Putting The Stock Back In Stock Car With A LS1 Powered Circle Track Racer -

Hey, today we're going to show you how putting a Corvette engine in a circle track racer puts the stock back in stock car racing

today on horsepower TV.

It's the stock car of the future and we'll go inside an A S A racers fuel injected small block engine and take you through its high tech undercarriage before we put it on the chassis,

dyno for the ultimate power test.

We'll also take you to one of the nation's top Winston Cup tracks for a white knuckle hands on the wheel driving experience.

Plus a look at how cool wheels and tires can change your ride's personality.

So hang on for horsepower TV.

Hi, welcome to the shop.

You know, we like all kinds of competition horsepower, whether it's for the drag strip or the circle track. Well, today we thought we'd have some fun with this Vortec powered Monte Carlo designed especially for the A S A racing series. What makes this series so unique is the use of an actual production engine

and in this case, it's G M's latest small block, the LS One Vortec. Now by using this engine A S A hopes to put the stock back in stock car racing and keep it affordable at the same time. Now, with the exception of a few minor modification for racing, this is the exact same engine that powers the corvette Camaro and Firebird.

Now, as we'll show you here on our display, one of those mods is the oiling system. Now, it uses a hybrid dry sump system with a side mounted savage pump, check this out, it bolts right here to the stock ac compressor mount.

Oil pressure is provided by the stock crank driven G rotor pump. Now to slow down the accessory drive,

this race engine uses a reduced diameter hub with a cantilever damper.

Finally, a stock tensioner system works with serpentine belts to keep costs down and speed up pit side changes. Well, speaking of changes, the Vortech V8 is a completely new design from the small block that most of you are already familiar with.

Now, a lot of the design changes come about as a result of engineering requirements in the name of improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Now, ironic as it may seem. Well, those same changes are what makes this engine almost race ready right out of the box. For instance, an aluminum block was once regarded as an exotic race only piece, but the engineers have justified the additional cost in the name of reduced weight and increased fuel economy. Now, on the bottom end, it features cross bolted main caps to tie in this deep skirt pan rail. And around here, it also uses cast in place iron liners and an extra long head bulk to tie into the main bearing bulk head for improved ring seal and reduced bore distortion.

The crank is a nodular iron piece with the trigger wheel out back here for precise ignition timing.

Now, the filets are rolled and undercut to prevent stress risers

giving you the durability of a steel crank and the affordability of a cast design. Now it's sleeved up front here for that G rotor oil pump. We showed you earlier, by the way, it's a positive displacement pump. And well, here's an inside look at one

oil enters through this port and is pressurized by the G rotor assembly. It exits through this port

and the pressure is regulated to 65 P si by a spring loaded pressure valve

buttoning up. The bottom end is a steel dry sump pan for moroso

with a pick up here at the right rear corner. Now that feeds the single stage scavenge pump that we showed you earlier on the engine.

From there, the oil goes through this transfer tube and on back to a remote reservoir. Then back here to this fitting and through this line that's attached to the inlet side of the pressure pump.

Now under here, you're gonna see a couple more fittings and they simply supply pressurized oil to a remote filter and cooler assemblies.

Oh, and here's a better look at that underdrive crank hub and cantilever damper that we told you about earlier.

Well, the bottom end is bristling with even more new technology.

For instance, these powdered metal rods use a cracked cap design. Now, this minimizes machining

and ensures perfect rod cap alignment during engine assembly

that's all held together with these high tensile strength cap screws. By the way, the rides themselves have grown over six inches. This allows for internal balancing

and also frees up a few extra ponies. Now, the pistons flat top design improves flame travel and yields a 10 to 1 compression ratio. By the way, you guys will be glad to know this short skirts are back in style even for pistons, this minimizes mass and increases strength.

