2009 Performance Racing Industry Show

Performance Distributors SOS CoilsFord's coil-on-plug (COP) system is an efficient way to get spark to the engine's plugs without dealing with plug wires and their inherent issues related to aging, heat, and more. Unfortunately, like most OEM parts, the original coils aren't designed with the best materials for performance applications. The folks at Performance Distributors [www.performancedistributors.com; (901) 396-5782] felt they could improve on the Ford COP design with their new Sultans of Spark (SOS) coils. Their increased windings offer 40,000 volts to your plugs. That's a 60 percent increase versus the stock coils. With the SOS coils' increased spark duration, you can open up your plug gaps and improve your modular's performance and fuel economy, as well as enjoy easier starting, better idling, and greater throttle response.

Eagle 4.6L Stroker AssemblyIt's taken a while, but the Ford modular engine family is finally coming into its own, mainly with the popularity of the new 4.6L Three-Valve in the S197 Mustang. We're seeing all manner of crate engines, internal parts, blowers, and even dress-up parts these days. One of the rotating assemblies that caught our eye when we visited the Eagle Rod booth [www.eaglerod.com; (662) 796-7373] was the new 5.0L modular stroker kit. Available in street-and-strip or competition-level assemblies, both kits come with Eagle's premium 4340 H-beam rods and forged pistons from Arias, JE, SRP, Mahle, and others, along with rod bearings and file-fit rings. The main differences between the two kits are the street/strip utilizes a cast crank, which is good for 500 hp, and the competition kit uses a 4340 forged steel crank capable of 850-1,500 hp. Of course, Eagle offers several strokes and bore sizes for up to 323 cid for Two-Valve and Four-Valve applications.

Ford Racing Performance Parts 427 WindsorIf you like your big cubes in little packages, then you'll absolutely love Ford Racing's new all-aluminum 427 Windsor. FRPP [www.fordracingparts.com; (800) FORD788] built this mammoth of strokers with its new 9.5-inch deck aluminum 351 block. Using a 4.125 bore and a 4-inch stroke for optimal rod ratio, the 427ci stroker is decked with FRPP aluminum heads and ready for your next project to put down an estimated 550 hp at the flywheel.

Granatelli Watt's LinkThere's always something new to see when we visit with JR Granatelli and Granatelli Motor Sports [www.granatellimotorsports.com; (805) 486-6644]; our PRI show visit didn't disappoint. Besides JR's ever-growing line of ignition coils, tuners, and other go-fast goodies, the new S197 Mustang Watt's link setup was on display. Designed as a complete bolt-in solution, the Watt's link features an outrageously strong billet mounting assembly, super-strong Watt's link arms, and more.

Kasse Boss Nine KitOver the years Ford has built some legendary engines. Any dyed-in-the-wool Ford nut drools at the mere mention of these engines' displacements-428CJ, 427 SOHC, and of course, Boss 429 (just to name a few). Now the engine wizard known as Jon Kasse [www.jonkasseracingengines.com; (770) 307-0241] has invested untold hours of research, time, and dead presidents to introduce a complete selection of Boss Nine components to build your own Boss 429 using any 385-series block (or even a real Boss 429 casting if you have one lying around). From cylinder heads, rockers, and intakes, to valve covers, and even complete engines, Kasse's Boss Nine program has what you need. Oh, to drop one of these in a Maverick and build a retro Pro Stocker!

Fore 8.8-inch Housing CoverIf you're even remotely familiar with any of the products that Fore Precision Works [www.foreprecisionworks.com; (919) 550-0700] makes for late-model Mustangs, you know then that these products are almost too nice to install on your Mustang and could just as easily be on display on a shelf in your den. The folks at Fore take their product development seriously and create a product solution, not just another gizmo to sell. A case in point is the new 8.8-inch differential cover for live axle and IRS applications. This robust unit starts off as a serious chunk of billet aluminum. When Fore gets done with it, this differential cover is one of the strongest on the market, easily clearing Fox Mustang tire wells and S197 Panhard rods while looking great.

Metco Motorsports Overdrive Crank PulleyThe guys at Metco Motorsports [www.metcomotorsports.com; (864) 332-5929] are hard-core power fanatics who know how to make power with their performance upgrade parts and put it to the ground with their suspension parts. One of their newest goodies on display at PRI was their 4.6L Three-Valve overdrive crank pulley. The pulley starts life as a stock Ford pulley, but it is then machined to accept a billet pulley ring. Designed for use with aftermarket superchargers, it is the perfect way to increase your blower's boost without going to a super small blower pulley and losing belt grip due to the smaller pulley's surface area. Be sure to check out Metco's other products, such as billet fuel rails, throttle-body adapters, blower pulleys, safety loops, and more.

Survival Motorsports FE Carb KitIt wouldn't be a complete trip through the Orlando Convention Center's halls without a stop to visit our old friend Barry Rabotnick and his company, Survival Motorsports [www.survivalmotorsports.com; (248) 366-3309]. Barry is keeper of the flame when it comes to FE engines and he always has something up his sleeve. This time around he was proud of his new dual-four carb package. With the power today's FE engines can make, reproduction carbs just won't cut it. Barry has developed these new carbs to look the part for those classic FE users out there, but also be able to handle the FE engines being built now that reach over 500 ci and 700 hp. It's essentially a pair of race carbs in concours clothing. Barry also had to wipe our drool off of a new 427 SOHC head he had on display as well. For more info, check out his website and tell him you read it here.

Techflex Wire and Hose Cover KitWiring an engine compartment up after dropping in that new engine used to mean a roll of electrical tape and maybe some tie-wraps. Then, with the advent of plastic split-loom people started using that to cover their wiring. Now it's the 21st century and it's time for a 21st century solution-the Flexo PET wire and hose covering system from Techflex [www.techflex.com; (800) 323-5140]. We've used this product in the past for custom applications, and now Techflex has its very own wire and hose custom covering kit all in one package. The flexible looms are easy to use, route, and trim to length, and it comes in a multitude of colors to complement or contrast your engine and engine compartment.

Tri-State Cylinder Head RepairLast year we showed you the new Flo-Tek cylinder heads for small-block Fords from Tri-State Cylinder Heads [www.tristatecylinderhead.com; (800) 270-0095] but one thing we didn't realize is that Tri-State is one of the few cylinder head machine companies that actually does welding repair on all sorts of cylinder heads. So while the 5.0L crowd is saving their pennies for a set of Flo-Teks, you other guys with a rare casting that has seen the wrong side of 7,000 rpm can now have it repaired easily and confidently with Tri-State's furnace welding program. Be it cracks or even whole sections of the head missing (you know who you are) give Tri-State a call; we bet they can fix it.

Whiteline S197 Mustang Suspension SystemWhile new to us here in the states, Whiteline Automotive [www.globalperformanceparts.com; (616) 399-9025] has been fixing factory suspension setups for quite a while in Australia. The company recently released a complete front and rear suspension upgrade kit (most parts available separately as well) for the S197 Mustang. From antidive bushings to chassis bracing and adjustable sway bars, Whiteline certainly has a different school of thought when it comes to suspension. We look forward to delving deeper into its product line in the future.