On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
A Mopar from a junkyard

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Five cans of brake clean
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Six cylinders firing
Five cans of brake clean
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Seven hose clamps leaking
Six cylinders firing
Five cans of brake clean
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard
 
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Eight spark plugs fouling
Seven hose clamps leaking
Six cylinders firing
Five cans of brake clean
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard


On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Nine fuses popping
Eight spark plugs fouling
Seven hose clamps leaking
Six cylinders firing
Five cans of brake clean
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard


On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Ten bolts breaking
Nine fuses popping
Eight spark plugs fouling
Seven hose clamps leaking
Six cylinders firing
Five cans of brake clean
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard

​​
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Eleven zip ties holding  
Ten bolts breaking
Nine fuses popping
Eight spark plugs fouling
Seven hose clamps leaking
Six cylinders firing
Five cans of brake clean
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Twelve months of wrenching
Eleven zip ties holding  
Ten bolts breaking
Nine fuses popping
Eight spark plugs fouling
Seven hose clamps leaking
Six cylinders firing
Five cans of brake clean
Four balding tires
Three burned valves
Two stuck floats and
A Mopar from a junkyard

The holidays are upon us and it’s time clue relatives in to what our fuel-pumping hearts desire, or perhaps you are seeking a useful item for a car guy or gal who seems to have everything they need. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Brace yourself because you are in for a massive list that will get any automotive enthusiast’s heart racing. Don’t worry, the beginning of the list may seem daunting, but it’s in order from highest to lowest. The more you scroll, the easier it gets.
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$300-$200

MaxTrax traction mats have been proven in the world’s toughest off-road events and expeditions as the safe, quick and easy method for sand, mud, slush and snow vehicle recovery. Starting at $299.99 per set of two, this is the perfect gift for the off-road addict.

The Craftsman 299-Piece socket set  is the ultimate package for the wrencher who needs to expand their tool selection. It includes inch and metric sizes in standard and deep lengths, for 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive sizes. It’s a great feeling to have every imaginable socket at your fingertips covered by a lifetime warranty, and it’s on sale at Sears for $289.99

VIAR portable air compressors: Onboard air is a necessity for vehicles harboring air lockers or an air suspension system, but it is also great to have one in the case of an emergency, especially for off-road vehicles that need frequent PSI adjustments according to trail conditions. An ultra-light duty version is available for $129.99 or medium-duty for $259.99.
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The Victor Technologies torch kit is an excellent addition to any fabricator’s garage. It has ability to cut metal up to 8” thick or a 3/4” wide swath. Welds can be made up to 1/8” wide or 3” deep. This medium-duty portable cutting torch has everything included for most cutting, welding, and brazing jobs for $237.99.
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$200-$100

Eastwood hydraulic wheel dollies are great for the multi-vehicle owner, or for those who store their cars for the winter. It’s also great for anyone with limited storage space and a need to move vehicles around on a regular basis. A pair can be purchased for $199.99 on Jegs.com, but if two pairs are bought, that will get all four wheels off the ground.

CoverCraft  makes the highest quality car covers, hands down. Corners are never cut when it comes to quality and craftsmanship. You get what you pay for; prices start at $192.

The Precision Instruments torque wrench offers refined quality for the mechanic who needs an upgrade. Its range meter allows for expert precision. However, if the $152.97 price tag is too high, keep scrolling down for a basic torque wrench for under $50.

Viking Tow Ropes are a thoughtful gift for the off-road enthusiast. These ropes stretch by another 30% at breaking point as opposed to standard straps that immediately give up. A high degree of elasticity makes for reliable vehicle recovery. Prices start at $127.58.
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AutoGeek’s complete microfiber kit is a welcome addition to any garage. Though the towels are multipurpose, microfibers are among the softest, safest fabric for vehicle detailing. The complete kit is $119.95.
​
$100-$50

For $99.99, the Complete Car Care Kit allows car owners to embrace their paint perfecting OCD and detail vehicles to a glossy, buttery sheen. Yes, there is such a thing as “buttery wet wax” and yes, it’s as pleasant as it sounds, and it’s at ChemicalGuys.com.  

The BlueDriver Bluetooth OBDII Scanner was developed by licensed and certified professional Apple and Android Engineers. Its ease of use is similar to a code reader, but it has all the capabilities of an expensive handheld scan tool, plus the benefits of using it with a smartphone or tablet.  Considering the free app updates, portability, data storage, and troubleshooting capabilities, $99.95 is a small price to pay.
​
Every garage needs a heavy-duty floor jack . A bulletproof three-ton low-profile jack can be found for $95.99 at Harbor Freight.

Crescent 170-Piece Mechanics Tool Set: For $85, you’re getting all the essential components to working on vehicles. The kit includes various sized ratchets and sockets (deep and shallow), adjustable pliers, adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, screwdriver bits, hex wrenches, and socket extensions. Best of all, it’s wrapped in a nice package that’s perfect carry the trunk.

The Aickar 800A compact jump starter can start any gas engine or up to 4.5-liter diesel engines up to 30 times on a single charge. It reaches an 800-amp peak current and doubles as a power bank for a smartphone, all for $79.96.

The OBD performance gauge by Ultra Gauge measures performance, assesses engine parameters and troubleshoots codes.  It’s an important tool to have for engine monitoring. The purpose-built wired version is $79.95

An under hood work light is handy for late night tinkering. It’s not just for clamping across the hood; it easily props up on pavement for working under the car or clamps to shelving over a workbench. This one is on sale now for $69.99 from Jegs.com.

