performance report - Motor State Distributing

2011 SEMA Warehouse of
The Year Award Winner
March/April 2012 • vol. 22.2
PERFORMANCE REPORT
).&/2-!4)/.6)%70/).43
Do You Smell Gas?
We’ve had reports from customers who have had the experience of opening their garage door and being assaulted
by the strong smell of gasoline. Their first impulse was to
check if gas was leaking from the vintage
muscle car or street
rod parked there. The
gasoline odor seemed
strong enough to
cause worry about a
potential explosion.
After opening the
hood, checking the
carburetor, fuel pump,
fuel filter, rubber fuel
lines, and then moving
back to the gas tank,
no leak sources could
be found. The next
step toward solving the problem involved disconnecting
the line from the fuel pump to the carburetor. Again, no obvious leaks. Further examination revealed that the hose appeared to be letting fuel vapors pass right through its walls.
The exterior of the hose felt moist and a finger rubbed
along its length smelled strongly of gasoline. This phenomenon is called permeation, and its presence absolutely rules
out the use of common rubber fuel lines in any modern hot
rod application.
Vapor permeation, as it is officially termed, happens
because today’s unleaded pump gas, with myriad additives,
creates vapors that can eventually pass right through the
walls of rubber fuel hose. Permeation could involve older
vintage street rods, muscle cars, and trucks where standard
fuel hose or high performance stainless braided rubber
hose was installed originally when pump gas was not as
unfriendly to rubber as it is today. Many of these hoses have
now been on the cars for several years and could cause
some severe permeation issues.
by John McLellan
Most modern, unleaded fuels are blended with 10%
ethanol along with countless additives and harsh detergents to keep fuel injectors clean and emission levels down.
There are at least 23 different blends of gasoline being
sold in the United States so
it’s impossible to know what
fuel is coming out the pump
at any given time, or how it’s
affecting the fuel hose. One
thing is for sure, the pump
gas of today is harmful to
the old nitrile rubber fuel
(SAE 30R7) hose, originally
rated for low-pressure (up
to 50 PSI) and used on every
passenger car and truck into
the ‘80’s. Even many high
performance braided stainless reinforced hoses use nitrile and are subject to the same
deterioration and permeation rate (passing 30 times more
hydro-carbons than SAE 30R9 fuel injection hose). This is
especially true when the fuel stagnates in the hose for a
long period of time (like it does in seldom driven street rods
or muscle cars).
Availability of replacements for old stock factory nitrile
rubber hose is limited. The only hose replacement found
is the fuel injection (SAE 30R9) hose, readily available, and
suitable replacement hose at a modest cost. These hoses
retain the “stock factory look”, but are chemically engineered for modern unleaded pump gas, and E85 fuels.
Be careful of lower cost, so-called budget brands. Hoses
manufactured “across the pond” can look the same as USAmade stainless steel branded hose, but with no Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) in place to monitor standards,
the stainless steel braid may not be bonded or extruded
correctly through the rubber, the hose bore may not be
concentric or of even thickness which will eventually result
(Continued on page 2)
• Information and Viewpoints •
Do You Smell Gas?................................1, 2
• Allstar •
New Allstar Products .................................2
• Industry News •
SEMA Product Award Winners................... 2
• Manufacturers Spotlight •
C&R Racing Incorporated .......................... 3
• New Product Showcase •
Painless, Billet Specialties, BBK, Pertronix,
Mallory, Edelbrock, Raceciever, ATL Racing
Fuel Cells .................................................4,5
• Wholesale Price Guide Information •
Wholesale Price Guide Information ............... 6
INSIDE INFORMATION
• Tech Corner •
Become a Bee-Liever...Beehive Valve Springs...6
• Charlie Jobber •
There's No Place For Stupidity In The Speed
Business ..................................................... 7,8
The Motor State Performance Report is compiled and published bi-monthly by the Motor State Distributing Advertising Department Staff:
John McLellan • John Berglund • Matt Hauch • Jim Kaekel, Jr. • Michael Kalling • Robin Beachy • Chad Harris
INFORMATION & VIEWPOINTS
Do You Smell Gas?
(cont. from page 1)
in vapor permeation, not to mention ballooning and
leakage or failure, especially at the fittings.
These days it’s difficult to tell just where any aftermarket hoses are really manufactured. There are numerous
private label brands on the market. Carefully research
each hose product before making any purchases. Most
companies have recommended I.D. and O.D hose specifications and these are important when purchasing the
correct hose ends. Spending less now, might hurt your
pocket book later.
