News?
Please send all news and corrections to: scott.parker@sorc.com, or mail to: GM High-Tech Performance, 9036 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619.inline_mediumwraptextright31009164/hotnews/1001gmhtp_c6r_corvette_redesign_2011_chevy_camaro_convertible1001gmhtp_02_z+c6r_corvette_redesign_2011_chevy_camaro_convertible+computerware_sponcered.jpgTrue

Best Letter Ever!
First of all, let me congratulate you on an outstanding magazine. The balance of technical articles and feature cars is second to none, That said, the reason I am writing is that in the August '09 issue you give the cylinder length of various LS engines-what about the LS2 and LS3/L92? Are they the same as the LS1? Also, could you tell me the main difference between the 4L60E and the 4L80E? Are the gear ratios the same? Does the 4L80E share the same fragile input drum as the 4L60E? How much torque can it handle? When I am released I plan on installing a stroked LS3 (416 cid) into my '78 Corvette. I would like to use an automatic, but would like one with a gear ratio spread closer to a 200-4R. What about a 6L80E? I like the gear ratio spread, but will it fit in my trans tunnel without major modifications? I want to thank you for your time in advance, because of my current situation I am unable to research this information myself.inline_mediumwraptextright26776303/hotnews/1001gmhtp_january_2010_gm_high_tech_performance_letters1001gmhtp_01_z+january_2010_gm_high_tech_performance_letters+readers_faq.jpgTrue

My apologies to those of you who think Pontiac died in 1981; you might as well stop reading now. The GTO may well have been one of the most important and iconic muscle cars of all time, but neither the mighty 400-cube L-67 nor the 455-inch LS-5 could hold a candle to a "corporate GM" Gen III/IV motor. Obviously, the LS1, LS2, and LS3 engines offered more horsepower from the factory as even the strongest running Ram Air IV or Trans Am made only 335 to 345 horsepower by the previous (overrated) net or gross standard. Matter of fact, starting in 2005 the Gen IVs were subject to the most stringent testing protocol to date-and as the result were deemed "SAE-certified." As impressive as a big-block Pontiac's torque can be, the LS1 is far superior in efficiency and power per cubic inch. Case in point, what happens when you throw a 4-inch stroke into a 6.0L Gen III/IV? Even with just a good set of ported factory casting heads 500 hp is child's play (try 600 with a lumpy cam and good intake).inline_mediumwraptextright31008369/hotnews/1001gmhtp_pontiacs_important_place1001gmhtp_01_z+pontiacs_important_place+1994_pontiac_formula_classic.jpgTrue

Admittedly, Miami might not be the first place you think of when someone mentions an LSx obsessed town. In fact, until recently we thought that it was mandatory to drive a Lambo but, as it turns out, the Miami GM scene is huge. We had our first encounter with this particular group of enthusiasts when we met Alcides Martinez ("Miami Vice," Sept. '09) and featured his killer drop-top, turbocharged 2002 Trans Am. Intrigued, we had to dig deeper and find out more about Miami and the local GM scene. Special thanks goes out to Jonathan Camere for snapping some great shots of just some of the Miami GM cars. You can check his other work out at www.camerephotography.com.inline_mediumwraptextright31007343/hotnews/1001gmhtp_miami_florida_gm_scene1001gmhtp_02_z+miami_florida_gm_scene+racing_cars.jpgTrue

National Parts Depot's 4th Annual All-GM Oktoberfest Show is Saturday October 3rd 2009 at the beautiful Silver Springs Park in Silver Springs, Florida. All vehicles with GM powerplants are welcome to enter.

Things Looking Up for GM
GM is making history, and for all the right reasons ... for the first time since 1993 the Camaro has outsold the Mustang. The 2010 model has sold 9,320 units comparted to the Mustang's 7,362 back in June. The Challenger is barely on the map-with just 1,369. So far it seems the only problem with the fifth-gen is actually purchasing one, as they are flying off lots so fast you can barely get a good look at it before placing an order. GM is parlaying its early success into the global realm by introducing the Camaro to the Middle East, kicked off by the official launch in Dubai.

