It Takes Timing
We have all learned that, as our Ponchos get older, replacement parts become scarcer. Thankfully, there's a growing repro market for us to fall back on. Recently making its debut is Ames Performance Engineering's '69-'77 Pontiac V-8 (exc. 301) timing chain cover. Listed under PN N538 this item replaces the GM discontinued piece (PN 00527291). It's a functional replacement for '69-'70 V-8s, but directly replicates the '71-'77 cover (timing graph is marked "4 AFT" to "12 BEFORE"). Made of die-cast aluminum, the '69-'77 Pontiac V-8 (exc. 301) timing chain cover with 11-bolthole water pump housing retails at $179.
Ames Performance Engineering, Dept. HPP, Marlborough, NH 03455; (800) 421-2637 www.amesperf.com
Heavy Breathing
We all know that more air can (with a proper increase in fuel) equate to more horsepower. But the trick is getting that air in. Tuned Port Induction Specialties (TPIS) has several items to help the enthusiast produce "an overabundance of air for an overabundance of horsepower," one of which is this 1,200-cfm oval throttle body made specifically for the LS1 and LS6 engines. CNC-machined from aluminum alloy, this billet throttle body has been reported by the manufacturer to make as much as 22 hp on a stock engine and 30 hp on one of its non-stock engines. Retail is $499 for PN 100197. It's also available for the L98, the LT1, and the LT4.
TPIS, Dept. HPP, 4255 Creek Rd., Chaska, MN 55318; (952) 448-6021; www.tpis.com
Gotta hand it to 'EM!
It's a fact you can't ignore-gas, oil, and car grime destroys your hands. You've seen what it can do to your parts; imagine what it's doing to you. SkinMD is a new item on the market that not only acts as a skin conditioner, but it also forms a barrier on the skin to help repel the damage caused by chemicals and solvents encountered when working on your prized possession.
21st Century Formulations, Dept. HPP, 9663 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 860, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; (800) 540-4790; www.SkinMDNatural.com
Filtered Insurance
Much like an oil change, a regular purging of your old transmission fluid at the manufacturer's recommended intervals can prolong the life of one of your Pontiac's most valuable assets. And while transmissions have a factory-installed filter to strain their own fluids, a little help can go a long way. Consider ProTorque's Hi-Performance Bypass Micro Filter. A mere 2x3.5 inches in size, this remote filter has a combined area of 59 square inches to help catch particles your eyes can't, down to 0.5 microns. Available in anodized red, blue, and natural finish outside, the Hi-Performance Bypass Micro Filter's inner filter is replaceable and should be tended to at normal service intervals.
ProTorque, Dept. HPP, 1440 Church St., Bohemia, NY 11716; (631) 218-8700; www.protorque.com