We add a better sound for more clearance and less weight

This month we've been hard at work fine-tuning the handling on our 2012 Camaro SS project with help from LSR Performance and Phastek Performance (look for stories on these in the July and August issues). And now we are getting ready to head out to Sebring International Raceway for the Track Guys Performance Driving Event. LSR has already done a great job at dialing out the understeer and getting us an alignment that has made the SS much more responsive, plus the other hard parts have made it much more predictable. Sebring's track tends to be on the rough side, and is quite high-speed compared to our test course in Gainesville, FL, so this should be a tremendous test. In the process, LSR (an event sponsor) will be on site helping to fine-tune the car via the tire pressure, shock settings, and a prototype new rear sway bar. In order to gain some added clearance for sway bar removal at the track, we swapped to LSR's axle-back exhaust. It has the added benefit of decreased weight and improved exhaust sounds. We dropped 8.0lbs per muffler for a total of 16lbs. And the installation was very straight-forward – simply cut the exhaust tube coming off the stock muffler, unhook it from the hangers, slide the new ones in, and tighten the clamps. We'll have coverage of the Track Guys event and track prep in the September issue, in the mean time stay tuned to our YouTube page for some sound clips of the new exhaust.

Don’t miss your chance to be included in this year’s national Collector Car Appreciation Day campaign, which takes place on Friday, July 12. The annual celebration includes events in support of the hobby ranging from informal garage gatherings and barbeques to car shows and cruises.

This year’s celebration marks the fourth year in a row that SEMA is securing a U.S. Senate resolution to help launch a national Collector Car Appreciation Day. By getting involved, automotive enthusiasts recognize and come together to ensure that their passion continues to be honored and recognized.

You can find a current list of events on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) homepage (semaSAN.com/CCAD). If you are unable to celebrate on July 12, the SAN encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events of any size may contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909/978-6721 or san@sema.org with questions.

Don’t delay! Schedule your celebration today!

 Here are a few of cool videos on GM's new blog

 Recently GM has been trying to put a face to its talented employees, and the Faces of GM blog has been its most capable vehicle. Here are a few cool new videos about the 2014 Corvette and Camaro with the men behind the curtain.

John Bednarchik, Aero Performance Engineer, on tuning the C7's aerodynamics.

Mark Dickens, Programming Engineering Manager, on the exterior changes for the 2014 Camaro.

We’re always interested in seeing what awesome GM performers our readers own! After all that work you’ve put into it, why not show it to the world in the Street Heat section of GM High Tech Performance?

If you want a chance to show off your ride, send us a few high resolution photos and don’t forget to include information like modifications and what makes your GM awesome. Your full name and location are important too!

Send your submission to Scott Parker at scott.parker@sorc.com, or mail it to us at:

GM High Tech Performance

9036 Brittany Way

Tampa, FL 33619

The Dubai Police force has just added a new 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS to its fleet of vehicles, making it the first ever Camaro to be used by a Middle Eastern police operation.

The Camaro SS patrol car reportedly uses the same 6.2L V8 engine with 426 horsepower as the street car paired with a six-speed manual, and can reach a top speed of 155 mph. It should be more than fast enough to chase down most of bad guys in Dubai short of the most exotic supercars. Other than the white and green livery of the Dubai force, the car appears to have some minor exterior modifications in addition to the requisite cop car light bar and special fog lamps.

Al Ghandi Auto, a Chevrolet dealer partner in Dubai, delivered the Camaro patrol vehicle which is now being used in the Emirate.

Managing Director of Al Ghandi Auto, Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, and President and Managing Director of GM Middle East, John Stadwick, presented the keys of the Camaro SS to Dubai Deputy Police Chief Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina. Stadwick was then presented with a special engraved plaque from Dubai Police.

"The Camaro is highly regarded around the world. It is the ideal car for Dubai Police as we look to upgrade our vehicles to meet the Emirate’s world renowned standards in safety and security,” said Al Mazeina in a statement announcing the vehicle.

“We are delighted to be the first to respond to the Dubai Police’s request for assistance in adding high performance patrol cars to their fleet. We felt that the Camaro would be the right vehicle for their needs,” added Al Ghandi. “We are confident that the Camaro’s ability to respond rapidly, by virtue of its high performance V8 engine, coupled with its practical suitability for Dubai’s roads and ease of servicing, will make it an ideal patrol car for years to come.”

