On July 15th two very unique and specially restored Ford race cars returned to the famous Le Mans 24 Hours circuit for the 2008 Le Mans Classic. Read the blog for all the details on these two cars and their drivers.

After painstaking restorations, the two cars, a 1923 Model T Montier and a 1973 Ford Capri RS2600, took to the track to compete again at the iconic Sarthe circuit under the 'Ecurie Ford France' banner. After a heroic race, Ford Model T- Montier, the oldest car entered in the race, finished in 49th position out of 63. The ’73 Capri won the Performance index and finished in 17th position in the scratch classification.

The rebirth of Ecurie Ford France

The 2008 Le Mans Classic marked the first occasion in decades when the iconic Ford Capri took to the track again in the traditional blue and white livery of Ecurie Ford France. A major player in touring car races in the early 1970s, the Capri RS2600 with its V6 engine developing almost 400 HP still looks as stylish and dynamic today as it ever did. The car was entered into Grid 6 of the 2008 Classic, covering models which took part in the Le Mans 24 Hours between 1972 and 1979. After a painstaking restoration the Capri, which originally competed in the 1974 Le Mans 24 Hours but failed to finish, was, this time out, driven by a team of three, led by famed European track driver Jean-Louis Schlesser. Schlesser is a multiple-title driver in disciplines as varied as the World Endurance Championship and Rallye-Raid.

Winning positions after each round, the Capri finished in 17th place and, above all, has won the Performance Index, illustrating the performance of its V6 engine and the talent of its drivers. The drivers of the Ecurie Ford France were : Ford Model T – Montier 1923 : Pascal MARTIN (FRA), Etienne BRUET (FRA), Robert COUCHER (UK) Ford Capri RS 1973 : Jean-Louis SCHLESSER (FRA), Yves BEY-ROZET (FRA), John BARKER (UK)

DEARBORN, Mich., July 17, 2008 – A sneak peek at the future Ford Mustang helped kick off the celebration of a historic Mustang racing win this weekend at Road America, the largest vintage car event in North America. See the blog for more.

Enthusiasts were allowed to be part of a special public “debut” of the highly anticipated 2010 Ford Mustang, which served as the pace car for the vintage racing field throughout the weekend. The next-generation Mustang was outfitted in a special “camo” package, keeping some key design cues secret until its reveal later this year. The camouflaged future version of America’s favorite muscle car looked right at home in Elkhart Lake, Wis., along with a 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt and a 2009 Ford Fusion with a limited-edition “Blue Suede Package.”

Saturday marked Ford Mustang Day at Road America featuring a “Mustang Corral” along the straightaway. Every Ford Mustang and its occupants will be admitted free on Saturday to the Kohler International Challenge presented by Ford. “One of the key components of our program is to meet our customers face-to-face, and the Kohler International Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for Ford to interact with a group of dedicated, knowledgeable enthusiasts,” said Robert Parker, Car Marketing manager, Ford Division. “Road America and the vintage weekend provides an opportunity for customers to get behind the wheel and for Ford to show off our new product line, while still highlighting the fact Ford has been involved in racing since the inception of our company more than a century ago.”

While historic race cars will be gracing the famous race track, enthusiasts on hand also will be able to get behind the wheel of some of Ford’s latest products at the Briggs & Stratton track located inside the Road America circuit. Ford will have the 2009 Flex, Escape, Edge, Fusion, Focus coupe and other vehicles available for consumers to test drive all weekend. The 25th anniversary of the then-highly anticipated 1983 Mustang GTP debut and its rain-soaked maiden victory is the foundation forthe on-and off-track events. The Mustang GTP car that won that day will be on display for the thousands of fans attending the event. The legendary car, an innovative racer that was the creation of Ford’s then newly-formed Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), will be just a part of a significant Ford presence at the annual vintage event.

Also on hand during the weekend will be several Ford GTs, which will give hot laps on the legendary 4.048-mile Road America course. Fans can enter to win a Ford GT hot lap, which will be given away every hour, or laps can be purchased by making a $50 charitable donation to the Wisconsin Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Vince Lombardi Titletown Champions foundation, which is raising money for youth sports programs. The final component to the Ford Mustang celebration is on-track. Four Shelby Cobras will enter the Historic Grand Prix, and the Shelby drivers will wear vintage late 1960’s racing attire. These Shelby entries mark the first time Shelby Automobiles has joined forces with Ford to race since 1968.

Now National Parts Depot offers this new reproduction of the Arvinode exhaust system originally found on 1965 289 Hi-Po powered Ford cars built from October 1964 to March 1965.

This system was duplicated using original blueprints with details provided by the family of the Arvinode designer as well as Arvin empolyees who worked on the original. This system is not just cosmetic as it incorporates the correct internal design. The forward chambers and resonators are faithfully duplicated as well to provide an accurate sound. The system comes in pieces ready to be welded as original or clamped for ease of installation. Bolts up to a correct H-pipe (not included). Systems come two ways. First is the original style, which has the external damping bars cost $499.00 with a versipon without the bars costs $379.00. Contact NPD at (800) 976-1117 www.npdlink.com 

Barry Grant’s SixShooter has been made available as a multi-carburetor/air cleaner kit to suit all Ford FE-series engines from 332 to 428 cubic engines. Coupling a SixShooter to an originalFord 3X2 intake manifold will make a distinctive induction set up ideal for Ford FE-powered cars.

