What A Concept!
Sometimes it seems that all the cool new engine accessory parts are made for small-block Chevys, and even if you do find stuff for other makes, it's often only available for the most popular engines. You know, if you have a Ford it'll probably only fit the small-block 289 or 302 motor. Concept One is redressing the balance by offering four (count 'em) pulley kits for the 351 Cleveland. They range from a basic alternator-only pulley kit up to a full-option solution with alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering mechanism. All associated pulleys and brackets, belts, and chrome hardware are included.
In addition, a polished compressor and alternator and an aluminum power steering pump are supplied together with Concept One's exclusive power steering reservoir to complete the package. You can also get them clear or black anodized. While the system may look trick, it's actually kept pretty simple, with two belts, meaning the standard rotation water pump can be used. Concept One guarantees that the parts will fit and align with no shimming or grinding. For more information contact Concept One at (770) 889-5900 or www.conceptonepulley.com.
Rust In Peace
While it's advisable to weld any floor or trunk floor repairs, and in some areas it's actually required, there is certainly a place for a product like KBS Coatings' Trunk and Floorpan Repair Kit, which can be used to treat and repair rusted and thinning areas, strengthening them before they are so badly rusted they will have to have new metal welded in place.
The kit includes a gallon of AquaKlean cleaner and degreaser and RustBlast rust remover and metal etch to prep the surface, as well as BackBone Reinforcing Mesh for areas where the metal is thin, and NuMetal for patching small holes. RustSeal is also included for the final finish. You'll also get an instructional DVD, gloves, brushes, and a disposable mask. For more information contact KBS Coatings at (877) 693-7878 or www.kbs-shop.com.
Cad Collectors
You can't accuse Sanderson Headers of playing it safe and only making headers for common engines, as they offer over 140 designs for numerous applications; this compact block hugger for the Cadillac 390/429 being the latest. Originally developed for a stock '64 Coupe DeVille, the CAD390 has proven popular with hot rodders too, thanks to the tight-fitting design. They provide great clearance for the starter motor and spark plugs, and offer improved exhaust flow and performance.
Starting with their patented leak-free flange, Sanderson bends 1 5/8-inch outer tubes and a 1 7/8-inch center tube into a 2 1/2-inch collector. Thanks to the unique flange design, no gaskets are needed; just a bead of Permatex Ultra Black on the mating surfaces provides a perfect seal. The CAD390 header is available in plain steel or in Sanderson's polished high temperature ceramic coated finish, and is supplied with bolts and a weld-on flange for under chassis exhaust system hookup. For more details contact Sanderson Headers at (800) 669-2430 or www.sandersonheaders.com.
So-Mo Fo Yo?
The choice of induction system can make or break a car, both in performance terms and appearance, especially in a car that doesn't run a hood. Multiple carbs always look impressive, especially when they perform too! SO-MO Speed Shop's WidowMaker series are complete assembled nostalgic fuel systems for the small-block Chevrolet. Whether you want a high-end Tri-power, or four-deuce system for your hot rod, WidowMakers are fully assembled, with bases tuned, and include everything needed for installation down to the intake gaskets, and chrome manifold bolts. All WidowMaker systems come tagged with a serial number that corresponds to a matching technical data sheet SO-MO Speed Shop keeps on file for your future reference.
The WidowMaker series use new "Original and Genuine" Stromberg 97 carburetors, or SO-MO's own custom remanufactured Rochester carburetors. WidowMakers can be custom built in a variety of colors and configurations for your specific application. For more information contact SO-MO Speed Shop at (417) 887-3278 or www.somospeedshop.com.
Gasser Gauge
It couldn't have escaped your attention that gassers are back and are cool right now. While not mandatory, nothing says "gasser" quite like a straight tube axle, but sourcing all the parts and fabricating the necessary mounts can be daunting. Jim Meyer Racing knows this, and has developed a Straight Axle Gasser front suspension subframe with everything you'll need to complete the switch. It's available as replacement front clip for any Tri-Five Chevy or as a universal kit designed to fit the frame of any car or pickup. The rear-steer leaf spring suspension includes everything you'll need to install it into a stock 115-inch wheel-base Tri-Five frame, and can be fitted in a weekend.
The straight axle subframe is complete with a tube axle of your specified width, leaf springs (rated at 2,500 pounds for the pair) with front shackles and rear frame brackets, shocks with frame mount brackets, new Super Bell early Ford spindles with bolt-on Super Bell 2-inch dropped steering arms, new cross-steer Flaming River Vega steering box with 2-inch dropped Pitman arm and cross-steer drag link and tie rod. It features Wilwood four-piston calipers with 11-inch rotors with a 5-on-4 3/4 wheel bolt pattern to fit inside nostalgic 15-inch wheels. Dual chamber master cylinder kits with proportioning valves for disc/drum systems that plumb into your existing brake system are also available, and all parts are available separately. For more information contact Jim Meyer Racing Products at (541) 994-7717 or www.jimmeyerracing.com.
Loud Pipes ...
Whether you want to run open headers for racing or just for fun at a cruise night or fairground, it'll get real old real quick if you have to crawl under your car to disconnect the exhaust system from the headers. While both cable-operated and electric exhaust cutouts have been available for a while, Quick Time Performance has released an oval low-profile electronically controlled cutout for cars with limited ground clearance.
The low profile design features a stainless steel butterfly plate and shaft, CNC machined aluminum motor plate, and high torque motor. The cutout can be used in a single or dual system, and can be fitted to an existing aftermarket exhaust system, operated by the switch provided or an optional controller. For more information contact Quick Time Performance at (201) 444-0998 or www.quicktimeperformance.com.