Turbonetics, a manufacturer...
Turbonetics, a manufacturer of turbos, heat exchangers, controls and valves for the auto-performance market, shows off a ’68 GTO owned by ex-NFL great Michael Strahan. The GTO is powered by an LS3 motor, which sports a pair of Turbonetics forged-billet 64mm compressor-wheel turbos, a Spearco W.A.V.E Technology front-mount intercooler, RG-45 wastegates, and a Godzilla blow-off valve. On the base street tune, this wild Goat put 650 hp to the wheels and is capable of 1,000 rwhp.
In the past two issues of High Performance Pontiac, we’ve introduced you to the hottest new aftermarket products, which were introduced at the 2011 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show, held in November 2011. We wrap up this three-part series with new-to-market products, which help you get down the quarter-mile safer and faster, tune and monitor your late-model Pontiac’s vitals with the newest technology, improve your Pontiac’s look, prevent accidental damage to your paint, and more.
What is it?
Universal cylinder-head handles
Why you need it.
You’re looking for the easiest and safest way to get a good grip on your cylinder heads when removing them from an engine or moving them around your garage.
Description
These heavy-duty cylinder-head handles are made from black-anodized billet aluminum. Each one mounts to a threaded rocker stud up to 7⁄16-inch diameter, or can be secured with a bolt and washer. (Bolts and washers are not included.)
Applications
Any Pontiac cylinder head
What is it?
GPS sending unit for electronic speedometers
Why you need it.
You want an accurate reading of your speed when cruising your Pontiac or racing it at the track.
Description
Sky Drive will turn any electronic speedometer using a square signal wave into the world’s most accurate speedometer possible by updating 10 times per second via communication with GPS satellites. It bypasses transmission drive and driven gears, rear-axle ratios, and tire sizes in calculating your speed.
Applications
Pontiacs equipped with electronic speedometers
Why you need it.
Keeping your eyes on the quarter-mile ahead and analyzing accurate data after your run can improve your consistency and increase your wins.
Description
The Ultimate DL tach features two rpm channels for both engine and driveshaft speed, a wideband air/fuel channel, a customizable pressure channel (to measure fuel, boost, or oil, for example), and three internal G meters to show exactly how the vehicle moves down the track. With it, you can know exactly what happened during your run, when it happened, where on the track it happened, and why. It’s also fully compatible with Auto Meter’s award-winning Data Pro software for easy and versatile graphing of these parameters on your PC. A convenient USB output allows for a quick connection to your laptop for data extraction. You can also playback the run directly on the tach face with a newly expanded digital matrix display.
Applications
All Pontiacs
What is it?
Front-mounted parking sensor
Why you need it.
Curb Alert Pro detects curbs, steep driveways, and other obstacles and warns you through a series of audible beeps, preventing damage to the front spoiler, valance, and/or fascia on your low-to-the-ground Pontiac.
Description
Curb Alert Pro uses the latest in Infrared LED technology to determine the distance of your vehicle from a curb or other low obstacle. It sends out infrared waves that are analyzed by its electronic system to determine how far your Pontiac is from the curb, warning you before you scrape your paint. It’s housed within a weatherproof case and mounts inconspicuously to your Pontiac’s front end.
Applications
All Pontiacs
What is it?
Custom gauges
Why you need it.
It’s your eyes, and not anybody else’s, that monitor the vitals in your Pontiac, and you want the view to be as individualized as your style, or the character of your race car or street machine.
Description
The Auto Meter Custom Shop is a revolutionary new approach to creating high-performance gauges. Utilizing the company’s state-of-the-art website, you can configure the exact appearance, color, and design of your gauges and buy them directly from Auto Meter. Mechanical and electronic gauges are included in all the popular sizes, and the number of options—over 14-trillion combinations—makes the only limit your imagination.
MSRP
Please contact Auto Meter Custom Shop for a quote.
What is it?
Multi-vehicle custum-tuning solution
Why you need it.
Whether stock or modified, you want the most power out of your LT1 or LS engine, and you don’t want to buy another handheld tuner just because you own multiple LS-powered Pontiacs.
Description
The Dynamic Spectrum Tuner consists of an OBD II-to-laptop interface cable and comprehensive software, which allows you to make extensive modifications to your LS-powered vehicles’ ECM file. Control fuel and spark tables, speed and rev limiters, transmission functions, torque management tables, and many other functions. It will work on up to four vehicles with unlimited changes per vehicle.
Applications
’93-’02 Trans Ams and Firebirds, ’04-’06 GTOs, ’08-’09 G8 GT and GXPs (’09 only), and Pontiacs with transplanted LS power
What is it?
OBD II-to-smartphone wireless interface
Why you need it.
You want to prove how smart your smartphone really is by using it as an engine-scan and diagnostic software tool.
Description
Kiwi Wifi is a plug-and-play, sleek-design wireless device that sends data channels from your Pontiac’s OBD II bus to your smart phone. Then log onto iTunes’ App Store or the Android Market and download your favorite apps with the following features: check engine scan tool, mpg gauges, engine sensors, customizable dashboard, real-time dyno, data logging, GPS track mapping, skidpad, and more. The hardware features an on-off switch, so you don’t ever have to disconnect it from your OBD II bus.
Applications
Any ’96 or newer Pontiac and an iPhone/iPad or Android smartphone
MSRP
$99.99 (iphone/iPad), $99.99 (Android)
What is it?
12:1 Wide-range infrared thermometer
Handheld infrared thermometer
Why you need it.
You need to safely, quickly, and accurately measure surface temperatures, like electrical components, batteries, headers, and fluids, and tire and track temps when you go racing.
Description
This 12:1 Wide Range IR Thermometer has a rugged ergonomic design, and features a broad measurement range of -40 to 1,076 F (-40 to 580 C), accuracy of +/-3 F (2 C) above 32 F (0 C) and +/-5 F (3 C) below 32 F (0 C), and a distance-to-spot ratio of 12:1. It has an extremely fast response time of 250 milliseconds and a handy front-panel F/C selection switch. It comes with a carrying case and a user’s manual, and has a limited 1-year warranty. It’s powered by a common 9-volt battery.
Applications
All Pontiacs
What is it?
Retractable race-ready seatbelt
Why you need it.
The Tri-Lock Seatbelt System features most of the benefits of a four-point restraint, coupled with the convenience of an OE retractable seatbelt.
Description
Tri-Lock seatbelts allow you to switch from street to performance mode, and is the only seatbelt system on the market that locks in both the shoulder belt and the lapbelt. It comes in 29 webbing colors as well as custom lengths to match your application, and mounts using standard tools using OE mounting holes and hardware.
Applications
All Pontiacs, especially ones used in track competitions
What is it?
Remote Air Command
Why you need it.
You want to remotely increase or decrease the pressure in your car’s air springs from up to 50 feet away.
Description
The Remote Air Command is designed to work with Firestone’s air helper springs to remotely increase or decrease the air pressure, allowing drag racers to adjust psi settings in search of a better launch. Because the air pressure can be adjusted from up to 50 feet away, racers can immediately dial in different amounts of pressure and get back to the track quicker. The system includes a Standard Duty air compressor, an improved rechargeable remote, three memory settings (great for standard load situations), an electronic interface, and sealed components.
Applications
All Firestone air spring kits