With carbs turned rearwards like the original to clear the distributor, this triple two-barrel induction system is beautifully crafted, nostalgic in appearance and easy to install. An original Ford intake manifold must be acquired to complete this kit, which uses three Demon 2-Barrel Carburetors. They flow 250 cfm each and have side hung float bowl assemblies. The carbs have just three adjusting screws, two idle mixture and one idle speed. The center carburetor serves as the primary and is equipped with an electric choke. The outboard carburetors are connected to the centerunit via a progressive linkage and No synchronization needed. Also included are all necessary fuel inlets and throttle linkages. An aluminum Roush Performance Filters air cleaner assembly is also used. Contact Barry Grant at (760) 864-8544 www.barrygrant.com 

A special online auction give you the chance to own Kyle Petty's 2006 Victory motorcycle and join Kyle on the 2009 Ride Across America. But hurry, the auction runs July 15-25, 2008. All proceeds benefit two extremely worthy charaties.

Last year SEMA held its annual Installation Banquet in conjunction with a fundraiser to benefit two very worthy charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The 2007 event raised more than $175,000. This year the Installation Banquet and Gala Fundraiser will be held on July 25 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine located in Irvine, California.

This special online auction will assist in SEMA's effort to help raise awareness and addtional funds. 100% of the proceeds from this auction will benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The auction runs July 15-25, 2008.


THE AUCTION FEATURES

Kyle Petty's own 2006 Victory motorcycle, valued at over $15,000 and driven in the 2007 Ride Across America Charity RIde. This beautiful motorcycle is a black Jackpot model and includes a custom luggage rack built by Kyle himself, saddlebags and a full windshield.

In addition, the winner will receive one core rider position on the 15th Anniversary Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America in 2009 valued at over $13,000 and includes:

Nine nights hotel accommodations
Fuel for one motorcycle at all scheduled Pit stops
All scheduled group meals
Commemorative Designer Leather Jacket
Event t-shirt and cap
All company-sponsored t-shirts
Transportation of one (1) motorcycle from NC to designated 2009 headquarters of Charity Ride

TO BID OR LEARN MORE PLEASE CUT AND PASTE THE LINK BELOW INTO YOUR BROWSER:
http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=semacarescharities

AUCTION RUNS JULY 15-25, 2008

100% of the proceeds benefit these two important charities

About Childhelp
Founded in 1959 by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, Childhelp is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Childhelp's approach focuses on prevention, intervention and treatment. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives calls from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. www.childhelp.org

Victory Junction Gang Camp
Victory Junction Gang Camp enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam. www.victoryjunction.org

Ford Dealer Paints Parnelli Jones Saleen to Boost Sales Interest

Good idea or bad? Read the blog and tell us what you think!

We were recently tipped off by one of our henchman in So-Cal that Ken Grody Ford (boy they must have been the butt of '80s Valley Girl speak) felt that their limited production '07 Parnelli Jones Saleen Mustang, which are all painted Grabber Orange, with Boss-esque stripes, would sell faster if it was painted black.

Off to the dealer's body shop for a fresh coat of black (we're not sure if the side stripes survived but you can see the hood stripe is still there around the functional shaker) and then to a local trim shop where the orange seat inserts that matched the paint were removed and replaced with black leather while all of the orange seat stitching was replaced with black as well. Now, $5,995 MORE expensive-listed as "Limited Edition Custom Paint & Interior (yeah, REAL limited!) the car still sits on their lot over a year later.

So, did they ruin the value of this PJ Saleen S302 or did they just make it the rarest one on the planet? Will whoever owns it 20 years from now tout it as the only black PJ Saleen built (not knowing that the dealer did the paint mods and not Saleen)...

Hmm, stranger things have happened within the classic Mustang ranks! What do you think?

By the way, here's a link to the Saleen PJ page where you can see what the car SHOULD look like!

http://www.saleen.com/saleen-parnellijones.htm

This is one of my favorite columns from 2007 and I thought I would post it here in our blog for some of our new readers from the merged title to read it for the first time. Feel free to comment on your favorite car memories in the blog.

All throughout your life you’ll have milestones to look back upon. When you get married; when you have kids; when you buy your first home, and so forth. All of these important life changing events are like points on the time line of your life. Of course, for us die-hard car types we have a whole different set of milestones that, dare I say, are even more memorable to us. It’s easy to rack them up when you are a car person. The first time you saw your dad’s friend peel rubber in front of the house. The day you got your learner’s permit would be another. And of course you can’t forget the day your parents let you take “the good car” on your first date with that special someone or to the prom perhaps.

These automotive enthusiast milestones rack up at a much more alarming rate than the general life milestones I believe. If I try to think back to the personal milestones in my life there’s probably a list of 20 or so, which I won’t bore you with (you can thank me later). But when I start to think about automotive milestones in my life the list just continues to grow with no end in site. Here’s a list of my top five (with apologies to Jay Leno, the king of Top 10 lists), though this list is bound to change as I continue to rack up automotive milestones.

#5: Passing my written exam at 15 with a 100-percent score
Here in Florida you can get your “restricted” license at age 15. The restricted is kind of a learner’s permit, allowing you to drive only during the day with a passenger in the front seat over 18 (like an older brother or parent, but usually a coworker so we could cruise for girls). When I went to the DMV to take the written exam I was nervous but I had been boning up on the rules of the road in advance. When I was called to the counter to get my results the DMV employee told me I had a perfect score on the written test and that she rarely sees that in adults, let alone 15 year olds. Score one for study hall.

