And, yes, your friends in the parking lot won't notice your new books or technical abilities, but this is much more important than those things. This is about actually understanding what goes on in your computer as you drive down the road. Ever wonder why your big-cammed LS1 stalls when you get to a stoplight, even though your tuner says it's normal? Ever wonder what your car might do with a little more timing or a little less fuel? We did, so we sought out some of the best tuners in the southeast and begged them to let us join in one of their upcoming classes. Little did we know just how much we would learn and how much better off we would be for knowing it.inline_mediumwraptextrightBefore you spend another dollar adding parts to your car, you should seriously consider taking a class (this class: The Tuning School) on EFI tuning. Sure, using your brain for an entire weekend is not nearly as fun as bolting on a blower or installing a new cat-back.25910753/tech/engines/1001gmhtp_the_tuning_schools_efi_tuning_class1001gmhtp_01_z+the_tuning_schools_efi_tuning_class+paper_work.jpgTrue

When CT joined the project car fleet, it was a bone-stock 1999 Camaro SS. After receiving an improved clutch and shifter (May 2009), CARB-legal intake and exhaust components (July 2009), and a full street/road race suspension (November 2009), this SS is no longer your average F-body-but now it's time to really start upping the ante. We're not straying from our promised path to performance, either.inline_mediumwraptextright26773096/tech/lsx_engine/1001gmhtp_1999_chevy_camaro_street_legal_cylinder_head_camshaft_intake_manifold_upgrades1001gmhtp_37_z+1999_chevy_camaro_street_legal_cylinder_head_camshaft_instake_manifold_upgrades+intake_manifold.jpgTrue

This is especially true when you purchase a modified car like the 2001 Firehawk Melvin Benzaquen recently acquired. There was really no telling what treasures we would find until we put it up on the rack and started pulling it apart. The one thing we did know for sure was that the clutch was most likely nearing the end of its natural life. Between its difficulties engaging and slipping out of gear, replacing the worn disc was a foregone conclusion. Testdriving the Firehawk also revealed that it still had the stock Hurst shifter that was also quite worn and difficult to get in gear (preventing swift gear changes). I couldn't in good conscience watch this exquisite hot rod sit on the sidelines when it could be getting the track abuse it was meant for.inline_mediumwraptextright31303455/tech/transmission/1001gmhtp_2001_pontiac_firehawk_acts_street_clutch_kit_install1001gmhtp_01_z+2001_pontiac_firehawk_acts_street_clutch_kit_install+stock_clutch_replacement.jpgTrue

We first sampled a 2010 Camaro SS six-speed car in the September 2009 issue as Howard Tanner of Redline Motorsports (Schenectady, NY) brought his car to Englishtown Raceway Park for some quarter-mile fun.inline_mediumwraptextright25907762/tech/lsx_engine/1001gmhtp_2010_chevy_camaro_induction_exhaust_upgrades1002gmhtp_01_z+2010_chevy_camaro_induction_exhaust_upgrades+burnout.jpgTrue

Rock And Roll
Looking to upgrade your valvetrain without adding a ton of weight and cost? Comp Cams has you covered with its new rocker arm trunion upgrade, which replaces the weak factory needle bearings and powdered metal trunion while keeping the lightweight and strong OEM arm. Not only does this make the unit stronger, but it also saves you from finding needle bearings in your oil pan, which is always a bad day. Comp has tested these for two years in the NASCAR GM LS spec engine series; proof of a well built and tested modification that won't leave you stranded.

