HorsePower Builds
Want more content like this?
Join the PowerNation Email NewsletterVideo Transcript
(JOE)>> WE'VE GOT A MISSION FOR YOU AND YOUR TRANSMISSION JUST AHEAD AT THE HORSEPOWER SHOP. [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> TODAY ON HORSEPOWER TV WE'LL TWEAK THE TRANNY ON AN '84 CAMARO WITH A SHIFT REPROGRAMMING KIT THAT PUTS NEW THRILLS INTO GRABBING GEARS. WE'LL INSTALL A NEW SHIFTER IN OUR FIREBIRD FOR SHORTER SOLID THROWS. WE'LL SHOW YOU SOME OPTIONS IN CAM DRIVES FOR YOUR ROD'S RIDE, AND TAKE YOU TO ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP CRUISE SPOTS. SO HANG ON FOR HORSEPOWER TV. [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> HI AND WELCOME TO THE SHOP. BECAUSE OF OUR NAME, WE LOVE MAKING HORSEPOWER IN ALL KINDS OF CARS. WELL, LIKE THIS '84 CAMARO, FOR EXAMPLE. UNDER THIS HEAVY- BREATHING HOOD HERE IS A STOUT 355 THAT CRANKS OUT OVER 475 HORSEPOWER WHENEVER YOU HIT THE SPRAY.
(CHUCK)>> YEAH, BUT MAKING ALL THAT POWER DOESN'T DO YOU ANY GOOD UNLESS YOU CAN PUT IT TO THE PAVEMENT. NOW, THE FIRST TIME WE LEANED ON THIS BAD BOY, WELL, THE TRANSMISSION CAME UP A BIT LITTLE SHORT. THAT 700 R4 HAD SHIFT POINTS THAT WERE JUST A LITTLE BIT TOO LOW AND A LITTLE BIT TOO SOFT. NOW, TODAY WE'RE GONNA TWEAK OUR TRANSMISSION WITH A SHIFT RECALIBRATION KIT FROM SLP.
(JOE)>> A LOT OF GUYS MIGHT BE INTIMIDATED BY AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND FOR GOOD REASON. I MEAN, JUST LOOK AT THE MAZE OF MOVING PARTS IT TAKES TO MAKE ONE OF THESE THINGS WORK. BUT TODAY MOST OF OUR WORK IS GONNA TAKE PLACE RIGHT HERE WHERE THE VALVE BODY'S LOCATED.
(CHUCK)>> THAT'S GOOD. NOW, THE VALVE BODY IS THE BRAINS OF THE TRANSMISSION. SO, BY INSTALLING THE RECALIBRATION KIT, WE'RE GONNA REEDUCATE IT TO GIVE US TIGHTER SHIFTS AND NECK SNAPPING PERFORMANCE. NOW, THE KIT COMES WITH SPRINGS, SERVOS, ORINGS, AND GASKETS. AND, IT COST ABOUT $105, PLUS YOU CAN PLAN ON SPENDING ABOUT A HALF A DAY TO INSTALL THE KIT.
(JOE)>> NOW, THE FIRST THING WE WANNA DO, OF COURSE, IS TO DRAIN ALL THE FLUID OUT. AND, SINCE WE'RE WORKING ON A FBODY, I'M GONNA REMOVE THIS CROSS MEMBER SO WE CAN GET TO THE PAN BOLTS A LOT EASIER. NOW WE CAN REMOVE THE PAN BOLTS, EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT THREE, HERE, WHICH WE'LL BACK OUT ABOUT FOUR TURNS. THEN, CAREFULLY PRY THE PAN DOWN AND LET THE FLUID DRAIN. THEN, FINISHING REMOVING THE PAN. REMOVE THE FLUID FILTER. AFTER MARKING IT FOR REFERENCE, DISCONNECT THE WIRING, AND REMOVE THE SOLENOID BOLTS AND THE SOLENOID.
(CHUCK)>> NEXT, WE'LL REMOVE THE ACCUMULATOR COVER RIGHT HERE. NOW, THAT'S GONNA GIVE US ACCESS TO THE ONETWO PISTON. BE SURE TO MAKE A NOTE THE LOCATION AND THE COLOR CODE OF THE SPRING AND THE SEAL SO YOU CAN ASSEMBLE 'EM CORRECTLY LATER ON. NOW WE CAN REMOVE THE MANUAL DETENT SPRING ASSEMBLY. AND, THE TV LEVER BRACKET AND LINK. ONCE WE GET THE VALVE BODY BOLTS OUT, WE CAN GO AHEAD AND DROP THE VALVE BODY DOWN. NOW, DROP IT STRAIGHT DOWN AND MAKE SURE YOU'VE GOT A SCREEN IN YOUR DRAIN PAN. YOU DON'T WANNA LOSE ONE OF THOSE CHECK BALLS.
(JOE)>> ONE MORE THING BEFORE WE START ON THAT VALVE BODY OVER ON THE BENCH. THIS IS OUR TV BOOST VALVE. IT AND THIS SPRING ARE GONNA GET REPLACED BY THE NEW PARTS WE GOT IN OUR KIT. NOW, IT'S GONNA INCREASE LINE PRESSURE AND GIVE US THOSE QUICKER, FIRMER SHIFTS WE WANT.
(CHUCK)>> WE JUST REMOVED THE LINE PRESSURE VALVE AND WE'RE GONNA REPLACE THIS SPRING WITH THIS SOLID PIN. THAT'S GONNA KEEP THE PISTON FROM MOVING BACK AND FORTH INSIDE THE BORE. IT'S GONNA GIVE US A LITTLE MORE LINE PRESSURE AND TIGHTEN UP OUR SHIFTS EVEN MORE. NOW, ONCE EVERYTHING IS REASSEMBLED, WE CAN START ON THE SPACER PLATE. WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO REPLACE A COUPLE OF GASKETS, THOUGH, AND HERE'S HOW TO TELL 'EM APART. THE ONE THAT GOES NEXT TO THE TRANSMISSION CASE IS MARKED WITH A "C." THE ONE WITH A "V" GOES NEXT TO THE VALVE BODY. NOW, WE'VE ENLARGED THREE HOLES IN THE SPACER PLATE. THAT'S GONNA ALLOW MORE FLUID TO PASS AND GIVE US A LITTLE BIT BETTER CLUTCH ACTION. HERE'S A LITTLE TIP THAT'S GONNA MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER WHEN IT'S TIME TO REINSTALL THE BALLS. JUST PUT A LITTLE VASELINE ON 'EM. THAT'LL HELP HOLD 'EM IN PLACE.
(JOE)>> THE TV BOOSTER WENT BACK IN PRETTY EASY.
(CHUCK)>> HEY, TV BOOSTER VALVE. WE GONNA GET MORE CHANNELS?
(JOE)>> NO, JUST BETTER RECEPTION.
(CHUCK)>> PROBABLY 'CAUSE WE GOT A BETTER TRANSMISSION.
(JOE)>> SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
(CHUCK)>> HERE, GET THE BOLT IN THERE.
(JOE)>> OKAY.
(CHUCK)>> YEAH, THERE WE GO.
(JOE)>> WITH THE VALVE BODY BOLTED BACK UP, WE CAN REINSTALL OUR SHIFT LINKAGE DETENT SPRING. THEN, WITH THE SERVO REINSTALLED WE CAN RECONNECT OUR WIRING. BEFORE WE REINSTALL THE 1-2 ACCUMULATOR, WE'LL REPLACE THE STOCK SPRING WITH THIS ONE WE GOT FROM THE KIT. 'COURSE THE SMALL END GOES IN FIRST.
(CHUCK)>> WELL, NOW WE'RE READY FOR A NEW FILTER. HERE'S A LITTLE TIP FOR YOU. I LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND PUT A LITTLE BIT OF TRANS FLUID RIGHT HERE ON THE SEAL. THAT'LL HELP IT SLIDE INTO PLACE.
