If you've been chomping at the bit to find out what's new in the GM EFI performance market, wait no longer to find out the year's coolest new speed parts. With the help of some industry insiders as well as both the SEMA and PRI conventions, we've put together 25 of the year's best. This year's crop will not disappoint. Trust me. If you need help accelerating, cornering, braking, or just plain letting loose, take a gander below. Enjoy!
AFCO T2 Double Adjustable Racing Shock
If you thought AFCO's M2 shocks were impressive, the T2 takes things even further with new double adjustable valving for Fourth Gen F-bodies (PN 3870F front, 3870R rear). Manipulate rebound and compression with the twin-tube design for dramatically enhanced low speed response and superior control of weight transfer. Some of the same great features as the M2 also carry over, including ultra-low-friction rod guides, black-coated shafts, and the unique swivel-align spring seat (on coilovers). AFCO Racing Products; 800/632-2320; www.afcoracing.com
Baer Forged Monoblock 6R Calipers
Manufactured from a single chunk of forged aluminum, the 6R is one of the stiffest calipers on the market. Unlike the road-going 6S, the 6R features stainless cross bolts and a spring retention clip to hold the pads in place for quick pit changes. It's designed for Sprint and Endurance racing, and capitalizes on the technology developed in professional racing such as Formula One and NASCAR. These powerful 6-piston calipers should exceed the needs of most racers with dust and weather seals to further ensure a long lifespan. Baer Brake Systems, 602/233-1411; www.baer.com
Dart Billet LS1 Block
The Dart Billet LS1 Block was created with the intent to be the ultimate LSX-based block, providing seven times the strength of a cast block with zero core shift. Its billet 6061-T6 aluminum construction is made for all-out competition. A full water jacket around all the cylinders, which holds more water than the stock block, allows for street use as well. For more ambitious applications, Dart allows customers to keep the water jackets unbored (solid) as well as allowing for virtually unlimited cylinder head options, deck height, bore diameter, and lifter/camshaft configuration. There are provisions for both stock LS1s and early small-block motor mounts, and motor plate mounting too. Dart Machinery; 248/362-1188; www.dartheads.com
DiabloSport Trinity
Combine a flash programmer, diagnostics and a high-resolution dashboard monitor and you have the DiabloSport Trinity. Switch between multiple power and octane levels with multiple custom tunes capable of being uploaded through a high-speed USB port or an SD card. Graphs, gauges, and PID data is enhanced by a 320x240-dpi full-color display. The Trinity will also support multiple analog or digital devices. DiabloSport; 877/396-6614; www.diablosport.com
Dynatech C6 Z06 Header System
Kicking things up a notch from the previous C6 long tube headers and X-pipe kit, Dynatech adds a full 3-inch x-pipe and mid pipes to an already impressive list of ingredients. The same high quality T304 stainless steel headers with 1 7/8-inch primaries and CAD-designed Aero 3-inch collectors are used, and come with the necessary O2 sensor extensions. Three-layer stainless steel gaskets and high-flow cats are also included in the complete SuperMAXX header system (PN 115636300S) and welded to the X-pipe utilizing a NASCAR-style 2x2 merge for improved torque. No cutting or welding is required, just bolt on and go. Dynatech Headers & Exhaust Systems; 800/848-5850; www.dynatechheaders.com
Eagle H-beam Turbo Buick Rods
Eagle Specialty Products H-beam 4340 forged chrome moly connecting rods save the expense of custom rods, while providing enough strength for an estimated 1200 horsepower in your Turbo Buick. The 5.967-inch length rods are designed for even fire engines, and should work with most any stock or aftermarket crank and block. ARP 2000 hardware is included as well as silicone-bronze bushings that match full floating pins (at the piston end) for a retail price of only $600. Eagle Specialty Products; 662/796-7373; www.eaglerod.com
Eagle LS1 9.800-inch Tall Deck Stroker Kit
The LS1 9.800-inch Tall Deck Stroker Kit seeks to take advantage of the extra stroke afforded by the World Products Warhawk block, but a few of the other new aftermarket LS blocks now available may also benefit. A 4.250-inch stroke, 4340-forged crank is the backbone of the kit, providing motion to forged 6.560-inch H-beam connecting rods and JE forged pistons. Piston options include 4.030, 4.060 and 4.125-inch bores and either high compression -2cc flat top or low compression -29cc dish. File fit rings and Clevite bearings are also included. Eagle Specialty Products; 662/796-7373; www.eaglerod.com
Edelbrock LT1/LT4 RPM Air-Gap Intake Manifolds
Edelbrock incorporates a .250-inch longer runner length and patented Air-Gap technology for a cooler denser charge of air, designed for max power between 1500 and 6500 rpm. Throttle bores are cast larger than stock for 52mm and 58mm throttle bodies. The LT1 manifold (PN 7107), as well as the LT4 (PN 7109) with a .250-inch raised runner, will match to both factory and aftermarket heads, including Edelbrock's. Anyone looking to run LT4 heads no longer needs to hunt down an overpriced used model. Edelbrock Corporation; 310/781-2222; www.edelbrock.com