Almost all of the manufacturers we contacted are
either making permeation proof hose or working on
development of same. All highly recommended the
use of Teflon®* (PTFE) hose to be sure of eliminating the
permeation problem. Although not as flexible as rubber
hose, Teflon® hose definitely keeps vapors contained.
Keep in mind that once any hose has been installed,
preventative maintenance is the key to long term elimination of the vapor problem. Also, it might be wise, if
storing a car for long periods of time, to purge the fuel
system completely.
*Teflon is a registered trademark of Dupont
NEW ALLSTAR PRODUCT SHOWCASE
High Output Coil For Ready-To-Run Distributors
A high output coil for use with the high output inductive storage ignition module in the Allstar Performance
ready-to-run distributors. Producing up to 40,000 volts,
this coil has a male secondary tower for superior boot and terminal retention and brass
primary terminals for maximum conductivity. The coil includes mounting hardware, ring
terminals and high temperature silicone boot.
Quick Disconnect Couplings
Two-piece couplings allow lines to be separated without loss of fluid or requirement of
bleeding. Commonly used on brake systems when changing front or rear axle assembly, a hydraulic clutch system using a hydraulic throw out bearing or when servicing a
transmission with an internal hydraulic clutch.
Magnetic Pick-Up For Allstar Distributors
Replacement two wire pick-up assembly for high-performance
CD style and ready-to-run Allstar distributors has pre-terminated
ends. Includes a tension grommet and two pin connector.
Ready-To-Run Module For Allstar Distributors
Complete module assembly with magnetic pick-up for ready-to-run Allstar distributors
has pre-terminated ends. Includes a tension grommet and three wire connector.
Rapid Install “Quick Change Gear Cover” ALL72064
The ultimate quick change gear cover! Speed up gear changes and never again waste
time due to cover nuts! Unique design holds nuts directly on the 6061-T6 billet aluminum cover. Cover with standard bearings fits Frankland and Winters rear ends.
INDUSTRY NEWS
2011 SEMA New Product Winners
Best Engineered New Product
Baer Brake Systems, Full Floating Rear End Conversion
Best NewStreet Rod/Custom Car Product
Classic Instruments Inc., SkyDrive
Best New Performance-Racing Product
COMP Performance Group, COMP Cams Sprint Car
Front Drive Kit For LS Applications
Best New Interior Accessory Product
Auto Meter Products, Universal 3 Gauge
Mounting Solution
Best New Performance-Street Product
SCT Performance, SCT iTSX for iPhone
Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product
MSD Ignition, Atomic EFI
Best New Packaging Display
MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd., TechCare
accepts:
2
MOTOR STATE PERFORMANCE REPORT
MANUFACTURER SPOTLIGHT
C&R’s LATE MODEL PRESSURIZED
COOLING SYSTEMS WITH 36MM,
LIGHTWEIGHT RADIATOR
Established in December 1988, C&R Racing, Inc. is a
leading manufacturer of cooling systems and drivetrain
components for the motorsports industry. Chris Paulsen,
former IndyCar Series chief mechanic, left Alex Morales
Autosports after the 1988 racing season and started C&R
as a custom machine and metal fabrication shop serving
the IndyCar industry. Since its founding, the company
has become the leading manufacturer of complete
cooling systems, chassis and drivetrain components,
and wind tunnel models. In addition to supplying the
IndyCar Series and various other off-road, open wheel
and late model series, C&R is the preferred supplier of
custom all-aluminum radiators to NASCAR Sprint Cup,
Nationwide, and Camping World Series.
“The racing knowledge of our staff is unmatched by
few, if any, of our competitors,” states Paulsen, who
serves as President of C&R Racing, Inc. “We’ve experienced winning and losing. Knowing what makes both
of those happen allows us to build quality, high performance products.”
The manufacturing team is led by George Huening, a
former IndyCar chief mechanic. George exemplifies over
25 years experience in the motorsports industry. Also on
staff is Chris Jaynes, Production Manager of the machine
and fabrication shop, Jeff Tutino and Jeff “Fuzzy” Horton
who manages the team at the C&R South location in
Mooresville, NC. The crew represents over 100 years
combined racing experience. For many of them, motor
sports is the only industry they’ve ever known. The expertise gained from the collaborative efforts has made
C&R the top choice for teams and builders for any high
performance racing application.
C&R’s fabrication and machine shop is equipped with
the latest CNC machine tools and metal fabrication
equipment and uses the latest CAD/CAM technology.