Yep, Forza Motorsport 7  made the list. After all, motoring fanatics still need something to do when the weather doesn’t allow for outside playtime. Starting at $59.99 for the standard edition, this is the most realistic, full-featured simulator made for the Xbox One console. Or for the same price, Gran Turismo Sport is the popular edge-of-the-seat game for car nuts with a Playstation 4.
​
Fire extinguishers are the best weapon against flames and should be mounted in cars, garages, and home closets and cupboards. The 2.5-lb H3R Performance MaxOut extinguisher is rated for A, B, and C fires and is $59.97 from Summit Racing.

The Griots Ultimate Interior Kit has everything needed to keep a vehicle’s interior clean and fresh for $56.99.

Everyone gets tired of outdoor crust lodging itself under cheap floor mats. WeatherTech floor liners are laser measured for a perfect fit, which keeps debris, mud and slush in the liner where it belongs. Prices start at $54.95 for universal mats. Prices vary for custom mats, but it’s highly recommended.

$50-$25

This 90-piece emergency roadside kit  keeps your loved ones safe when on the road for just $49.95 on Amazon.com.

​The TEKTON torque wrench is the toned down version of the one listed above. Every single garage needs some form of torque wrench. This one does the job and retails for $44.97.

A Deltran Battery Tender is choice for those who store any vehicles for a period of time. Safe to use and Spark proof, the junior 12V charger is just $39.95.

Detail King cleaning brushes  are made to immaculate every square inch of a vehicle’s interior and exterior, even the most hidden cracks and crevices. The supreme detail kit is sold for $36.95.
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Bionic Driving Gloves aren’t just for style (although it helps). These gloves are meant for those who thoroughly enjoy driving. Driving gloves offer optimum grip and control, reduces hand fatigue, and preserves the steering wheel. Men’s and Women’s sizes start at $34.99.

Spectra Automotive offers a reusable drop in air filter  that allow for better performance in any vehicle. Prices start at around $30, but are dependent upon the vehicle’s year, make and model.

A GearWrench 10mm Socket Kit will cure the notorious missing 10mm socket woes. It includes flex, deep, mid-length, standard and magnetic 10mm sockets for $27.77 on Amazon.com.

$25 and Under

Microfiber cloths were mentioned previously, but here’s another plush set worth considering: The Gold Plush Microfiber Combo from Pinnaclewax.com includes two large and two extra-large towels for $24.99.

The JEGS Performance deluxe tire pressure gauge measures tire pressure accurately with the easy-to-read white-faced scale. At the time of this writing, it was on sale for $15.99 on Jegs.com, original price $19.99.

Valve View is a great gadget for the avid welder. It simply snaps onto the welding gas cylinder valves so you can make sure its turned off from across the room. It prevents the loss of expensive gas by saving money at a glance for just $19.95.

Custom shift knobs  are a fun gift for the hot rodder you know best. American Shifter offers a huge variety starting at $19.95.

Fender covers protect paint from spills, scratches and scars that could be incurred while working under the hood.  This Craftsman fender cover is just $16.99 from Sears.

For those who spend extra time purifying their vehicle’s paint, the Mother’s Clay Bar Kit will help that process along. For $15.37 on Amazon.com, the kit helps grab impurities out of the paint for a flawless shine.

Work gloves are a consistent need. Even if it’s an extra pair, it’s accepted with gratitude.  Mechanix Work Gloves are rugged and comfortable, and a pair can be purchased for $15.

An Adam’s Polishes’ glass cleaning towel isn’t your average towel. It’s a promise of finally reaching that seemingly unobtainable streak-free shine, starting at $14.99 for a two-pack.

Keychain gadgets with designs ranging from mini pistons and tiny turbos to nano-scale NOS bottles and pinky finger size full-face helmets make great stocking stuffers. A Christmas tree is certain to represent your holiday spirit.

Notable Randoms

Those who wrench tend to wear through clothes, so it’s a good thing T-shirts can be purchased for around $25, give or take.  BlipShift.com and EnthusiastApparel.com make great enthusiast apparel. ShopRoadkill.com is perfect for the DIY wrencher.  HardTuned.com  tailors their threads from scratch for those who cannot resist Tuner cars. WrenchWear.com for men’s hot rod and muscle car shirts. CarChix.com hooks car gals up with a variety of quality clothing and accessories.

​Magazine subscriptions such as publications from The Hot Rod Network , Four Wheeler and DSport Magazine are gifts that keep on giving through the year. There’s nothing that quite matches up to the feeling of turning crisp, glossy pages by hand, even in our bright digital world.

Authentic license plates make a unique gift, but can be tricky. Finding the desired year and issued state may take some research on your part because certain years are near impossible to find. Good places to start looking include Tim’s Plate Store, Mad Max’s Authentic Plates (for Michigan residents), eBay, and various swap meets. Anyone who has an old car, even if they don’t use the plate, will still love it for wall decor.
 
 
 

It all started in 2010 with Loveland’s daily driver and shop car, a 1991 Acura NSX. By 2012, it was racing up Pikes Peak in mostly-stock form, aside from the massive wings added for aero power. He raced up the hill at full throttle, his knuckles white for good reason: On the second practice day, the NSX flew off of the hill at 60-mph. Loveland and team rebuilt it in 24-hours, just in time to finish the race. The team earned second place on the podium. 

