Monday, November 2, 2009

November 2009 - Mod Gear


OS Giken
Z33 Clutch And LSD
OS Giken announces its high-performance, ultra-durable and completely streetable clutch kits and limited-slip differentials for the Nissan 350Z (Z33). Engineered and manufactured to the highest standards, OS Giken parts have been proven time and again to provide the best performance and reliability in competitive motorsports.
www.osgiken.net

Spec Clutches
RX-7 Multi-Disc Clutches And Flywheels
SPEC Clutches and Flywheels introduces a line of configurable multi-disc clutch and flywheel assemblies for Mazda RX-7 FD applications. These units are purpose-built and clamp load (from 1,500-3,000 psi), inertia, disc (2, 3, or 4 disc) and diameter (140, 184 or 216mm) configurable. Torque capacities can exceed 1,200 ft-lbs of torque for big power applications, while other configurations can be optimized for modification level.
www.specclutch.com

Hybrid Racing
Immobilizer Removal Unit
In the past, when doing a K-series swap you either had to purchase a Type-R ECU or a stand-alone ECU. Now with the release of the Immobilizer Removal Unit you can use your bone-stock '02-04 ECU. Simply connect the four wires as outlined in the install guide and you're ready to rock. In addition to bypassing the Immobilizer, it also disables the multiplex code P0600 so that you can run an error-free ECU.
www.hybridracing.com

Icon Rogue
Flashlights
A new breed of flashlight has arrived; it's equally rooted in form and function-something you could count on-and also priced within reach. That's ICON. You get intense, long-running LED light, unrivaled quality and modern, rugged bodies that fit the way you live.
www.myiconlight.com

Tomei
Oversized Valves
Tomei oversized valves were designed to improve flow and optimize power output. Due to the extremely high temperature conditions experienced in the combustion chamber, the valves were also built to improve resistance to high-heat conditions.
www.tomeiusa.com

Stillen
Lightweight Pulleys
Each pulley is machined from 6061 aerospace-grade billet aluminum with a bold new design to maximize performance, strength and minimum weight. Stock timing marks are standard and pulleys are up to 80 percent lighter weight than stock units and up to 10 percent lighter than other aftermarket pulleys.
www.stillen.com

Tricplate.Com
Switchable Privacy Plate
Tricplate.com manufactures a switchable transparent/privacy film technology for cars/trucks and motorcycle license plates. Its film technology instantly conceals any license plate from a remote fob. The switchable film technology allows users to protect their identity by concealing their license plate information (personal information) during any public shows or events.
www.tricplate.com

Borla
Evo X exhaust
Borla's new dual-exit, cat-back exhaust system develops impressive double-digit horsepower gains while weighing less than half the factory system. Borla manages this with a unique muffler, smooth mandrel bends and large 2.75-inch tubing.
www.borla.com

AEM
Patch/Extension Harnesses
Eliminate the need to cut your factory wiring harness to modify electronics! AEM Performance Electronics is pleased to introduce its ECU Patch/Extension Harnesses for popular late-model race car applications, including Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Toyota and more. These harnesses provide tuners with unparalleled ease for integrating ancillary electronics to race cars, testing electronics and more!
www.aempower.com

Titan Motorsports
2JZ-GTE High Lift Cams
After months of development and testing, Titan is proud to release its new high lift camshaft offerings for the 2JZ-GTE engine. These camshafts are typically suited for engines with turbo combinations of 70mm or larger. If you aren't happy with the results, Titan will give you a 100 percent refund on the price of the cams.
www.titanmotorsports.com

Live Sockets
Ignition Time Attack
This DVD features two hours of insane time attack action from around the globe. From the Rev Speed Magazine Super Battle in Japan to the Redline Time Attack and Super Lap Battle Series in North America, this video delivers all the goods.
www.livesockets.com

2004 Mitsubishi Evolution VIII - AMS Performance Releases Top Car Challenge Video



By AMSPerformance.com
Photography by AMSPerformance.com

Top Car Challenge Evo
2004 Evolution VIII
AMS GT850R
700awhp on E85

Engine:
* AMS Built 2.0L Short Block
* Tomei 280 Cams
* AMS CNC Head

Intake/Intercooler:
* AMS Race Front Mount
* AMS VSR Intake Manifold
* Mil Spec 65mm Throttle Body

Turbo:
* AMS GT850R Turbo Kit

Fuel:
* Deatschwerks 1600cc Injectors
* AMS Surge Tank w/2 255lph Walbros
* AMS Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit

Ignition:
* SparkTech C.O.P Ignition System
* AMS Small Battery Kit

Exhaust:
* AMS 3" Turbo Back

Drivetrain:
* Exedy Triple Carbon Push Style
* Shep Transmission
* Carbonetics Carbon 1.5 Way Rear LSD
* Cusco EVO RS Front LSD
* DSS 2pc AL Lightweight Driveshaft

Suspension:
* JIC FLT-TAR coil-over suspension with custom spec’d springs (600lbs/in Front and 800lbs/in Rear)
* Cusco Rear Sway Bar
* Adjustable Swaybar Endlinks Front and Rear
* Whiteline Roll Center Adjuster Kit (Front)
* Whiteline Bump Steer Correction Kit (Front)