Believe it or not, dialing in your chassis and suspension is (or should be) as important as picking the right cylinder head or cam. If you are on a budget, then maybe subframe connectors and shocks are all you can afford-and in some cases, that may be all you really need! A good set of Konis or Bilsteins could have turned a white-knuckle commute into a pleasurable driving experience back when I was hitting potholes and taking hairy curves on Route 21 in New Jersey, while using the LT1 Formula as my daily driver. As that project nears completion, I am glad that we later overhauled most of its hard parts, which helped to noticeably improve its handling and traction. Suspension mods may lack the sex appeal of a power adder or a good set of bolt-ons in the pages of a magazine, but on the street or track there is nothing sexier than an F-body, Vette, or Grand National with an aggressive stance. Taking a look at Tony Gomes' GN (page 22) and Bobby Lashey's '00 Camaro ("Dover Dream," Sept. '09, ), I am also reminded that even drag cars can have some serious 'tude in their stance.

Boostaholic
Mr. Parker,
Just got my new issue and already finished reading it cover to cover. All I can say is "Wow!" I've been a GMHTP reader for about 5 years. The recent issue is awesome and in my opinion one of the best ever! As I am new to forced induction, your article titled "Inches and Pounds" was very informative. I have a new understanding of boost and how it works. And as far as the photos on "Rolling the Dice" go, that woman is awesome! There have been very few models photographed in GMHTP over the past few years, but she topped all the others in the years past. Fast cars and fast women go together, and contrary to what others may think, we should have more of these beauties gracing the pages of GMHTP. This was the last issue of my subscription, but I'll be sending my renewal notice off tomorrow.

-John L. Blossick

Nation's automotive buffs encouraged to flaunt their favorite Motors Master projects and win a trip to Las Vegas

Edelbrock is excited to announce the launch of its all-new foundries services website: http://www.edelbrockfoundry.com. Edelbrock has created this website to showcase their foundry capabilities, specializing in sand-cast and permanent mold aluminum castings for automotive and industrial markets.

Tom Henry Racing 2010 Camaro
Not to be upstaged by the likes of relative newcomers to late-model GMs, Tom Henry Racing will be making its own version of the 2010 Camaro. Those who remember the special edition 2002 Tom Henry SS will not be disappointed by its latest variant, built entirely in-house at the Bakerstown, PA dealer. The obligatory lowering springs and unique wheel package will (of course) adorn all models. Both the V-6 and V-8 model will also sport high-flowing exhaust, cold-air intake, and custom ECM calibration to squeeze out a few more ponies. The V-8 version will also have optional long-tube headers, cross-pipe, and 1.85 ratio rocker arms for an additional boost. Speaking of boost, there will also be an optional supercharger for well over 500 hp! Visual enhancements will also be plentiful including the slick SS grille (V-8s only), optional front splitter, fender "hash marks," matte black tail panel, and body-colored "duck tail" spoiler. All stock Camaro colors are available, or for extra loot you can have the special Tom Henry Racing Jetstream Blue. The fifth-gen seen here is one of the first to receive the THR treatment, and still awaits a few more of the scheduled mods. Check out www.tomhenryracing.com for more information.

I'm no economist-matter of fact, I probably didn't take more than three credits worth of business classes in college. And though it would have been painful, I wish that wasn't the case. Maybe then I could make sense of all the technical jargon being thrown around these days to disguise all of the ugly words like bankruptcy and loss of ownership. With my limited capacities, I have managed to come to two conclusions: the golden days of limitless spending is long gone, and restructuring is inevitable.

Bring on the Babes
Just wanted to drop a line as a longtime subscriber. Loved the eye candy in the July 2009 issue. The young lady in the "Rolling the Dice" feature was tasteful and not overdone. I am sure others may complain, I say bring on the beauties.
Kenneth Barta
Boiling Brook, IL

GM Restructuring
As you may know by now, President Obama's administration asked GM CEO Rick Wagoner to step down, and has since been replaced by Fritz Henderson (previously the COO). This came at the advisory of Steven Rattner, the investment banker hired to lead the Treasury Department's auto-industry task force. President Obama said the success of GM's reinvention is vital to the company's existence as well as U.S. and global economies. GM will be addressing long-term viability and fulfilling its financial obligations to bond holders, unions, and stakeholders.