(JOE)>> THE LINKAGE MOVES FREELYTHAT'S A GOOD SIGN.
(CHUCK)>> THAT'S GREAT. NOW, THE FINAL MODIFICATION INVOLVES THE SERVO AND IT'S LOCATED RIGHT UP HERE. BUT, THE TRANS TUNNEL ON THIS CAMARO IS SO TIGHT THAT WE'RE ACTUALLY GONNA HAVE TO DROP THE DRIVESHAFT AND THE TORQUE ARM, THEN LOWER THE BACK END OF THE TRANSMISSION SO WE CAN GET AT THAT SERVO.
(JOE)>> TO REMOVE THE SERVO I'LL USE THIS PRY BAR TO COMPRESS THE SPRING BEHIND THIS COVER.
(CHUCK)>> YOU CAN SEE WHAT JOE'S DOING A LITTLE BIT BETTER ON THIS CUTAWAY. NOW ONCE HE DEPRESSES THE COVER, HE CAN REMOVE THE SNAP RING. THEN THE COVER, THE SPRING, AND THE PISTON CAN ALL BE REMOVED FROM THE CASE.
(JOE)>> NOW, YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO REMOVE THIS SHAFT FROM THE OLD SERVO SO YOU CAN GET IT IN A VISE LIKE WE HAVE HERE ALONG WITH AN IMPACT SOCKET. NOW, THE IDEA IS TO COMPRESS IT SO YOU CAN REMOVE THE SNAP RING INSIDE. WELL, THAT WAY YOU CAN REPLACE IT WITH THE NEW SERVO PISTON ASSEMBLY WE GOT WITH OUR KIT.
(CHUCK)>> ALRIGHT, THERE WE GO. THE SERVO'S REINSTALLED. NOW WE CAN GO AHEAD AND PUT THE PAN ON. THEN, WE CAN BOLT UP THE TORQUE ARM AND THEN WE'RE READY FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER'S THE LAST PART TO GET BOLTED UP UNDER HERE. THEN WE CAN GO AHEAD AND LOWER THE CAMARO AND TOP IT OFF WITH FLUIDS.
(JOE)>> ONE FINAL STEP. WE NEED TO READJUST THE TV CABLE AND HERE'S HOW WE DO IT. JUST PUSH THE CABLE AS FAR BACK INTO THE HOUSING AS POSSIBLE. REATTACH IT. OPEN THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN. IT'LL ADJUST ITSELF. JUST MAKE SURE ALL THE SLACK IS OUT.
(CHUCK)>> WELL, THAT OUGHT TO DO IT. WHAT DO YOU SAY WE BACK THIS THING OFF THE LIFT AND PUT IT TO THE TEST?
[ ENGINE REVVING ] NOW, THAT'S WHAT I CALL PUTTING THE POWER TO THE PAVEMENT! [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> NEXT WE SHIFT GEARS, IN THE SHOP THAT IS, BY INSTALLING A BRAND NEW STICK IN OUR FAVORITE FIREBIRD. SO KEEP IT IN NEUTRAL.
[ MUSIC ]
(CHUCK)>> HI AND WELCOME BACK TO THE SHOP. YOU KNOW, THAT SHIFT RECALIBRATION KIT REALLY TRICKED UP THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN THAT CAMARO. BUT, FOR YOU GUYS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, WELL, THERE'S HOPE ON THE HORIZON FOR YOU, AS WELL.
(JOE)>> YEAH, THAT'S GOOD NEWS FOR ME. AFTER PUMPING UP THE POWER ON THIS FIREBIRD, WELL, I GOTTA TELL YA. I REALLY ENJOY GRABBING THE NEXT GEAR AND HEARING THE TIRES BARK. BUT, I MUST ADMIT. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE I MISS A SHIFT. SO, TODAY WE'RE GONNA STICK IT TO THE TRANSMISSION WITH THIS NEW BILLET PLUS SHIFTER WE GOT FROM HURST. NOW, THE BASE OF THIS THING IS CNCMACHINED FROM BILLET ALUMINUM WITH A BILLET STEEL GEAR SELECTOR AND POSITIVE STOPS. NOW, ALL THIS TRANSLATES INTO SHORTER THROWS AND MORE ACCURATE GEAR SELECTION.
(CHUCK)>> MOST OF YOU ARE PROBABLY FAMILIAR WITH THE EXTERNAL SHIFTER LIKE THE ONE ON THIS MUNCIE. NOW, IT MOUNTS TO THE SIDE OF THE TAIL SHAFT HOUSING AND USES RODS CONNECTED TO ARMS HERE AT THE SIDE COVERS. NOW, THIS ONE'S A RACING SHIFTER SO IT'S GOT OVERSIZED LINKAGE AND ADJUSTABLE CLEVISES RIGHT HERE AT THE ARMS. WHEN IT COMES TO EXTERNAL SHIFTERS, MAN, THIS IS THE ULTIMATE.
(JOE)>> BUT, THE TRANSMISSION ON MY FIREBIRD'S A T-5 BORG WARNER WITH A RAILTYPE SHIFTER. THAT MEANS THE SHIFTING MECHANISM IS HOUSED INSIDE AND THE SHIFTER ITSELF IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TRANNY.
(CHUCK)>> THAT'S RIGHT. NOW, MOST CARS FROM THE EARLY 80'S AND ON USED THAT KIND OF SHIFTER, AND ONE OF THE BENEFITS IS THAT THE SHIFTER SWAP CAN BE DONE FROM INSIDE THE CAR. NOW, JOE'S ALREADY STARTED BY REMOVING THE KNOB. I'M GONNA GET GOING ON THE CONSOLE. WE'LL START BY REMOVING THE SHIFTER PLATE, THEN THE CONSOLE. PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. THEN REMOVE THE LOWER SHIFTER BOOT. AFTER REMOVING THE FOUR BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE STOCK SHIFTER IT LIFTS RIGHT OUT.
(JOE)>> WELL, NOW'S THE TIME TO INSPECT THIS PLASTIC BUSHING TO SEE IF IT'S WORN OR DAMAGED. YOU CAN GET A REPLACEMENT AT YOUR GM PARTS COUNTER. WITHOUT A GOOD ONE YOU WON'T GET THE FULL BENEFITS OF YOUR NEW SHIFTER. OUR'S SEEMS TO BE OKAY SO WE'LL JUST PUT IT BACK.
(CHUCK)>> WHILE JOE'S CLEANING THE TRANSMISSION FLANGE, I'M GONNA PUT A BEAD OF SILICONE RIGHT HERE ON THE SHIFTER BASE. NOW, ONCE WE GET THE SHIFTER INSTALLED, WE'LL WANNA MAKE SURE THAT WE ENGAGE THE BALL FULLY INTO THAT PLASTIC BUSHING. THE SHIFTER ATTACHES TO THE TRANSMISSION USING THE FOUR BOLTS SUPPLIED IN THE KIT. NOW, YOU'LL WANNA TORQUE 'EM IN A CRISSCROSS PATTERN TO ABOUT 20 FOOT POUNDS.
(JOE)>> WELL, NOW WE CAN ADJUST OUR SHIFT STOPS. NOW, THIS WILL PREVENT INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION BY NOT ALLOWING THIS TO OVERENGAGE THE GEARS. BACK UP THE STOP SCREW, PUT THE SHIFTER IN SECOND GEAR, THEN TURN THE SCREW 'TIL IT CONTACTS THE SHIFTER, THEN BACK IT UP A HALFTURN. NOW, WE READY TO TIGHTEN DOWN THE LOCK NUT. WHEN WE'RE FINISHED HERE, PUT THE SHIFTER IN THIRD GEAR, AND DO THE SAME THING UP FRONT.
