Steering Style
Grant has just announced its new steering wheel patterned after-but not identical to-the original Firebird Formula wheel. This new part is a "fat grip" design, measuring 1 1/4 inches cross-section, for a much better feel. It's covered in black leather and features a baseball stitch reminiscent of the leather-covered wheel used in some special Trans Ams (the standard Formula wheel was vinyl covered). It was designed to work with the original horn button and hardware, and is available in silver or black anodized spokes. The price is $290. Grant Products International; (800) 952-6947; www.grantproducts.com.
Lighter Fuel Delivery
Quick Fuel Technology, a leader in performance carburetors, has just announced changes to two of it models. Previously, the main bodies for the Professional and Q-Series were made from zinc. These have now been replaced with aluminum and use billet metering plates, saving roughly 4 1/2 pounds. To accompany the weight savings, the company made additional improvements over the earlier zinc bodies. The air bleeds are recessed into the main body to improve flow through the carburetor, and the accelerator pump squirter has been moved up and out of the air stream, reducing fuel pull. The main body is treated to a high-luster finish that also helps protect the aluminum from harmful contaminates. Pricing for the Q-Series begins at $550, and the Professional Series starts at $700. Quick Fuel Technology; (270) 793-0900; www.quickfueltechnology.com.
Matching Snowflakes
The snowflake wheels from the '77-'81 Second Generation Firebirds have grown into one of the most popular designs. Many enthusiasts would love to keep these wheels after their restoration, but they're in poor condition. Or, they'd like to retain the same look as the classic Snowflake design, but mount some bigger, better rubber on them. YearOne has addressed this and introduced a set of affordable Snowflake wheels that should satisfy the masses. The wheels are produced using a state-of-the-art manufacturing process from a well-known wheel maker, and utilize OEM or reproduction center caps and lug nuts. They are available in three shades: the correct shade of gold as found on the Special Edition cars, black, and argent silver. Each color has machine-finish spokes and wheel lip. A set of four 15x8-inch wheels costs $599, while four 17x9-inch wheels for the Second-Gen will set you back $699. YearOne; (800) 932-7663; www.yearone.com.
Going Off The Rails
The team at Wilson Manifolds focused on three principal areas in an effort to improve upon the company's already stellar fuel rails: increasing fuel-rail capacity, isolating the injectors from the detrimental effects of pulsations and siphoning within the rails, and improving the fuel flow to the injectors. They found that by ditching the common round shape found on most OEM and aftermarket rails in favor of a D-shape, they could gain power. Wilson started with a standard 11/16-inch inner-diameter tube and reshaped it into a D. The company claims the new shape can accommodate approximately 50 percent greater volume than comparable rails. To even out distribution to each injector and reduce the effects of siphoning, the inlet ports were radiused, and the injector location was moved. This improved system is reported to be good for more power, and Wilson says it can make a fuel rail for any application. The price is $350 per set. Wilson Manifolds; (954) 771-6216; www.wilsonmanifolds.com.