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2011 Holley LS FestLS engine fans flocked to Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the Second Annual Holley LS Fest From the January, 2012 issue of Popular Hot Rodding By Johnny Hunkins Photography by Author
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Single-brand events are nothing new in the world of hot rodding entertainment; Chevy-, Ford-, Mopar-, and even Buick-only gatherings are commonplace in today’s ever splintering Internet-driven hobby. There seems to be no end to the niches and subniches that are supported by message boards and cottage single-mark industries. Looking for a “Nationals” event dedicated solely to purple Yugos? We’re sure there’s one somewhere. The Holley LS Fest, however, moves into even rarer territory because it presupposes an alternate universe in which all cars and all brands are motivated by just one kind of powerplant: the General Motors corporate LS V-8 engine.
" The LS has become so ubiquitous in such a short span of time that it has garnered a following that brooks all brands and all nations. "
Like many of the readers’... Like many of the readers’ rides in this month’s issue, David Allison (Cleveland, Tennessee) built his street machine from scratch at home. Using a donor drivetrain from an ’02 Camaro SS, Allison swapped the LS1 and six-speed into his otherwise stock ’72 Chevelle. During the Super Chevy magazine Dyno Challenge, it made 310 hp at the tire before scattering the driveshaft at 110 mph. The LS engine has accomplished what even the vaunted small-block Chevy failed to do in its 56-year history. The LS has become so ubiquitous in such a short span of time that it has garnered a following that brooks all brands and all nations. Like many aftermarket companies, Holley identified the trend years ago. But unlike other vendors, Holley has bet the farm on the future of the LS V-8, investing lavishly on a spectrum of new LS-based products for every conceivable purpose. Intake manifolds, fuel-injection systems, throttle bodies, engine mounts, oil pans, and headers are only the tip of the iceberg. Still have the idea that an LS-only event is just another itty-bitty gathering of Internet freaks? Think again. With that level of product commitment, it only makes sense for Holley to promote the larger LS brand, and not just to the end users of their products. In creating the LS Fest and co-opting the goals of other like-minded companies that build a variety of products from suspensions to transmissions, Holley has ensured the stable path forward for the LS. The result is that you, the hot rodder, will have the stuff you need to make your LS creation a reality, and a place to show it off when you’re done! In describing the LS Fest, held this past Sept. 9 to 11 at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky (Holley’s hometown), we have to say it was equal parts drag race, autocross, car cruise, car show, and LS shopping mall. Holley’s product line was displayed in full force (along with many in-house project vehicles), as were the products of many cutting-edge LS-centric companies such as RideTech, Detroit Speed and Engineering, MSD, Spectre Performance, Schwartz Performance, Optima Batteries, GM Performance Parts, and Baer Brakes. The Holley LS Fest was also a qualifying event for the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational. Cars competed in a variety of skill tests including the autocross, drag race, speed-stop challenge, car show, and a highway cruise. Entered cars were assigned points in each category based on their performance, and the points totaled for an overall “Grand Champion” score. The winner, Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed & Engineering, secured a spot in the Optima Challenge, which will have taken place the weekend after the SEMA show in Las Vegas this November.