#4: Driving my ’66 Mustang to high school for the first time
It was a warm September morning in 1984 as my best friend Robert Zambrano and I tooled into the parking lot at Hallandale High in Hallandale, FL in my ’66 Mustang that I had been working on all summer. Two 16-year olds in a classic Mustang with the ‘80s metal music full blast from the Kraco deck and Sparkomatic speakers purchased just days before (those were the days, huh?). It seems like it was yesterday.

#3: Taking my son for his first “go fast” ride
My son is 14 now and more interested in skate boards, his mp3 player, and girls than going cruising with his old man, but hopefully I can someday have more driving fun with him like I did when he was just six years old. I had a ’98 Cobra convertible on loan from the Ford PR fleet and I took him for a spirited drive with the top down, ending in a nice smoky burnout and a chirp of second gear. The smile on his face and him yelling “do it again daddy” will always be with me.

#2: Driving the Ford GT
Regular readers will know I’ve espoused in past columns about how much fun I had behind the wheel of Ford’s Supercar for a weekend back in 2005. Putting 260 miles on Ford’s most insanely fast (and insanely expensive) car ever built was something I hope to repeat again my lifetime, maybe even with my name on the registration (the Lord and the Florida Lotto willing). If you ever get a chance to even sit in one of these cars, do it, and be sure to make all of the appropriate motor and tire sounds while you wiggle the steering wheel.

#1: Restoring my ’66 Mustang
While not my original Mustang from high school, I restored this second car as a twin to my first car. It pays homage to those early years of driving to high school, my first job, dating, my first pass down the quarter mile at the long gone Moroso Hollywood drag strip, and all the other fun teen stuff. It’s my time machine. Every time I get into it and twist the key it’s 1985 again for me, and that’s something I could never do with any new car.

There’s literally dozens more, from hot lapping Sebring as a passenger with Steve Saleen and driving Legends series race cars at Roebling Road, to meeting many of my automotive heroes and building our Factory Five Cobra replica with my family. What’s some of your automotive milestones? Tell us about them with an email or letter and share your milestones with us won’t you?

Carburetors need inspection and possible service once a year. For peak performance use a quality rebuild kit from BG Fuel Systems.

They contain every required gasket, seal and ‘O’ ring necessary, plus a new power valve and detailed instructions. Gaskets for the metering blocks and fuel bowls are available in either non-stick or reusable Buna. BG kits are proven race-quality parts and are available for Demon, Claw, and Holley carburetors. Contact BG Fuel Systems at (706) 864-8544  www.barrygrant.com

Car Club Winning Grand Prize in Eagle One Golden
Rule Awards To Receive $1,500 For Favorite Charity
 
Entry Form Available Beginning October 1. See the full blog for more info...

There's more to car clubs than just cars and Eagle One
is looking for clubs that not only help their community but
go the extra mile with compassionate achievements.
 
Car clubs entering Eagle One's 16th annual Golden Rule
Awards have an opportunity to win a $1,500 grand prize
donated to a charity of their choice.  Three other winners
will receive a $500 cash contribution to a charity of their
choice.
 
The grand prize will be awarded to the car club judged to have
performed the most compassionate achievement during 2008.
Winners will be selected in four regions: west, midwest, east and
south for conducting the most outstanding community service
program in their region during 2008.
 
In addition to a total of $3,000 in cash donations from Eagle
One and co-sponsor Valvoline, winners will receive a generous
supply of premium appearance care products and motor oil
for fund-raising purposes and a custom-designed trophy.
 
An entry form may be obtained beginning October 1 by visiting
www.eagleone.com or by calling (818) 501-1445.  Deadline
for entries is December 31, 2008.  Winners will be notified by
February 10, 2009.

I've always been into history and love old cars. When I was a kid, I read about Woodward Avenue - and imagined what it must have been like in the 1960s and early 1970s.

When the Dream Cruise first started, I was thrilled that the spotlight was once again thrust upon Detroit's most famous thoroughfare. I now make a plan to try and attend this amazing event as often as I can - managed it for the first time in ’99, even if I was driving a piece of junk rental Cavalier and then in 06 and 07 behind the wheel of proper cars - Mustangs - and will be back again this year.

However, I think somebody needs to make a movie about Woodward. It can be done, so if anybody out there is listening and is looking for some content, as Hollywood seems to be out of fresh ideas - make this movie. Set it in about 1968 or 1970. Bring out the muscle cars and the factory specials, throw in some good old fashioned grudge match racing, perhaps a love story or something - to keep the rest of the family entertained. I really believe that if somebody made this movie, it would blow every car related piece of film for the last 20 years, firmly into the weeds, plus it really will show the next generation just how cool our hobby really is and keep the fire burning. And if the nannies and do-gooders and kill joys, (the people who got their lunch money stolen in school) complain that it portrays irresponsible behavior, well it's set in the past, you can't stop things that have already ' happened' can you? The BBC has got around all this nannying nonsense in England by making period 'politically incorrect' programs which have proven to be massive hits. So let's make the car movie to end all car movies and I'm more than willing to be cast as an extra, as long as I'm given a Ford to 'drive.' Otherwise the readers will kill me!

Permatex, Inc., an innovative leader in chemical technology for automotive maintenance and repair, has launched a newly updated version of its website, www.permatex.com. Among the new features are individual “how-to” videos for Permatex Windshield Repair Kit, Rear View Mirror Adhesive Kit, and Headlight Lens Restoration Kit. These step-by-step videos provide instructions and tips that are of value to both seasoned pros and first-time DIYers, alike.