The Middle East sports car market has welcomed the Camaro SS with open arms. It has been awarded Best Muscle Car from 2009 to 2012 by leading automotive publications. In February of this year, The Camaro ZL1 was awarded “Muscle Car of the Year 2012” by Evo Middle East magazine.

The Camaro is one of several high-profile vehicles the Dubai Police have been collecting lately; joining a growing lineup that already includes a Lamborghini Aventador and a Ferrari FF.

This summer, General Motors is set to unveil its new 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 powerplant for its full-size trucks, with 285 horsepower and a healthy 305 lb-ft of torque that GM claims is the most torque of any V6 in the segment. The V6 will power base models of the newly updated 2014 GMC Sierra and its 2014 Chevrolet Silverado sibling.

Along with the new V6, two V8 EcoTec3 engines will also be available for the Sierra/Silverado. The 5.3L V8 will be available at the launch, followed by the 4.3L V6 and 6.2L V8 versions available later this year. Truck buyers will be happy to know that all three engines are built keeping the typical truck buyer’s unique high trailering and hauling demands in mind.

The 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 is expected to have trailering ratings up to 7,200 pounds – that beats out the most capable Ford F-150 3.7L by 500 pounds and the Ram 1500 3.6L by a whopping 700 pounds. The standard V6 is expected to be matched with an efficient six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates have yet to be released.

All three engines feature state-of-the-art technologies including direct injection, active fuel management (cylinder deactivation), and continuously variable valve timing. Engineers spent approximately 10 million CPU hours refining and making the most of GM’s EcoTec3 engines.

"This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every EcoTec3 engine, for every customer,” said GM Powertrain chief engineer, Jordan Lee, in a statement announcing the new 4.3L. “It is a standard feature, so our drivers get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”

 Did you ever wonder what would happen if you built a third-gen to handle, but with a big-block and a giant F-3R blower?

1,400hp, pump gas, 540cid, carbon brakes, big sway bars and lowering springs, ZR1 wheels...nothing about this car makes sense, which is why it is so unbelievably cool. The pictures and specs don't do it justice, so please watch this and then check out the feature.

For the full story on this car click here!

 Feast your eyes on the newest GMHTP project, a 2012 Camaro SS

I am very proud to announce that GMHTP has a new 2012 Camaro SS project in-house. Baseline testing is in our current, May '13, issue (see video below), and the first round of modifications will be featured in the following July issue on stands 5/21. It was also featured in this month's Camaro Now, giving it a much needed nose-job to add some serious attitude. The picture above illustrates its current state, however, as the build progresses it should look more like the rendering below (courtesy of Eric Brockmeyer Design). Stay tuned for more stories in print and digital form as well as videos on our YouTube Channel.

Print Subscription

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GMHTP YouTube Channel

With the economy still recovering as it is, it’s particularly important for automobile companies to make a splash with their advertisements. In some ways, the more controversial, the better. It’s understandable that an advertisement or commercial that gets people talking will put the product in their minds. In other words, any attention is good attention.

This may be exactly what Cadillac had in mind when it created the made-for-the-Web “Luxperiment” ad campaign. The commercials created for the Cadillac ATS are meant to be comical in that each compares the ATS to the demise of a “luxurious” object, ending with the line “don’t drive this, drive this -- the Cadillac ATS.”

For instance, one commercial features a piano being pulled along a suspension test track used to test the ride and handling of the ATS. The piano literally disintegrates as it’s pulled along, but the ATS is showed at the end gliding smoothly over the road. “Not very smooth” is the caption shown of the piano after testing while the ATS is captioned “Smooth”.

The other commercials involve a grandfather clock, dining room set, and wedding cake, each undergoing a unique “test” similar to those the ATS went through using a high speed motor, a shaker platform, and an extreme heat chamber respectively.

The witty commercials have not gained much of a fan following unfortunately, as viewers who have commented on the Cadillac YouTube channel and forums everywhere have questioned why such “niceties” had to be destroyed for the sake of advertising. As fans of the commercials have pointed out, it is obvious that Cadillac was attempting to create a campaign that was not so stuffy compared to other companies, and shouldn’t be taken so literally.

What do you think? Are these commercials in bad taste, or is this a case of brilliant marketing?

You can view all four commercials by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/user/cadillac/custom

This is what happens when you build your own car for the amount you could purchase a new supercar for

 Performance driving event celebrates its 11th year May 25-26

It's that time of year again when GMHTP dusts off one of its project cars and heads to the world famous Sebring International Raceway for some open track fun. May 25 and 26 we'll be taking our 2012 Camaro SS project, in the hopes of surpassing the good times and lap times of years past with our STI Killer and LSR Performance '10 Camaro SS. It's the perfect opportunity to get back on a road course or to give it your first shot, learning from experienced instructors. For more info go to TrackGuys.com or check out our coverage from year's past below.