Dedicated personnel provide a high tech “job shop” for
professional racers worldwide; products include chassis related machine and fabrication parts, 40% and 50%
wind tunnel models, complete cooling systems with
all-aluminum radiators and furnace brazed cores (no epoxy), and suspension components. C&R’s performance
division, located on-site, supplies an elite line of plumbing hardware, heatshield products, safety equipment,
and specialty lubricants for the motorsports industry.
On January 1, 2005 C&R opened C&R Racing South in
Mooresville, NC. C&R South manufactures and distributes drivetrain components (including the CR1, CR1V2,
CR1V3, & CR2), Dynotech driveshafts, Ford 9” racing gear
sets, and all current C&R products.
C&R Racing has brought circle track racers the same
pressure cooling system technology that Formula
One, IndyCar and NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and
Truck series have been using for years.
A specially developed, 36mm core can withstand
higher pressure race environments. While this new
core is thinner and lighter, it will outperform conventional two row cores. C&R’s Dirt Late Model radiator
removes over 6 lbs of nose weight (wet) and will cool
more efficiently.
With a pressurized cooling system, the engine can
safely operate at higher temperatures, and do so
for a longer period of time. On a stock car, more tape
can be applied to the grill opening for aerodynamics
without adversely affecting cooling capability. The air
spring in the pressure can lessens the chance of overheating from rubber and oil dry build-up, drafting, running a leaner fuel mixture or even during a long caution
flag. Engines can be run leaner for power and not be in
the danger zone of overheating. Most NASCAR teams
run cooling system pressures as high as 60 psi on short
and intermediate tracks and race all day with temps at
265°. A pressurized cooling system is more efficient
and less prone to failure than the customary closed
cooling systems. C&R’s new pressurized cooling system
kit includes their 36mm radiator,
pressure can with sight glass and
Jiff y Tite fitting, pressure relief
valve (PRV), pressure setting tool
with single gauge and Jiff y Tite
fitting and a bottle of Conklin
SAFE water treatment.
accepts:
MARCH • APRIL • 22.2 • WWW.MOTORSTATE.COM
3
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
PERFECT High Velocity 95MM LS2, 3, & 7
Throttle Body PWI65303
The PERFECT Hi-Velocity LS2, 3, and 7 mechanical throttle body converts the LS engine over to a mechanical throttle linkage by replacing the factory GM electronic
throttle body. Stainless steel driver-side throttle cable mechanism and hardware included. Uses
the LS1 mechanical throttle body TPS, and IAC motor from a Camaro or Firebird.
PERFECT Hi-Velocity Throttle Bodies for Jeep 4.0L & 4.7L
The PERFECT Hi-Velocity Throttle Bodies for 1991-04 Jeep 4.0L (PWI65300) and 4.7L
(PWI65301)engines. Fully compatible with the stock ECM. However, for a huge horsepower
increase, combine it with a PERFECT Hi-Torque Engine Management system and grab an
additional 23 HP and 15 ft. lbs. of torque! Black anodized polished finish, and stainless steel
hardware included.
Transmission Controller 4L60/65E & 4L80/85E PWI66501
State-Of-The-Art stand-alone Transmission Controller for the GM 4-speed 4L60/65E
and 4L80/65E automatics. Compatible with fuel injected or carbureted applications.
Laptop software included with several “base” calibrations to start off with for each
application. VSS output is included for EFI swaps, aftermarket speedometers, push
button shifting, paddle shifting with separate shift calibrations for both street and
performance shifting.
1970-81 Second Generation Camaro 18-Circuit
Chassis Harnesses
Painless Performance 2nd Generation Camaro 18-Circuit Wiring Harness has every connector installed on the harness, right out of the box! (A/C wiring NOT included).
Billet Specialties “Select Edition” Custom Steering Wheels
Truly customize and build a “Select Edition” Steering Wheel by choosing a 14” Select
Edition Steering Wheel, a “Select Edition” Color Half-Wrap and a “Select Edition” Pro
Style Horn Button. All three pieces combine to achieve a unique custom steering wheel.
• 14” Select Edition Steering Wheels
Precision machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum. The Boost, Throttle and Draft all include
polished and black rivets for a customized unique look.
• Select Edition Steering Wheel Half-Wraps
Top grain leather or Embossed Carbon Vinyl. Each cover precisely fits into place and is
secured with stainless hardware.