Comp Cams, Dept. GMHTP, 3406 Democrat Rd, Memphis, TN 38118; 800/999-0853; www.compcams.cominline_mediumwraptextright27120544/tech/new_products/1001gmhtp_january_2009_gm_performance_parts1001gmhtp_02_z+january_2009_gm_performance_parts+performance_header_bolts.jpgTrue

As you scour the internet and local trader magazines, you begin to feel like you already own your dream ride. Stories of "how cool would it be" become statements of "you just wait 'till" and your once-sought-after parts start to seem like they may not be enough after all. You start thinking about upgrading the motor a little more, maybe adding a new rear gear, and stepping up to some sticky tires. Oh, but that means an upgraded transmission, which isn't so bad because you saw some real good deals online last night. Maybe you could get your buddy to paint it, some really cool color like a new Z06, that would be awesome. And then, like a shining star, you find the right car. You can't sleep the night before, as you can already picture getting started on the build.inline_mediumwraptextrightThere is nothing quite like embarking on a new project. You feel the excitement of starting something new, the rush of building your own dream car, with fresh paint and killer parts, the thrill of stepping on the throttle for the first time.31306929/tech/paint_body/1001gmhtp_2001_chevy_camaro_project_car_paint_job1001gmhtp_01_z+2001_chevy_camaro_project_car_paint_job+new_project_car.jpgTrue

Introduction
With so many LS3 and L92 engines on the road and new Camaros already starting to be modified, it was high time GMHTP took a crack at testing a gaggle of streetable cams perfect for the new Gen IV mill. But of course, then began the debate over what exactly defines "streetability"- one man's idea of wild being another's idea of "almost enough." So the idea of driveability and street manners are wildly subjective. Even power and torque, being quantifiable numbers, can be subjective as to how much is enough (if there is such a thing) or where in the operating range you need it. So the question becomes: how do you quantify (objectively) how streetable a cam is? Well, we think we have the answer. Follow along as we test out some of the best LS3 street cams on the market for not just horsepower and torque, but also how well the cam matches up to your subjective scale of driveability.

Have you ever seen an NHRA Stock Eliminator fourth-gen practically laying it on the bumper and wondered-how is this possible?

Our 1999 Camaro SS project car (nickname "CT") is in the midst of a 50-state-legal build in accordance with the most demanding emissions regulation system in the country, namely, that of the California Air Resources Board.

With the new G8 and GTO reminding people that big cars can still be big fun, we thought it was important to step back and remember where the big car craze started; the '95-96 Impala SS.

Our project LT1 Formula was long overdue for some track time after TT Performance and RaceKrafters helped complete our Dart-headed, Comp-cammed 355 LT1 install by resolving our electrical and PCM issues.

Black Tie
Typically, a hydraulic lifter is limited to a certain rpm by the incorrect position of the lifter's internal piston, as the lifter "pumps up." This issue wasn't as prevalent in the past, but with the new aggressive cam profiles, higher spring pressures, and the ever-growing need for more rpm, the older generation of hydraulic lifters just won't cut it. Comp Cams knows this and has released the new Short Travel Race Hydraulic Roller Lifters, using a patent-pending design to maximize performance at higher engine speeds. Not only have they improved internally, but the exterior also features a REM-finish and is black-oxide coated to reduce surface friction, oil temperature, and wear. You can get these lifters for almost any GM application, including the LS1/LS2/LSX and Warhawk.

Comp Cams, Dept. GMHTP, 3406 Democrat Rd, Memphis, TN 38118; 800/999-0853; www.compcams.com

Methanol, much like nitrous oxide, is a substance surrounded with misinformation and mystery. To some enthusiasts, it is the holy grail of intercooling, while others see it as a marketing trick, a gimmick that offers little gains with a large headache.

If you are a frequent reader of GM High-Tech Performance (which, you better be) you may remember this Camaro from our last issue. Terry and Helen Angell had a great time running 13.38's but, like all GM enthusiasts, stock just isn't going to cut it.

With my subject car secured, Eros and I headed down the Garden State Parkway one recent afternoon to see Matt and the boys at Tune Time Performance in Toms River, NJ. First, we performed a baseline run, which yielded 234 rwhp and 246 lb-ft-a bit lower than Cobalt SS. Hauffe speculates this loss may be a result of the Sky's rear-wheel-drive configuration and beefier transmission. Next, we replaced the stock air filter with the K&N, to say it was a extremely quick and easy install is an understatement. However, it increased output by 8 hp, but with no gains to torque. Then we put the car in the air and removed the restrictive, and far too polite, stock cat-back with a brand new MagnaFlow Quad-tipped 3-inch system. The upgraded cat-back produced gains of 8 hp and 11 lb-ft bringing our totals to 250 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque.

