MEMBERSHIP LOGIN
JOIN PRI
Editors’ Choice
Hundreds of new product announcements cross the desks of PRI editors each month. Following are our top picks for June.
Flex Era 1
KC HiLiTES
Suitable for Baja racers, rock crawlers, and UTV riders, the new KC Flex Era 1 lights can be utilized for rear-, side- or forward-facing coverage.
“There are a lot of applications, depending on if you’re an Ultra4 racer, or even a rock crawler, where you can set the light on the steering knuckle,” said Randy Wimenta of KC HiLiTES, Williams, Arizona.
Contained in a compact, 2.7-inch-diameter package, the Flex Era 1 features dual power modes: one for full, high-power output and the other illuminates an eclipse amber backlight.
Users no longer have to guess which beam pattern is best suited for their needs. Each set comes as a master kit with two lights, three beam-pattern lenses, spare O-rings, covers, and all mounting and wiring hardware.
The lights are designed asymmetrically to ensure easy mounting in tight locations, and the mounting brackets feature adjustable depth, width, and height orientation.
“They’re small enough to use anywhere on the vehicle, and you can use them on UTVs as a forward- or backward-facing light,” added Wimenta.
The machined accent bezels are standard in gold on each FE1 light; however, KC offers red, blue, or gloss black finishes, as well. The lights have a 2,430-lumen rating. —Mike Magda
Alpha Patriot Racing Glove
Impact
Boasting a vibrant red, white, and blue design, the new Alpha Patriot glove from Impact in Indianapolis, Indiana, is also designed for racer comfort using some unique technology. The construction eliminates troublesome seams and fabric bunching from the palm area using a parabolic pattern and a single-piece palm. There’s also an elastic zig-zag gauntlet closure to ensure the gloves stay in place.
“The use of pre-curved, external stitching combined with silicon embossed palms and fingers make the glove exceptionally comfortable to wear with outstanding grip for a maximum driver/vehicle interface,” said Ben O’Connor. “A better interface equates to more control, which is a benefit to driving performance and safety.”
The glove is approved for any class that requires SFI 3.3/5 specifications. It’s available in small, medium, large, and extra-large. Suggested retail price is just under $205.
“We have noticed a considerable interest in patriotism in motorsports over the last few years. We have seen it at the races, and on the custom suit side of the business,” added O’Connor. “We also work with several Lucas Oil sponsored athletes, and their brand colors are also red, white, and blue. So it was only natural for us as a US manufacturer to offer a red, white, and blue themed glove.” —Mike Magda
Ford Godzilla Camshafts
COMP Cams
As Ford’s newest pushrod V8, the 7.3-liter Godzilla engine is drawing considerable attention with engine swappers, racers, and even performance-minded truck enthusiasts. To address a wide variety of power needs, COMP Cams in Olive Branch, Mississippi, has developed three new camshafts for the engine.
“The Godzilla offers Super Duty owners a significant amount of performance and drivability as a truck engine. We wanted to be able to help out that customer immediately, while the engine-swap community builds momentum,” said Chris Potter.
The Stage 1 camshaft uses the factory cam phaser, and with optimized ECU tuning an increase of 60 horsepower and 15 lb-ft torque was observed. A Stage 2 cam was teamed with an Edelbrock XTS sheetmetal intake. This combo required a phaser limiter, and there was an increase of more than 75 horsepower over stock. Neither camshaft requires changing the stock valve springs.
The Stage 3 camshaft requires a valve-spring kit and phaser limiter, but power picked up nearly 100 horsepower and 25 lb-ft of torque over stock.
“The Stage 3 is made for engine swaps into lighter vehicles and those seeking maximum horsepower while still utilizing the phaser with a limiter,” said Potter. “This cam will provide the most average horsepower over a 2,000-rpm range from 4,700 to 6,700 rpm, ideal for WOT performance and shift recovery as it goes down the track.” —Mike Magda
C3 Corvette T-5 Tremec PerfectFit Kit
Silver Sport Transmissions
Vintage C3 Corvette owners looking to upgrade their transmission to run an occasional autocross or weekend drags should consider the new T-5 Tremec PerfectFit Kit from Silver Sport Transmissions (SST) in Rockford, Tennessee, to complete the swap.