Engine Management/Electronics/Gauges:
* AEM EMS
* AEM UEGO Gauge & Controller
* AEM Oil Pressure Gauge
* Autometer Boost Gauge

Wheels/Tires/Brakes:
* Enkei 18x9.5 front and rears (front +38mm offset, rear +15mm offset)
* Michelin 265/18 Pilot Sport Cups (R-compound)
* Stop-Tech Brake Kit

Body/Interior:
* AMS C/F Roof
* AMS Roll Bar
* Seibon C/F Doors
* Fiber Images C/F Hood & Trunk
* Rexpeed Vortex Generator
* 5pt Harness











Honda CR-Z Sports Hybrid - Hell-Bent Hybrid?



Honda's CR-Z Sports Hybrid--The Reality Lurking Deep Within The Crystal Ball?

Shades of CR-X are alive and kicking in the CR-Z for sure, but are sports hybrids the future of automotive performance? How engaging can a "sports hybrid" be? Will CR-Z be the same as the Mugen Insight we featured a few months back-a bodykit and some trick wheels?

The CR-Z, which is Honda speak for "Compact Renaissance Zero," made quite a splash at the '07 Tokyo Auto Show. It is reportedly headed for production in 2010.

While we would all like to see a "Special K" edition with a K20A under the hood replete with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain riding shotgun, Honda has released little technical information on the production version. Stay tuned, we will continue to work the crystal ball on this one.




Sunday, November 1, 2009

Ken Block Returns to Scotland for the 2009 Colin McRae Forest Stages



(September 30, 2009) Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino will participate once again in the 2009 Colin McRae Forest Stages in Scotland this weekend. Block will be at the wheel of a sister car to his usual Rally America National Championship vehicle, a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI built to Rally America’s Open Class specifications. As the high-powered Vermont SportsCar-prepared, #43 Subaru STI does not conform to any of the car specification classes featured at the McRae Stages, the final round of the Scottish Rally Championship, Block will run as course-opening car for exhibition only.
As well as aligning his name to the rally, the late Colin McRae for many years ran as opening car on the event. For McRae’s Scottish fans this was the only chance to see him drive on home-soil. After Colin McRae’s passing in 2007, the rally was transformed into a star-studded event in 2008 when former WRC champions and dozens of rally legends competed in the event to pay tribute to McRae. The 2008 edition of the event saw Subaru Rally Team USA teammates Block and Travis Pastrana compete in historic cars along with their mentor, American rally legend John Buffum.


Block thoroughly enjoyed his time at event last year and jumped at the chance to attend again in 2009. “Colin was a friend and mentor and is sadly missed by so many, so competing at the Colin McRae Forest Stages is a small tribute to Colin and his fans. It was an honor to be invited to compete last year with so many rally legends, the atmosphere was amazing,” explained Block. “This year I’ll be in my usual Subaru, it’s an extremely powerful car, and I’ll make sure to put on a good McRae-style show for all the fans!”
Block’s Gymkhana Subaru STI also made the trip across the Atlantic for a rare display appearance and as a bonus for the fans, Block is scheduled to perform a short driving demo with his course-opening Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car on Friday night at the Perth Racecourse, where the rally headquarters is based.

Subaru Rally Team USA is proudly supported by Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Tecnica International (STI), Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT), DC Shoes, BFGoodrich Tires, DiRT2, RECARO, Alpinestars, Motul, Exedy, GReddy, and Vermont SportsCar. For more information on Subaru Rally Team USA, as well as exclusive photo and video galleries visit rally.subaru.com and for the latest news follow the team on Twitter: twitter.com/srtusa.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C - JDM-Bound And Down



Hard-Core Impreza WRX STI Spec C Hits The Street In Tokyo

Subie fanatics know the Spec C moniker has been long associated with hard-core, rally race-inspired editions that are solid, invigorating rides. Subaru has bestowed the vaunted badge on the latest iteration of its flagship performer, the WRX STI. Unfortunately, the Spec C is a JDM-only model and, sadly, Subie is only pumping out 900 units.
Visions of what could have been start under the hood where Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer engine (JDM STIs still run EJ20s) sports a remapped ECU and special low-friction ball bearings in the turbo. This nets 304 bhp at 6400 rpm and 311 ft-lbs of torque at 4400 rpm. Subaru reports the goal was quicker response and improved acceleration, not a big jump in peak power. An intercooler water spray setup was added to enhance system efficiency.

The handling was also addressed with a fully retuned suspension, chassis-rigidity mods, a redesigned steering system, LSD improvements and more serious rolling stock. Spec Cs roll all-new lightweight 18-inch wheels wrapped by 245/40 Bridgestone Potenza RE070s.

An aluminum hood, mini battery and lightweight Laminar glass shave precious pounds in the front of the car and at high center of gravity points to optimize handling. Man, it's 2009 and the Japanese market still gets high-tech hot rods we can only dream about.