Jalopnik: custom carshot rods

SEMA 2007: Twin-Turbo LS1 V7 Super Coupe in Vegas

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:00:00 EDT

The night and day efforts of three guys over the course of six months is under the lights here in sin city. Twin turbos on the LS1 helped twist the dyno to to read 1067 horsepower and 980 foot pounds of torque and make the V7 Super Coupe, as Phil from American Super Car put it - a D9 Cat in Corvette clothing. Right after bolting in the steering column before this shot was taken the crew realized the adapter hub for the steering wheel didn't exist. Phil fired up the mill at 4AM last Thursday morning and machined one so the car could get here and Mequires could put the detail on the machine for their booth. Next year promises a 1966 supercharged mid-engine drop top Vette.

SEMA 2007: Quadracycle!

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:00:00 EDT

Attempting to move quickly away from the country karaoke guy sitting and singing Eastbound and Down to electronic accompaniment from PA mounted to the lift gate of his pickup found us in short proximity of the none other than the Bourget's Bike Works Quadracycle. Passerby reaction seemed to be split between man that's over the top, and boy that makes more sense than a V8 motorcycle. All agreed to wanting to ~~put that hammer down~~ twist the throttle and give it hell.

ENGINE SUPERNOVA POTENTIAL!

Mike Bumbeck — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:30:00 EDT

Every now and again we have to revisit the reasons sinking endless hours and buckets of coinstar trappings into our rides somehow worth the effort. Last week we motored down to Torrance from Montrose in the mighty Starion for some wrenching, a late cobb salad down at the Hof's Hut, and to pick up a turbo heat shield bracket that had snapped after twenty years of heat cycling. Kelly was prepping Mario's car for the trip to sin city, and Mark came over to suggest propane turbo engine swaps for the Starlet. After some more wrenching on our own Starion we're off to SEMA today. If you see a mushroom cloud on your way out to Las Vegas don't worry. The nuclear test ban treaty is still in effect. The Star of Astron has merely gone supernova, and I'll need a ride.

La Vida Lowrider: Cruising the City of Angels

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:30:00 EDT

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is hosting a selection of the city denizen's automotive creations that defy the soulless mechanicals of modern commuter boxes by proudly representing the culture and families that crafted the machines. While one group of post WW2 hooligan Angelenos were seeking higher velocity out on SoCal dry lakebeds, another was going slower - and lower, on the streets of the basin. The exhibition marks the second time the museum has scraped a group of Lowriders into its halls. Cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and even a few baby carriages have been chosen based on historical significance and sheer hypnotizing power of metalflake and chrome. The show opens tomorrow and runs through June 8th. [La Vida Lowrider via Petersen.org]

SEMA 2007: Small Block Chevy Quadracycle

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:00:00 EDT

Featuring such luxury amenities as power rack and pinion steering and a 425 horsepower 383 cubic-inch Chevrolet small block is the Bourget's Shredder F-80 Quadracycle. This beast is designed to attract that group of the motorgoing public that wants to ride a motorcycle, but can't be bothered screwing around with just two wheels. A quick change rear differential puts the power to the ground through a pair of Porsche 930 constant velocity joints and what will certainly be a short-lived set of Avon tires. A mere 90K will put you in on the driver's seat. Press release and specifications after the jump.

Bourget's Bike Works Introduces New Small Block Powered Quadracycle for 2008

Phoenix, AZ - Bourget's Bike Works, manufacturers of highly sought after custom motorcycles and accessories, announced the newest addition to the 2008 model lineup crossing the boundaries into the personal transportation marketplace. On display at SEMA is the 2008 Bourget's Shredder F-80. The Shredder F-80 is the industry's first limited production V8 powered quadra-cycle being offered from Bourget's Bike Works beginning January 2008.

