Editors' Choice

Image
image 1

 

Hundreds of new product announcements cross the desks of PRI editors each month. Following are our top picks for June.

High Energy DLC Flat-tappet Lifters

COMP Cams
compcams.com

image 1

Conventional iron flat-tappet hydraulic lifters are hard to find these days, especially for those engine builders on a budget. The new High Energy lifters from COMP Cams in Olive Branch, Mississippi, feature a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating that is compatible with all steel and cast-iron camshafts.
“We wanted to offer a high-quality lifter with a DLC-coated face, very similar to our higher end tool steel lifters but at a price point that all racers and engine builders would benefit,” said Chris Mays.
These lifters are available for Chevy small and big block engines along with the W-series platform. They are designed to leverage the performance that the High Energy line has provided for years yet are now available with the friction-reducing DLC surface treatment. This coating extends the life of the lifters and camshaft and reduces the likelihood of a flattened cam lobe.
“After the extensive Spintron testing we performed before the release of these lifters, we knew we had a winner,” added Mays. “The number of wiped lobes from a faulty lifter is all in the rear-view mirror now. Our promise is to bring DLC-coated lifters to all of the engine families in hydraulic and solid lifters.”
Since the DLC coating offers high lubricity and wear resistance, there’s no need for the traditional break-in procedure that’s usually performed on cast-iron cams with flat-tappet lifters.

BBC to LS Water Pump Adapter

PROFORM Parts
proformparts.com

image 2

This easy-to-use kit allows racers on a budget to adapt a big block Chevy electric water pump to an LS engine. “We saw a need for an inexpensive water pump option,” said Ryan Salata of PROFORM Parts, Warren, Michigan. “We already made the big block pump, and it seemed like a good idea to offer a way to mount it to the LS engine.”
The adapters are constructed from black anodized billet aluminum. They come with gaskets and mounting hardware. Each adapter features 1/8-inch NPT female steam-tube ports, and there are -12 AN O-ring female ports for the radiator return flow.
“For the racer, there’s increased horsepower because you’re not using a belt-driven system,” added Salata. “Depending on the application, it could be 5-10 horsepower. Basically, you get the functionality of an LS water pump at the price of a big block pump.”
The adapters are first installed to the LS block, then the BBC pump is attached to the adapters.

Elite Pro Wireless Racing Scales

Longacre Racing Products
longacreracing.com

image 3

The Elite Pro wireless scales from Longacre Racing Products in Boonville, Indiana, have been completely redesigned for 2024 with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
“There’s also improved quality and fit and finish,” said Gary Lewis. “This upgrade has been in the works for a year or so. The connectivity, range, and ease of use is so much nicer.”
The scales can be easily connected to any Android or iOS device with a simple but secured pairing process. Users can view weight and saved data simultaneously on a user-configurable screen, including corner weights and partial percentages. Additional pages in the software include note taking, organization, ride height, and alignment.
When the need to analyze data or share it with others arises, the simplified data export procedure transfers all selected data seamlessly to a computer. Plus, users can monitor the pad battery status directly from the Longacre Connect app’s home screen.
The 15- x 15-inch low-profile pads feature a powder-coated finish, and every kit comes with a case for easy storage and transport. The internal-bridged pad design is the secret behind the precision. It eliminates pad flex, guaranteeing accurate measurements even when dealing with off-centered loads.

Greaves TS-03 Tire Scraper

United Race Parts
unitedraceparts.com

image 4

Recently redesigned to incorporate feedback from racers and tire technicians, the Greaves TS-03 tire scraper features an adjustable and molded handle for user comfort. This helps reduce the time needed to remove irregularities and debris from tires without damaging the compound.
“The biggest selling point is improved track times,” said Thomas Decker of United Race Parts, which is the Troutman, North Carolina-based North American distributor for the product. “When they go back out on the track, the tires are completely clean.”
The adjustable blade and roller angles along with revised weight distribution ensure ease of use. Other key features include 2,000W power in the heat gun, adjustable temperature of 200–1,000 degrees F, and a variable fan speed.
“Another big benefit is the accuracy of reading for tire wear, because it’s a consistent method to clean the tires,” added Decker.
The tire scraper is applicable in all forms of motorsports, including karting, road racing, and oval track.