The car officially earned the “Enviate” alias in 2013.  Being built from an NSX with a V-8 engine, the name is rather brilliant.  “If you combine ‘NSX’ and ‘V-8’ you get ‘N-V-8’,” Loveland explained. “All spelled out, it is the E-n-v-i-a-t-e.”  
​
 “The main goal was to drop as much weight as possible from the original 2,500-lbs.,” Loveland said. He achieved this goal and shed 200-lbs worth of metal by building frame using 1 3/8” chromoly tube. Carbon fiber was used for the body panels, and power was supplied by an LS1.  ​

The build was wrapped up in time for the 2013 Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, but it didn’t live long. After the whipping around the first corner, then hitting 80-plus-mph, the car had a mechanical failure and veered into a wall of boulders. Luckily, right before it was engulfed in flames, Loveland made it out unscathed.  

 (Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXzWPDfGrYU) 
​
Even despite the large loss, Loveland didn’t flinch: the team went right back the drawing board, and this time it was a complete rebuild. “Now it has more power, is expertly aerodynamic, and the overall weight more competitive at 2,050-lbs.,” boasted Loveland. ​

​The Enviate’s featherweight carbon fiber body was paired with enough aero to create four-tons of downforce at 150-mph, and the suspension was built to handle the weight. This combined with a twin-turbo V-8 is the perfect recipe for an unstoppable mountain-eating machine. Loveland’s goal for an eight-minute run up Pikes Peak isn’t farfetched, but the angry mountain can be unforgiving.  The team is hoping to send the car up slope in 2017.

​ 
Dodge teamed up with Roadkill for the second consecutive year to bring legal street racing back to Woodward Ave. in Pontiac, Michigan. Because of their mutual desire to fuel the hobby, Dodge and Roadkill are the perfect pair to organize such a massive event, and with the recent Dodge Demon release, the bar was set even higher.  Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Dodge, was present to rev up some gnarly burnouts.

​Roadkill Nights stepped it up even more for 2017 by bringing NHRA Fuel cars to shred rubber on Woodward Ave. Leah Pritchett made an appearance to jet down the strip with an 11,000-hp NHRA Top Fuel dragster, while Matt Hagan rattled ear drums in a Nitro Funnycar. The insane horsepower released by these cars made for a full billowing wall of smoke all the way down the strip.

​During a celebrity showdown Roadkill’s David Freiburger, Mike Finnegan, and Lucky Costa, The House of Muscle’s Mike Musto, Hot Rod Garage’s Tony Angelo, Overhaulin’s Chris Jacobs, and the NHRA’s Leah Pritchett and Matt Hagan burned rubber down the strip driving Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats. Tony Angelo and Matt Hagan split the winnings.

​Every vehicle entered to race in Roadkill Nights is street legal, which makes these low-seven to six-second cars even more impressive. Racing down Woodward Ave. can be a bit scary for these high-powered monsters. Despite the prep team’s hard work, the Avenue’s pavement is mostly unprepared when compared to an official drag strip. The lanes are narrow, and the caulked cracks and random pebbles dislodged from the asphalt are cause for a case of the jitters.
 
Tom Bailey won last year’s Roadkill Nights competition and this year he didn’t hesitate to come back for more. His 1969 Chevrolet Camaro was named HOT ROD’s fastest street car in America during Drag Week 2013. It was the first car to run in the 6's for 5 days straight. Bailey earned the record for the fastest pass in drag week history at 217MPH, which also earned him the quickest pass for a street driven car at 6.70-seconds.

​Drag Week racer Joe Barry made an appearance with his twin-turbo 2,600-hp 1956 Chevrolet 210 powered by an aluminum 598-cid Dart big-block. This car is special in that Joe maintained the appearance of a Chevy 210 Super Coupe while applying the modifications that allow it to plunge ahead at over 200-mph.

​Another familiar face from HOT ROD Drag Week is Bryant Goldstone driving his 2,500-hp 1973 AMC Javelin. He’s a close competitor to Tom Bailey and was last year’s second place winner at Roadkill Nights.  Had the event not been rained out, he may have walked away with the win this year.

​There is something for everyone to love at Roadkill Nights, and if you are a fan of the show, being present at this event is almost like being in an episode. The wide variety of vehicles and modifications sets off the Roadkill vibe in a race what you brought fashion.

​Technically, those who did attend this year’s event were a part of a Roadkill episode. After gutting Mike Finnegan’s engine and throwing the parts in a new aluminum block, and then solving transmission woes caused by installing a clutch disc backwards (#becauseroadkill), David Freiburger and Finnegan went head-to-head down the strip. Despite lightening the load on Finnegan’s gasser, Freiburger still came out on top, having owned his 1970 Dodge Super Bee for 15 years. Blasphemi was described as being “eerily quick” and it will be interesting to see what it can really do during this year’s Drag Week.

​We mentioned a wide variety of vehicles, and that’s exactly what we captured. Take a look through the Roadkill Nights Gallery for some of the biggest burnouts witnessed during Roadkill Nights.

At first glance, the Subaru Legacy GT Spec B looks like any other Legacy GT, but look a little closer and you will find a practical mid-size family sedan that allows any car nut to be discreet about their love of torque and horsepower. It is a Subaru WRX STI for grownups and is capable of 243 horsepower backed by 241 lb.-ft. of torque.
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Only 500 of the special edition super sleepers rolled off the assembly line in 2006, each one displaying a badge of honor with its production number located on the center console just below the shifter. This rare trim level was only available in titanium silver metallic with brick red leather seats, and it included every option the base Legacy had to offer. Also included was a five-speed manual transmission and handsome 18” alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. Stability control was by the WRX STI’s Bilstien gas-charged shocks, inverted struts, and stiffened springs all around. For power, the Spec B was equipped with the STI 2.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled aluminum alloy twin-cam, 16-valve flat-four engine. The car also had a dual mass flywheel for smooth shifting.