(CHUCK)>> WELL, NOW WE CAN INSTALL THE BOOT THAT CAME ALONG WITH THE SHIFTER. NOW, IT'S NECESSARY TO KEEP THE MOISTURE AND DIRT OUT OF IT SO WE DON'T HAVE PREMATURE WEAR.
(JOE)>> THE FACTORY LOWER BOOT GOES ON NEXT. AFTER THIS, WE CAN REINSTALL THE CONSOLE, JUST REVERSING THE STEPS YOU SAW EARLIER.
(CHUCK)>> YOU KNOW, THAT WAS A PRETTY EASY UPGRADE. IT ONLY TOOK US A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE BEST PART, THOUGH, IT ONLY COST US ABOUT $150 BUCKS.
(JOE)>> WELL, IT FEELS GOOD IN HERE, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY? THE PROOF IS ON THE PAVEMENT.
CRUSIN'S AS COOL AS EVER, AND WE'LL HIT THE PAVEMENT TO ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP CRUSIE SPOTS RIGHT AFTER THIS.
[ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> MAN, I TELL YOU WHAT. GRABBING GEARS IS SURE A BLAST WITH THIS NEW SHIFTER. BUT WHAT DO YOU SAY WE DOWNSHIFT AND STOP AT A LOCAL CRUISE SPOT? WE'RE GONNA TAKE IN EVERY CAR LOVER'S FAVORITE SATURDAY NIGHT TRADITION.
IN THE FILM CLASSIC, "AMERICAN GRAFFITI," THE HOT 60'S CRUISE SPOT WAS MEL'S DINER, THE FAVORITE TEEN FOCAL POINT FOR SHOWING OFF YOUR RIDE. MAYBE A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH A TEEN ANGEL. ( )>> WHAT DID YOU SAY, WHAT DID YOU SAY? [ TIRES SQUEALING ] OR A STREET ENCOUNTER WITH A RACEREADY CHALLENGER. [ ENGINE REVVING ] TODAY, CRUISIN' IS STILL A HOT SATURDAY NIGHT RITUAL EVERYWHERE FROM THE MAIN DRAGS OF LINCOLN, NEBRASKA TO THE ROCK AND ROLL HARDIES OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. AND, AT THIS BACKYARD BURGER JOINT IN FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE, A PLACE THAT'S BEEN VOTED ONE OF THE TOP CRUISE SPOTS OF THE COUNTRY BY SEVERAL MAGAZINES. NOW, HERE THE SATURDAY CRUISE NIGHT STARTS IN THE AFTERNOON.
(PAUL)>> EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON STARTING ABOUT THREE TO WHENEVER YOU SEE A LOT OF GOOD, FINE CARS HERE.
(JOE)>> AND, WHILE THE KIDS FROM THE "AMERICAN GRAFFITI" DAYS ARE PAST MIDDLE AGE NOW AND MORE INTO BENCH RACING THAN STREET BATTLES, WELL THE SPIRIT OF CRUISIN' IS ALIVE AND SWELL, SINCE THERE'S NO RIVALRY WHEN IT COMES TO GIRLS, STREET RACING BRAGGING RIGHTS, OR EVEN THE BEST OF SHOW TROPHIES.
(JACK)>> AND IT'S A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE HERE. EVERYBODY, YOU'RE NOT IN COMPETITION WITH ANYBODY. YOU'RE JUST HERE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME.
(JOE)>> A GOOD TIME DIGGING SOME GREAT CARS. LIKE PAUL BOWMAN'S FRESHLY FINISHED COUPE WHOSE MAIDEN VOYAGE WAS A CRUISE TO BACKYARD BURGERS.
(PAUL)>> IT'S A '33 FORD THREEWINDOW COUPE. IT'S GOT AN ALLOWAY CHASSIS. IT'S GOT A RAT'S GLASS BODY, CORVETTE LT-1 MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION 4L60 E, TRANSMISSION WITH A NINEINCH FORD, 3.70 GEAR.
(JOE)>> NOW, THIS IS A CRUISE IN SO YOU DID DRIVE IT HERE, RIGHT?
(PAUL)>> YESSIR. WOULDN'T BE A CRUISE IN IF YOU DIDN'T DRIVE IT.
(JOE)>> WHILE THE AGES OF THE REGULARS RANGE QUITE A BIT, MOST ARE OLD ENOUGH TO SHARE "AMERICAN GRAFFITI" TYPE MEMORIES OF CRUISIN' AS KIDS.
(ROBBIE)>> I STARTED CRUISING VAN EYS BOULEVARD IN CALIFORNIA WHEN I WAS 14 YEARS OLD. I USED TO HITCH A RIDE WITH A GUY AND I'D TELL HIM, I'D SAY, I'LL DO ANYTHING YOU WANT ME TO DO - I'LL WAX THE CAR, WAX THE WHEELS, I DON'T CARE WHAT. YOU TELL ME WHAT TO DO. JUST SO I CAN RIDE ANYWHERE IN THE CAR, EXCEPT THE TRUNK.
(JOE)>> JUST LIKE IN THE OLD DAYS, A CRUISE HANGOUT OFFERS CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT, UNLESS A "FOR SALE" SIGN GETS THE BEST OF YOU LIKE IT DID FOR THE OWNER OF THIS CHEVY BELAIR.
(ARTHUR)>> YES, HE HAD IT HERE WITH SIGNS ON IT "FOR SALE. " AND, WE TALKED ABOUT IT AND QUESTIONED ABOUT IT, AND HE FINALLY DROVE IT OUT TO THE HOUSE AND WHEN HE DROVE IT TO THE HOUSE, IT NEVER LEFT THERE.
(JOE)>> YOU LIKE CHROME, DON'T YOU?
(ARTHUR)>> OH, YES. OH YES. TOP, BOTTOM, INSIDE, OUTSIDE, IT DOESN'T MATTER.
(JOE)>> AND UNDERNEATH.
(ARTHUR)>> YEAH, UNDERNEATH. LOTS OF IT UNDERNEATH.
(JOE)>> WHETHER THEY'RE INTO A 50'S CLASSIC WITH LOTS OF CHROME, A 40'S CADDY WITH LOTS OF ROOM, OR EVEN A SLICK STREET ROD, THE CRUISERS OF AMERICA TODAY ARE A LITTLE MORE LAID BACK THAN THEY WERE IN JAMES DEAN'S DAY. OH, YOU CAN STILL FIND THE OCCASIONAL SPONTANEOUS BURNOUT CONTEST. BUT FOR THE MOST PART, IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR, ALL ABOUT CELEBRATING THE FUN OF DRIVING A COOL OLD CAR AND SHARING IT AT YOUR LOCAL HOT ROD HANGOUT. YEAH, LOOKS LIKE THERE'S EVERYTHING FROM A '37 THREEWINDOW FORD COUPE TO, WELL '49 CHEVY TRUCK. THAT'S PRETTY COOL. IN FACT, AT A CRUISE NIGHT, WELL IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO RELIVE MEMORIES AND KILL TIME. SPEAKING OF WHICH, CHUCK'S WAITING FOR ME BACK AT THE SHOP. SEE YA THERE RIGHT AFTER THIS. [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> WHAT TIMING? NEXT A TECH TIP HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT TIMING SET FOR YOUR STREET MACHINE, STAY TUNED.