1979–1993 Fox-body Mustang Suspension Kit

QA1
qa1.net

image 5

The Fox-body Mustang has always been popular for drag racing with its lightweight construction. Now many owners are seeking to improve the handling for a different type of racing. QA1 in Lakeville, Minnesota, now offers three levels of handling kits to meet any budget.
“They’re designed for road course and autocross racing,” said Kasey Saltness, “and we also make the drag-specific kit.”
The first level offers sway bars and upgraded shocks. The second level gets serious with double-adjustable coilovers, tubular K-member, tubular control arms, boxed trailing arms, and sway bars. The K-member helps save weight and allows for different engine mounts. The front struts feature an inverted cartridge design, large-diameter shaft, and lightweight aluminum body. Aluminum caster/camber plates also allow for more tuning adjustments. The third level provides more adjustability and race-ready control arms.
“This kit offers a level of response and control that sets the standard for Mustang suspension,” said Saltness. “It’s also an easy way to swap in a Coyote engine because it frees up space in the engine bay.”
The QA1 kits are made in the USA, come complete with hardware, and are designed for easy bolt-in installation.

Fronius AccuPocket 150 Battery-powered Welder

Pit Weld U
visitpit.com

image 6

Weighing just 24 pounds, the battery-powered Fronius AccuPocket 150 welder is available from Pit Weld U, which is part of Pit Instruction & Training, Mooresville, North Carolina.
“It is a popular unit with grassroots racers, and racers in general,” explained Trent Schanen. “It allows you to make quick repairs without a generator. It is a good fit for the racing audience.”
This portable TIG and stick welder can be used in three different modes. In battery mode it will weld 124 inches TIG or 18 electrodes on a single charge. It can also be used in a hybrid mode with simultaneous charging and welding, and there’s generator-powered operation.
The welder features voltage monitoring for all the lithium-ion battery cells, and there is protection from overcharging, deep discharge, and overheating. Rapid charging in 30 minutes will provide about 80% performance.
The AccuPocket welder can be used in off-road racing as part of a chase crew or in a pit situation where a quick repair is needed and there’s no access to an electrical outlet.

Vulcan Cut-Ring CR58 Head Gasket for Gen III Hemi

SCE Gaskets
scegaskets.com

image 7

The clever hybrid-style Vulcan Cut-Ring head gasket from SCE Gaskets in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, is now available for the Gen III Hemi platform.
“It was developed to fill the need for a gasket that can hold much higher power levels than MLS head gaskets are capable of, while being very friendly to liquid-cooled engines that may be dual-purpose street/strip cars,” explained Aaron Hunter.
The gaskets feature a pliable, perforated metal-core composite body that is coated with a polymer. A silicone bead seal is applied to critical areas. The key feature is a solid stainless-steel cut ring that “bites” into the cylinder head to form a positive barrier against combustion pressure leaks.
“In the past, racers and enthusiasts would have machined the block and/or heads for stainless steel O-rings or fuel hoops to work with our Pro Copper head gaskets,” said Hunter. “Pro Copper head gaskets seal up the highest of horsepower engines, from Pro Mod to Top Fuel. However, they aren’t very friendly for street cars with heat cycling and liquid cooling.”
The Vulcan Cut-Ring has sealed as much as 2,300 horsepower. The gaskets require normal engine and block machining prep, including the smooth, flat surfaces needed with an MLS head gasket. These gaskets are also serviceable. Upon engine tear down, the Cut-Rings, if still in great condition, can be re-used with the purchase of a new composite gasket body.

 

Stay Connected

Sign Up For The PRI eNewsletter to get the latest in racing industry news, special events, new product information and more directly to your inbox.