In 2007, the car became a regular production model and the badges were removed, however only 432 examples were ordered. Diamond grey metallic over black leather was the only color option for 2007, whereas multiple colors were available for 2008- ’09: Quartz silver metallic, diamond grey metallic, obsidian black pearl, satin pearl white, and ruby red pearl. Production numbers are disputed for 2008 and 2009, but the estimates are 767 and 167, respectively. Beginning in 2007, the Spec B was equipped with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, a six-speed manual transmission and the SI-Drive system which offered three alternative modes: Intelligent, which dials back horsepower for better fuel economy; Sport, which opens the engine up to peak performance; and Sport Sharp, which opens the throttle even faster for rapid engine response.

It’s a drive to experience. The clutch keeps your left leg toned as the forceful torque pushes the sides of your lips into an upwards grin, and the turbo spool sings loudly — music to your ears. When cruising past authorities, they rarely bat an eye: For all they know it’s just another Legacy. This is one road machine that makes even the most dead cold winters incredibly lively.

Any year of Spec B is a solid investment, provided you can find an unmolested (or expertly modified) well-maintained example. Those who cry out about head gaskets are only drinking the internet hateraide: All aging vehicles require regular maintenance and quality motor oil, but unfortunately not every owner commits to the upkeep. Anyone who drives high-performance vehicles knows of the risks, mechanical or otherwise, but this risk is lowered when a company known for reliability and safety is chosen.

There is an active community of Subaru enthusiasts for any support you may need, parts are plentiful and it’s easy to work on. What’s more to love? The Subaru Spec B is sophisticated with a hidden naughty side — the perfect road trip partner.

(Or, you might be a gearhead if...)
By Tara Hurlin

Nothing builds character like time in the garage, and if you have an automotive addiction there is more than one way to make the symptoms subside. Symptoms include (but are not limited to): fidgety hands while couch-surfing and watching the races, feeling a rush of excitement when the UPS van slows down by your house, and envisioning the “Christmas tree” lights from the dragstrip as you anxiously wait for the traffic light to turn green.
​
The cures? Wrenching in the garage, looking for your next project, breathing in the smells of spent race gas at the track and burning rubber. How bad do you have the bug? Well, that depends on how many of the observations listed below relate to you, and how many you can come up with on your own! The fact that you are even reading this gives clues towards your gearheadism, so lets get down to the details...

You know you are a gearhead if...

1.    You have many homes: your garage, the junkyard and your favorite local parts store.

2.    You get a sentimental feeling after drawing first blood on a new project.

3.    You have so much grease under your fingernails, you could grease a wheel bearing. And your idea of a manicure is trimming nails as far back as they can go to get rid of the grime (especially you, ladies).

4.    You go out to your garage regularly just to switch on the lights and make sure everyone is ok, especially during the winter.

5.    You don’t get sunburned thanks to the layers of oil and grease permanently absorbed into your skin.

6.    You rarely — if ever — take your vehicle to a shop, whether it be because you don’t want to hand off your problems to the mechanic, or due to the supreme sense of pride achieved only by completing a repair yourself.

7.    Ham and cheese sandwiches with a side of grease finger prints is a normal lunch.

8.    Your biggest challenge inside of your home is figuring out where to store all of those car magazines.

9.    Conversations are frequently paused to catch a glimpse of what made that sensational rumbling noise, and then you continue to talk as if nothing happened.

10.    You never notice when other gearheads quit talking to see what passed by.

11.    Home décor consists of automobilia on the walls, camshafts for towel holders, old headlights for wall lamps and a tailgate as a fold-out bench.

12.    Only the garage walls know the extent of your full vocabulary. 

13.    Your fingers lack the consistent fingerprint patterns, and it isn’t due to criminal intentions.

14.    You own multiple floor jacks and four of each size of jackstand.

15.    The feeling of fresh cash in your hand still doesn’t beat the feeling of sitting in your new baby and going for the first drive.

16.    Your neighbor’s alarm clock is your car’s engine starting in the morning, and their bed time is when the garage door closes.

17.    After seeing your buddy’s huge, immaculate shop, you feel a bit inadequate, but couldn’t help but notice all his extra space...

18.    Your daily routine begins with checking local ads for cars and parts, even if you technically don’t have the cash.

19.    Your kitchen oven doubles as a paint curer.

20.    You spend Sunday watching Motortrend or other related videos, and when you go to work on Monday morning, you get confused when your coworker says, “How about those Wildcats?” Buicks? What?

21.    Not having enough space to store all your parts is a deal-breaker while house-hunting. Those upscale neighborhoods with strict zoning laws are made to ward off people like us.

22.    Several torched and bent wrenches modified to reach “that one bolt” are found in your tool chest, and you keep them all just in case you encounter “that one bolt” again.

23.    Your engine stands and hoists are decorated with multiple colors of overspray.

24.    The pattern throughout driveway makes it look like a transmission and oil pan slaughterhouse, and the old lady across the street complained about something called “curb appeal value”. 

25.    You have chosen four wheels over a relationship, because let’s face it, if they don’t understand your love of cars they will never understand you.

26.    There are jars upon jars of old rusted spare nuts and bolts that you keep around to “use someday,” yet you go to the store to buy new instead of spending an hour searching for the right thread.

27.    You identify people by the vehicles they drive instead of their names.

28.    There is a mound of yellow Jegs hats collecting dust on your shelves.

29.    Even if you don’t have the means to work on your own car (or even own one), you still snap your head around to see the source of that burbling exhaust, go to car shows to immerse yourself in the culture, or spend your weekends watching races, you just might be a gearhead. 