[ MUSIC ]
(CHUCK)>> WHETHER YOU'RE ASKING A GIRL OUT ON A DATE OR TELLING YOUR WIFE ABOUT A PROJECT CAR THAT YOU JUST DRAGGED HOME, WELL, TIMING IS EVERYTHING. NOW, THE SAME THING MIGHT BE SAID ABOUT MAXIMIZING YOUR MOTOR'S POTENTIAL. AND, OF COURSE, ONE WAY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR CAMSHAFT IS ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME IS CHOOSING THE RIGHT DRIVE SYSTEM. NOW, WE ORDERED AN ASSORTMENT FROM COMP CAMS TO SHOW YOU WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE. THIS IS THEIR BASIC HIGH TECH TIMING SET, AND IT INCLUDES STEEL SPROCKETS AND A SINGLE ROLLER TIMING CHAIN. NOW, IT'S FAIRLY ACCURATE, EFFICIENT, AND AFFORDABLE. PLUS, THE CRANK SPROCKET HAS THREE KEY WAYS ALLOWING YOU TO INSTALL THE CAM STRAIGHT UP, FOUR DEGREES ADVANCED, OR FOUR DEGREES RETARDED. NOW, THIS ONE'S RIGHT AT HOME IN MOST STREET APPLICATIONS. NEXT UP, IS THEIR MAGNUM ROLLER SET. NOW, THIS ONE, TOO, USES STEEL SPROCKETS BUT CHECK THIS OUT. IT USES A TRUE DOUBLE ROLLER CHAIN SET TO REDUCE STRETCH AND MAINTAIN MORE ACCURATE VALVE TIMING. NOW THE CRANK SPROCKET ALSO HAS THREE KEY WAYS SO YOU CAN SET YOUR CAM TIMING AT FOUR UP, FOUR BACK, OR THE STANDARD POSITION. THIS ONE'S USED FOR MORE AGGRESSIVE APPLICATIONS, LIKE YOU HEAVY STREET HITTERS OR BRACKET RACERS. NOW, WE'LL GET INTO THE MORE SERIOUS HARDWARE. COMP'S HIGH TECH GEAR DRIVE GETS RID OF THE CHAIN AND THE STRETCH ASSOCIATED WITH IT. NOW, THIS ONE'S A DUAL IDLER SYSTEM WITH STRAIGHT CUT GEARS. SO, YOU'RE PROBABLY GONNA HEAR THIS ONE LONG BEFORE YOU SEE IT COMING. NOW, THE KIT INCLUDES A CAM BUTTON, LOCKING PLATE, THRUST WASHER, AND ENOUGH OFFSET BUSHINGS TO HELP YOU DEGREE YOUR CAM IN. AGAIN, YOU GUYS THAT ARE SERIOUS ABOUT PERFORMANCE ON THE STREET AND STRIP ARE GONNA GET THE MOST BENEFIT FROM THIS SETUP. NOW, IF YOU'RE GEARED TOWARDS REAL PERFORMANCE, WELL, THE ULTIMATE IS THEIR BELT DRIVE SYSTEM. IT USES A RUBBER BELT AND A PAIR OF BILLET ALUMINUM SPROCKETS TO GET THE JOB DONE. NOW, THIS SYSTEM TAKES LESS HORSEPOWER TO DRIVE, AND THE RUBBER BELT ABSORBS VALVETRAIN HARMONICS. NOW, THE KIT ALSO INCLUDES A FRONT COVER, CAM HUB, THRUST BEARINGS, AND ALL THE HARDWARE NEEDED TO INSTALL IT. YOU CAN ADVANCE OR RETARD YOUR TIMING BY UP TO TEN DEGREES BY SIMPLY LOOSENING THE BOLTS ON THE SPROCKET AND ALIGNING THE MARKS ON YOUR HUB. NOW, THIS SETUP IS DESIGNED MAINLY FOR HARDCORE RACE CARS, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE SEEN A FEW ON SERIOUS STREET MACHINES. SO, THERE YOU HAVE YOUR CHOICES.
(JOE)>> HEY, MAN, CAN I HELP?
(CHUCK)>> NO, YOU'RE A LITTLE LATE. KINDA LIKE A CAM THAT'S FOUR DEGREES RETARDED. I'LL TELL YA WHAT YOU'RE IN TIME FOR THOUGH. YOU CAN TELL 'EM WHAT WE GOT COMING UP NEXT.
(JOE)>> I'M ALL GEARED UP FOR THAT. HORSEPOWER HOT PARTS. STAY WITH US.
(NARRATOR)>> NOW HORSEPOWER'S HOT PARTS. BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT. YOUR SOURCE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE PARTS FOR 30 YEARS.
(JOE)>> HEY, IF YOU WANT TO STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION WITH YOUR SMALL BLOCK CHEVY, ONE WAY TO DO IT IS WITH A SET OF THESE BOLTON, 32-VALVE HEADS FROM DOMINION PERFORMANCE. THE EXTRA VALVE AREA GIVES YOU A HEALTHY HORSEPOWER INCREASE. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS MORE THAN 200 HORSEPOWER OVER STOCK IRON HEADS ON A 10 TO ONE STREETABLE 350. NOW, THEY COME ASSEMBLED WITH VALVES, SPRINGS, ROCKERS, AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO MAKE 'EM WORK. PRICES ON THE UNPORTED VERSION START AT AROUND $35-HUNDRED BUCKS, AND WE'LL LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET. THEY'RE WORKING ON A VERSION FOR YOU SMALL BLOCK FORD GUYS, TOO.
(CHUCK)>> WELL, IF ALL THAT EXTRA POWER FINDS ITS WAY INTO A THIRD GENERATION FIREBIRD OR CAMARO, HERE'S A GREAT WAY TO PLANT IT. THESE TUBULAR CONTROL ARMS FROM COMPETITION ENGINEERING ARE A DIRECT REPLACEMENT FOR THE STOCK PIECES. THEY'RE FITTED WITH URETHANE END BUSHINGS AND THEIR TUBULAR DESIGN IS GONNA ELIMINATE FLEX FOR IMPROVED HANDLING AND TRACTION. NOW, THEY BOLT UP USING THE SUPPLIED HARDWARE AND THEY'LL ACCEPT THE STOCK SWAY BAR. YOU CAN GET HOOKED UP WITH A SET OF THESE FOR ABOUT $200 BUCKS.
(JOE)>> OKAY, YOU GOT THE POWER, YOU GOT IT PLANTED. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT'S TIME TO TURN A CORNER? WELL, YOU CAN GIVE YOUR LATE MODEL MUSTANG OR CAMARO MORE BITE THAN A JUNKYARD DOG WITH A SET OF THESE CASTER/CAMBER PLATES FROM J&M ENGINEERING. NOW, THE ELONGATED ADJUSTMENT SLOTS LET YOU FINE TUNE YOUR FRONT SUSPENSION AND THEY GET RID OF STRUT SLOP WITH THESE REPLACEABLE SPHERICAL BEARINGS. NOW, THEY'LL STEER YOU AND YOUR STREET MACHINE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AT PRICES JUST UNDER $200 BUCKS.
(CHUCK)>> NOW WHAT DO YOU SAY WE STEER YOU TOWARDS SOMETHING ELSE PRETTY GOOD. HERE'S WHAT WE'VE GOT IN STORE FOR YOU NEXT WEEK. [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> WE'LL DROP A 500 CUBIC INCH BIG BLOCK BETWEEN THE FENDERS OF A '71 DUSTER. ALSO ADDING A NEW DRIVESHAFT, HIGH PERFORMANCE STARTER, AND A PROGRAMMABLE IGNITION SYSTEM. THEN WE'LL TAKE OUR BRACKET BEAST TO THE TRACK AND SEE IF WE CAN HOOK UP ALL THOSE 600 PLUS HORSES. [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(JOE)>> AND REMEMBER HIGH PERFORMANCE FUN IS WHAT THIS SHOW'S ALL ABOUT.
(CHUCK)>> YOU KNOW I'VE BEEN THINKING. OH KNOW WHAT'S THAT. WELL WE HAD SO MUCH FUN TODAY I THINK WE OUGHT TO OPEN A BUSINESS.
(JOE)>> AND CALL IT WHAT?
(CHUCK)>> HOW ABOUT TRANSCENDENTAL MEDICATION?
