703-KIT Which applications: '98-up V8 FirebirdsSuggested price: $582.
Hedman Hedders562-921-0404www.hedman.com What it is: Pontiac shorty "hedders" from Hedman HeddersWhy you need it: part No. 28164 is a Tork-Step four-tube header that goes from 1.625 inches to 1.75 inches. This shorty design will fit 350-455-inch, automatic-equipped Ponchos with 6-bolt, non-round-port cylinder heads (sorry, R/A II/IV guys). Adding a -6 after that part number will get you a metallic-ceramic coated set for a few more ducats Which applications: '64-77 GP/LeMans, Tempest, and GTO, '67-81 Firebird/TASuggested price: $459
TCI Automotive662-224-8972www.tciauto.com What it is: Street Fighter and Super Street Fighter 10-inch lockup converters from TCIWhy you need it: higher stall speed-- Streetfighter (part No. 242931) stalls at 2800-3000 rpm, Super Streetfighter (part No. 242932) stalls at 3500 rpm. Other benefits include lighter weight over a stock unit and the reliability of a carbon-fiber converter clutch lining Which applications: '98-up V8 FirebirdsSuggested price: Streetfighter (part No. 242931) $599, Super Streetfighter (part No. 242932) $710
B&M Racing Products818-882-6422www.bmracing.com What it is: A 4L60E tranny package from B&MWhy you need it: part No. 117301 was designed as a stand-alone retrofit package that doesn't depend on a factory computer to get the job done. The package comes with a B&M-ified 4L60E tranny, a 2400-stall Holeshot converter, a SuperCooler trans cooler, a dipstick, synthetic Trick Shift fluid, a dust cover, and the electronic controller. The included controller even allows you to program the shift points from inside the vehicle. Your Pontiac can be enjoying the benefits of a low first gear and an overdrive Which applications: '92-prior Pontiac musclecarsSuggested price: $3,162
Nology Engineering800-665-6491www.nology.com What it is: OBD-II and PDA dyno from Nology EngineeringWhy you need it: because $349 can buy you an OBD-II scan tool and a dyno at the same time. The scan tool aspect of the PDA works by accessing the ALDL port in your Pontiac. All relevant engine sensors are monitored, and it lists up to five sensors simultaneously. To dyno your ride, access the CD which lists most popular vehicles and choose yours. Once a program is entered manually into the PDA, you also manually enter your tire diameter and the computer will calculate gear ratio. Place your vehicle into the gear that you want to do a dyno run in, and this nifty gizmo measures speed, wheel revolutions, rpm, and time. Horsepower and torque numbers have tested within 2-3 ponies and foot-pounds as verified next to a dyno, and acceleration numbers are a keystroke away. Nology lists various part numbers, but 440-000-021 is for the Palm V unitWhich applications: '96 and newer with OBD-IISuggested price: $349
Powermaster800-862-7223www.powermastermotorsports.com What it is: High-torque starter for LS1s and vintage Pontiacs tooWhy you need it: part No. 9509 for the LS-style engines features a 4:4.1 gear-reduction ratio and will put out 200 pounds of torque at the flywheel, enough twist to light the fire on an 18:1 compression motor. The starter solenoid is encapsulated in aluminum, which means there are no heat soak problems. The XS Torque Starter is 3 pounds lighter than the OEM unit and offers excellent header clearance. Part number 9510 will start the early Pontiac motors for the same priceWhich applications: Most V8 Pontiacs up to 2002 Suggested price: $231
Granatelli Motor Sports805-486-6644www.granatellimotorsports.com What it is: Laptop-programmable speedo calibrator from Granatelli Motor SportsWhy you need it: the GranSpeedo (part No. 760000) allows you to adjust for tire size and ring gear changes through your laptop computer. When this program is downloaded, options allow you to plug in gear ratios and download them to Granatelli's black box, which loads them into the ECM. This process then changes the signal for your speedometer Which applications: '97-02 FirebirdsSuggested price: $193
Baer Brake Systems602-233-1411www.baer.com What it is: Serious Street brake system for 15-inch wheels from Baer BrakesWhy you need it: to haul your Poncho down with aluminum 2-piston PBR calipers mounted on an 11-inch rotor, that's why. Part No. 4301008 fits anywhere the OEM system would fit with factory Rally wheels and various other rims. It comes complete with braided hoses and a master cylinder, and slotted and zinc-washed rotors are standard Which applications: '64-72 A-bodies, '67-69 Firebird, '64-74 X-bodiesSuggested price: $995
Stainless Steel Brakes800-448-7722www.ssbrakes.com What it is: Quick Change 2-piston caliper kit from Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.Why you need it: This caliper kit (part No. A180-M) was designed as a direct bolt-on replacement to original-equipment single piston caliper systems. It includes Force 10 SuperTwin 2-Piston Aluminum Calipers and high-performance pads. The twin calipers come with an anodized finish, and polishing or powdercoating is availableWhich applications: '77-81 Firebird, '77 Grand Prix, LeMans, '77-79 Ventura Suggested price: $395
Ravin' Performance800-728-4648www.goravin.com What it is: high-performance late-model brake pads from Ravin' Performance ProductsWhy you need it: part No. BP1760C will work on V6 and V8 '98-02 Firebirds. These front pads meet QS9000 specs for consistency and quality and are said to provide excellent stopping power for your late-model Pontiac. And since they are produced with ceramic fibers, these pads offer noise reduction along with anti-dust technology--which means no more black residue on those nice wheels Which applications: '98-02 V6 and V8 FirebirdsSuggested price: $54
Mothers714-891-3364www.mothers.com What it is: California Gold Paint Chip Repair Kit from MothersWhy you need it: This repair kit dulls chips in your paint and removes the unsightly blobs left by so-called "touch-up" paints--and it took runner-up honors as a 2002 new product at SEMAWhich applications: Painted onesSuggested price: N/A
Molten Image Design801-489-7287www.moltenimagedesign.com What it is: Scary-looking diff cover from Molten Image Design Why you need it: By replacing the stock stamped diff cover with one of Molten's 3D custom designs, the 303 stainless steel will protect your pumpkin's innards from damage better than the stamped cover. Small-axle designs start at $389 (part numbers vary by design) and Molten also offers full polish, custom paint, or powdercoating for an extra $50. While it won't provide any more strength for racing applications than your stock cover, the skull design should scare the pellets out of any land-based rodent that tries to use your Poncho as a pup tentWhich applications: call 'em and they'll make one for you Suggested price: start at $389