Dashing Dash Panel
Second-Generation Firebird owners will be pleased to hear that Classic Dash has announced its new molded ABS composite dash panels for '70-'81 Firebirds. The dash has a modern, clean look and is treated with a UV inhibiter that protects it from sun damage. All Classic Dash panels are offered with or without gauges and with or without gauge openings. You can choose from a slew of gauges from AutoMeter, Classic Instruments, and Dolphin Instruments. They are available in carbon fiber, brushed aluminum, or classic black. Prices start at $200 without gauges and $900 with gauges installed. Classic Dash; (866) 882-3525;
www.classicdash.com.
Transformed Tranny
With more and more Pontiacs pushing the performance limits on the street and strip, their overdrive automatic transmissions are forced to withstand more punishment than ever. That's where PerformaBuilt comes in. The company is so confident in its performance and durability modifications to the 700-R4, 4L60-E, 4L65-E, and 4L80-E, that it stands behind them with a one-year warranty, which allows for racing and has no mileage limit. What's more, PerformaBuilt will extend your warranty to two years if you use one of its performance torque converters. Pricing starts at $1,340 for Level 1, no converter. Level 2 is next, and for the ultimate performance, there's the "Invincible" Level 3 for $2,625 with converter. There is no core charge, and shipping in the continental U.S. is free. PerformaBuilt Transmissions; (800) 744-6542;
www.shiftmygears.com.
Sweet Coating
Many of Kanter Auto Products' pistons will now be sold with a high-performance anti-friction coating. Rebuilder's Choice cast pistons feature a state-of-the-art coating that the company says will extend engine life by improving piston durability, providing better cylinder sealing, and eliminating cold-start scuffing. They are currently available in the standard 0.020, 0.030, 0.040, and 0.060 sizes for models: '59-'66 Pontiac 389 V-8 (flat-top piston), '61-'63 Pontiac 195 four-cylinder with four-barrel carb, '59-'66 Pontiac 389 V-8 (low-compression piston w/0.200 recessed head), '61-'63 Pontiac 195 four-cylinder with one-barrel carb, '63-'66 Pontiac 421 V-8, and '67-'69 Pontiac 428 V-8. They are approximately $350 a set. Kanter Auto Products; (800) 526-1096;
www.kanter.com.
Dialing In The Quadralink
Detroit Speed introduces its new QuadraLink tubular adjustable rear sway bar for use with the QuadraLink suspension on '67-'69 Firebirds. The bar is 1.125-inch thick and fabricated from 520 DOM (drawn over mandrel) steel. According to the company, "The adjustable rear sway bar provides an additional way to upgrade the rear suspension for the ultimate in performance without sacrificing ride quality." It's powdercoated gloss black and includes endlinks, bushings, and mounting brackets for installation. The price is $325. Detroit Speed Inc.; (704) 662-3272;
www.detroitspeed.com.
Don't Break It, Break It In
It's no secret that engine-oil additives have changed. Comp Cams recognizes that hobbyists are being forced to pour in additives just so that the flat-tappet camshafts in their engines can survive. As a result, the company has been developing its own line of high-performance engine lubricants. First on the list is Comp Cams Engine Break-In Oil, which is designed to provide maximum protection during initial engine break-in by including some critical additives, such as ZZDDP (zinc and phosphorus), molybdenum, and detergents. The price is $5.50 a quart. Comp Cams; (800) 999-0853;
www.compcams.com.