(NARRATOR)>> HORSEPOWER TV IS AN RTM PRODUCTION.
Show Full Transcript
(JOE)>> TODAY ON HORSEPOWER TV WE'LL TWEAK THE TRANNY ON AN '84 CAMARO WITH A SHIFT REPROGRAMMING KIT THAT PUTS NEW THRILLS INTO GRABBING GEARS. WE'LL INSTALL A NEW SHIFTER IN OUR FIREBIRD FOR SHORTER SOLID THROWS. WE'LL SHOW YOU SOME OPTIONS IN CAM DRIVES FOR YOUR ROD'S RIDE, AND TAKE YOU TO ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP CRUISE SPOTS. SO HANG ON FOR HORSEPOWER TV. [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> HI AND WELCOME TO THE SHOP. BECAUSE OF OUR NAME, WE LOVE MAKING HORSEPOWER IN ALL KINDS OF CARS. WELL, LIKE THIS '84 CAMARO, FOR EXAMPLE. UNDER THIS HEAVY- BREATHING HOOD HERE IS A STOUT 355 THAT CRANKS OUT OVER 475 HORSEPOWER WHENEVER YOU HIT THE SPRAY.
(CHUCK)>> YEAH, BUT MAKING ALL THAT POWER DOESN'T DO YOU ANY GOOD UNLESS YOU CAN PUT IT TO THE PAVEMENT. NOW, THE FIRST TIME WE LEANED ON THIS BAD BOY, WELL, THE TRANSMISSION CAME UP A BIT LITTLE SHORT. THAT 700 R4 HAD SHIFT POINTS THAT WERE JUST A LITTLE BIT TOO LOW AND A LITTLE BIT TOO SOFT. NOW, TODAY WE'RE GONNA TWEAK OUR TRANSMISSION WITH A SHIFT RECALIBRATION KIT FROM SLP.
(JOE)>> A LOT OF GUYS MIGHT BE INTIMIDATED BY AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND FOR GOOD REASON. I MEAN, JUST LOOK AT THE MAZE OF MOVING PARTS IT TAKES TO MAKE ONE OF THESE THINGS WORK. BUT TODAY MOST OF OUR WORK IS GONNA TAKE PLACE RIGHT HERE WHERE THE VALVE BODY'S LOCATED.
(CHUCK)>> THAT'S GOOD. NOW, THE VALVE BODY IS THE BRAINS OF THE TRANSMISSION. SO, BY INSTALLING THE RECALIBRATION KIT, WE'RE GONNA REEDUCATE IT TO GIVE US TIGHTER SHIFTS AND NECK SNAPPING PERFORMANCE. NOW, THE KIT COMES WITH SPRINGS, SERVOS, ORINGS, AND GASKETS. AND, IT COST ABOUT $105, PLUS YOU CAN PLAN ON SPENDING ABOUT A HALF A DAY TO INSTALL THE KIT.
(JOE)>> NOW, THE FIRST THING WE WANNA DO, OF COURSE, IS TO DRAIN ALL THE FLUID OUT. AND, SINCE WE'RE WORKING ON A FBODY, I'M GONNA REMOVE THIS CROSS MEMBER SO WE CAN GET TO THE PAN BOLTS A LOT EASIER. NOW WE CAN REMOVE THE PAN BOLTS, EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT THREE, HERE, WHICH WE'LL BACK OUT ABOUT FOUR TURNS. THEN, CAREFULLY PRY THE PAN DOWN AND LET THE FLUID DRAIN. THEN, FINISHING REMOVING THE PAN. REMOVE THE FLUID FILTER. AFTER MARKING IT FOR REFERENCE, DISCONNECT THE WIRING, AND REMOVE THE SOLENOID BOLTS AND THE SOLENOID.
(CHUCK)>> NEXT, WE'LL REMOVE THE ACCUMULATOR COVER RIGHT HERE. NOW, THAT'S GONNA GIVE US ACCESS TO THE ONETWO PISTON. BE SURE TO MAKE A NOTE THE LOCATION AND THE COLOR CODE OF THE SPRING AND THE SEAL SO YOU CAN ASSEMBLE 'EM CORRECTLY LATER ON. NOW WE CAN REMOVE THE MANUAL DETENT SPRING ASSEMBLY. AND, THE TV LEVER BRACKET AND LINK. ONCE WE GET THE VALVE BODY BOLTS OUT, WE CAN GO AHEAD AND DROP THE VALVE BODY DOWN. NOW, DROP IT STRAIGHT DOWN AND MAKE SURE YOU'VE GOT A SCREEN IN YOUR DRAIN PAN. YOU DON'T WANNA LOSE ONE OF THOSE CHECK BALLS.
(JOE)>> ONE MORE THING BEFORE WE START ON THAT VALVE BODY OVER ON THE BENCH. THIS IS OUR TV BOOST VALVE. IT AND THIS SPRING ARE GONNA GET REPLACED BY THE NEW PARTS WE GOT IN OUR KIT. NOW, IT'S GONNA INCREASE LINE PRESSURE AND GIVE US THOSE QUICKER, FIRMER SHIFTS WE WANT.
(CHUCK)>> WE JUST REMOVED THE LINE PRESSURE VALVE AND WE'RE GONNA REPLACE THIS SPRING WITH THIS SOLID PIN. THAT'S GONNA KEEP THE PISTON FROM MOVING BACK AND FORTH INSIDE THE BORE. IT'S GONNA GIVE US A LITTLE MORE LINE PRESSURE AND TIGHTEN UP OUR SHIFTS EVEN MORE. NOW, ONCE EVERYTHING IS REASSEMBLED, WE CAN START ON THE SPACER PLATE. WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO REPLACE A COUPLE OF GASKETS, THOUGH, AND HERE'S HOW TO TELL 'EM APART. THE ONE THAT GOES NEXT TO THE TRANSMISSION CASE IS MARKED WITH A "C." THE ONE WITH A "V" GOES NEXT TO THE VALVE BODY. NOW, WE'VE ENLARGED THREE HOLES IN THE SPACER PLATE. THAT'S GONNA ALLOW MORE FLUID TO PASS AND GIVE US A LITTLE BIT BETTER CLUTCH ACTION. HERE'S A LITTLE TIP THAT'S GONNA MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER WHEN IT'S TIME TO REINSTALL THE BALLS. JUST PUT A LITTLE VASELINE ON 'EM. THAT'LL HELP HOLD 'EM IN PLACE.
(JOE)>> THE TV BOOSTER WENT BACK IN PRETTY EASY.
(CHUCK)>> HEY, TV BOOSTER VALVE. WE GONNA GET MORE CHANNELS?
(JOE)>> NO, JUST BETTER RECEPTION.
(CHUCK)>> PROBABLY 'CAUSE WE GOT A BETTER TRANSMISSION.
(JOE)>> SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
(CHUCK)>> HERE, GET THE BOLT IN THERE.
(JOE)>> OKAY.
(CHUCK)>> YEAH, THERE WE GO.
(JOE)>> WITH THE VALVE BODY BOLTED BACK UP, WE CAN REINSTALL OUR SHIFT LINKAGE DETENT SPRING. THEN, WITH THE SERVO REINSTALLED WE CAN RECONNECT OUR WIRING. BEFORE WE REINSTALL THE 1-2 ACCUMULATOR, WE'LL REPLACE THE STOCK SPRING WITH THIS ONE WE GOT FROM THE KIT. 'COURSE THE SMALL END GOES IN FIRST.
(CHUCK)>> WELL, NOW WE'RE READY FOR A NEW FILTER. HERE'S A LITTLE TIP FOR YOU. I LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND PUT A LITTLE BIT OF TRANS FLUID RIGHT HERE ON THE SEAL. THAT'LL HELP IT SLIDE INTO PLACE.