With the look and feel of an open riding position similar to a motorcycle, but the ride,performance, and handling of a high-end sports car, the Shredder bridges the gap of these two types of vehicles appealing to many buyers wanting to ride a bike without the risk and worries of balancing on two wheels. Using many parts from the automotive industry including a small block Chevrolet V8, suspension, and steering components, this vehicle appeals to many consumers in the Hot Rod industry looking for a unique vehicle to customize and enhance. Future options will include a number of engine and transmission choices that allow the end user to achieve gas mileage as high as 50MPG.

"As the personal transportation market continues to grow, I wanted to build a new breed of vehicle that customers can get excited about, feel comfortable about riding, and customize it like the hot rods of the past with relative ease" said Roger Bourget, President of Bourget's Bike Works, "These machines will appeal to a new breed of open-air rider, and change the future landscape of the performance market."

SPECIFICATIONS:

- Limited Production of 25 Per Year
- MSRP - Starting at $90,000.00 USD
- 425 Horsepower, 383 Fast Burn Chevrolet Crate Motor
- Turbo 350 Automatic Transmission
- Winters "Quick Change" Rear End
- Porsche 930 CV Joints
- 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
- Power Rack and Pinion Steering
- All Aluminum Body
- Custom 17 x 12 Aluminum Wheels with AVON 330 Tires

[Bourget's Bike Works]

SEMA 2007: V7 Super Coupe Rolling to Vegas

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:15:00 EDT

The thrashing has ended on one end of the country for the American Super Car crew. With the fiberglass dust finally settled in the shop, the V7 Super Coupe has been loaded onto the transporter and is on its way to sin city for some twin-turbo mid-engine Corvette mayhem at the Meguiar's booth at SEMA. Looks like the old man knocked out the tractor beam after all. Hit it, Chewie! Specs and bonus pic after the jump. [Thanks again to Ro McGonegal for the images and tips]

- Sui-Slide doors
- Articulated hatch
- 3,165 pounds
- 40/60 weight bias
- Twin turbo 395ci LS engine, prox. 925 wheel hp
- HRE 597R wheels, 18x10, 19x12, 275/35ZR18, 345/30ZR19 Michelin Pilots
- Mendeola sequential transaxle
- Viper-ized suspension
- Baer 6S 14-inch rotors w/6-piston calipers
- Cobra Misano seats
- Hot Rod Air HVAC
- Audio system delete

SEMA 2007: Big Daddy and Mopar to Burn Nitro Again

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EDT

Big Daddy Don Garlits has always liked his Chryslers. He stuck with the hemispherical variety of engine even when the dark forces of moneyed sponsorship tried to convince him otherwise. Back in May we found out that he continues to enjoy stuffing hemis down into the framerails. The Swamp Rat XII is now finished and rolling out to SEMA from Florida. The vintage 6:71 blower looks better than bitchen raking down on top of the modern 392 mill. Release and specifications after the jump. [Big Daddy Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing]

ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR BIG DADDY

Don Garlits supercharges the new 392 HEMI Crate Engine with a
vintage 6-71 blower and takes it back in time to power his historic
Swamp Rat XII dragster. The Mopar® Wynn's Charger commemorates
his long association with both Chrysler and Wynn's.
The new 392 HEMI Crate Engine is the latest chapter in Big Daddy's
long history with Chrysler, starting with the 331-cubic-inch FirePower
HEMI V8 he adopted in 1956. Then, fifty years ago, he upgraded to the
new 392 FirePower HEMI and started a long series of record-breaking
performances. In 1959 Garlits added the first supercharger to his 392,
and he never looked back. Even when Chevrolet and Ford came
knocking with fistfuls of dollars, Big Daddy stood firm. "I like my
Chryslers," he said. "Money wasn't always everything."
The new Mopar Wynn's Charger also marks the renewal of Wynn's
sponsorship of Don Garlits. The relationship began in 1960 when a
Wynn's decal first appeared on Swamp Rat III. "Wynn's was the first
company to sponsor me," said Big Daddy. "Before that, the only help I
got was free parts." The name "Wynn's Jammer" appeared on Swamp
Rat VII a few years later. The current name, "Wynn's Charger," was on
Swamp Rat X and was last seen on Swamp Rat XXIII in 1977 ... until the
launch of today's historic new Mopar Wynn's Charger.