Another new feature of the updated site is a ZIP-code based “where to buy” page that lets customers find their nearest Permatex retailers. The search function includes over 20,000 retailers throughout the USA and Canada. In addition to the product specific “how-to” videos, Permatex has also updated and posted its Professional Training Series videos. These videos, which are produced in both English and Spanish, cover Permatex's two core product lines, form-in-place gasketing and chemical threadlockers. “Our goal is to constantly work to increase our website’s value to our distributors and end consumers,” says Tony Battaglia, Director of Marketing at Permatex. “The improvements we’ve made are part of an ongoing commitment to make Permatex products easier to find and easier and more effective to use. ” The Permatex website provides complete technical information about Permatex® automotive aftermarket brands, such as Fast Orange®, No Touch® and NOS® Octane Boosters. Products are searchable by category, keyword, and item number, and visitors can enter multiple item numbers at once to retrieve material safety data sheets (MSDS) and technical data sheets (TDS). About Permatex, Inc. Permatex, Inc. is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of premium chemical products to the automotive maintenance and repair markets. Since 1909, Permatex has been an acknowledged leader in the development of innovative new products and services for the automotive aftermarket. Permatex markets a wide range of products under well-known ITW brand names such as Permatex®, Fast Orange®, No Touch®, NOS®, Spray Nine®, the Right Stuff®, Gel Twist®, PermaPoxy®, Ultra Bond® and Dr Bond®, Spray Nine®, Grez-Off®, and Earth Soap®. NOS is a registered trademark of Nitrous Oxide Systems® 2005. Permatex currently operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the U.K. and exports products to more than 85 countries around the world. North American operations include Permatex’s headquarters in Hartford, CT, a state-of-the-art manufacturing, distribution, and technical center located in Solon, OH, and a manufacturing facility in Kansas City, KS. Permatex is part of ITW (Illinois Tool Works Inc.), a US based, NYSE listed corporation, founded in 1912. ITW is a Fortune 200 diversified manufacturing company. For more information: www.permatex.com

Today, having regained my appetite for food, (it's amazing what kind of bugs you can get clobbered with when your wife's a teacher), I drove for the first time in a week. I was filling up my Ford Ranger, click, click. It took approximately $45.23 to fill it today and the local news guys were at the gas station and interviewed me about 'hyper milers.' I couldn't believe they actually put my mug on network TV. Still, this hyper miler business got me thinking. We're not talking about clapped out Crown Vic taxis, but people who are going to extra-ordinary lengths to save fuel...

Over inflating their tires (that does wonders for traction and handling), running their tanks to empty - and then facing a $200 towing bill when they run out of gas on the side of the freeway. In my part of the Great Lakes, the tow truck companies say business has tripled, largely because of people running out of fuel. Another thing I've discovered is people drafting behind 18-wheelers in order to save gas, they figure well if I draft behind the trailer my wind resistance is minimal so my fuel economy goes up - whatever, but what happens when the truck brakes suddenly? These people are nuts and put themselves and other road users in danger. Yes gas is more expensive than it was, but compared to Europe and other parts of the world we still have it pretty good. So I say to these high milers, deal with the cost of gas, keep your car tuned up and properly maintained and obey the speed limits, now there's one way to save fuel and maximize your fuel economy without being stupid. If you can't deal with that, then please, for the rest of us, stay off the road!

Now You Can Unleash Up To 700 Horses With Roush's NEW TVS2300 ROUSHCHARGER Kit.

See The Blog for All The Details!

ROUSH® Performance has always been the leader in powertrain performance and with the introduction of the new TVS2300 ROUSHcharger® it is possible for owners of any 2005 to 2009 Ford Mustang GT to inject up to 700 horsepower under the hood.

The new TVS2300 ROUSHcharger will be available in a variety of packages to fit the needs from enthusiasts wanting a new complete kit with a warranty, those simply looking to get the maximum horsepower with a custom tune, and owners wishing to upgrade a car with an existing ROUSHcharger system. The new TVS2300 ROUSHcharger was first used on the
2008 ROUSH P-51A™ Mustang vehicle builds to much acclaim.

For those willing to explore the wild side, the TVS2300 ROUSHcharger is now sold separately allowing custom tuners to develop their own calibration which can push the horsepower anywhere from 510 to more than 700. This is the first time that ROUSH is offering specialty tuning firms the option of using their own calibrations and being creative with their tune on a ROUSHcharger. This kit includes a cold air intake system, unique fuel rail with 52 lb.-hr. injectors, a dual 60 mm electronic throttle body, all hardware, brackets and instructions. With a one-year component warranty, this kit retails for $5,899 (part number 403994).

Owners of an existing ROUSHcharger system can upgrade to the TVS2300 ROUSHcharger for $4,999 (part number 403995). This kit includes several of the same components above but utilizes as many of the installed ROUSHcharger components as practical to help reduce the upgrade cost.
Customers will need to work with a custom tuner for maximum performance.
For complete details, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com.

The TVS2300 ROUSHcharger utilizes Eaton’s new Twin Vortices Series technology. The patented design on this supercharger system features a four-lobe rotor and high-flow inlet which greatly enhances thermal efficiency, higher volume capacity, and higher operational speeds.

“The gloves are off for the specialty tuners to get really creative with a ROUSHcharger now,” said Joe Thompson, general manager of ROUSH Performance. “We’re excited to see what some of these guys can do with the new TVS2300 ROUSHcharger and really explore the type of performance that this new unit is capable of. We’ve heard some numbers from a couple of exploratory installs already and I must say that they are very impressive.”