(JOE)>> THE LINKAGE MOVES FREELYTHAT'S A GOOD SIGN.
(CHUCK)>> THAT'S GREAT. NOW, THE FINAL MODIFICATION INVOLVES THE SERVO AND IT'S LOCATED RIGHT UP HERE. BUT, THE TRANS TUNNEL ON THIS CAMARO IS SO TIGHT THAT WE'RE ACTUALLY GONNA HAVE TO DROP THE DRIVESHAFT AND THE TORQUE ARM, THEN LOWER THE BACK END OF THE TRANSMISSION SO WE CAN GET AT THAT SERVO.
(JOE)>> TO REMOVE THE SERVO I'LL USE THIS PRY BAR TO COMPRESS THE SPRING BEHIND THIS COVER.
(CHUCK)>> YOU CAN SEE WHAT JOE'S DOING A LITTLE BIT BETTER ON THIS CUTAWAY. NOW ONCE HE DEPRESSES THE COVER, HE CAN REMOVE THE SNAP RING. THEN THE COVER, THE SPRING, AND THE PISTON CAN ALL BE REMOVED FROM THE CASE.
(JOE)>> NOW, YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO REMOVE THIS SHAFT FROM THE OLD SERVO SO YOU CAN GET IT IN A VISE LIKE WE HAVE HERE ALONG WITH AN IMPACT SOCKET. NOW, THE IDEA IS TO COMPRESS IT SO YOU CAN REMOVE THE SNAP RING INSIDE. WELL, THAT WAY YOU CAN REPLACE IT WITH THE NEW SERVO PISTON ASSEMBLY WE GOT WITH OUR KIT.
(CHUCK)>> ALRIGHT, THERE WE GO. THE SERVO'S REINSTALLED. NOW WE CAN GO AHEAD AND PUT THE PAN ON. THEN, WE CAN BOLT UP THE TORQUE ARM AND THEN WE'RE READY FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER'S THE LAST PART TO GET BOLTED UP UNDER HERE. THEN WE CAN GO AHEAD AND LOWER THE CAMARO AND TOP IT OFF WITH FLUIDS.
(JOE)>> ONE FINAL STEP. WE NEED TO READJUST THE TV CABLE AND HERE'S HOW WE DO IT. JUST PUSH THE CABLE AS FAR BACK INTO THE HOUSING AS POSSIBLE. REATTACH IT. OPEN THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN. IT'LL ADJUST ITSELF. JUST MAKE SURE ALL THE SLACK IS OUT.
(CHUCK)>> WELL, THAT OUGHT TO DO IT. WHAT DO YOU SAY WE BACK THIS THING OFF THE LIFT AND PUT IT TO THE TEST?
[ ENGINE REVVING ] NOW, THAT'S WHAT I CALL PUTTING THE POWER TO THE PAVEMENT! [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> NEXT WE SHIFT GEARS, IN THE SHOP THAT IS, BY INSTALLING A BRAND NEW STICK IN OUR FAVORITE FIREBIRD. SO KEEP IT IN NEUTRAL.
[ MUSIC ]
(CHUCK)>> HI AND WELCOME BACK TO THE SHOP. YOU KNOW, THAT SHIFT RECALIBRATION KIT REALLY TRICKED UP THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN THAT CAMARO. BUT, FOR YOU GUYS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, WELL, THERE'S HOPE ON THE HORIZON FOR YOU, AS WELL.
(JOE)>> YEAH, THAT'S GOOD NEWS FOR ME. AFTER PUMPING UP THE POWER ON THIS FIREBIRD, WELL, I GOTTA TELL YA. I REALLY ENJOY GRABBING THE NEXT GEAR AND HEARING THE TIRES BARK. BUT, I MUST ADMIT. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE I MISS A SHIFT. SO, TODAY WE'RE GONNA STICK IT TO THE TRANSMISSION WITH THIS NEW BILLET PLUS SHIFTER WE GOT FROM HURST. NOW, THE BASE OF THIS THING IS CNCMACHINED FROM BILLET ALUMINUM WITH A BILLET STEEL GEAR SELECTOR AND POSITIVE STOPS. NOW, ALL THIS TRANSLATES INTO SHORTER THROWS AND MORE ACCURATE GEAR SELECTION.
(CHUCK)>> MOST OF YOU ARE PROBABLY FAMILIAR WITH THE EXTERNAL SHIFTER LIKE THE ONE ON THIS MUNCIE. NOW, IT MOUNTS TO THE SIDE OF THE TAIL SHAFT HOUSING AND USES RODS CONNECTED TO ARMS HERE AT THE SIDE COVERS. NOW, THIS ONE'S A RACING SHIFTER SO IT'S GOT OVERSIZED LINKAGE AND ADJUSTABLE CLEVISES RIGHT HERE AT THE ARMS. WHEN IT COMES TO EXTERNAL SHIFTERS, MAN, THIS IS THE ULTIMATE.
(JOE)>> BUT, THE TRANSMISSION ON MY FIREBIRD'S A T-5 BORG WARNER WITH A RAILTYPE SHIFTER. THAT MEANS THE SHIFTING MECHANISM IS HOUSED INSIDE AND THE SHIFTER ITSELF IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TRANNY.
(CHUCK)>> THAT'S RIGHT. NOW, MOST CARS FROM THE EARLY 80'S AND ON USED THAT KIND OF SHIFTER, AND ONE OF THE BENEFITS IS THAT THE SHIFTER SWAP CAN BE DONE FROM INSIDE THE CAR. NOW, JOE'S ALREADY STARTED BY REMOVING THE KNOB. I'M GONNA GET GOING ON THE CONSOLE. WE'LL START BY REMOVING THE SHIFTER PLATE, THEN THE CONSOLE. PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. THEN REMOVE THE LOWER SHIFTER BOOT. AFTER REMOVING THE FOUR BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE STOCK SHIFTER IT LIFTS RIGHT OUT.
(JOE)>> WELL, NOW'S THE TIME TO INSPECT THIS PLASTIC BUSHING TO SEE IF IT'S WORN OR DAMAGED. YOU CAN GET A REPLACEMENT AT YOUR GM PARTS COUNTER. WITHOUT A GOOD ONE YOU WON'T GET THE FULL BENEFITS OF YOUR NEW SHIFTER. OUR'S SEEMS TO BE OKAY SO WE'LL JUST PUT IT BACK.
(CHUCK)>> WHILE JOE'S CLEANING THE TRANSMISSION FLANGE, I'M GONNA PUT A BEAD OF SILICONE RIGHT HERE ON THE SHIFTER BASE. NOW, ONCE WE GET THE SHIFTER INSTALLED, WE'LL WANNA MAKE SURE THAT WE ENGAGE THE BALL FULLY INTO THAT PLASTIC BUSHING. THE SHIFTER ATTACHES TO THE TRANSMISSION USING THE FOUR BOLTS SUPPLIED IN THE KIT. NOW, YOU'LL WANNA TORQUE 'EM IN A CRISSCROSS PATTERN TO ABOUT 20 FOOT POUNDS.
(JOE)>> WELL, NOW WE CAN ADJUST OUR SHIFT STOPS. NOW, THIS WILL PREVENT INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION BY NOT ALLOWING THIS TO OVERENGAGE THE GEARS. BACK UP THE STOP SCREW, PUT THE SHIFTER IN SECOND GEAR, THEN TURN THE SCREW 'TIL IT CONTACTS THE SHIFTER, THEN BACK IT UP A HALFTURN. NOW, WE READY TO TIGHTEN DOWN THE LOCK NUT. WHEN WE'RE FINISHED HERE, PUT THE SHIFTER IN THIRD GEAR, AND DO THE SAME THING UP FRONT.