30.    If you brainstorm a list of 30 ways to distinguish gearheads from the rest of the population by reciting them out loud (and laughing accordingly) during an early-morning shower, you clearly are a gearhead.

By Tara Hurlin
 
Anticipation for a favorite event can leave any car nut squirming in their seat, and there is one event that makes thousands of collector car owners feel the excitement — even several months in advance. It’s the annual Hot Rod Power Tour, and the event kicked off its 22nd year on June 11, beginning in Gonzales, Louisiana and ending in Kansas City, Kansas on June 17. The Hot Rod Power Tour has accomplished over two-decades of tours and thousands of miles driven, and without the countless dedicated car nuts in attendance the tour wouldn’t have lasted this long. Here, we pay tribute to those dedicated to the event by sharing just a few of the hundreds of stories about the builds that were assembled with the event in mind, and completed just in the nick of time for the long haul.
 
Richard Johnson from Dallas Texas wrote:
 
In 2001, a week before the Hot Rod Power Tour, I swapped the axle’s 4.10 gears for 3.50s to make the tour in my 1978 Chevrolet Malibu. I had just started dating a girl who was cool with my car addiction, and she was almost excited as I was to go. After I made the gear swap, the hand-me-down 406-cid engine started making some ugly noises, and there was no way to make the full 1800-mile trip safely. I had been collecting parts to build a 383-cid engine, but I still needed a block, machine work and some odds and ends.
 
At first I was just going to give up and go next year. But something in the back of my mind said, “You still have 4 1/2 days — you can do it.”
 
I found a Chevy 010 350-cid block, and as luck had it, I also found a machine shop that said they could turn it around in two days. We had to leave Dallas, Texas early Saturday morning.  I didn’t get the block back until 5 p.m. on Thursday. I had built a few motors by then, but this was my first real performance build. I was trying to go as fast as I could without making a mistake. I made a few, but they were caught before it got bad. Somehow I was breaking in the cam by 7 p.m. on Friday and I made a quick 40-mile shakedown trip that night.
 
We left the next morning for the Long Haul and had a blast with no surprises or breakdowns. I am sad to say I no longer have the Malibu, but that girl has now been my bride for the last 13 years, and she never says a word when a stray follows me home on a trailer —and that happens a lot!
 
 
Kirstin Stone and Ryan Daniels from Riverside, Cali., wrote:
Project OldsmoPILE started as a cheap buy; it is a 1982 Cutlass Supreme that was supposed to be for drag racing, but it never got that far.  She usually just sat, but made the occasional trip to the Irwindale Dragstrip where she cut decent times. The car isn’t much of a looker, but when we needed to choose a car to take on Power Tour, there was no doubt that this was the car we would take.
 
Currently the car is powered by a 6.0L LS3, a Ford Mustang 8.8 rear-end and a TH35 transmission — all from the junkyard. She’s like the junkyard bride of Frankenstein! We installed Gibson GP135S headers, and while I’m thrilled with that open header sound, I’m was told it’s not feasible for a 5,000-mile trip.  We were headed over to the neighborhood muffler shop when a wiring issue reared its ugly head, so we pulled off into a random parking lot to troubleshoot.  It wound up being a crank sensor wiring issue, so thankfully it was totally unrelated to the header install, but we didn’t make it to the shop. We also found an issue with the old steering box — tons of play and really tough turning —so later we found yet another junkyard replacement.
 
With two weeks left to go, we got cracking on the bodywork —sand, apply Bondo and repeat. Every morning’s breakfast was coffee with a side of Bondo dust. Aside from the body work, a new intake was installed.  We went with the Texas Speed and Performance LS3 intake; it fit easily with no issues, and it looks awesome. Cleaning up the car’s wiring was a different story; tons of crimped connections and loose wires hanging everywhere made it a major project — Solder, heat-shrink and repeat.  At the same time, the valve cover gaskets were replaced, and the valves were torqued to spec. We quickly became experts at multitasking through this build.
 
There was a point where the momentum stopped completely; while the intake fit perfectly, the fuel rails did not.  The fitting on the front of the driver-side rail was hitting the alternator bracket, and with it being 4 p.m. on a Saturday with us needing a special fitting, we had a bit of a mission on our hands. We tried Ace hardware as a last resort, but all we got was blank stares.  Then we remembered J&M Speed Center was here in town, and after a phone call, we had about 10 minutes to get there before closing time.  Walking into J&M was a great reminder on why hobbyists should support their good old-fashioned local speed shops; it’s so convenient and there is so much knowledge behind the counter. 
 
After that, with Red Bulls in hand, we got back to work.  The rest of the intake install was perfect, and then it was back to sanding and Bondo.  There were a couple days where we were sanding until about 10:30 p.m. with music bumping out of the garage.  It’s a strange realization when it dawns on you that you’ve become “those” neighbors.  Even I would have peered through the blinds and muttered something about the weird neighbors with the rough-looking Cutlass.
 
Once the body prep work was complete, an Estopp emergency brake and a Delta Camshaft were installed, then the car headed over to Gibson for a muffler. Once we returned, we had to drop the transmission to replace busted converter bolts. After this, and the car got painted and its rear-end was rebuilt.
 
It has been tough to get this much work done this quickly, and unlike lots of other builders, both of us have full-time jobs that keep us busy all week.  Now 10 days away from the tour, the Olds is running great now and we are buttoning up the last few things. We anticipate quarter mile passes in the mid elevens, and come hell or high water, we will finish the long haul!
 
Travis Kapparos from Dubuque, Iowa wrote:
 
For the 2015 Power Tour I committed to completing two vehicles: a 2013 F150 FX2 Super Truck and a 1993 Ford Mustang GT. The truck will be our shop truck while the Mustang belongs to a guy who is helping out around the shop in trade for a new paint job.
 