" …Holley has bet the farm on the future of the LS V-8, investing lavishly on a spectrum of new LS-based products… "
 There’s nothing like the pride...  There’s nothing like the pride that comes from building it yourself, and that’s exactly what Bill Noeth of Remsen, New York, did with his Factory Five GTM kit car. A stock LS2 feeds torque to a Porsche G50 transmission in the mid-engine car. Front and rear suspension is all C5 Corvette.  Winning the Holley LS Fest...  Winning the Holley LS Fest top spot—and the qualifying position for the OUSCI—is no easy feat. It requires a well-rounded car, and a driver who’s well versed in autocross, road course work, and drag racing. Kyle Tucker was the man behind the wheel of the Detroit Speed and Engineering ’70 Camaro test car, and secured the top spot amidst some serious competition.  Jeff Widner of Knoxville,...  Jeff Widner of Knoxville, Tennessee, put on quite a wheel-standing display with his LS1-powered ’98 Firebird Formula. Its very non-stock LS1 features 225 AFR heads, 90mm FAST intake, COMP roller cam, and a 125hp shot of NOS. A Rossler Turbo 400 with ATI converter and a transbrake are good for 1.28 60-foot times with M/T ET Drag slicks and a Spohn suspension.  Another great LS swap into...  Another great LS swap into an A-body, this time a turbocharged 6.0L LQ9 with an Edelbrock Pro-Flo intake and LS6 camshaft. Kyle Bryant of Greenbriar, Kentucky, is the proud owner, and he’s dragged it to a best of 10.67/130 (with 609 hp at 11 psi boost.) Bryant’s trans of choice is a 4L80 overdrive automatic with a manual valvebody.  Yes, even rat rods are built...  Yes, even rat rods are built with LS engines—a 6.0L iron-block truck motor with L92 heads, in this case. The ’30 Ford Model A has been chopped so dramatically, a sunroof had to be installed to see the traffic light at intersections. It was built by Ricky Bobby’s Rod Shop in Huntsville, Alabama, and is owned by Jonathan Gant.  Another great LS swap into...  Another great LS swap into an A-body, this time a turbocharged 6.0L LQ9 with an Edelbrock Pro-Flo intake and LS6 camshaft. Kyle Bryant of Greenbriar, Kentucky, is the proud owner, and he’s dragged it to a best of 10.67/130 (with 609 hp at 11 psi boost.) Bryant’s trans of choice is a 4L80 overdrive automatic with a manual valvebody.  Schwartz Performance built...  Schwartz Performance built this ’67 Nova for Jason Whitlock, and it made several appearances in the summer of 2011 at autocrosses and road courses, including LS Fest. The sport roof has a 675hp LS7, T56 Magnum six-speed, Wilwood six-piston brakes, and, of course, a Schwartz Performance chassis and suspension. We are chasing it for a full feature and you’ll see it soon.  Kurt Anderson put on such...  Kurt Anderson put on such a wheelie show that it nearly gave LS Fest announcer Chad Reynolds a stroke! Anderson is not afraid to stand on the gas pedal of his ’69 Camaro, which is connected to a 415ci LSX, featuring a two-piece Mast single-plane intake, FAST throttle body, and ported L92 heads. Anderson says it makes 678 hp and has pushed the Camaro to a best e.t. of 10.17 at 131 mph.  The LS Fest party simmers...  The LS Fest party simmers to a dull roar at night—racing action stops, but camping is allowed and many vendors stay open late to hang out and discuss car junk with others who are “locked in.” The Optima Batteries booth is the location of this mellow scene.  Drilling the Tree old school...  Drilling the Tree old school was Mike Morris (New Haven, Kentucky) with his ’57 Chevy Bel Air. Mike has owned the ’57 for 45 years with a variety of powerplants, but he favors the 6.0L LS (with Holley carb, Edelbrock intake, and COMP cam) because of its excellent power and reliability.  Mark Carlyle’s ’07 Corvette...  Mark Carlyle’s ’07 Corvette Z06 was the first of its kind into the 9s, the first in the 7s, and the first to go 150 mph in the quarter. The turbocharged and intercooled LS7 makes 1,800 hp in race trim, and has gone a best of 7.75 at 184 mph down the quarter. The six-speed manual has long been replaced by a Turbo 400, but the stock-style IRS still takes the punishment!  Brian Finch helped Mark Turner...  Brian Finch helped Mark Turner (Hermitage, Tennessee) build his sleek ’69 Camaro, which was looking good in the autocross. The LS7/T56 combo works well with an Art Morrison chassis, DSE suspension, and Wilwood brakes. Turner says, “I think I could have a drug habit, and it would be cheaper!”  Jarrod Lucas’ ’88 Monte Carlo...  Jarrod Lucas’ ’88 Monte Carlo is so understated and looked so slick, even Car Craft magazine was duped into thinking it was too high-dollar to feature. Make no mistake, Lucas put on a clinic with his DIY LS1-powered Monte. He’s got just $5K in the entire car, which includes the car, donor parts from an ’02 Camaro (LS1 engine, six-speed, brakes, and interior), rolling stock from an S-10 truck, and a 12-bolt from a ’66 Chevelle. Lucas even used the Camaro’s wiring harness to connect the engine, dash, and chassis. All of the Camaro accessories still work too!
" In creating the LS Fest and co-opting the goals of other like-minded companies … Holley has ensured the stable path forward for the LS. "
 | Check out these Holley LS Fest Photos |
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Holley
1801 Russellville Road
Bowling Green
KY
42101
270-781-9741
www.holley.com
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