Out of this highly competitive marketplace arises the impressive lineup of go-fast parts we hold before you.
The past year has certainly been exciting for Pontiac lovers, with the addition of the neck-snapping LS2 in the '05 GTO and the G6 convertible soon to follow in 2006. There have also been a number of innovations in the after- market that look to make your current ride a heck of a lot more fun. At last year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show in Indianapolis, the HPP staff had the chance to take a look at some of these products firsthand. It seems every year these trade shows are growing as more and more manufacturers vie for the top honors among the year's best new mods. Enjoy.
Pypes Performance Exhaust
(215) 712-7400
www.pypesexhaust.com
What is it?
X-Change X-Crossover with Integrated Exhaust Dumps
Why you need it.
According to Pypes, this modular X-pipe system is more convenient and offers superior performance compared to traditional cutouts because the dumps are located after the crossover. Available in 2.5 and 3 inch diameters, aluminized or ceramic-coated steel.
Applications
GM A- and B-bodies initially.
Holley Performance Products
(270) 781-9741
www.holley.com
What is it?
Street HP 750-cfm Mechanical Secondaries Carburetor
Why you need it.
It uses some of the same great features from the race-bred 4150 HP carb, including a contoured main body, except with much better street manners thanks to a metering system that includes a timed spark port, calibrated for outstanding throttle response and driveability. The Street HP baseplate has plenty of vacuum ports for power brakes, PCV, and other amenities. A number of other features include nonstick gaskets, clear sight plugs, a built-in secondary fuel-filter system in both the primary and secondary fuel bowls, adjustable air bleeds, and a two-corner idle system.
Applications
Up to 450hp street-going V-8s
Aeromotive INC.
(913) 647-7300
www.aeromotiveinc.com
What is it?
Carburetor Float Bowl Sensor
Why you need it.
It takes the guesswork out of tuning a carb by allowing you to observe in real time the amount of fuel in the carburetor. A number of professional stock-car teams have been gobbling up these units, so you better place your order fast.
Applications
Any conventional or Holley-style float bowl, including several brands of carburetors
Fluidampr/Horschel Motorsports
(716) 592-1000
www.fluidampr.com
What is it?
Underdrive Pulley
Why you need it.
Simply replacing your main serpentine pulley with this smaller, lightweight aluminum unit provides 10 percent underdrive and superior harmonic damping to uncork more power from an already potent Gen-III motor.
Applications
LS1 Firebirds
MSD Ignition
(915) 857-5200
www.msdignition.com
What is it?
LT1 Distributor Cap and Rotor
Why you need it.
Anyone remotely familiar with LT1s knows the factory Optispark distributor leaves a lot to be desired regarding reliability and performance. Thankfully, MSD is here to save the day with its new cap, using DuPont materials to improve strength and dielectric properties to handle higher voltages.
Applications
'93-'97 LT1 Firebirds
Classic Performance Products
(714) 522-2000www.classicperform.com
What is it?
12- and 13-inch Four-Wheel Disc Brake Conversion
Why you need it.
Because sometimes you might want to stop, and they sure look cool. The rears have an integrated parking brake and offer far superior performance over your rusty stock drum brakes. Rotors are drilled and slotted to prevent fade, and the two-piston front calipers are powdercoated, as are the aluminum hub's brackets.
Applications
GM '55-'70 B-bodies, '64-'74 A-bodies, and '67-'69 F-bodies
MSRP
$1,398 (includes master cylinder)
ZEX
(888) 817-1008
www.zex.com
What is it?
Zex LSX Direct Port NitrousSystem
Why you need it.
Do you even have to ask? It's adjustable between 75 hp and 250 hp, and it makes full use of the increased flow capacities of the LSX intake manifold and built-in burst panels to reduce damage caused by a nitrous backfire. The system is equipped with a throttle position sensor to spray the nitrous at WOT and compensates for changes in bottle pressure.
Applications
LS1/LS6 motors