• Pro-Style Horn Buttons
Six styles to add the final touch to the Select Edition Steering Wheel. Choose from a
smooth elegant style or more aggressive riveted look that includes both polished and black rivets. Choose among polished and black anodized riveted rims with polished logo, or black logo horn button kits;
or smooth, polished or black anodized rims with polished or black logo horn button kits.
“Black Out” Cold Air Intake Kits
BBK’s “Black Out” Cold Air Intake Systems add
a stealthy understated and different look under
the hood. Add horsepower and improve throttle
response in minutes with simple hand tools. Direct
fit replacement system with no tune required.
accepts:
4
(Continued on page 5)
MOTOR STATE PERFORMANCE REPORT
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Flame-Thrower “Stock-Look” Distributors
Pertronix Flame-Thrower “Stock-Look” Distributors are loaded with all the
Pertronix performance features but retain the original, stock look. All new
lightweight cast aluminum OEM style housings are fitted with hardened
gears and adjustable vacuum canisters, tailored curve kit, maintenance
free Ignitor electronics and trouble free high dielectric strength cap and rotor with brass
terminals. Optimized phasing provides maximum energy to spark plugs.
FireStorm Dual Sync Sensor Assembly
The FireStorm Dual Sync Sensor Assemble converts single
conventional type coil application to Coil-On-Plug for late
model race engine applications. One sensor generates two
signals, cam and crank, and allows individual cylinder timing control. The LED display
flashes when the cam or crank is in position for correct timing synchronization without
the need for expensive sync equipment. Billet aluminum housing.
Performer Black Powder
Coat and Vintage Series
Carburetors
Edelbrock’s Vintage Series Carburetors are now available with Black
Powder Coat or Vintage finishes. Performer Series carburetors feature a
two-piece design for leak-free operation, pre-set factory float levels, pre-set metering rods and factory tuning, making them ideal for bolt-on installation. Vintage coated finish carbs include gold hardware and linkage for the traditional look, while the black powder coat finish is fitted with bright silver hardware and linkage. Made in the USA!
Fusion 1600 with New Semi-Pro Earpiece RCVED1600SP
New addition to the RACEceiver line is the Fusion
1600 with the new Semi-Pro Earpiece. Definitely an
improvement in communications between driver and crew, the new combination
includes the Fusion 1600 Semi-Pro Earpiece high-quality ear speakers provide low
distortion and high impedance for clarity, and the foam covers reduce outside
noise and add driver comfort. The braided cord is tough and durable.
Semi-Pro Earpiece RCVEP700
New! These high-quality ear speakers provide low distortion and high impedance for clarity, and the foam covers reduce outside noise and add driver comfort. The braided cord is
tough and durable. The speaker jack fits into most radio receivers
Helmet Speaker Kit RCVHSP100
New Helmet Speaker Kit is for the racer who does not like the feel of speaker ear buds.
These 3.5mm diameter helmet speakers have a Velcro backed pad which can be installed
into any full or half face
Factory Kahne Design Commando
33 Gallon Sprint Cell ATLSC433KK
ATL Commando Outlaw Fuel Cell is the lightest and the toughest
cell on the market. The Commando cell features; molded, seamless
outer tail tank, lightweight bladder with internal seams resistant to Methanol, and
Ethanol, -12AN Internal pickup hose assembly, TF497 aluminum fill plate assembly
with (1) 2-1/2” aluminum flush fill cap, (1) -6AN (3/8”) vent check valve, (1)-8AN (1/2”)
return, and meets FIA FT3 Industry standards. The Commando 33 is designed with a
low forward center of gravity, and has a 5-year limited warranty. Commando outer
replacement shell (ATLTT433KK) is available.
accepts:
MARCH • APRIL • 22.2 • WWW.MOTORSTATE.COM
(Continued on page 6)
5
Wholesale Price Guide Information
We have modified the mailing process for the
Motor State Wholesale Price Guide. Effective with the
publication dated March 1, 2012, we will no longer do
a mass mailing. Instead, we are asking that you call
your Motor State sales representative if you would
like a copy sent out to you. There will be no charge for
CONFIDENTIAL DEALER PRICING ONLY
this service. Up-to-date pricing and availability is also
available online at www.motorstate.com or through a subscription to Price Guide Pro.
WHOLESALE
PRICE GUIDE
TECH
TECH CORNER
CORNER
Become a Bee-Liever...Beehive Valve Springs by Jim Kaekel
Innovation is key when increasing engine efficiency
and adding horsepower. Top racers, engine builders and
other performance enthusiasts have learned that keeping an open mind to new products or ideas and incorporating them into their program will prevent being “stuck
in time.“ Many innovations in automotive racing can be
traced back to their origins in aircraft technology (often
military).