2012 Track Attack

2011 Track Guys

GM refreshed the best selling model with new bumpers, colors, wheels, and more

GM has been tight-lipped, but besides the announcement of the Z/28 model, this is what we know so far:

Body

The most obvious changes for the 2014 model year Camaro include the reshaped front and rear bumper, thinner grille, vented hood, trunk, and tail lights. The Argent Ground Effects Package has been discontinued. The body color grille is now available in all colors. And there are all new wheel packages.

Colors

Rally Yellow, Inferno Orange Metallic, and Victory Red have been deleted. However, Bright Yellow (G7D), Red Rock Metallic (G7P), and Red Hot (G7C) seem to be direct replacements with minor changes. Ashen Grey, Black, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Blue Ray Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, and Summit White have all been retained from the previous year. All previous stripe packages have been discontinued.

Interior

"No big changes," but there will be an optional Recaro seat such as the one used in the Z/28. The Mojave Interior Accent Trim option has been discontinued. A Blue Interior Accent Trim Package is available. And the Heads-Up Display is now color.

*Also note that the 2014 (including the Z/28), as well as the rest of the fifth-generation Camaros, will continue to be produced in the Oshawa plant. The sixth-generation Camaro will return production to the USA (in the Lansing plant). This may be contrary to other reports, however, GM has confirmed this.

Check out John Fitzpatrick's walkaround of the 2014 Camaro SS:

The Buick Grand National is without question one of the most iconic cars Buick ever produced. But there was one Grand National that stood out among all others -- the legendary 1987 Buick Grand National GNX -- which was recently named by Buick as one of the top 11 cars in its long and storied 110-year history.

The 1987 GNX is a Grand National on steroids, and was developed in part with McLaren, makers of the McLaren F1 (and more recently the MP4-12C), regarded as one of the greatest supercars of all time. Both variations of the Grand National featured a 3.8L turbocharged V6 under the hood, but after the McLaren overhaul, the GNX’s power was boosted to 276 horsepower at 4400 rpm, and 360 pound-feet of torque at just 2400 rpm according to Motor Trend. The turbo and intercooler both received a facelift, the engine's computer was reprogrammed, and the four-speed automatic gearbox was outfitted with its own oil cooler.

The GNX’s appearance varied only slightly from the GN. Bright “GNX” badges adorn the black grille, a power bulge graces the engine cover, and there are vents behind the front wheel arches along with rocking wider fenders.

As was the case with the Grand National, the GNX was only offered in black, and they are few and far between – only 547 of these monsters ever rolled off the assembly line.

If you were to do an internet search for “1987 Buick GNX”, one would find a plethora of information, including the sad but true story of the GNX crushed in the government’s Cash for Clunkers program. The owner received $4,500 for the car, which is a serious disappointment given the fact that there have been several listed on eBay with selling prices near $100,000.

One might also come across a story on Edmunds.com claiming that Buick is going to bring the Grand National, GNX, and T-Type back to life in the near future. Only time will tell, but if Edmunds.com is right, we sure can’t wait to get our hands on one. Stay tuned!

Here’s a cool story we did on a 1987 GNX back in our February 2012 issue: http://tinyurl.com/bwrqefz

The new Vette appears to be a great value at $52k

GM just announced that the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe will have a suggested starting retail price of $51,995 and the Convertible will start at $56,995 plus a $995 destination charge (does not include tax, title, and registration fees). A fully optioned Z51 Stingray coupe, such as the one on display at NAIAS, retails for $73,360. See below for the complete breakdown of options.

-3LT interior package, with leather-wrapped interior ($8,005)

-Z51 Performance Package ($2,800)

-Competition sports seats ($2,495)

-Exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995)

-Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795)

-Dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195)

-Carbon fiber interior trim ($995)

-Sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim ($995)

-Red-painted calipers ($595)

-Black-painted wheels ($495)

 Check out these videos of the fastest fifth-generation LSX-powered Camaros

8.94 at 158mph

RPM Transmissions - nitrous, 427cid, IRS (aka The Fridge)

8.85 at 157mph

American Racing Headers/Farks Supercars - ProCharger F-1R supercharger, 416cid, IRS