We bought the F150 FX2 as a wrecked truck from a sale in Houston, Texas a few months ago. We immediately took it all apart down to the frame and got rid of all the front struts and rear leaf springs. The front suspension was custom-made using Ridetech shock waves, and a custom-built triangulated four-link was installed in the rear with standard airbags and Ridetech shocks. We shaved all the factory emblems, the factory body lines in the tailgate and all of the door handles, then relocated the rear handle to the inside of tailgate. The driver and passenger doors are opened using an invisible switch system from UltraTouch, and the door opens automatically by touching the front mirror or rear window. The truck is getting a new hood, front fascia cover, and a lower-splitter and rocker extensions, all from Striker Trucks. The rims and tires are new from Black Rhino and measure 22 by 9 1/2 inches. Although the original design was to include a super charger to help it down the road, we couldn't make a final decision on which system to go with, so that modification is on hold. The color is being changed from the boring old grey to an older Ford color called Radiant Red with 10-inch white race stripes across the length of the truck and bed cover. Lastly, a bed rug is being installed to beautify the inside of the box.
 
As far as the 1993 Mustang GT, it was put in storage at the end of last year due to broken parts inside the transmission, so the owner, Ryan, had all winter to plan an attack. It came out of storage with a list of things to do about five weeks before the tour. The transmission immediately came out for repair. The motor also came out for some changes: GT40 heads, explorer intakes, power pipe, a new cam and lifters, fuel injectors, 373 gears in the rear, a new fuel pump and brand new paint. The interior needs a lot of work, but that will have to wait until after the tour.
 
As soon as we figure out why the Mustang won't start with the new injectors, we can continue the assembly, and as soon as the rest of my parts show up we can complete the F150, all within 10 days before the tour. I always say I love a challenge, so why not two?
 
 
Nathan Buck from Skillman, New Jersey wrote:
 
I have a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle two-door wagon that I built on a low budget back in 1989.  It had a tired 350 engine, but was reliable.  I took this car on the Hot Rod Power Tour in 1999 with my dad, who was 69 years young at the time.
 
In 2006, my son was turning 13 and we always did stuff together.  That year, the Hot Rod Power Tour ended in central Jersey, so I decided to pull him out of school for the week and make it a father/son event.  I involved him in some of the build decisions and he would go with me to get parts.  We built a new 383-cid Stroker engine and put in a four-speed transmission. I installed a new stereo, amp and subwoofer.  We changed the belts and hoses and I ordered a new aluminum radiator online. 
 
The radiator came about two weeks before the tour started.  I put it in as soon as I got it, but found a pinhole leak in one of the side tanks.  I contacted the guy and explained the urgency and he said he could fix it in time.  I sent it out and waited anxiously. The radiator came back two days before my departure for the tour.  Because of the radiator delays, I had no miles on the new engine, which is not a real confidence builder — sometimes it takes a week or two to shake the bugs out of a new driveline install.  I threw it in and drove the car back and forth to work twice before leaving for the tour. 
 
On the day we left for Hot Rod Power Tour, I didn’t even make it out of Jersey before a problem occurred.  I quickly found out that playing music at high volumes with a 1000-watt amplifier and 12-inch subwoofer — in an attempt to overcome the road noise of an old car driving at highway speeds — confuses the little regulator inside the alternator.  The radio shut off from excessive voltage and the amp gauge was pegged at 60, concerningly high for a 35-amp alternator.  I pulled over, unplugged the alternator, and continued to drive a few more hours to our lunch stop.  From there I bought a replacement alternator and we were on our way with no additional issues.  The tour was great, and at one point the tour’s camera crew pulled us and two other cars over for the five seconds of fame picture.  We won a Flowmaster exhaust system and made a lot of great memories!
 
Today, my son is in 22 and now in the police academy.  This time together and the whole experience was a momentous event in our lives, and that week of school he missed has not set him back at all.
 
Do you have a Hot Rod Power Tour story to share? Click here to share your road trip experience. Whether it is about your build, breakdowns and repairs during the tour, or just your overall personal experience, we want to hear it! 

By Tara Hurlin
 
Cars are an enormous part of my life. They are my livelihood, my passion and my love. They give me joy, a reason to smile and an outlet when I need a break from day-to-day dramas. Nothing makes me giggle like hearing a car’s engine backfire or the blow-off valve flutter. And the EPA wants to take it all away.
 
For those who haven’t “heard” from the various posts being shared on social media outlets, the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), has stepped far beyond their general environmental knowledge and into the realms of automotive culture, to threaten to take away millions – yes millions – of American Citizen’s rights to drive the cars they love, all based upon their misguided beliefs. If this is new news to you, I encourage you to do all of the research you possibly can, because there may come a time when the automotive hobby and industry will need to fight back.
 
Racecars are a rich and intricate part of American history. They have saved lives and kept people out of trouble. They have raised money for thousands of charities and have inspired people who come upon hard times to hang in there and keep building their cars, in turn contributing to society. For some, it is all that they live for and all that they have to look forward to.
 
If it wasn't for the hobby and passion for performance modifications, my husband may have never been my husband; he might not have even lived. Emotional and mental stability are an intricate piece to the puzzle while trying to heal your body from overcoming traumas and heavy treatments for cancer throughout your childhood. He spent countless hours modifying vehicles while other kids were out getting into trouble, or worse. The cars were his constant in life – his saving grace.  
 