Nitrous oxide systems, for example, were used as performance boosters in military aircraft during World War
II, long before their use in automobiles. Lightweight
batteries, widely used in many modern race cars, were
developed for use in military aircraft as well. Beehive
valve springs were also first used in aircraft applications,
and this brings us to our tech topic.
Although beehive valve springs had been used in
aircraft since the early 1900’s, it wasn’t until their introduction during the late 1990’s as standard equipment
in GM LS, Ford Modular and Dodge Hemi V8 engines
that many performance enthusiasts began to take
notice. According to Jason Youds of PAC Racing Springs,
NASCAR teams have embraced this venerable spring
technology, using beehive springs on restrictor plate
engines.
Beehive springs continue to gain popularity in both
the circle track and drag racing markets, particularly
for classes that have strict rules regarding valve spring
sizing or that disallow lightweight titanium valve train
components. As a result of their increasing popularity,
aftermarket manufacturers, including PAC, are offering
beehive springs for many applications, including earlier
engines originally equipped with conventional valve
springs.
While traditional valve springs have a constant diameter, a beehive spring tapers in toward the top, making
it resemble a real beehive, hence the name. Beehive
springs are formed from ovate (oval) wire instead of
traditional round wire. The conical shape and ovate wire
yield a lighter spring for improved performance, equal
stress distribution and a progressive spring rate. A beehive spring can offer more lift without increasing spring
height, according to Youds. Most
importantly, the ovate wire resists
harmonics, a characteristic that eventually leads to harmful valve float.
The beehive spring’s smaller
diameter top allows use of a smaller,
specially designed retainer for further
weight reduction. These retainers
weigh roughly 50% less than a titanium retainer for a
conventional valve spring. Engine builders know that
reducing valve train weight, specifically on the valve
side of the rocker arm, multiplies the lobe acceleration
rate by the rocker ratio and results in increased RPM
potential without loss of valve control. That is why titanium valve spring retainers, valve locks and valves have
become standard equipment on many high end racing
engines. Titanium valves and their related components
have their place in motorsports, but are typically out of
the realm of the sportsman racer or street enthusiast
budget. A set of beehive springs and lightweight steel
retainers can be purchased for less than $200.00.
Beehive springs have proven very reliable, but may
not be for everyone. They are generally not designed
for use with camshafts that require over 200 lbs. of valve
spring seat pressure or have greater than .650” valve
lift. Detractors point out that, in the rare occurrence
that a spring breaks, no safety margin exists due to the
single spring design and that valve-to-piston contact
could ruin an engine. A double or triple spring could
prevent this occurrence. When beehive springs are used,
particularly in a racing application, the springs should be
replaced if any significant spring pressure has been lost
due to fatigue, according to Youds.
The development of beehive valve springs has been
expedited through the use of the Spintron, a device that
PAC Racing Springs and Comp Cams use to rapidly spin
an engine, less the lower rotating assembly, while cameras, sensors and lasers are used to study what happens
inside the engine. Valve train experts study this data and
use it to either improve an existing product or create a
new one.
accepts:
6
MOTOR STATE PERFORMANCE REPORT
CHARLIE JOBBER
by John McLellan
There's No Place For Stupid In The Speed Business
“Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.”-Anonymous
Have you noticed lately that in spite of many opportunities for higher education and enlightenment, stupidity
has not been completely eliminated from our world? I
don’t know if there is more of this dreadful commodity
these days or not, but there is one aspect of rampant
stupidity that has really been bothering me of late. That
is the fact that those burdened by this affliction have,
in increasing numbers, begun embracing their lack of
intelligence, and actually seem to be proud of their
stupidity.
To grasp the
concept of
stupidity, we
must first
define it.
Stupidity
is what
separates
men
from
animals.
Protected by
instinct,
animals
always
look out
for their
best interests. Humans, on the other hand, sometimes
ignore their best interests and do stupid things in spite
of the potentially awful outcomes. By way of an official
definition, most experts who have studied stupidity
define it as the practice of doing the same things over
and over, and expecting different results.
Anti-smoking campaigns perfectly illustrate this definition. People continue to smoke in record numbers in
spite of all the dire warnings printed on cigarette packs
(someone even wanted autopsy photos of a lung cancer
victim on the packs). The most recent anti-smoking campaigns in many states have banned smoking just about
everywhere, causing many restaurants and taverns to go
out of business. Yet, people still smoke. They just don’t
go to bars and restaurants anymore.