8.78 at 164mph

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering - modified LS9 supercharger, nitrous, 376cid, IRS (aka The Black Pig)

8.47 at 168mph

IPS Motorsports/Terry Mensing - twin turbo, 427cid, IRS

8.31 at 169mph

 Lingenfelter Performance Engineering - LSX Real Street, 358cid flat-plane crank, single 76mm turbo, solid axle

8.22 at 160mph

Don Baskins- LSX All Motor, 440cid, 4-link solid axle

7.83 at 175mph

Mike Meeks - LSX Drag Radial, 440cid, nitrous, solid axle

Recently we wrote to tell you about pending legislation in Florida that would change regulations regarding ethanol-infused gasoline. As previously mentioned, ethanol can be responsible for the deterioration of plastic, metals, and rubber, especially in pre-model year 2001 vehicles as well as the corrosion of aftermarket performance parts. H.B. 4001 Legislation recognizes that ethanol use can cause more frequent breakdowns and significantly reduce the life span of a vehicle. The bill is seeking to repeal the requirement that fuel sold in Florida contain a 9-10 percent blend of ethanol or equivalent.

We also included an email list of Florida representatives and asked you, the readers, to help support H.B. 4001. All of your hard work has paid off, as the house version has passed with a vote of 77 to 39. The bill will now be considered by two Florida Senate committees, the Environmental Preservation and Conservation and the Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committees. Again, we’re asking you to show your support and send emails backing H.B. 4001 and its goal to remove the ethanol requirement.

Also be sure to send a copy of your email to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org and encourage your friends to do the same. More information is available at www.semasan.com.

Act now to defend the hobby!

dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov
abruzzo.joseph.web@flsenate.gov
altman.thad.web@flsenate.gov
bullard.dwight.web@flsenate.gov
gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov
grimsley.denise.web@flsenate.gov
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smith.chris.web@flsenate.gov

SLP Performance Parts has recently released news of a new business venture with Roush Performance Products.

"Roush has the resources and capabilities that will take the SLP Performance Parts business and product line to the next level, along with an organization that shares our same values of highly-engineered product quality, reliable performance and a dedication to expanding our current product coverage,” Ed Hamburger, President of SLP Specialty Vehicles said in a statement released this past weekend.

All of SLP’s aftermarket Performance Parts business, including all product development and supply chain operations will now be acquired and managed by Roush, while the SLP Specialty Vehicles division will remain a separate entity owned and managed by Hamburger. Roush will continue to work with SLP Specialty Vehicles as key provider of products and technologies.

Hamburger went on to assure customers, writing, “I can tell you that the team at Roush Performance has exciting plans for continued investment and expansion of the SLP Performance Parts brands, products and dealer programs.The family of SLP brands and programs are alive and well, and we have high expectations for the future of the SLP Performance Parts programs.”

This past weekend, Brothers Performance held its third annual “Battle of the Brands” car show at its DeLand, Florida, location. The all-day event included a free dyno and exhaust sound-off competition, both of which were huge hits among the hundreds of spectators and owners who turned out for the event.

While the lot was absolutely flooded with Mustangs, one thing it didn’t have was a wide selection GM and Mopar vehicles, making this battle a bit one-sided. But fortunately what they lacked in quantity, they sure made up for in quality. The cars in attendance not named Mustang we came across were top notch and an absolute pleasure to behold.

Below are some of the specimens we encountered throughout the day:

This awesome and rare 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition wowed the crowd throughout the day.

There's nothing better than a clean and simple Pontiac GTO.

David Quinn, Jeff McCoy, and Mick Bruck all showed off their super clean rides: a '67 GTO, '74 Corvette, and '65 Tempest respectively.

One of the few Camaros we came across at the show. Hopefully next year, GM will dominate the competition!

 Camaro Now is back for its fourth year!

The Summer '13 issue is all about changing your look. We'll be doing a complete ZL1 front-end conversion on AntiVenom's '10 SS and taking a more economical, DIY approach to upgrading our '12 SS project (courtesy of ACS). Plus plenty of billet goodies from Phastek to upgrade your engine bay and interior. To find out what cool power upgrades and hot features, you'll have to see for yourself. Now head to the newsstand!

In December of last year, General Motors filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for rights to the “Chevelle” name. The application was filed under Goods and Services in a category entitled “Exterior badges for vehicles.” According to GM Authority, as of the end of March the application has moved to the next step, with the status of the trademark application listed as “Non-Final Action – Mailed” (641).