The complete kit with a ROUSH-backed 3-year/36,000 mile engine warranty will be available shortly. This version of the TVS2300 ROUSHcharger is 50-state legal and rated at 510 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.
Included in the package is the complete TVS2300 ROUSHcharger system featuring new upper and lower intake manifolds for the high capacity air-to-water intercooler and larger TVS supercharger. A custom ROUSH calibration is included, as well as new fuel rails and high-flow 52 pound fuel injectors, a high-flow capacity fuel pump, as well as a dual electronic throttle body. A ROUSH Cold Air Kit with a stylish carbon fiber clean air tube helps to dress up the engine bay and provides improved performance.

This kit also includes a ROUSH-assembled short block with forged components such as a steel eight-bolt crankshaft, aluminum flywheel, aluminum pistons with increased dish to lower the compression from 9:8 to 8:6, and steel H-Beam connecting rods.

Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles and parts are designed, manufactured, tested and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.

C.J's Rod's & Machines of King, North Carolina is proud to announce the release their tilt steering columns for the 60-69 Falcon, Comet, Mustang and Fairlane cars.

Offered for the original steering box it includes detailed instructions on how to cut the steering input shaft and install a coupler that connects the new column to the original steering box. The coupler is included as well as the wiring harness. It includes a hazard flasher system and new horn relay ready to install using the original wiring harness. They also have the same columns available for those cars equipped with a Heidt's, Fatman or other front suspensions using rack and pinion steering. Contact CJ’s at (336)983-0610 www.cjsrods.com

Justice Brothers has released their at home Power Steering Conditioner & Treatment for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. This proprietary formula will prolong the life of your power steering pump by reducing internal heat, lubricating internal seals and preventing premature component wear.

It also helps to prevent leaks at the pump shaft seal. This four-ounce bottle added to your power steering fluid is pro-active protection against pump damage or failure. Justice Brothers Power Steering Conditioner & Treatment protects against extreme heat, fluid oxidation and also reduces pump squeal. It is compatible with all factory power steering fluids. We’ve had good luck with all the JB offerings. Contact Justice Brothers at (626) 359-9174 www.justicebrothers.com.

Lunati® Extends Customer Support Hours
and Doubles Technical Staff

Following the successes of the Voodoo® premier cams and the recent launch of the BareBones™ basic cam kits, Lunati® has extended the hours of its customer support lines and has doubled the available technical staff. The new hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (CST) Monday thru Friday. This one hour extension over our previous daily schedule will benefit all customers, especially those on the west coast.

Call Tim, Shane, James, Joe, or Steve with over 50 years of combined experience. They are all friendly, experienced racers and engine builders. They’ll help you select bottom-end components and full valve train set ups along with custom crankshafts and camshafts for your specific application. Once the proper components have been selected, you can then place the order factory-direct via your technician or visit your local Lunati dealer.

For personalized, experienced technical support without the long hold times, call Lunati “The Racer’s Company” at (662) 892-1500. Also available is Lunati’s online camshaft recommendation services. To submit a camshaft recommendation form visit the “Contact Us” section at www.LunatiPower.com. While you’re there, check out our online catalog -you can even print our spec cards straight from the website!

Miller Electric now introduces the Vintage USA Elite and Digital Elite auto-darkening welding helmets.  The helmet combines state-of-the-art auto-darkening technology with a cool vintage USA design.

The colorful helmets celebrate Miller's and the U.S.A.'s shared history while also providing the user with an auto-darkening response time of 1/20,000 of a second as well as the largest viewing window available.  The Elite version provides an Auto-On/Auto-Off and Grind Mode, while the Digital Elite includes four programmable modes for grinding, welding, cutting and an electromagnetic mode for use when the sensors may be obstructed. Weighing in at 18 oz. the Elite helmets are lightweight, comfortable and come complete with five outside and two inside replacement cover lenses and helmet bag. The Elite and Digital Elite series helmets are ideal for professionals and hobbyists alike and are available through a welding supply distributor near you. The Elite helmet carries a MSRP of $349.00 while the Digital Elite Series list at $389.00. Contact Miller Electric at (800) 426-4553 www.millerwelds.com

Would you like it to be the envy of all at the local cruise-in or car show? Then get that ground pounding sound from the pipes and that unmistakable whining from a gear drive with the new COMP Cams Thumpr GK-Kit.

When the time comes for the horsepower you know that your Thumpr Cam will deliver. The Thumpr GK-Kits are available for many Ford applications and the kit includes the Thumpr Cam of your choice along with the appropriate gear drive and carefully matched lifters. Each gear drive uses heat-treated billet steel gears to ensure the ultimate in durability and timing accuracy. A three keyway crank sprocket allows up to 4 degree of advance or retard. Looks pretty cool. Contact COMP Cams at (800) 999-0853 www.compcams.com.

Roush® Now Offering Complete Crate Engine And Transmission Packages For Seamless Installation

Street rod enthusiasts and car builders have traditionally had their share of issues mating the transmission to the engine in a project car; either one or the other would install smoothly, but rarely both would work in tandem without a lot of additional work.

ROUSH® Performance has solved this problem with the introduction of the “Ford-in-a-Ford” powertrain package which includes a powerful ROUSH crate engine perfectly matched to a complete aftermarket performance transmission. All hardware, calibrations, and everything needed for a seamless installation is included.

The first application was installed in a 1963 Ford Galaxie which paired a ROUSH 511SRFE engine with 525 horsepower and 575 lb.-ft. torque to a Ford 4R100 four-speed automatic transmission. This car, and powertrain package, will debut at the 11th Annual Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio on July 11 to 13.