Bring Back the 327 Camaro
Scott,
Welcome to GM High-Tech Performance. It is always good to have fine young men with their fresh, intelligent new perspective on hot rodding cars.

As I write this, it's barely April and all I can think about is thrashing a 2010 Camaro SS on Englishtown's well-prepped asphalt. Plans are in the works for just such a track test, and I've even been giving careful thought to picking up my very own SS this summer. We have big plans for GMHTP this year, all of which will be kicked off by filling the wheelwells of the Zeta II chassis with smoke-a fitting beginning, or rebirth, for GM enthusiasts long overdue for a new F-body. In the meantime my LT1 Formula, a blast from the past, has roared back to life and is awaiting the last of its tweaks before it is ready for track and street duty. The resurrection of this particular F-body is an odd parallel that also has me ecstatic after being without a hot rod for far too many months. What's an addict to do without his fix?

News ?
Please send all news and corrections to: scott.parker@sorc.com, or mail to: GM High-Tech Performance, 9036 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619.

Design Flaws?
Q: In the AETC article in the April issue, Will Handzel points out that the Gen III was originally designed with external oil drainbacks that would have virtually eliminated crankcase windage. Why is it that with all the aftermarket LSx heads and blocks out there, no one has taken the opportunity to add the drainbacks to their castings? Surely, the required new head gasket can't be the problem!

At the time of writing this column I have been in Florida for less than a week, and already it is hard to imagine enduring everything that your typical Northeasterner does in the wintertime. While I was driving through a few rainstorms on the way down, New Jersey was getting pummeled with a blizzard that produced over a foot of snow in some areas (to say nothing of the single-digit temperatures). It wasn't long before I was realizing how unnecessary my winter beater is, and how your typical Floridian doesn't even understand the concept. It wasn't long before I was thinking about trading my front-wheel-driver for any one of the six G8s taunting me at the dealership down the street.

On Sunday, April 18, 2009, B&M Racing & Performance is holding their 2nd Annual Charity Car Show at their corporate offices in Chatsworth, CA. Hosted by Oldskool 66 Cruzers, SoCal, all proceeds from the show will go to the SEMA Scholarship Fund.

GMHTP is Headed to Sunny Florida
As mentioned in last month's issue, GMHTP will soon be occupying a new state-of-the-art facility. A chassis dyno, lifts, tools, and photo studio we all be at our disposal in Source Interlink Media's Tampa, FL, headquarters. We will be joined by several other SIM publications in saying good-bye to our New Jersey birthplace. We plan to visit the Garden State whenever possible though, in case any of you Jerseyites, New Yorkers, or Pennsyltuckians start to miss us. The new location should help to keep us busy year-round, and bring us closer to our neglected Southern readers and shops. So long Rochelle Park-we'll miss all of your nearby delicious dives and incredible Italian food selection, but not the traffic and freezing winters. Also, stay tuned for some staffing changes, including the introduction of a new Associate Editor.

Super Fan
I've been reading your magazine since I was a senior in high school, 2003-2004 and subscribed shortly after reading a few issues. I have really enjoyed the magazine over the years and the different variety of cars that have covered your pages. That being said I'm not a big fan of the purpose-built drag cars or the cars where the owners have more money poured into them than brains.

With our new eco-friendly President being sworn in, many in the industry have felt the squeeze-most of all, the General. For those of you holding your breath for the G8 ST, my condolences. Some of you may be wondering what this will mean for our performance vehicles. So far, GM assures us that our beloved Camaro, Corvette and G8 are safe. But over the long haul, many of you may be curious, or should I say nervous.

Big News From GMPP At PRI
GM Performance Parts was all too happy to unveil not only its LS7-powered 2010 Camaro (elsewhere in this issue) at the 2008 Performance Race Industry show in Orlando, FL but also a scale model of the body-in-white of the new Camaro it plans to sell. The bare chassis and shell is ideal for building racecars, which GMPP hopes to inspire with the fifth-gens. Dr. Jamie Meyer of GMPP also took the opportunity to announce the availability of the LS9, 376 and 454 LSX crate engines, and even a turbo upgrade kit for the Cobalt SS.