One of the strengths of current engine design is the use of hydraulic roller cam shafts. Now, the vortech goes one better with this rifle drilled core that reduces both weight and rotating inertia. Of course, hiding a camshaft in the block is anything but high tech. After all, you still need push rods to activate the valves. But the rest of the valve train is state of the art

using these investment cast stainless steel rockers,

they incorporate a roller eye tron and a computer designed body for maximum strength and minimum weight. Now, that's gonna mean more reliability at high RPM. S

the 1.7 rocker ratio increases potential valve lift. Of course, keeping the valves on the seat are these 08 wire beehive wound valve springs.

Of course, the killer valve train belongs on a killer set of heads. And the symmetrical vortec ports are like nothing you've seen on a small block before.

The tall inlet port design allows for better injector targeting on the backside of the inlet valve.

And that means more efficient combustion. Now over here, the raised short side of the exhaust port improves flow for even more power.

The combustion chamber features an uns shrouded inlet and takes advantage of a swirl vein in the port to enhance the fast burning characteristics.

In fact, the vortec works best with only 28 degrees of ignition timing.

These small stem valves measure two inches on the intake 155 on the exhaust.

The combustion chambers are sealed with a high performance three angle valve job right from the factory.

A

short tracks are torture tests for V8 s twisting 8000 RPM s lap after lap.

The Vortec obsolete the carbureted stock car

with G MS race version of the fuel injection they put in passenger cars.

Of course, that's where both these composite intakes come from as well. Now, in case you're wondering, this is a truck intake and well, it may be ugly but trust me, it's worth a few more horsepower.

But the race cars are gonna get this low profile passengers car version that weighs less than 10 pounds. Now, the composite material is gonna help isolate heat transfer to the incoming fuel charge. And this smooth finish on the intake port is gonna maximize airflow. And as we all know that means more horsepower

harnessing, all that horsepower is the job of the A S A spec engine computer.

Now, it controls functions like timing, fuel delivery and even maximum revs during all sorts of racing conditions.

Now, all the racing teams have a mule

computer for testing,

but right before each event to prevent cheating,

a S A issues a seal computer and it stays right here for the whole race. Now, we don't want to cheat you either. We'll be back with a look at even more high performance hardware right after this.

How much rear wheel horsepower would this high tech racer make? We'll find out on our chassis,

dyno

and later take you to the track to discover what it's like to pilot a postdoc car

for the latest news on horsepower TV. Check us out online at horsepower tv.com.

Hey, welcome back to the shop while you were gone. Joe put the Monte Carlo in the air to give you a look at a race car from an angle that most of you have probably never seen.

Well for starters, this Monte Carlo uses a winner's performance, quick change, rear end.

This

Pard Bard maintains its lateral location

and it's also held in place with a fully adjustable three length suspension

with arms on each side of the frame rails and a third one up here on top.

The shocks are Pinsky coil overs with remote nitrogen filled reservoirs.

Here's that engine oil reservoir I told you about earlier. Now it's mounted behind the driver's seat for better weight distribution and the drive shaft. Well, it uses aluminum matrix technology, very strong and very light.

Further forward, we've got an aluminum cased

Richmond four speed transmission with a magnesium tail shaft housing from Tex racing. Now, I want you to check out the small diameter this bell housing because inside

you're gonna find a multi

disc, small diameter clutch assembly that allows the engine to be mounted really low in the chassis.

Now, the front suspension is a pretty basic set up with again, Penske coil overs, upper and lower control arms and control arm struts that attached to the frame.

It's got these monstrous A P racing brakes on all four corners and the steering handles with a power assisted rack.

Here's something I bet you thought you'd never see on a race car, a muffler exhaust. Now, you'll notice how it's routed to keep the heat and noise away from the driver

and the silver reflective material. Well, it's there for driver comfort as well. Well, let's say we ramp up this tour an now and make some horsepower on the

dyno Jet

man. That was a strong run and guess what? You made over 368 horsepower at the rear wheel and that's stout. But you know, sitting here in a real race cars. Kind of got me curious

what it's really like to go fast and turn left. Yeah, me too. And hey, guess what? I just happen to know a place where almost anyone could be a stock car hero.