Ryan Thompson, president of Thompson Racing, says “I was born into the automotive world; my dad was career mechanic. It’s something that I greatly enjoy doing, and it is also a constructive outlet for adrenaline junkies to get their fix of excitement. Much of my time growing up was spent working so I could afford playing with cars, and when I wasn’t at my job, I was actively building and driving them. For the most part, that trend continues to this day.” 
 
Dylan Helferich, a rally car driver for the Relentless Rally Team, talks about how these cars have had such a positive impact on his life; “Everything in my life is handled by getting behind the wheel or picking up a wrench, whether it is pets being put down, break ups or any other hardships. Competing in rally demands full focus, so it keeps your mind from wandering to those places you don't want it to go. When my friend Matt Marker passed away during a competition, it did not deter me from my passion, it only pushed me closer. Building and racing cars kept me closer to him even though he was no longer there, and because of this I offer an open invite to anyone interested in the automotive racing world to participate in any of my builds or on my team, to spread that same motivation and way of release.”
 
Cody Loveland of Lovefab, Inc. and Affinity Aero, LLC., has proudly built his life around the aftermarket racing industry, and he states, “Having made a living from the industry since 2002, this legislation will potentially crush the business that I dedicated my entire life to, and in turn it would diminish my family’s income, putting our livelihood in jeopardy. The racing world is a minute percentage of pollutants compared to more easily obtainable and cost-effective regulation alternatives that won’t shatter lives, hopes and dreams.”
 
Christopher Post, a dedicated teacher, IT consultant and part-time administrator, says the automotive world is his outlet; “It's hard to put into words because it is so central to how I encourage myself to stay positive - it’s the only thing I look forward to that belongs purely to me.  Cars are my passion and energize me for the incredible amount of work and love I pour into my school and family, but I can't afford even a remotely new Porsche or other high-performance car because I have an idealistic job. Instead, I have to transform inexpensive cars into experiential performance machines. When I am at the race track, all of my worries and stress evaporate and I remember who I am individually, and then I am ready to serve others again.”
 
Amy Holbrook, a hot rod builder, says that her entire family bonds through their love of custom cars, “Our cars and builds keep our family going; it gives us all something to look forward to — it is our legacy. It teaches our son about hard work and responsibility and it keeps our minds busy thinking of new ideas.”
 
The law has always stated that any tampering with federally mandated emissions controls on street-driven cars is illegal, but now the EPA is proposing to encompass any vehicle that is not driven on the road. This means that any manufacturer that produces performance parts that do not meet emissions regulations could potentially be put out of business completely, in turn affecting the entire hobby as a whole. The EPA maintains broad abilities to make laws and serves directly through the discretion of the President of the United States, but they have limited ability to enforce the set laws. Manufacturing companies are at the highest risk, but in turn, so is any off-road hobby, whether racecars, snowmobiles, overlanding vehicles or dirt track vehicles.
 
The EPA may not be taking away our rights to enjoy our hobby at this given moment, but modified vehicles are the low-hanging fruit that is easy to pick, even though motorists in this niche of the hobby are more environmentally conscious than, let’s say, lithium-ion battery production companies, bottled water companies, and who could forget Monsanto, the company that thinks it is ok to put poison into the earth and into food we eat.
 
Cars are our life and an intricate piece of America's history, and passing this needless law will endlessly destroy the lives of good people — it has the potential to take away thousands, if not millions, of jobs. Turning American Citizen’s lives upside-down is not the answer to environmental issues, there are much, much larger environmental problems at hand.

As passionate automotive enthusiasts, it is our job to get the word out and educate other hobbyists about any legislations against the Automotive Industry.

On January 29-31, 2016, fourty-two hoonigans and their dedicated co-drivers gathered in Atlanta, Michigan to plow through one of the most difficult rallies of the year: Sno* Drift. Proudly staged by Rally America, it has been the annual season opening event in the National Championship Series since 1973.
 
It’s an extremely challenging event and the conditions are unpredictable at best. No matter what the weather calls for  — billowing fluffy snow, white-out conditions, or slush and ice —  studded tires are not allowed, even in the worst of weather conditions. The 130-mile course demands full concentration from every driver and co-driver, no matter how experienced they may be, and sliding into a snowbank is almost guaranteed.
 
Fortunately, 2016 gave way to sunny weather conditions, but after a few passes on each course, ice began to form under the packed-down snow. Hundreds of spectators bundled up in multiple layers to brave the cold for hours on end just to see their favorite teams whip around a corner into view. Roars of cheers and the ringing of cow bells erupted as each vehicle raced by, earning extra applause with every backfire. The smell of race gas billowing through the crisp winter air made standing in the cold worthwhile — and then some. As each of 17 stages were completed, fans ran — rather clumsily with their thick snow pants and oversized boots — from their current post to get into their car and drive to the next best viewing spot, ending at the grand finale where the crowds really go wild: Bonfire Alley.
 
Meanwhile, the pit crews, perhaps the most dedicated participants out of any, stand by to assist their team with any repairs needed in-between stages. Fingers are always crossed hoping that nothing breaks, but with the rough terrains in rally driving, breaks seem inevitable. Pit crews are seen rolling around in the snowy slush underneath vehicles making the quickest repairs possible as to not lose time.
 
Buckey Lasek recently entered the world of rally racing, and this was his first year at Sno* Drift. His best time was during the first day on Stage 2 with a time of 16-minutes, 49.6-seconds, coming in second to Lauchlin O’Sullivan. Alas, Lasek’s 2008 Subaru WRX STI suffered a broken control arm on the second and final day, which took him out of the race, but he will be back for more. “The highs and the lows are so gnarly, but it's what keeps me wanting more,” he said. He spent the remainder of the day spectating with fans.
 