The trademark name “Chevelle” has not been used since 1977, leaving many enthusiasts skeptical as to GM’s reasoning behind filing the application. Some speculate that the name might be used on the next iteration of the Chevrolet SS performance sedan or even possibly a production version of the recent, compact, rear-drive Chevrolet Code 130R concept coupe. The fact that a Statement of Use (SOU) is in place supports the argument that the name will again find itself on a Chevy vehicle. The SOU guarantees that the applicant has a current business plan that relies on the trademark, and restricts companies from filing trademark applications for no other reason than to own rights to the trademark.

But Motor Trend brings our wandering minds back to earth with the reminder that the application for the “Chevelle” trademark was also filed under “toy vehicles, floor mats for vehicles, and clothing.” So while we may be right to get excited about learning of a new Chevelle, only time will tell whether the Chevelle we know and love will stay in the ‘70s, or if she will gain a namesake. Stay tuned!

Source: GM Authority

The use of ethanol, an agent found in gasoline sold at most every gas station in the country, could be going by the wayside in Florida if the Florida House of Representatives decides to pass H.B. 4001 this week. H.B. 4001 calls for a full repeal of the ethanol requirement. The Senate bill (S.B. 320) was amended to only “encourage” rather than require ethanol blends.

Most gasoline is currently rated at 10% ethanol, or E10. The issues with ethanol are pertinent to the automotive hobby. Water formation caused by ethanol use can corrode plastic, metals, and rubber, especially in pre-model year 2001 vehicles. High performance specialty parts are also susceptible to corrosion caused by ethanol-infused fuel. H.B. 4001 Legislation recognizes that ethanol use can cause more frequent breakdowns and significantly reduce the life span of a vehicle. It is important to car enthusiasts that Legislation H.B. 4001 passes!

Do your part to request support for H.B. 4001. If you have yet to do so, please contact members of the Florida House of Representatives (listed below) to voice your opinion on this important matter. Also send your email to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org and encourage your friends to do the same. More information is available at www.semasan.com.

Swift action is needed to defend the hobby. Act now!

Clay.Ingram@myfloridahouse.gov;
Doug.Broxson@myfloridahouse.gov;
Matt.Gaetz@myfloridahouse.gov;
Marti.Coley@myfloridahouse.gov;
Jimmy.Patronis@myfloridahouse.gov;
Halsey.Beshears@myfloridahouse.gov;
John.Wood@myfloridahouse.gov; 
Michelle.Rehwinkel@myfloridahouse.gov;
Elizabeth.Porter@myfloridahouse.gov;
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Lake.Ray@myfloridahouse.gov; 
Reggie.Fullwood@myfloridahouse.gov;
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Daniel.Davis@myfloridahouse.gov; 
Charles.McBurney@myfloridahouse.gov;
Ronald.Renuart@myfloridahouse.gov;
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Charles.VanZant@myfloridahouse.gov;
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Keith.Perry@myfloridahouse.gov;
Charlie.Stone@myfloridahouse.gov;
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Video featuring Corvette Exterior Design Manager Kirk Bennion about the five exterior design goals of the Corvette C7 Stingray

Win two 427 convertible Corvettes plus $45,000 in cash to cover taxes

The 2013 Corvette Dream Giveaway, a nationwide drawing sponsored by New Life Center, a 501(c)3 church organization located in Santa Cruz, CA, launched on April 2, 2013. The grand-prize in this annual event is two one-of-a-kind Corvette 427 convertibles plus $45,000 for taxes. One is a stunning 1969 Corvette 427 convertible, and the other is an unprecedented 2013 Corvette 427 convertible 60^th Anniversary Special Edition. Your donation will benefit victims of substance abuse. 

The 1969 Corvette 427 convertible, was the last 427 convertible produced by General Motors until 2013, and comes finished in Ermine White with a beautiful blue interior. This desirable matching number big-block tri-power has the top rated 435 horsepower option and a 4-speed manual transmission. This Corvette comes outfitted with several other features including a removable soft top, AM/FM stereo radio, red line tires, rally wheels, side exhaust system, and a posi-tracton rear end.
Adding to the desirability of this highly sought after roadster is the signature of legendary racer Ron Fellows on the engine.

The 2013 Corvette 427 convertible is finished in Arctic white with a Diamond blue interior, and comes fully loaded with a carbon fiber package and leather seats. This extraordinary roadster is the first and only one of its kind. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering upgraded this Corvette to another level by transforming it into a 600 plus horsepower supercar! This limited edition Corvette comes equipped with several other features including a ZR1 rear spoiler, aluminum wheels, steering-mounted controls, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation system, and keyless entry with push button start. Just like the classic, this Corvette sports the signature of legendary racer Ron Fellows.