At least for a day.

He's been justly crowned the king of stock car racing. Richard Petty, a legend who from 1960 to 84 won seven NASCAR

championships

when Petty quit racing, he not only left an amazing legacy,

he also created a way to put you behind the wheel

900 days a year at 10

cup tracks across the country. Racing. Fans can live out their favorite fantasy through the Richard Petty driving experience.

It's a hands on heart pounding high speed adventure

available in six different levels from ride along to advanced actual side by side driving

here at Atlanta Motor Speedway. I opted for the eight lap rookie experience where I'll follow an instructor's car at well over 100 miles an hour.

And the

with a few exceptions is the real Winston Cup deal. Basically, it's got a few modifications. We build the motor

that would be a little bit less horsepower. It's 600 horsepower versus a 750 Winston Cup motor.

We need longevity out of the motors, they need to run 500,000 miles, not 500 miles.

It is a fiberglass body. It's much cheaper

to do a fiberglass body. Than a steel body.

They last longer. They're easier to keep up. And we do put two seats in the cars because we do give rides

after a brief introductory session. Each group's instructor goes over the car's features. By the way, if you don't know how to drive a manual four speed, I better ride shotgun,

then we get the feel of the track from the back seat of a van.

What we want you to do,

I mean, right off the band just come right on up close.

If you're too close,

it'll give you a little wave

back up. About one car.

Don't get on the brakes,

don't get off the gas. And again, you won't use any brake.

The first sensation, the first few laps

you're gonna wanna slow down when you start to turn.

You,

you gonna say, man, this thing ain't gonna go around this corner,

but it will,

if the flagman is doing this to you,

you know, that means you gotta get closer. Ok?

Then before you know it, it's time,

time for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime

time to play stock car hero. If only for eight white knuckle laps,

I

can't believe.

I,

well, I think it's about my turn and you might be wondering, hey, Joe, are you nervous

with three words? Are you kidding?

I'll see you at the starting line right after this.

And later in the show a wheel deal, as we show you a Camaro's multiple personalities with a change of wheels and tires. We'll be right back.

Welcome back to Horsepower TV, and Atlanta Motor Speedway. Well, ready or not.

It's time to experience the experience.

Now before jumping in the car, every driver gets a last minute briefing.

I remember all that.

Can you quote it, word for, word it back.

Just what I wanna do.

It's already an experience.

They told me to stay close to the instructor's car and I was determined to

whoops, maybe a little too close on that bank.

But after a couple of laps, you're at one with a wheel, the car almost drives itself.

You're traveling almost full tilt in the same tire tracks of nascar's top stars. My top speed.

100 and 43. Not bad,

but all too soon the eight laps are over and it's time to coast back to reality.

They say it's an experience and it's an experience. You gotta try. You won't believe it.

And I think my fellow racers would agree.

Unbelievable. And you just can't describe it. Words can't describe it. It,

it's wonderful.

Very exhilarating.

It's like that guy said a while ago. It'd be the most fun you'll ever have with your clothes on.

I

think you have a lot more respect for the drivers that do it on a, on a professional basis day after day

because when you get out there, I can't imagine being around anybody else out there. Can you imagine being around.

Odds are none of us will go on to the pro ranks, but it's a safe bet. Nobody will forget fulfilling this long time fantasy.

The dream of driving in the fast lane of our circle track horse power. He

now if I can just get this smile off my face, I'll meet you and Chuck back at the shop right after this.

For more horsepower. Join us online at Horsepower tv.com.

Hi. Welcome back.

You know, when it comes to making horse power too much is still never enough. I mean, we all wanna brag about having 1000 horses under the hood.

But you know what if you can't plant that tower to the pavement, man, you're just blowing smoke, tire smoke. That is,

yeah. You know, tire technology has come a long way since the heyday, the muscle car like this 70 Z 28.