After an impressive performance, driver Peter Fetela with co-driver Dominik Jozwiak won the Sno* Drift event with an overall time of 2:27:58.9 in their 1998 Subaru Impreza STi, only sixth-tenths of a second ahead of Troy Miller  — possibly the closest race in Sno* Drift’s history. Even better yet, Fetela was unable to complete his new build in time for the rally, so he opted to bring his older car just so he could enter. Another impressive time is held by driver Cameron Steely and co-driver Preston Osborn, who won first in the two-wheel-drive class with a 2012 Ford Fiesta R1, earning an inspiring overall time of 2:50:33.7.
 
Driver Dylan Helferich with the Relentless Rally Team reflects on the adrenaline-driven event: “It was a great weekend of competing. The courses were real slippery and the stage conditions were a challenge, which allowed for lots of opposite lock steering. We were supported by a great crew, family, friends and fans.”
 
The cold, wet fans drove home with smiles on their faces after a weekend of hiking in the snow, their voices hoarse from cheering: It will be an event to reminisce about for years to come. The teams headed home to immediately start prepping their cars in time for their next rally of the 2016 season, and all those who spent their weekend engulfed in the rally winter wonderland will struggle to focus as Monday approaches with the distant echo of rally cars racing through their minds.

By Tara Hurlin
 
Life works in mysterious ways; one thing leads you to another, and when you remember to step back and reflect on how far you’ve made it, you realize you are building a story of your very own. Life as an automotive hobbyist works in a similar way; a stock car can lead to a hot rod, the hot rod can lead to a sport truck, the sport truck to a lifted rig, and then since you have a vehicle with towing capabilities, why not start on a track car or a boat?
​
Tara and Jake Hurlin have been heavily involved in the hobby of 1950s-60s hot rods and customs, but with living in beautiful Northern Michigan only a mile from a boat launch on Long Lake, the couple realized they had a strong itch to scratch, and it wasn’t from swimmer’s itch.

“I love the fins of the early Cadillacs, and I really wanted to find a boat that resembled the same era of my 1961 Cadillac Series 62,” Tara said. The Hurlin’s scoured online ads religiously for about a year waiting for the perfect fiberglass boat to come their way. After viewing several that were either too far gone for their budget or far too large, Tara fell upon an ad on Craiglist that was simply titled “boat 4 sale”.

“Normally I never click on titles like that, but as the summer passed, I was getting impatient,” Tara said. And with a click of the mouse, the 14-foot 1964 Renken runabout with a metallic-flake green hull and classy, swoopy fin-like stern popped up on the screen. “I was immediately obsessed,” Tara said, “I had to have it.” An added bonus was that it was only a couple miles away from home.

Upon inspection, the boat had seen better days, but it was once loved by a previous owner. It was sitting under trees, uncovered and looking lonely. The gel coat was worn from weather, the windshield foggy and scratched, and the entire boat needed a good cleaning and wax. We grabbed a bucket of water to test the motor, and it started right up on the first attempt. “There was just something about this boat, there was no question in our minds that it was coming home,” Tara said.

The couple paid $800 and took the boat home on its trailer. Immediately after arriving home, Jake and Tara drained the swampy water that had been sitting in the boat, then moved on to a deep cleaning and a brief check of the motor. Once the couple exhausted themselves, they took their prized find to the nearest boat launch. “We needed re-assurance that it would float,” Tara said.

While backing the trailer into the boat launch for the first time in their winter driving car, a lowered Subaru Forester, Tara discovered the first major issue. “In order to get the boat far enough off the launch, the entire rear of the car had to go into the water, and the exhaust pipe was completely submerged,” she explained, “I suddenly started dollar signs floating tauntingly above my head.”

Fortunately, the boat floated, and they even took it for a quick run around the lake, excitedly chatting about future upgrades and making a mental parts list. The most urgent upgrade was the seats. “It has cheap box store seats that caused tailbones to collide with bolts through the cushions,” Tara said, “that was a painful discovery.”

Other upgrades included a glove box, new speedometer, a metallic green flake steering wheel and re-wiring all of the lights. Emergency items were also added. “I asked Jake if we should purchase oars in case we became stranded, and he said ‘Oh no, we will be fine, this boat is fine.’ Low and behold, during that same week we were out on the boat making several rounds around the lake when it sputtered to a stop; the motor took up more gas than anticipated.” Tara was able to lift the gas tank to feed the motor just enough juice to start back up and make it to the boat launch. Soon after, the boat was equipped with oars, emergency lights, a fire extinguisher and a foghorn.

With new interior that matches the metallic green theme, and the addition of a rack that holds a rad pinstriped cooler that Jake sourced from a car part swap meet, the Hurlin’s have been enjoying the boat as-is. “There are always huge smiles on our faces as soon as we launch the boat, and our smiles get bigger as wind and water whip our faces,” Tara said. They take the boat to islands on the lake and anchor to go explore, and sometimes they join groups of boats anchored on the sand bars. “It’s really common for a boater to pass by us, then turn around to talk to us about our boat,” Tara said, “boating is just as much about the people and admiring the great outdoors as it is enjoying the boat itself; it’s the perfect way to get a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.”

After backing the boat into the boat launch white-knuckled numerous times, Tara and Jake felt another dull, persistent itch. “Using that low of a car on a slippery boat launch made me uneasy,” Tara said, “And we had been discussing getting a vehicle that could tow our modified Mazdaspeed MX-5 to race tracks. The boat gave us yet another excuse to trade in the lowered Forester for something to better fit our needs.”
In came the Jeep, and what followed is yet another hobby interest: overland and expedition, but that’s another story.