TECH SPECS:

Engine: ...................... Mopar 392 HEMI Crate Engine, modified by
Don Garlits
Horsepower: ............ Not yet measured, but more than adequate
Fuel Injection:.......... Vintage Crower Four-Port
Intake Manifold:...... Hand-fabricated in Big Daddy's shop
Supercharger:.......... 6-71 with vintage 392 front snout and rare
Reath Automotive rear cover
Compression:........... 7.0:1 (Venolia pistons)
Camshaft:.................. Crane "Nitro"
Crankshaft:............... Mopar 392
Oil Pump: .................. Mopar 392
Clutch:....................... Schiefer multi-disc
Gears:........................ High gear only
Fuel Pump:................ Vintage Mechanical. Driven off blower
rear cover
Fuel:........................... 80% Nitro, 20% Methanol
Chassis: .................... Garlits Swamp Rat 12-A, restored
Wheelbase:.............. 137 inches (200 inches overall length)
Weight: ..................... 1500 lbs

Manta in Frankfurt, But Where's the Foxtail?

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:30:00 EDT

While stalking the nether regions of the Frankfurt Auto Show, Kapitan Bumbeck stumbled across this fine example of a Manta GT/E. This '79 model features a rousing 105 Pferdestarker and a bodykit wide enough to plug the Fulda Gap; we're grooving hard on the period BBS wheels. The question is, would Jimmy McRae drive it? If he wouldn't, we would. We think we'd up the horsepower quotient a bit, though. Turbo Ecotec, anyone?

Dad's Turbo Dodge Caravan

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EDT

From the 800-dollar turbocharged minivan department comes this 1989 Dodge Caravan SE with genuine simulated woodgrain trim. Along with doing toasty burnouts, the minivan has run the quarter mile in 12.65 seconds at Route 66 Dragway thanks to a set of slicks and 24 pounds of boost pushing through the stock 140K plus miles mill. The initial 800-dollar purchase price has been long-forgotten after all the modifications required to get the Iacocca Special into the 12-second zone. This guy figures if a 14-second minivan can beat most cars on the road, then a 12-second minivan can beat them all! [Dad's Turbo Minivan Bonanza]

1-in-5 Youngsters Dig Muscle Cars

Mike Bumbeck — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EDT

Results of a survey of magazine readers compiled by SEMA are in, and showing that 1-in-5 fans of hot rods, customs, and muscle cars are in their teens and twenties. The automotive lifestyle survey was sent to readers of Hot Rod, Motor Trend, Popular Hot Rodding, and Rod & Custom along with other Primedia titles. 19.7% of the 16-24 year olds surveyed were interested in muscle cars, 21% in street rods, and 20% in restored vehicles. As Primedia doesn't yet publish Eighties Rustbucket magazine, we can only assume the 20% are busy restoring Merkur Xr4ti's and Dodge Colt turbos. [Complete SEMA Survey Results via SEMA.org]

The man known as Coop has installed a bang...

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:30:00 EDT

The man known as Coop has installed a bang up gallery of Speed Week at Bonneville photos on the Flickr. Bathe your eyeballs with the 1327 pics that Coop took while he was out there.

In Russia, Devil Runs With YOU!