Bob Corn, a former Ford engineer who now works at ROUSH, is the project manager of the package development which will eventually include both short and tall deck small-block engines. During his tenure with Ford, which ran from 1962 through 1981, Corn was instrumental in developing several of the now-legendary Ford engines, including the 427 which is often heralded as one of the most instrumental in automotive history.
His background and knowledge made Corn a natural choice to help ROUSH Performance bring a complete powertrain package to market, a product offering unmatched by anyone else.

“As we looked around there was nobody that offered a complete engine powertrain package that was just ‘plug and play,’ to borrow a computer term,” said Corn. “What ROUSH is offering the car builders is a complete kit with a recognizable and proven engine, mated with an industry-leading transmission. All the parts are included in the ROUSH kit - things like the calibration, electronics, throttle position sensor, torque converter and everything that will be needed is already part of the package and all designed to work together and drop right into the chassis. ROUSH is doing all the hard work on the powertrain so all the customer has to be concerned about is the actual car build itself.”

Although the 511SRFE engine was the model used to develop the concept, ROUSH will soon offer a complete line of engine and transmission packages that can fit a wide variety of applications.

Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles and parts are designed, manufactured, tested and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.

I came across this announcement, that Ford of Europe is going to be building another Focus RS (Rally Sport). Why oh why can't we get cars like this here. Ford is saying they're getting back to building cars that the people we want, but I can think of dozens of Ford enthusiasts over here that would love to have one of these - including myself. Imagine the fun you could have on your daily ride to work. Oh I want one. Even though my first love is older Fords, the Focus RS and its predecessor the Escort Cosworth have always struck a chord. Import guys have no idea.

BRENTWOOD, July 4, 2008 – The legendary Ford RS performance car brand is returning in the shape of the exciting new Ford Focus RS, which will be previewed on July 22 at the 2008 London International Motor Show. The new Focus RS will go on sale in early 2009 and is being created by a small team of dedicated engineers, under the direction of Jost Capito, Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles. For performance road car enthusiasts, the new model will mark a welcome return for the Ford RS badge. This will be the second Focus model to carry the RS mantle and promises another exciting chapter in an exciting 40-year story that began in Germany in the late 1960s and gained momentum across Europe with the launch of the 1970 Escort RS1600. Capito said: “We want the new Focus RS to be a serious high performance car – as much a car for driving enthusiasts as the one before it and classic Ford RS models of the past. We’re staying true to the core RS principles of an exciting, yet affordable performance road car you can live with every day.”

Before it even turns a wheel, the new Focus RS exudes the presence, sporty style and lowered, ‘meaner’ appearance expected of a genuine Ford RS. Overt performance styling details mix with subtle revisions to create a planted, powerful stance and the promise of an exciting drive.

The London show car previews the design intent for a final production vehicle, though as development work continues, some final details may change before volume production begins. The vehicle is finished in a special bright green paint with inlaid metallic flake, a striking, modern interpretation of the 1970s Le Mans Green of the Escort RS1600 era. The vibrant exterior colour is contrasted with a number of performance styling details highlighted in gloss ‘piano black’, including the strip at the leading edge of the bonnet, the deep housings for the integrated front fog lamps and door mirrors with integrated side indicators. Front and rear quarter panels have been revised to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, complemented by revised, deeper side rocker mouldings.

In another visual reminder of the car’s performance potential, triangular, RS-badged vents sit behind the front wheel arches. Two classic-style bonnet louvres are both a styling hint at the power beneath and a practical requirement, maintaining correct system temperatures. The completely new front bumper design for Focus RS incorporates a deep front airdam with a large, mesh lower grille in an extended trapezoid. Stylish and practical, this prominent feature represents the latest Ford 'kinetic design' face and also is finished in piano black. Above, chromed xenon headlamps stand out like cat’s eyes and are framed by matt-black housings with unique additional vents running underneath. At the rear, a deep new rear bumper incorporates a large venturi tunnel to its lower edge with small vents at each corner of the bumper, emphasizing the car’s width. Two impressive chromed exhaust tailpipes sit each side of the black venturi, creating a purposeful rear view for the car. Above, a unique, twin-element, black RS rear spoiler sits at the Focus RS’ roofline, echoing both RS models of the past and the World Rally-winning Focus WRC that has been its inspiration. “We believe it’s vitally important that a Focus RS looks like both a Focus and an RS – it needs to be individual, distinctive and overt in its performance styling, but it also needs to show a clear progression from and relationship to Focus ST”, said Stefan Lamm, Chief Exterior Designer, Ford of Europe.

Inside, this theme continues with a unique and appropriately performance-oriented interior, dominated by bespoke, sculpted Recaro high-performance sports seats, specially designed and trimmed for excellent support, even when driving enthusiastically. Each is colour-matched to the exterior, with ebony leather accents and ‘RS’ and ‘Recaro’ logos stitched into each backrest. Elsewhere, colour brings new excitement to the Focus interior, building on the sporty interior theme of Focus ST with more use of accents matched to the exterior colour, brushed aluminium highlights and overt performance styling. Even the rear seats feature higher side bolsters and a microfibre finish to echo those up front. The centre console is finished in a stylish gloss, carbon-look trim and metallic highlights abound, from air vents, door grab handles, switchgear and gearshift surround, to unique RS-branded scuff plates on the door sills. These highlights contrast with a black-trimmed roof lining, emphasising the sporty, cockpit feel. The driver is reminded this is a special Focus at every touch, with a gear lever finished with a six speed gear shift graphic in RS blue, a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel, finished with ‘Ford’ and ‘RS’ logos and even aluminium foot pedals. The performance driving environment is completed by three additional gauges from the Focus ST, including turbo boost pressure, sitting atop the centre console and angled toward the driver’s eyeline.