Designed for 1968–1979 Corvettes, the kit allows for the installation of a Tremec T-5 transmission that was popular in Fox body Mustangs and other performance models. The T-5, however, had only one shifter position, a 10-spline input shaft and Ford bellhousing bolt pattern—so it wasn’t much of an option for any other model.
SST then developed a Tremec T-5 with the Corvette STX shifter and a transmission perch plate to rest the tranny on the stock crossmember. The SST kit works so well that the factory console can be retained.
“The Tremec T-5 has a 300 lb-ft torque capacity and is capable of shifts up to 6,700 rpm,” said Misty McComas. “This is the little brother of the Tremec transmission line. It’s better to use the TKX 5-speed or Magnum 6-speed for drag racing and road racing. They’re all available with PerfectFit Kits and maintain the factory console look of your C3 Corvette.”
The TKX has a 600 lb-ft torque capacity and is capable of shifts up to 7,500 rpm. The Magnum is rated at 700 lb-ft with shifts up to 7,800 rpm. —Mike Magda
EcoGen Renewable Fuel
VP Racing
VP Racing in San Antonio, Texas, is accelerating its renewable fuel initiative by launching EcoGen, a renewable non-alcohol alternative to ethanol- and butanol-based fuels found at the pump.
“There is an ever-increasing demand for renewable fuels in the transportation market to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and this is rolling into the racing world,” said Mark Walls. “Ethanol-free EcoGen fuels are offered with up to 10% renewable content, which enables a 30% greater GHG reduction than standard E10 pump gasoline.”
VP has experience in developing more than 80 race fuels, and EcoGen will be a high-octane, cleaner-burning fuel. The fuel can be used in high-performance cars and motorcycles, boats, powersports vehicles, and small engines such as lawn equipment.
“This fuel can be a drop-in replacement for any racing class that uses pump-gas-like fuels, up to 95 octane (AKI),” added Walls. “Many different race series are starting to consider and/or require renewable content to be a part of their race fuel. For marine and small-engine applications, EcoGen does not have the detrimental effects that can be seen with ethanol fuels. In most cases, users will not need to change their setup. This fuel will have a similar oxygen content and burning characteristics as E10 pump gasoline. Additionally, it typically has better material compatibility than pump gasoline.” —Mike Magda
Viper Youth Racing Helmet
Simpson Racing
Getting young racers interested in competition is a goal of many parents, but keeping them safe is a priority once they go to the track. Simpson Racing in New Braunfels, Texas, just released a youth version of its Viper helmet line that is approved for many types of youth racing.
“The Simpson Viper youth helmet is certified to the SFI 24.1 youth helmet standard,” said Gary Peters. “It has a wide eye port, which allows the child to concentrate on what is out in front.”
The helmet is available in four sizes: small (56 cm), XS (54 cm), 2XS (53 cm), and 3XS (52 cm). Starting with a properly sized shell, the helmet features removable cheek pads and crown padding.
“They can be replaced as the child grows to achieve optimum fit,” added Peters.
The helmet comes with one clear face shield installed, and others may be purchased separately. It’s also equipped with the necessary hardware that makes it ready for head restraints.
“It comes in weighing no more than 1,200 grams,” said Peters. —Mike Magda
Pro-Stock Performance Valve Springs
Elgin Industries
The new Elgin Pro-Stock valve springs for LS engines are optimized to work with the company’s Sloppy Stage 2 hydraulic cams.
“The springs maintain stable harmonics matched through their advertised lift cycle. Combine this with super finishing and the result is four times longer lifespan plus higher lift capacity than standard springs,” said Rick Simko.
The springs are designed with beehive and conical geometries, which helps reduce dynamic surges. They also feature a micro-engineered surface finish and a proprietary heat-treat process to improve strength and durability.
“The new RV-126918 valve springs are micro-peened in a proprietary process that results in a perfect finish, which is critical for performance springs,” said Simko. “This micro-finishing technology is highly sophisticated, which is why the springs are shipped in special packaging to prevent springs from rubbing against one another during shipping.”
Five different part numbers have different sizes and spring rates that range from 103 to 127 pounds on the seat and 275 to 370 pounds open.
“Feedback has been extremely positive from racers who are looking for parts that deliver proven performance gains on a tight budget. These springs are matched to street, short-track, and bracket-racing applications,” added Simko. —Mike Magda