Traffic safety is another hotbed of stupidity. States
spend millions of dollars each year to enforce seat belt
laws. While we certainly feel that seat belts are a wise
thing to use, it’s utterly asinine to think that we can force
their use upon all motorists. “Post and cable” systems
were forced upon everyone using the argument that it
would prevent fatalities caused by cars crossing through
the median and colliding with oncoming vehicles. No
one bothered to investigate just what percentage of
the fatalities resulted from cars crossing through the
median. Millions of dollars later, all the system has done
is convert minor winter slide-offs into car totalling
skirmishes, driving insurance rates through the roof.
Ironically, one of the first fatalities after the system was
installed was actually caused by the cables, but the
motorist was not wearing a seat belt. Like Forrest Gump
says, “Stupid is as stupid does.”
I was reminded of the stupid concept the other day as
I pulled up in front of my shop. A battered,
“patchwork” pickup was conveniently parked diagonally across two lined
parking spaces, one
of them a spot reserved for handicapped customers. Patchwork
trucks are those
assembled
from a variety
of pieces from
similar models
- yellow door,
black cab, blue
box, etc.
As sad as this
rolling sewer
was, the part that really stood out about this rig was the
bumper sticker plastered to the 2x6,wooden rear bumper. It read: “My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student.” In this
day of anti-bullying campaigns and such, to even harbor
that sentiment shouts of stupidity. To actually put it out
there for the world to see indicates an alarming degree
of pride at being stupid. I decided to go inside to see
who claimed ownership of this mechanical beauty.
My lowered estimation of this fellow’s “smarts” was
quickly justified. He was at the counter, ranting to my
nephew, who helps me out occasionally, about the difficulty of reading the instructions for the new mechanical
fuel pump he had recently purchased.
He blathered on, “There’s too many big words in these
instructions! How’s a hot rodder supposed to understand words like ‘installation,’ ‘composite rotors’ and
‘cavitation’ for gosh sakes?”
I interceded, “Sir, you must know those terms in order
to properly understand your pump’s function and how
to best install it.”
“There’s too many syllables. Us guys ain’t perfessors,
we just want to work on our rods and race cars.”
Somehow, I knew that arguing with this dude would
be less than productive. He soon bounded out the door,
(Continued on page 8)
MARCH • APRIL • 22.2 • WWW.MOTORSTATE.COM
7
CHARLIE
JOBBER
There's No Place For Stupid In The Speed Business
headed for points unknown...to him and to me.
This guy was wrong in assuming that things have to
be “dumbed” down for hot rodders. If anything, just
the opposite is true. Hot rodders are among those best
equipped to understand and apply functional knowledge. Heck, many of the instruction sheets that accompany speed parts are written by hot rodders! On a grander
scale, the building of championship calibre race cars and
racing engines is not accomplished by guys who can
only comprehend one syllable words. The finer details
of cylinder head flow technology, engine balancing and
compression distance calculations involve high degrees
of engineering know-how and a working comfort with
things mathematical. Among the younger rodders out
there, the level of technological know-how required to
increase the performance level of modern cars is right up
there with the knowledge of nuclear physicists.
Regardless of age or education, today’s savvy hot
rodders and racers routinely use lap top computers to
extract maximum results from modern fuel systems, suspensions and chassis setups. Jobbers rely heavily upon
(cont. from page 7)
their computers to keep them in touch with warehouse
distributors, manufacturers and customers. Everything
from pricing to product information to inventory information can be gleaned if one is savvy enough to operate
a computer.
The Internet is rich with sources for information about
any technical undertaking. To take advantage of any or
all of these conveniences, a rodder has to be, above all,
intelligent. And they really are! Old geezers like yours
truly, who were amazed as kids when we got our first
dial phones and television, are right there, working that
mouse and digging for the same high performance information as younger folks who cannot remember a time
without space exploration, cellphones or computers.
Be on guard for rampant stupidity. It’s out there, just
waiting to confound you in some way. Above all, do not
ever underestimate the intelligence of your loyal customers. After all, look who they chose to supply their speed
parts! Hopefully this little rant has clued everyone to
some of the more obvious signs of this malady.
CAT108.2
8300 Lane Drive • Watervliet, Michigan 49098 • www.motorstate.com
Toll Free 800.772.2678 • Phone 269.463.4113 • Fax 800.772.2618