(CHUCK)>> WELL, NOW WE CAN INSTALL THE BOOT THAT CAME ALONG WITH THE SHIFTER. NOW, IT'S NECESSARY TO KEEP THE MOISTURE AND DIRT OUT OF IT SO WE DON'T HAVE PREMATURE WEAR.
(JOE)>> THE FACTORY LOWER BOOT GOES ON NEXT. AFTER THIS, WE CAN REINSTALL THE CONSOLE, JUST REVERSING THE STEPS YOU SAW EARLIER.
(CHUCK)>> YOU KNOW, THAT WAS A PRETTY EASY UPGRADE. IT ONLY TOOK US A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE BEST PART, THOUGH, IT ONLY COST US ABOUT $150 BUCKS.
(JOE)>> WELL, IT FEELS GOOD IN HERE, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY? THE PROOF IS ON THE PAVEMENT.
CRUSIN'S AS COOL AS EVER, AND WE'LL HIT THE PAVEMENT TO ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP CRUSIE SPOTS RIGHT AFTER THIS.
[ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> MAN, I TELL YOU WHAT. GRABBING GEARS IS SURE A BLAST WITH THIS NEW SHIFTER. BUT WHAT DO YOU SAY WE DOWNSHIFT AND STOP AT A LOCAL CRUISE SPOT? WE'RE GONNA TAKE IN EVERY CAR LOVER'S FAVORITE SATURDAY NIGHT TRADITION.
IN THE FILM CLASSIC, "AMERICAN GRAFFITI," THE HOT 60'S CRUISE SPOT WAS MEL'S DINER, THE FAVORITE TEEN FOCAL POINT FOR SHOWING OFF YOUR RIDE. MAYBE A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH A TEEN ANGEL. ( )>> WHAT DID YOU SAY, WHAT DID YOU SAY? [ TIRES SQUEALING ] OR A STREET ENCOUNTER WITH A RACEREADY CHALLENGER. [ ENGINE REVVING ] TODAY, CRUISIN' IS STILL A HOT SATURDAY NIGHT RITUAL EVERYWHERE FROM THE MAIN DRAGS OF LINCOLN, NEBRASKA TO THE ROCK AND ROLL HARDIES OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. AND, AT THIS BACKYARD BURGER JOINT IN FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE, A PLACE THAT'S BEEN VOTED ONE OF THE TOP CRUISE SPOTS OF THE COUNTRY BY SEVERAL MAGAZINES. NOW, HERE THE SATURDAY CRUISE NIGHT STARTS IN THE AFTERNOON.
(PAUL)>> EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON STARTING ABOUT THREE TO WHENEVER YOU SEE A LOT OF GOOD, FINE CARS HERE.
(JOE)>> AND, WHILE THE KIDS FROM THE "AMERICAN GRAFFITI" DAYS ARE PAST MIDDLE AGE NOW AND MORE INTO BENCH RACING THAN STREET BATTLES, WELL THE SPIRIT OF CRUISIN' IS ALIVE AND SWELL, SINCE THERE'S NO RIVALRY WHEN IT COMES TO GIRLS, STREET RACING BRAGGING RIGHTS, OR EVEN THE BEST OF SHOW TROPHIES.
(JACK)>> AND IT'S A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE HERE. EVERYBODY, YOU'RE NOT IN COMPETITION WITH ANYBODY. YOU'RE JUST HERE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME.
(JOE)>> A GOOD TIME DIGGING SOME GREAT CARS. LIKE PAUL BOWMAN'S FRESHLY FINISHED COUPE WHOSE MAIDEN VOYAGE WAS A CRUISE TO BACKYARD BURGERS.
(PAUL)>> IT'S A '33 FORD THREEWINDOW COUPE. IT'S GOT AN ALLOWAY CHASSIS. IT'S GOT A RAT'S GLASS BODY, CORVETTE LT-1 MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION 4L60 E, TRANSMISSION WITH A NINEINCH FORD, 3.70 GEAR.
(JOE)>> NOW, THIS IS A CRUISE IN SO YOU DID DRIVE IT HERE, RIGHT?
(PAUL)>> YESSIR. WOULDN'T BE A CRUISE IN IF YOU DIDN'T DRIVE IT.
(JOE)>> WHILE THE AGES OF THE REGULARS RANGE QUITE A BIT, MOST ARE OLD ENOUGH TO SHARE "AMERICAN GRAFFITI" TYPE MEMORIES OF CRUISIN' AS KIDS.
(ROBBIE)>> I STARTED CRUISING VAN EYS BOULEVARD IN CALIFORNIA WHEN I WAS 14 YEARS OLD. I USED TO HITCH A RIDE WITH A GUY AND I'D TELL HIM, I'D SAY, I'LL DO ANYTHING YOU WANT ME TO DO - I'LL WAX THE CAR, WAX THE WHEELS, I DON'T CARE WHAT. YOU TELL ME WHAT TO DO. JUST SO I CAN RIDE ANYWHERE IN THE CAR, EXCEPT THE TRUNK.
(JOE)>> JUST LIKE IN THE OLD DAYS, A CRUISE HANGOUT OFFERS CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT, UNLESS A "FOR SALE" SIGN GETS THE BEST OF YOU LIKE IT DID FOR THE OWNER OF THIS CHEVY BELAIR.
(ARTHUR)>> YES, HE HAD IT HERE WITH SIGNS ON IT "FOR SALE. " AND, WE TALKED ABOUT IT AND QUESTIONED ABOUT IT, AND HE FINALLY DROVE IT OUT TO THE HOUSE AND WHEN HE DROVE IT TO THE HOUSE, IT NEVER LEFT THERE.
(JOE)>> YOU LIKE CHROME, DON'T YOU?
(ARTHUR)>> OH, YES. OH YES. TOP, BOTTOM, INSIDE, OUTSIDE, IT DOESN'T MATTER.
(JOE)>> AND UNDERNEATH.
(ARTHUR)>> YEAH, UNDERNEATH. LOTS OF IT UNDERNEATH.
(JOE)>> WHETHER THEY'RE INTO A 50'S CLASSIC WITH LOTS OF CHROME, A 40'S CADDY WITH LOTS OF ROOM, OR EVEN A SLICK STREET ROD, THE CRUISERS OF AMERICA TODAY ARE A LITTLE MORE LAID BACK THAN THEY WERE IN JAMES DEAN'S DAY. OH, YOU CAN STILL FIND THE OCCASIONAL SPONTANEOUS BURNOUT CONTEST. BUT FOR THE MOST PART, IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR, ALL ABOUT CELEBRATING THE FUN OF DRIVING A COOL OLD CAR AND SHARING IT AT YOUR LOCAL HOT ROD HANGOUT. YEAH, LOOKS LIKE THERE'S EVERYTHING FROM A '37 THREEWINDOW FORD COUPE TO, WELL '49 CHEVY TRUCK. THAT'S PRETTY COOL. IN FACT, AT A CRUISE NIGHT, WELL IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO RELIVE MEMORIES AND KILL TIME. SPEAKING OF WHICH, CHUCK'S WAITING FOR ME BACK AT THE SHOP. SEE YA THERE RIGHT AFTER THIS. [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> WHAT TIMING? NEXT A TECH TIP HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT TIMING SET FOR YOUR STREET MACHINE, STAY TUNED.