Now back then an eight inch wide. F 60 was considered state of the art with its hard as a rock rubber compound and its bias ply construction plus a 15 inch rim was about as good as it got

right now. We're gonna show you how tire technology has evolved over the years and not surprisingly, a lot of it's a result of what we learned at the track. Now, this is an Indy car rain tire, as you'll notice the treads designed to channel water efficiently to the outside edges and of course, prevent aqua planing. Now, something else you'll notice about this tire is the aspect ratio, which is the relationship between the side wall and the tread width. Now, this tread width measures about 14.5 inches across and the side wall is about six inches tall to give us an aspect ratio of about 40%. Now, with a shorter aspect ratio, you're gonna get a stiffer side wall, less flex and more precise handling.

Now, here's what we mean by technology transfer. This is a Firestone sc 50.

Notice how its tread design borrows heavily from the race tire.

Although for street applications, the shoulders here have been rounded. Now you'll notice over here that has different size blocks, these help eliminate tread rumble, give you a quieter ride.

Another cue lifted directly from the race tire is the shortened side wall. Now,

this one also has a 40 aspect ratio, which is the second number listed in the tire sizing guide on each tire. Now, this one is a 2 85 40

ZR 17, which means it has 285 millimeters of tread width. A 40 aspect ratio

Z is the speed rating

R stands for radial construction and of course 17. Well, that's the rim diameter.

We're gonna see what a simple swap of tires and rims does for the appearance and attitude of the Z 28.

In fact, we'll see what it looks like with plus one plus two and plus three combinations

we got from our friends at the tire rack

right now, it's wearing the original 15 by seven steel spoke rims with a set of 2 45 60 radials.

First is a 16 by seven barbet wheel with 2 25 55 ZR 16 rubber.

Next a 17 inch rim mounting 2 55 2 8540 rubber. The shorter side walls, aggressive appearance is matched by better handling.

Finally, the 18 inch hoops with 2 45 42 7535 tires, a serious fashion statement and you'll be able to cut corners with the best of them.

So there you have it one sure way to get better handling and obviously better look. Yeah, it's the best of both worlds. But don't you go away, we'll be right back with hot parts. You ever think about retiring

and now hot parts brought to you by car parts.com, everything for your car, truck van or SUV,

since we're into racing today. Well, here's a great way to protect your cranial cavity.

Simpson offers a wide variety of helmets in both open and closed configurations. Plus they all meet the latest safety specs. Now with prices starting at under $200 I gotta tell you, it's a terrific way to use your head and keep it safe

at the same time.

Now, if you're the kind that just has to have one belt for the road, this is one you ought to have it's a five point belt and harness from RJ S racing equipment

available with either Robar or floor mounts. Now, they all have quick releases. They come in a variety of colors and the only green you'll need is about 60 bucks for a set.

Well, here's something for you. Racing fans from racing radios. This handy backpack features a detachable seat cushion and on the inside. Well, we've got a unit and scanner that monitors over 100 channels plus to make listening to the pit side action even easier.

They include this high quality headset.

Now, if you get the whole package, you also get a free membership in the fan scan frequency club that'll keep you up to date on all the latest race team frequencies. So you can stay in tune for about $300 and don't forget to tune into this next week.

We

kick off a retro street ride projected

at the body and chassis shop. Then in our shop as we start a build up on a cool three window, 32 coup from suspension and brakes

to dumbing up the engine and trams.

We'll also take you to one of the nation's premier rod runs. Shades of the past in the Smoky Mountains featuring thousands of the finest 49 and older street rides.

And remember high performance fun is what this show is all about.

Hey man, what track you tuned into there? Uh Rockingham. That's right. I'm rocking

a

in.

You don't have to run the red line

for information about the products used in today's show and more. Check us out online at Horsepower tv.com

Horsepower TV is an RTM production.