At the heart of the all-new Focus RS is a specially developed, turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine. Significantly revised for high performance, this powerplant is targeting an impressive power output of 300PS and over 410Nm of torque, contributing to an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Such significant increases are not simply the result of altering engine management or boost pressure: starting with the Duratec 2.5-litre block, Ford RS engineers developed unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and exhaust manifold system for the car. Although the car is still in development, prior to its launch in early 2009, early performance testing indicates a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of under six seconds.

Throughout Focus RS’ development, Capito and his team have been keeping a sharp focus on creating a car that delivers excellent performance and traction. Various innovations, developed as a result of customer feedback from previous performance Fords, have allowed engineers to keep the new Focus RS as front-wheel drive, with a limited-slip differential, while still achieving demanding targets for traction, handling and steering. The new Ford Focus RS is equipped with an innovative front suspension system known as a ‘RevoKnuckle’, which is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer, the impact of torque on steering in front-wheel driven vehicles. Torque steer occurs during hard acceleration, cornering or driving on uneven surfaces, when torque on the driven wheels exceeds grips levels. It is characterised by sudden turning force on the steering wheel and can be exacerbated by vehicles with wide tyres and limited-slip differentials. In Focus RS, the RevoKnuckle works in conjunction with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential. Ford Team RS engineers have worked closely with Ford's Advanced Research Centre in Aachen, Germany to develop the RevoKnuckle technology specifically for the high performance Focus RS. It allows the simplicity of a traditional McPherson strut arrangement, but with geometry settings that minimize steering disturbances and torque steer, principally a reduction in steering offset. “The Ford Focus is an excellent base for a high performance car – agile, responsive and stable,” explained Capito. “We studied at length how best to enhance these qualities for a high performance model. Our work has shown clearly that our approach in combining a tuned RevoKnuckle with the Quaife differential is an ideal solution for a high performance front-wheel-drive road car like Focus RS. “As you would expect, we gave all-wheel-drive careful consideration, but by combining and tuning these elements and learning from Ford’s expertise in industry-leading handling, we have managed to eliminate the weight of AWD from the car and still have been able to target a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance. “The result is a lightweight set-up, that will deliver the right blend of traction and razor sharp controllability – in a way no one would have expected from front-wheel-drive, and we believe we have made the right choice,” Capito concluded.

A genuine Focus RS must maintain and enhance the reputation for responsive, precise handling for which Focus is acclaimed and considerable engineering effort has ensured that the new Focus RS will do just that. Driving quality developments for Focus RS include a 40mm wider track, stronger, longer driveshafts, revised springs and dampers and a thicker, longer rear anti-roll bar. At the same time, the steering system has been retuned to provide an even sharper steering response and very precise feedback. Brakes also have been uprated, with 336mm ventilated front discs and 300mm rear discs generating vice-like stopping power on road or track. Large calipers peek out from behind unique 19-inch wheels, wrapped in 235/35 low profile Continental tyres. A special version of Ford’s ESP system has also been developed for Focus RS, designed to allow a very sporty driving style before activating. Intensive work to refine the natural handling abilities of the car has allowed the ESP system to carry a full de-activation option for enthusiast drivers and especially for track use. “We are refining all the handling characteristics of Focus RS without ESP, to hone its natural responses, rather than use ESP to help its handling. In Focus RS, ESP is a pure safety device”, explained Capito. Reliable and durable In creating the new Focus RS, Ford’s Team RS engineers have had to meet the same stringent targets for durability and reliability as those set for the rest of the Focus range. Despite its many bespoke engineering and styling elements, Focus RS will be built entirely on the main Focus production line in Saarlouis, Germany and offered with a standard Ford of Europe warranty.

The new Focus RS represents a significant moment in the heritage of both the Focus and Ford RS brands. It is 10 years since the Ford Focus was first revealed to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998, paving the way for a range of Ford vehicles whose exciting design was matched by class-leading driving quality. Since this time, more than 5.3 million Ford Focus models have been built in Europe, including Russia, with the car also built and sold in North America and Asia. At the same time, the new Focus RS marks the return of the famous but rare Ford RS badge, last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002 and with a distinguished heritage stretching back 38 years including Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models. “RS is uniquely important to us in terms of our performance heritage and World Rally Championship success, while the Focus has played a major part in establishing Ford’s excellent reputation for driving dynamics," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO. "The all-new Focus RS will embrace and celebrate both of these – it will be a genuine RS and a genuine Focus and I’m confident it won’t disappoint in either area”.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2008 – In the first half of 2008, sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and crossovers to retail customers were higher than a year ago. Retail sales for cars increased 3 percent and crossovers also were up (less than 1 percent). Together, cars and crossovers accounted for 59 percent of Ford’s first half retail sales compared with 49 percent in the first half 2007.