[ MUSIC ]
(CHUCK)>> WHETHER YOU'RE ASKING A GIRL OUT ON A DATE OR TELLING YOUR WIFE ABOUT A PROJECT CAR THAT YOU JUST DRAGGED HOME, WELL, TIMING IS EVERYTHING. NOW, THE SAME THING MIGHT BE SAID ABOUT MAXIMIZING YOUR MOTOR'S POTENTIAL. AND, OF COURSE, ONE WAY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR CAMSHAFT IS ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME IS CHOOSING THE RIGHT DRIVE SYSTEM. NOW, WE ORDERED AN ASSORTMENT FROM COMP CAMS TO SHOW YOU WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE. THIS IS THEIR BASIC HIGH TECH TIMING SET, AND IT INCLUDES STEEL SPROCKETS AND A SINGLE ROLLER TIMING CHAIN. NOW, IT'S FAIRLY ACCURATE, EFFICIENT, AND AFFORDABLE. PLUS, THE CRANK SPROCKET HAS THREE KEY WAYS ALLOWING YOU TO INSTALL THE CAM STRAIGHT UP, FOUR DEGREES ADVANCED, OR FOUR DEGREES RETARDED. NOW, THIS ONE'S RIGHT AT HOME IN MOST STREET APPLICATIONS. NEXT UP, IS THEIR MAGNUM ROLLER SET. NOW, THIS ONE, TOO, USES STEEL SPROCKETS BUT CHECK THIS OUT. IT USES A TRUE DOUBLE ROLLER CHAIN SET TO REDUCE STRETCH AND MAINTAIN MORE ACCURATE VALVE TIMING. NOW THE CRANK SPROCKET ALSO HAS THREE KEY WAYS SO YOU CAN SET YOUR CAM TIMING AT FOUR UP, FOUR BACK, OR THE STANDARD POSITION. THIS ONE'S USED FOR MORE AGGRESSIVE APPLICATIONS, LIKE YOU HEAVY STREET HITTERS OR BRACKET RACERS. NOW, WE'LL GET INTO THE MORE SERIOUS HARDWARE. COMP'S HIGH TECH GEAR DRIVE GETS RID OF THE CHAIN AND THE STRETCH ASSOCIATED WITH IT. NOW, THIS ONE'S A DUAL IDLER SYSTEM WITH STRAIGHT CUT GEARS. SO, YOU'RE PROBABLY GONNA HEAR THIS ONE LONG BEFORE YOU SEE IT COMING. NOW, THE KIT INCLUDES A CAM BUTTON, LOCKING PLATE, THRUST WASHER, AND ENOUGH OFFSET BUSHINGS TO HELP YOU DEGREE YOUR CAM IN. AGAIN, YOU GUYS THAT ARE SERIOUS ABOUT PERFORMANCE ON THE STREET AND STRIP ARE GONNA GET THE MOST BENEFIT FROM THIS SETUP. NOW, IF YOU'RE GEARED TOWARDS REAL PERFORMANCE, WELL, THE ULTIMATE IS THEIR BELT DRIVE SYSTEM. IT USES A RUBBER BELT AND A PAIR OF BILLET ALUMINUM SPROCKETS TO GET THE JOB DONE. NOW, THIS SYSTEM TAKES LESS HORSEPOWER TO DRIVE, AND THE RUBBER BELT ABSORBS VALVETRAIN HARMONICS. NOW, THE KIT ALSO INCLUDES A FRONT COVER, CAM HUB, THRUST BEARINGS, AND ALL THE HARDWARE NEEDED TO INSTALL IT. YOU CAN ADVANCE OR RETARD YOUR TIMING BY UP TO TEN DEGREES BY SIMPLY LOOSENING THE BOLTS ON THE SPROCKET AND ALIGNING THE MARKS ON YOUR HUB. NOW, THIS SETUP IS DESIGNED MAINLY FOR HARDCORE RACE CARS, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE SEEN A FEW ON SERIOUS STREET MACHINES. SO, THERE YOU HAVE YOUR CHOICES.
(JOE)>> HEY, MAN, CAN I HELP?
(CHUCK)>> NO, YOU'RE A LITTLE LATE. KINDA LIKE A CAM THAT'S FOUR DEGREES RETARDED. I'LL TELL YA WHAT YOU'RE IN TIME FOR THOUGH. YOU CAN TELL 'EM WHAT WE GOT COMING UP NEXT.
(JOE)>> I'M ALL GEARED UP FOR THAT. HORSEPOWER HOT PARTS. STAY WITH US.
(NARRATOR)>> NOW HORSEPOWER'S HOT PARTS. BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT. YOUR SOURCE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE PARTS FOR 30 YEARS.
(JOE)>> HEY, IF YOU WANT TO STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION WITH YOUR SMALL BLOCK CHEVY, ONE WAY TO DO IT IS WITH A SET OF THESE BOLTON, 32-VALVE HEADS FROM DOMINION PERFORMANCE. THE EXTRA VALVE AREA GIVES YOU A HEALTHY HORSEPOWER INCREASE. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS MORE THAN 200 HORSEPOWER OVER STOCK IRON HEADS ON A 10 TO ONE STREETABLE 350. NOW, THEY COME ASSEMBLED WITH VALVES, SPRINGS, ROCKERS, AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO MAKE 'EM WORK. PRICES ON THE UNPORTED VERSION START AT AROUND $35-HUNDRED BUCKS, AND WE'LL LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET. THEY'RE WORKING ON A VERSION FOR YOU SMALL BLOCK FORD GUYS, TOO.
(CHUCK)>> WELL, IF ALL THAT EXTRA POWER FINDS ITS WAY INTO A THIRD GENERATION FIREBIRD OR CAMARO, HERE'S A GREAT WAY TO PLANT IT. THESE TUBULAR CONTROL ARMS FROM COMPETITION ENGINEERING ARE A DIRECT REPLACEMENT FOR THE STOCK PIECES. THEY'RE FITTED WITH URETHANE END BUSHINGS AND THEIR TUBULAR DESIGN IS GONNA ELIMINATE FLEX FOR IMPROVED HANDLING AND TRACTION. NOW, THEY BOLT UP USING THE SUPPLIED HARDWARE AND THEY'LL ACCEPT THE STOCK SWAY BAR. YOU CAN GET HOOKED UP WITH A SET OF THESE FOR ABOUT $200 BUCKS.
(JOE)>> OKAY, YOU GOT THE POWER, YOU GOT IT PLANTED. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT'S TIME TO TURN A CORNER? WELL, YOU CAN GIVE YOUR LATE MODEL MUSTANG OR CAMARO MORE BITE THAN A JUNKYARD DOG WITH A SET OF THESE CASTER/CAMBER PLATES FROM J&M ENGINEERING. NOW, THE ELONGATED ADJUSTMENT SLOTS LET YOU FINE TUNE YOUR FRONT SUSPENSION AND THEY GET RID OF STRUT SLOP WITH THESE REPLACEABLE SPHERICAL BEARINGS. NOW, THEY'LL STEER YOU AND YOUR STREET MACHINE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AT PRICES JUST UNDER $200 BUCKS.
(CHUCK)>> NOW WHAT DO YOU SAY WE STEER YOU TOWARDS SOMETHING ELSE PRETTY GOOD. HERE'S WHAT WE'VE GOT IN STORE FOR YOU NEXT WEEK. [ MUSIC ]
(JOE)>> WE'LL DROP A 500 CUBIC INCH BIG BLOCK BETWEEN THE FENDERS OF A '71 DUSTER. ALSO ADDING A NEW DRIVESHAFT, HIGH PERFORMANCE STARTER, AND A PROGRAMMABLE IGNITION SYSTEM. THEN WE'LL TAKE OUR BRACKET BEAST TO THE TRACK AND SEE IF WE CAN HOOK UP ALL THOSE 600 PLUS HORSES. [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(JOE)>> AND REMEMBER HIGH PERFORMANCE FUN IS WHAT THIS SHOW'S ALL ABOUT.
(CHUCK)>> YOU KNOW I'VE BEEN THINKING. OH KNOW WHAT'S THAT. WELL WE HAD SO MUCH FUN TODAY I THINK WE OUGHT TO OPEN A BUSINESS.
(JOE)>> AND CALL IT WHAT?
(CHUCK)>> HOW ABOUT TRANSCENDENTAL MEDICATION?
(NARRATOR)>> HORSEPOWER TV IS AN RTM PRODUCTION.