New Life Center responds compassionately to human suffering and need by providing treatment for addiction and support for the whole person and families.  New Life is where recovery happens!  For forty years their drug and alcohol treatment program and homeless shelter has been a refuge for thousands of individuals and families facing addiction, homelessness, hunger, abuse, and mental health issues. Their professional and caring staff is there for people who have nowhere else to turn, to help put lives back together, restore families and wounded people, and offer hope and recovery. New Life Center has chosen to provide the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries with a grant from the proceeds of this nationwide giveaway.

The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has been serving Detroit's homeless since 1909, and is considered the nation's largest rescue mission, serving over 1,800 individuals per day, by providing meals, shelter, housing and substance-abuse treatment to inner-city men, women, children and families.

All participants who wish to make a tax-deductible $3.00 charitable donation and enter to win both Corvette 427 convertibles plus $45,000 cash can call toll free 866-946-2684 or visit www.winthevettes.com. To view pictures of both Corvette 427 convertibles please visit http://www.facebook.com/dreamgiveaways. 

 FL Senate to Consider Repealing E10 Mandate

 Today (April 1) the FL Senate will be considering the repeal of the Florida Renewable Fuels Standard that requires all gasoline sold to contain 9-10% ethanol (or other alternative fuel) by volume. A version has already been sent to the floor of the FL House of Representatives to vote (H.B. 4001), and now the Senate's legislation (S.B. 320) could be the final nail the coffin. According to the SEMA Action Network:

-S.B. 320 recognizes that ethanol increases water formation which can then corrode metals, plastics and rubber, especially over a period of time when the vehicle is not used.  Current high performance specialty parts along with pre-model year 2001 cars and parts may be most susceptible to corrosion.

-S.B. 320 recognizes that the life span of vehicles and equipment can be dramatically reduced with the wrong fuel and that owners could be confronted with break downs. Anti-corrosion additives are available for each purchase of gasoline but can become expensive, burdensome and require consumer education.

-S.B. 320 recognizes that while the current ethanol mandate does not apply to fuel used in collector vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles or small engines, there has been an inability to obtain unblended gasoline for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.

Not quite satisfied with this information, we decided to ask Greg Lovell of AntiVenom to get the perspective of someone that owns, races, builds, and tunes late model GM performance cars to see how E10 and this bill could affect him.

How does this bill and E10 affect you and your customers?  Customers complain about worse fuel economy, check engine lights, older vehicle fuel systems turning to mush (rubber parts).

How does E10 affect the performance of late model GM vehicles? Fuel is very inconsistent in its ethanol content (up to 10%), tuning has to be factored in at "worst case" and AFR's set at 10% ethanol levels.

How does E10 affect the maintenance of the late model GM vehicles you tune/build?
Requires more frequent fuel injector cleaning and fuel system maintenance on earlier EFI cars (mid 2000's and back).

Do you feel that eliminating E10 all together is the best solution?
A 100% gasoline option should be made available in the premium fuel pumps only.

Would you rather see unblended (low to zero ethanol content) gasoline more readily available?
Absolutely.

Would you like to see E85 more readily available?
Yes, the option should be readily available.

How important is protecting air quality and the environment in general to you (and your company)?
This is an important subject, the individual auto owner should not be expected to bear the burden of "the environment" on his own when factories are pumping absolute SOOT into the air and simply have politicians ignore it and point fingers to individual citizens while corporations line the politicians pockets with campaign monies. The remainder of the world (India and China particularly) have no regard for their polluting, to think that their air pollution does not make it to our shores is preposterous! Enough of my rant...

How would you feel if E15 was mandated in FL?
Discriminated against.

If you have any other topics that we can discuss with Greg or anyone else, feel free to email Scott.Parker@Sorc.com and put "Ask Us Anything" in the subject line.

Photo credit: KSgrains.com

Hot off the press and coming to your mailbox or a newsstand near you

-Track testing our ProCharger-equipped C6 with help from Driveshaft Shop and RAM Clutches

-Introducing our new TPI project and laying out the Lunati and COMP Cams parts for an upcoming stroker

-Testing Air Flow Research 215cc heads & FAST 92mm intake vs ported LS6

-Adding a road race cam from Crane Cams to our STI Killer project

-Coverage of the Buick GS Nationals and many hot features