“In the first half, Ford outperformed the industry in both the car and crossover segments,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. “This performance is crucial to creating an exciting viable Ford delivering profitable growth for all.” Ford’s new Focus paced the increase in car sales. In the first half, Focus retail sales increased 53 percent versus a year ago, and Focus was the top-selling domestic car to retail customers. In the recently released J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 APEAL study, the Focus improved 88 index points – the largest improvement in the industry. Mid-size cars also posted retail sales increases in the first half with Ford Fusion up 7 percent, Mercury Milan up 2 percent and Lincoln MKZ up 10 percent. The Ford Edge paced crossovers with first half retail sales up 19 percent. Gasoline prices increased a dollar (from $3 to $4 a gallon) during the first half and this accelerated the decline in SUV and truck sales. In the first half, retail sales for the company’s SUVs declined 40 percent versus a year ago and retail sales for trucks and vans declined 31 percent. First half fleet sales declined 11 percent (including a 20 percent decline in daily rental sales). Overall, June sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles totaled 167,090, down 28 percent versus a year ago. First half sales totaled 1.1 million, down 14 percent. “Consumer fundamentals and consumer confidence deteriorated as the first half unfolded,” said Farley. “The economy enters the second half of the year with a notable absence of momentum and a high degree of uncertainty.” He added, “Clearly, the rapid rise in gasoline prices, and the resulting shift toward fuel efficient vehicles, has been challenging, but it also provides an opportunity. In addition to adjusting our capacity and production plans to produce more cars and crossovers, we are introducing several new vehicles with class-leading fuel economy.” In June, Ford introduced a new crossover, the Flex, with best-in-class highway fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon and Lincoln introduced the MKS. In 2009, the MKS will be the first vehicle equipped with Ford’s new EcoBoost engine technology. The 2009 model Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner started production in June. Equipped with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, the Escape and Mariner deliver best-in-class fuel economy in the small utility segment with 28 highway miles per gallon. The Escape and Mariner Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient utility vehicle on the planet, delivering 34 city mpg and improved highway rating of 31 mpg – up from 30 mpg. Later this year, production of the redesigned Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ will begin, including new Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid versions. In addition, Ford has announced plans to bring the European Transit Connect to North America in 2009 – the most fuel-efficient commercial van on the market.

Our First Cruise-In With Our Factory Five Roadster!

Check out the blog for the details on our first big drive and cruise night happenings...

While our print readers will not see the final story on our Factory Five build up for another month we've actually been done with the project (well, almost done, a few little items left to tinker with) for about three weeks now. We recently had the opportunity to dodge the typical afternoon rain showers here in Florida to hit a local cruise-in on a Friday night. Yup, this work-a-holic cut out of work a little early to make the show. Can you believe it?

Anyway, it was the first time the wife and I had driven the project for any length. Short runs through the neighborhood and one three mile drive to calibrate the speedometer was all we had on the clock. No worries, I have confidence in my build skills. We packed the trunk with a pair of chairs, some detailing products, and our CoverCraft Weathershield HP cover (in case those nasty rains came back) and headed to the south end of town. All told it was a 30 mile round trip and the Roadster ran like a swiss watch. We got a ton of horn honks, thumbs ups, and waves on the drive, but was really surprising was a spectator at the cruise-in walking by and recognizing the car as our magazine project. A nice conversation ensued, and that's what getting out and driving your Ford is all about!

It Just Goes To Show, There's a Job For Everyone!

Read all about this screen grab in my blog...

So I'm heading off for work yesterday morning and as I walk out to the Mustang I notice some utility work going on down the street. Various crews have been tearing up our neighborhood for weeks now installing Verizon's FIOS high speed fiber optic system. I'm looking forward to their service (have Verizon DSL now with zero complaints) but the sub-contractors doing the work have me wondering if the FIOS will ever work. Between broken water lines, cut cable TV lines, dug up yards replaced with half dead sod, and more it's starting to get frustrating. So when I saw this sign posted in my front yard this morning, and the orientation of it. I just shook my head, grabbed my Flip Video camcorder from my bag, and took a short video of the whole situation.

If you care to see my video I've posted it HERE. Maybe I'll get a free installation kit from Verizon for all my problems. Yeah right!

Mark

Auto Meter's New Ford Racing Gauges

Auto Meter has put together some cool looking gauges featuring the Ford Racing Logo. Check out the blog for full details and more pictures.

Auto Meter Products, Inc. is proud to introduce our NEW for ‘08 Ford Racing Performance gauge series, officially licensed from Ford Racing. These instruments are now available for purchase through your local Auto Meter dealer as wells as authorized Ford Racing dealers everywhere, these new through-the-dial LED illuminated instruments feature an illuminated Ford Racing logo surrounded by crisp, white OE inspired lettering and bright anodized Super Bezels. Patented high contrast glowing red pointers ensure accurate and easy to read information in any driving condition.

It’s not just about looks - it’s about choice. This series is offered with competition-bred movements in your choice of short sweep electric, mechanical, and full sweep electric stepper gauge movements to allow you to build your dash the way you want. Install only a tach or an entire set today. Finally, give your Mustang or Performance Ford project the instrumentation it deserves!

Ford Racing Trademarks used under license to Auto Meter.

For more information call us at (866) 248-6356 or visit us on the web at www.autometer.com.

Properly cooling your high performance engine calls for a powerful fan. Flex-a-lite’s new Dual X-Treme S-Blade fans offer 3000 CFM of airflow from a low-profile system.

The Dual X-Treme fan systems feature Flex-a-lite’s powerful pull style fans that are reliable and more efficient than standard angled flat-blades. The fan systems are manufactured from injection molded glass reinforced nylon, which makes them strong and flexible.  Part number 480 and 490 measure 26-1/4” x 15-1/2” X 4” and have universal fit attachment points for easy installation.  The 480 model comes with an adjustable thermostat, AC relay and Flex-a-lite’s variable speed control, that monitors coolant temperature and adjusts fan speed to match cooling demand. All of Flex-a-lite’s products are made in the U.S. from the highest quality materials. Contact Flex-a-lite at (800) 851-1510 www.flex-a-lite.com