Time-Saving Breakthrough:
Callies Online Inventory
Anybody who's built a serious performance engine knows that it isn't always about assembly skill or having enough money to buy the necessary parts. While those things are certainly required, a third factor-parts availability-can stop even the best builders cold in their tracks. Crankshaft availability is especially problematic, since you can't even start building an engine without one.
Callies has decided to do something about it, and we hope it catches on with other crankshaft (and piston) suppliers. You can now log on to Callies.com 24/7, and find a comprehensive list of every single crankshaft that is in stock, sitting on the shelf, and ready to ship. Callies claims to have over 300 crankshafts in stock and in process at any given time, and the Web site listing is updated three times a week to ensure a relatively accurate count.
We checked Callies' in-stock...
We checked Callies' in-stock claim, and found plenty of crankshafts in stock and ready to ship. We also noted how all the crank specs were listed, as well as part numbers. Now if the piston manufacturers follow suit, the world will be a perfect place indeed!
Source:
Callies Performance Products
419-435-2711
www.callies.com
Olds 403 Headers:
Hedman Still Makes 'EmOldsmobile may be gone, but there are a lot of Olds lovers out there who still need power parts for their Olds-powered A-bodies. Hedman is still in the Oldsmobile game after all these years with their 1 3/4-inch full-length headers. They fit all 260-403ci Olds motors as installed in 1970-72 Cutlass Supreme, Hurst, and notchback models. As you probably figured, the smaller, less-favored Olds V-8 was more highly produced, and they're beginning to show up in more projects.
These pipes work with A/C and power steering, and are considered by CARB as a replacement part on vehicles without A.I.R. They're available with HTC coating as part number 58196, or uncoated as part number 58190. We checked online, and priced the coated versions on the Summit Web site for $485.39.
Scource:
Hedman Hedders
562-921-0404
www.hedmanperformancegroup.com
For about two-thirds the cost...
For about two-thirds the cost of Dart's already affordable Little M Sportsman block, Dart's Special High Performance block is meant to fill the void left by a dwindling supply of 400ci SBC cores. One big difference you'll find is plenty of meat in the cylinder walls, and lots of beefcake in the deck. Dart claims an easy 600 hp.
Dart Machinery:
New 400 Chevy Blocks
Let's face it, if you've tried to scour the junkyard lately for a serviceable 400 small-block, you know you're in for a tough time. What you need is a brand-new one, and it needs to be guaranteed to spec out to a minimum .230-inch wall thickness at a 4.165-inch bore diameter. What we're describing is Dart's new Special High Performance (SHP) bare block (PN 31161211). The SHP block fits in just below the Little M Sportsman block in the Dart lineup, so it's super affordable (about $1,455.96 from Summit). Big features abound, however, and Dart claims the SHP can easily withstand 600 hp, although this is probably on the sage side, given the specs. The SHP features true priority-main oiling, ductile iron main bearing caps with splayed four-bolt center mains, .625-inch-thick decks with blind head bolt holes, and clearance for long crankshafts. The SHP is compatible with all first-gen small-block dimensions, including hydraulic roller lifters, camshafts, timing chain covers, front motor mounts, clutch linkage pivots, and mechanical fuel pumps. And for the 350 guys, Dart has a 4.00-inch bore version (PN 31161111).
Not far behind the release...
Not far behind the release of the SHP bare block will be complete short-block assemblies in 372- and 400-inch variants, using the larger 4.125-inch-bore version of the SHP block.
In support of the SHP block lineup, Dart plans to offer assembled short-blocks in 372- and 400-inch variants built on the large-bore SHP block. (Pricing hadn't been announced yet as of press time.) Both versions will have an internally balanced steel crank, forged I-beam rods with 3/8-inch cap screws, hypereutectic flat-top pistons with floating pins, moly rings, and Clevite bearings.
Source:
Dart Machinery
248-362-1188
www.dartheads.com
Easy Pieces:
Aircraft-Style Hoodpins
If you're looking for a visual item that will set your street machine apart from the crowd, these hoodpins from Wilson Muscle Cars are a slam dunk. These kits feature billet aluminum scuff plates instead of flat pieces of chrome steel. Their one-off custom look is high-tech, and pricing starts at $115 for a pair of machined aluminum pieces. We also dig the black finish version, which is a little pricier at $150 a pair. We plan on using the machined-finish hoodpins on our Laguna S-3 project. Wilson Muscle Cars also has locking hoodpins in machined, polished, and black finish.
Source
Wilson Muscle Cars
616-361-7160
www.hoodpins.com