New Products February 2010

Big-Block Chevy
Budget Crankshaft
DIY hot rod builders and performance engine shops have traditionally relied on Mark IV big-block cores to build their big-inch Chevys, but as the supply of these older blocks dries up, it's increasingly difficult to find one in good condition that cleans up easy. Late-model Mark V and Mark VI cores are plentiful; they're cheaper, and are found in better condition, making them prime candidates for low budgets and big power. The only problem is that a quality one-piece seal crankshaft core is still going to set you back some serious coin-thus wiping out the budget approach. EngineQuest has solved that problem with their cast steel 454 crank for '91-00 Gen V and Gen VI big-blocks. Part number CS454A retails for just $407.55, and is completely compatible with all late-model one-piece seal blocks.

Moroso Performance
Track-Legal Battery Box
You've seen those blue Moroso battery boxes at the track for years-they're practically a staple of the drag racing community. Problem is, what if you don't like blue? Due to customer requests, Moroso now offers these battery boxes in a new color, black, and because they're less expensive to make than blue ones, they're also cheaper. (We found the black ones at Summit Racing, PN 74051, for $71.69.) It's ideal for relocating a battery to the rear of any race car, street car, or show vehicle with or without a rear firewall. It holds a series 24 battery with either top- or side-post terminals and is fully accepted for racing by NHRA, IHRA, and SCCA.

Street Hardware:
Slam-Guard Oil Pan
Speed bumps and dips are the arch enemy of lowered vehicles. Hit one too fast or at the wrong angle, and your undercarriage can be severely damaged. Although much of the damage may be cosmetic, if your oil or transmission pan is deformed or ruptured by the blow, the resulting lubricant starvation can be catastrophic to your engine or transmission. Trans-Dapt's line of Slam-Guard oil and transmission pans-which feature a 3/16-inch-thick steel skid plate-goes a long to preventing this type of damage. They're available for Chevy, Ford, and AMC engines; and GM Turbo 350, 400, and 700R4/4L60E transmissions. They're affordable too; one for a small-block Chevy (shown) runs about $129.95 from Summit Racing.

Driveline Department:
PerformaBuilt Transmissions
PerformaBuilt Transmissions of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, has thrown down the gauntlet by offering a significant one-year warranty on their entire product line. That warranty is extended to two years if customers buy a PerformaBuilt converter with their transmission. We like that PerformaBuilt places no conditions on their transmission warranty; there is no mileage stipulation and no "abuse" clause. In fact, racing does not void the warranty.

'66-67 Fairlane/Comet
Heidts Superide II IFS
It's hardly any comfort to Ford fans that dozens of manufacturers have offered a multitude of modern suspensions for midsized GMs for years. Owners of '66-67 Ford Fairlanes and Mercury Comets have had to do with pretty slim pickings if they wanted to achieve anything close to modern handling from their Blue Oval classics, but that's changed. Heidts has come out with their Superide II IFS system that handily closes the performance deficit, thanks to an arsenal of upgrades. The Superide II includes tubular A-arms, power rack-and-pinion steering, 11-inch disc brakes, dropped spindles, and 10-position adjustable billet coilovers with chrome springs. The base kit runs $2,880. For additional cost, you can order 12- or 13-inch disc brakes, polished stainless steel A-arms, polished billet coilovers, and polished tie-rod ends. The Superide II also opens up your underhood real estate, making big-block engines with headers a snap.

Brake Hardware:
Master Cylinder With Prop Valve
Performance Online has a new Corvette-style master cylinder that incorporates a built-in proportioning valve. It's a great addition to any modernized muscle car and is available in a 1.00-inch bore diameter. Its all-aluminum construction weighs 8 pounds less than a comparable unit made of cast iron. Performance Online pairs the master cylinder with an integrated proportioning valve, which is hard anodized to increase longevity. The unit sells for $179.99.

Problem Solver:
COMP Break-In Oil
With current government regulations, today's oils are missing many of the critical ingredients needed for engine protection. Engine builders and performance hobbyists are being forced to add extra additives in order to maintain engine safety and performance-but not anymore. Engineers at COMP Cams and Endure Performance Lubricants have developed the ZDDP-enhanced Engine Break-In Oil (PN 1590, quart; 1590-12, case) that provides maximum protection during initial engine break-in. This advanced lubricant provides maximum engine life by improving the surface mating of valvetrain components (especially flat tappets), rotating assembly, rod journals, piston rings, valve guides, and other vital areas of the engine. This proprietary formula includes the optimum amount of zinc and phosphorus, molybdenum, detergents, and high-grade base oil.