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:30:00 EDT

Allegedly, this modified Lada 2108 is supposed to look like a Diablo, but to us, it carries a distinctly Espada vibe. Or maybe that of an Islero. Whatever the case, it's yet another wonderful depiction as to what can happen to a man when armed only with a Lada, too much time on his hands, a set of tools from Gorky's House of Discount Wrenches and a case of bathtub vodka. [English Russia]

Bonneville Oder Bankrott Machen! Blown Teutonic Belly Tanker

Mike Bumbeck — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EDT

Somewhere between Nebraska and California these guys scored an auxiliary fuel tank previously attached to a 1944 American Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. The tank was shipped back to Germany, where it met up with an early hemi, a roots blower, some Merc running gear, and giant tiki head with a 13 on its forehead. The entire project is supported by the Konfederate Klassics crew, who also seem to be building a Kadett V8. [A German Tank in Bonneville via rennabteilung.de]

Coop Scores Speed Parts

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:00:00 EDT

Mister Cooper got lucky on a trip to a guy's garage to pick up some new wheels for his Falcon. Besides the aformentioned rolling stock, the famed artist let go of a few more dollars from his Cooply stash, heading home with a vintage Vertex Mag, a classic Edelbrock X-C8 cross-ram intake complete with dual Carters and a pair of classic finned valve covers, all for a Chevy 350 that he's building for a hot rod project. And when Coop says "phaeton," you can be sure the man isn't talking Volkswagen. [Positive Ape Index]

Heavily Tweaked Lada

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:00:00 EDT

English Russia once again comes through with evidence of capitalism's impact on the former Soviet Union. East, meet west. West, meet East. Now add turbochargers and scissor doors. The yikes factor is strong with this one; it's even got a head-up display! We have to admit, we're not entirely sure about the styling but well, it does kinda grab you by the face and yank. Yes comrades, we'll give it that. [English Russia]

Coop Hits the Swap Meet

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:45:00 EDT

The one and only Mister Cooper got together with Señor Jalopy and belly-tank Bobby to hit a Model T swap meet in the fine city of Long Beach. As one of the few art critics Los Jalops intrinsically respect — as he himself has a bit of the old artist in him — we dig the man's take on the inherent majesty of the layout of parts on row after row of high-school gym tables covered in whatever's handy. Tin Lizzie-ownership fantasies will soon follow if you've got an American red blood cell in your body. [Positive Ape Index]

In Russia, Air Brushes YOU!

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:00:00 EDT

The inimitable English Russia has a gallery from Russia's Aerograph 2007 show, featuring a smattering of obsessively-artified vehicles. Sadly, there's only one ZAZ among the bunch, but as Murilee is wont to say, "...And one Zaporozhets to rule them all!" In fact, most of the vehicles are of German origin, suggesting that while they may have turned around the Germans at Volgograd, Russia's well-heeled would rather drive Mercs than Volgas. [English Russia]

Moskvitchin'!

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:15:00 EDT

We suppose that surreal is subjective. By and large we'd think of a Ford Taunus stuffed full of overly-turboed Cosworth power as generally, awesome, if a little bit foreign. But when one builds a full-race Moskvitch in primer, with no back window, apparently to allow air-fuel-mixture calibration via inhalation, surreal creeps into our Californian brain. We're assuming that the language is Finnish. And well, the Finns are a somewhat surreal people in the first place — just look, they dress like a cross between circa-1997 emo kids and aged Ulster pub patrons.

Iowahawk's Hot Rod Glossary

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EDT

The language rodders speak can be downright confusing at times. Chopping, channeling, frenching, Z-ing, sectioning, etc. But now, thanks to Iowahawk, the non-rod literate have a handy-dandy guide to phrases bandied about at your average NSRA event. Yes, now you too can hang with old dudes who can't get enough doo-wop in their diets! Excelsior! [Iowahawk]

Every Girl's Crazy 'Bout a Ford Coupe Man

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:00:00 EDT

Apparently, all one really needs to get a dance with the girl of his dreams is a Chuck Lombardo hot-rodded '33 Model 41, and the apparitions of Frank Beard, Dusty Hill and Billy F. Gibbons. Oh, and some spandex-clad hotties as stylists/entourage. Mostly, we don't miss the '80s. Sometimes, however, we do.