Our LT1 Formula project car's return has been a long time coming, and uprooting to Florida certainly didn't help the matter.

Sick Six-Speed
For years, the GM aftermarket has struggled with the factory-built automatic transmission. It wasn't until recently where 800+ horsepower meant going backwards and installing a three- or two-speed transmission. On a full race car that is fine, but for a street cruiser you really need more gears than that. Now, using the latest developments in drivetrain technology, TCI has just released a 4L80E-based six-speed automatic transmission capable of holding upwards of 850 hp. When used with the optional paddle shifter, you can have full control over all six forward gears, in a slick, high-tech package. TCI assures us that each transmission is fully tested before shipping and comes with a serialized spec sheet to prove it.

TCI Automotive, Dept. GMHTP, 151 Industrial Dr, Ashland, MS 38603; 866/776-9824; www.tciauto.com

In the last installment our willing friend, Tim Cairone, let us take his bone stock '87 Buick Grand National in a time warp back to the 80's.

We know what you're thinking. It seems almost impossible to pick up so much horsepower (142.6 rear-wheel horsepower) from just a cam swap. There must be some sort of trickery or magazine inflation going on.

No matter what vehicle you drive the battery must be replaced at sometime; and unless you like calling for a battery service vehicle to come out and charge you an arm and a leg for a simple DIY job, I suggest you take one hour out of your weekend and change your battery. In this economy every dollar counts so let's not throw money down the drain on a cheap battery that may die in a year. If you don't know how or just need a refresher then you're in luck. Since a good battery is just as important as choosing the correct motor oil why not replace your battery with one which is proven to avoid corrosion, leaks and wont spill. OPTIMA Batteries has a large array of batteries for every type of vehicle out there. It doesn't matter if you have a show stopping car/truck, a high performance dragster, a street legal muscle car or a daily commuter. OPTIMA Batteries has the perfect battery for your needs. The one I have installed in my car looks much better than the stock battery and once I finished installing it I saw a difference on how much quicker my engine cranked over. When you have already invested thousands of dollars in your vehicle, why would you skimp out and not choosing a high performance battery that in the long run will save you money and give you a little peace of mind.

We all use our GM vehicles in different way. Some of us are hardcore dragsters while others are street dominators and some love to wreak havoc with there SUV's. Whatever you do with your vehicle Toyo Tires has the tire that will suit your needs.

AFR 195cc CNC Street
With a strong reputation for building killer cylinder heads, we had some high expectations for the AFR 195cc CNC Street heads, and as usual, AFR did not disappoint. For this particular test, Tony Mamo of AFR sent us the least expensive head offered by AFR for this application, which he believes offers the best bang-for-the-buck. These heads, called the 195cc Street, feature a very nice CNC job and a 23-degree valve angle. They ship from AFR with lightweight 8mm 2.050-inch intake valves and 1.600-inch exhaust valves and flow an amazing amount of air for such an affordable unit. With a retail price of $1,849.00 these AFR heads offer excellent value. On the dyno, AFR sealed the deal, taking home the honors of both highest horsepower and torque. It would be very interesting to see what the "Competition" CNC heads would do as they outflow and outperform the "Street" castings on the bench.

Giganotosaurus
It seems like just yesterday when the "FAST 90/90" was the biggest, baddest combo on the block. Now, with 400+-cubic-inch motors, forced induction, and huge horsepower being the norm, FAST has stepped it up with the new LSXR 102mm intake manifold (PN 146102). Like the old FAST manifolds, this is a three-piece modular design that can be taken apart to allow for porting; but for the new LSXR, each individual runner can be removed for modification. The LSXR will accept a multitude of throttle bodies, from 90-102 mm, and has integrated nitrous bungs. In testing on a stock LS3 engine the 102/102 combo picked up 14+ flywheel horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque over the stock unit.

FAST, Dept. GMHTP, 3400 Democrat Rd, Memphis, TN 38118; 877/334-8355;
www.fuelairspark.com