Once again, DaimlerChrysler...
Once again, DaimlerChrysler had one of the largest booths at the event. The equipment ranged from custom Rams to lakes belly-tankers. Matt Delaney's V10 '68 Charger was a highlight, and some production trends on exhibit included the first Chrysler-badged Prowler.
The show season winds down in September for the most part, and those of us in more weather-intense climates put our wheel treasures into the garages for the annual winter makeover. But the chill winds of October mean manufacturers can begin unveiling their latest designs for the off-season thrash and coming year. The event where most of this grandstanding takes place is the huge Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The SEMA show is the granddaddy of them all. While the PRI show in Indianapolis has been a growing venue for cutting-edge technology, nothing matches the awe-inspiring immensity of the 1,120,000-square-foot Vegas facility's hosting 6,200 booths filled with new and exotic equipment. As a gearhead, one can't help but feel like a kid in a candy store. Coupled with the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) and TANA (Tire Association of North America), the four-day event from Tuesday through Friday is the largest gathering of automotive and tire industry professionals in the world.
Perhaps a little background on SEMA is in order. The organization began in 1963 as the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association as a lobbying arm and joint resource group for the growing number of small manufacturers and suppliers of performance equipment in the early days of hot rodding. Companies like Edelbrock, Weiand, Crane, and others have been with it since then, and the first show in Anaheim, California, in the late '60s would have been considered modest (about 100 booths at the first show). Now a staple of the year, the Vegas version has grown not only in size, but also in scope and international reach.
Today, even with everyone on our staff on hand at some time during the event, we can't see it all, but we're going to give you an exclusive glimpse of some of the Mopar-oriented happenings in the city of high rollers.
Time Machines proprietor Mike...
Time Machines proprietor Mike Stavesky brought his Hemi Challenger convertible clone equipped with twin Holley throttle bodies to the show. The tech story on this revolutionary product is elsewhere in this issue.
New products galore! How about...
New products galore! How about this big-block eight-bolt stroker crank forged from 4340 grade steel? Eagle Specialty Products makes this one.
Like always, appearance is...
Like always, appearance is a big deal at SEMA, and custom-painted cars were everywhere. This stylin' Stratus was in the AudioBahn deafening booth.
One of the coolest new Holley...
One of the coolest new Holley products is this very interesting nitrous/gasoline injector set-up. These nitrous injectors install directly under the factory-style fuel injectors.
On Tuesday evening, DaimlerChrysler...
On Tuesday evening, DaimlerChrysler rented an entire neighborhood in the hills south of the Strip, then trucked in a huge display of cars from the show. Live music, cookouts, and movies showing on two-story house walls were part of it.
For those of a small-block...
For those of a small-block persuasion, Gear Vendors brought a version of their overdrive unit for the 904 Torqueflite.
Here's one for the 5.2L crowd....
Here's one for the 5.2L crowd. Does your '98-or-later Durango or Dakota need a little more punch? Holley Performance Products has introduced a dry NOS Nitrous system kit that will give 100hp at the push of a button.
Want to get serious? Here...
Want to get serious? Here is the full-tilt 2003 Viper GTS/ R prototype that was also on display at the DC booth. According to rumors, it will go into production late this year-plans are to make 30 (yes, only 3-0 total). If you have to ask how much, no, you probably can't afford it.
With a blast from the past...
With a blast from the past is Clifford Performance, who displayed a version of the well-remembered and seldom-seen Hyper-Pak intake for the Slant Six.
For those who need to finish...
For those who need to finish all 19 holes before lunch, how about a 392 Hemi-powered golf cart?
Rounding out our brief tour...
Rounding out our brief tour was this item from Mopar Performance. This is a cool light bar that also works as a lift to remove heavy objects from the bed of your truck; no word on availability yet, but it looks like it's a "must have," 'specially for 'gator hunters!
A company named Prothane has...
A company named Prothane has a much-needed part for the '67-'72 A- and '66-'70 B-Body cars. This polyurethane tranny mount replaces with OE rubber version for added strength and durability.
The popularity of the PT Cruiser...
The popularity of the PT Cruiser was evident again in 2001 with aftermarket creations like this 500-plus-hp V10 powered pickup (A) or this eye-searing green version with canvas top. (B)
The popularity of the PT Cruiser...
The popularity of the PT Cruiser was evident again in 2001 with aftermarket creations like this 500-plus-hp V10 powered pickup (A) or this eye-searing green version with canvas top. (B)
Over in the Mr. Gasket booth,...
Over in the Mr. Gasket booth, longtime racer Ollie Volpe showed off the latest rocker technology, which uses a pedestal mounting section supporting a pair of rockers. For a more conventional layout, Gasket company Erson offers heavy-duty B/RB shafts with aluminum 1.6 rockers.
Stunkard and Dulcich went...
Stunkard and Dulcich went over to the Dark Side when Barry Grant and Demon carbs offered media guests a free trip at speed around Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Yep, it's a Chevrolet (the Intrepids were being used for instructor training). Also taking part in the Halloween event were John Baechtel and Steve Bruele from Westech.